Guide to Gay Bars — The Big Five
Connecticut has a great LGBTQ+ nightlife scene – you just have to know how to find it. Here are the Big Five, in no particular order.
#1 Partners Cafe in New Haven — The unique thing about this bar/nightclub is there are three different rooms with three different vibes. The top floor is a dance club with drag shows on Friday nights with their rotating hosts Kiki Lucia, Mia E Z’lay, Tiana Maxim Rose, and Xiomarie LaBeija; the middle floor is a chill bar atmosphere where you can watch music videos, socialize, and play pool; and the basement is more of like a lounge feel with the occasional Latin night! @partners_cafe
#2 Chez Est in Hartford — Hartford’s legendary LGBTQ+ bar/restaurant/nightclub, going strong with a variety of drag nights and dance parties, including Connecticut’s largest Latin night hosted by Lady Tatiana, and Connecticut’s longest-running drag competition Chez Legends, hosted by the mother of the Haus of Lay, Mia E Z’lay. And, they have delicious food. *Mouth waters* @thechezest
#3 Troupe429 in Norwalk — Connecticut’s newest gay bar features a variety of weekly drag shows hosted by Angelina D’Amore, Robin Fierce, and Sienna Rose, and dance parties. Plus, they host many RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants at their venue. @troupe429
#4 Gotham Citi in New Haven — If you’re looking to turn up on a Saturday night, they’ve got two rooms, one with a house/pop music blend, and the other with a hip-hop/Latin mix with the occasional vogue beat and vogue battle! And, in their house/pop music room, they have a weekly drag show hosted by the mother of the Haus of Royal, Destiny Nations Royal! @gotham_citi_nightclub
#5 Trevi Lounge in Fairfield — Known for their wild Tuesday night Karaoke, their Wacky Wednesday open stage night hosted by Frankie Cyanide, hot bartenders, and a mix of dance nights and drag shows with different themes, Trevi Lounge hosts fabulous performers from around the state including Angel Rivers, Giganta Smalls, Tiana Maxim Rose, and Crystal Starz. @trevilounge