Come On Out to These 12 LGBTQ+-Friendly Bars in Rhode Island

Gia Devaroux, Viza D. Klein and Jealousy of the Black Sheep Babes perform to “Lady Marmalade” at Black Sheep. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

THE FRUIT LOOP

Aka the swath of Downcity that makes for an easy gay-bar hop. 

Mirabar

Originally established in Woonsocket in 1947, Mirabar is Rhode Island’s oldest gay bar (and one of the longest running in the U.S.). It’s moved several times over the years, with its current location going strong — how can it not with a slogan like “When in doubt, come on out”? 15 Elbow St., Providence, 331-6761, facebook.com/mirabarri 

Ego

Best known for its rowdy nightclub atmosphere, dynamic music choices and Thursday night drag shows, this eighteen-plus bar certainly has reason for a big ego. 73 Richmond St., Providence, egopvd.com

Providence Eagle

This male-dominated leather bar (you can Google it) has a reputation for being a bit more exclusive, but don’t let the entrance’s menacing-looking eagle head intimidate you — the sultry scene is worth the stare down. 124 Snow St., Providence, 272-9900, providenceeagle.com

The Stable

Though on the cozier side, the Stable is perhaps the most accessible and familiar of Providence’s gay bars — you’re bound to run into someone you know and reconnect over a cocktail. 125 Washington St., Providence, 272-6950, stablepvd.com

The Dark Lady

With a name like Dark Lady, this spot delivers on captivating times. Head to this nightclub if you’re in the mood to admire some talented pole dancers, sip a heavy pour, sing karaoke or bust a move during the themed drag performance-slash-dance parties. 19 Snow St., Providence, 272-6369, instagram.com/thedarkladypvd

Alley Cat

Alley Cat is the little sister/neighbor bar to the Dark Lady and is known for its intimate interior and funky music. 17 Snow St., 272-6369, instagram.com/thealleycatpvd 

THE ALLIES

These spots may not have “gay bar” in their Instagram bios, but the community is drawn to them all the same and welcomed with open arms.

Boombox
Why: Hosts Queeraoke PVD monthly.
122 Fountain St., Providence, 861-0040, singboombox.com

Kimi’s
Why: Hosts Queeriosity bimonthly.
373 Washington St., Providence, kimis.bar

Deadbeats
Why: Known for its late-night, horror-inspired drag shows.
289 Knight St., Providence, 383-1489, instagram.com/deadbeats_pvd

The Salon
Why: Frequent purveyor of “Dyke Night” dance parties.
57 Eddy St., Providence, 415-8623, thesalonpvd.com

Black Sheep
Why: Home to the Black Sheep Babes, who host drag bingo at the venue every Wednesday and drag brunches most weekends.
397 Westminster St., 274-5061, blacksheepri.com

Lost Bag
Why: Hosts queer open mic nights featuring everything from music to comedy. (Note: Send an Instagram DM for the address).
Providence, instagram.com/lostbagspace 

THE ELUSIVE LESBIAN BAR

There’s been discourse about how the lesbian bar is nearing extinction — there are only thirty in the U.S. — and Rhode Island is not yet helping the issue (pour one out for the Village). On the bright side, neighboring Massachusetts is picking up the slack.  

Femme Bar

Femme Bar was created to be a safe space for lesbian and queer women, but anyone with positive vibes is welcome to admire the pink neon-lit interior and dreamy drinks. Worcester, Massachusetts, femmebarworcester.com

Dani’s Queer Bar

“L Word” fans will recognize the name of this brand-new bar in Boston’s Back Bay as a subtle nod to the show’s fictional Dana’s. The bar came about thanks to passionate crowdfunding and was created to provide a safe and inclusive environment for queer, trans, nonbinary and Sapphic women, all underrepresented segments of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community. Boston, Massachusetts, danisqueerbar.com

WHAT A DRAG!

The Black Sheep Babes — Gia Devaroux (above), Jealousy Jonz and Viza D. Klein — host Drag Bingo every Wednesday at the Black Sheep in Providence. All proceeds go to local charities. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

Looking for more brunches or even dinners? Check out the local groups the Black Sheep Babes, Trailer Park Drag or Drag in RI.