Best gay bars milwaukee


'This Is It' is Milwaukee’s oldest gay bar

MILWAUKEE — Opened in , “This Is It” has the honor of being the longest continually operating gay bar in the Midwest. Founder June Brehm wanted a clean, welcoming, and affordable place where she and her queer friends could feel at home.

55 years later, the vision is continued by owners George Schneider and Trixie Mattel. At one time, Milwaukee had many gay bars, far fewer now, but “This Is It” has managed to thrive.

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I met with George to learn about the rich history of the bar.

“Historically, we were known as a gay bar, but I like to call it a queer space. What makes us distinct is that we’ve hung on to some of the old elements of style and design, like carpet on the walls and original stained glass light fixtures. It looks like you’re walking into grandpa's rec room," said George. “To possess that connection with the past, we’re a symbol of all the struggles of the past 50 to years, for the rights and freedoms that we have now. It’s a symbol for the queer community and the community at adj. Because out of all of t

Milwaukee LGBTQ bar guide

There’s a good reason why Walker’s Verb is fondly referred to as "The Gayborhood" – the near South Side neighborhood has been home to many gay people, families, bars and restaurants for decades.

Today, the LGBTQ bar scene is still going strong – primarily on and around Second Street – and continues to offer enjoyable, safe spaces for everyone, gay or straight.

Here are 10 Milwaukee gay bars to review out during Pride Month or whenever:

La Cage

Historically, this nightclub has served as an anchor to the neighborhood's thriving LGBTQ bar scene. It has changed names and ownership over the years, but continues to consistently noun one of Milwaukee's most coveted gyrate floors. 

This Is It

This Is It opened in , making it one of the top 10 longest-running gay bars in the region, and possibly one of the top five. Last year, the Cathedral Square meeting place expanded with a dance floor and second bar.

Walker’s Pint

Walker's Pint is one of the nation's last lesbian bar

We are taking online reservations!

review by - Google

Anastasia Beaverhousen:

The staff here was absolutely amazing! Every bartender, dancer and cocktail server was so sweet! They made our celebration a nigh to remember! Thankyou La Cage!

review by - Google

Christopher John:

LaCage has been a accurate landmark for gays in and out of Milwaukee. LaCage offers several verb floors, a gorgeous updated upstairs and another bar downstairs which offers another feel to this large nightclub!

review by - Google

Erik P:

I've been here more than a handful of times, and I can exclaim ever since they changed the label back to La Cage, this place has never been better! I'd favor to give some praise to Sami and Donovan for being some of the absolute finest bar tenders I've ever come across!

review by - Google

Molly:

This is a amusing place. They're usually not so working on Fridays and there's not that many people there but Saturdays are pretty busy and full. They usually have drag shows on the top floor until fond of If you've never been to a s

The Top Lesbian, Queer and Gay Bars in Milwaukee | Lex's Guide to LGBTQ+ Bars and Clubs

Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ scene is alive and thriving, offering a variety of spaces where you can dance, sip cocktails, and celebrate queer identity. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back night with friends or an all-out party, Milwaukee has it all. Here’s a local’s guide in to the top lesbian, queer, and gay bars, clubs, and LGBTQ lounges you depend on to check out. Grab your crew, hit the town, and let’s investigate the best queer-friendly nightlife the city has to offer!

Download Lex to connect with LGBTQ+ community and queer friends in Milwaukee. And be sure to verify out our other queer city guides.

1. This Is It!

Address: E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI

If there’s one place in Milwaukee that captures the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s This Is It! As one of the oldest gay bars in the city, it’s a staple for locals and visitors alike. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, This Is It! hosts incredible drag shows, karaoke nights, and some of the best liquid specials in town. The main ba