Gay Bar Frankfurt – the 10 top locations

Welcome to an insight into the vibrant gay and lesbian nightlife in the Main metropolis of Frankfurt! In this blog post, we will go on a journey of discovery and introduce you to seven of the most popular gay bars in Frankfurt.

These bars are all located in the famous “Bermuda Triangle”, an area in Frankfurt that stretches from Alte Gasse to Elefantengasse, Schäfergasse and Bleichstraße. Get ready to experience a night full of fun and entertainment!

In the middle of the Bermuda Triangle is a traffic island in rainbow colors, indicating the aforementioned district not far from Konstablerwache. From here, it is only a few meters to one or other of Frankfurt’s gay bars

1. Gay bar “Central”

The “Central” bar at Elefantengasse 13 is an institution in Frankfurt’s LGBTQ scene. For over 30 years, gays, lesbians and their friends have been making a pilgrimage to this small, but fine smoking location. As the name suggests, the focus is on a cozy get-together – with cool drinks, relaxed music and a laid-back atmosphere.

From 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday, the bar with its alternative flair fills up more and more. Especially on Thursdays, when a large proportion of the guests at the ladies’ special are female. But regardless of how the visitors identify themselves, respectful and friendly interaction is a top priority at Central. The mix of regulars and walk-in customers always ensures lively conversations at the bar or in one of the seating areas.

High-quality cocktails at student-friendly prices round off the concept of this traditional bar. Even 30 years after its opening, it is impossible to imagine Frankfurt’s scene without this small meeting place for big feelings.

2. Gay bar “Zum Schwejk”

The gay bar “ZumSchwejk” in Schäfergasse 20 is also one of the veterans of the Frankfurt scene. For over 30 years, pop fans and friends of traditional Frankfurt pub culture have been getting their money’s worth here.

The rustic furnishings are accompanied by the matching “Äppelwoi” or other drinks at reasonable prices. Wednesdays are particularly good value, when all drinks are half price. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m., closed on Sundays and Mondays.

3. New trendy bar: PINK

The gay and lesbian bar“Pink” in Frankfurt’s city center has been a fixture on the LGBTQ party scene for two years. The small bar at Alte Gasse 34, affectionately known by the community as “Ranzige Pink”, is particularly popular at weekends and on public holidays. However, the crowds in the tiny store regularly cause controversy.

When the weather is good, guests and their drinks sometimes spill out onto the street in front of the bar. Inside, it quickly becomes stuffy and cramped. The cramped dance floor and outdated sanitary facilities are a particular source of displeasure for many visitors. Nevertheless, young partygoers in particular make a pilgrimage to Pink week after week. They appreciate the exuberant party atmosphere and the DJ’s choice of music. Even homophobic and racist attacks by bouncers have had little effect on the bar so far. For Frankfurt’s LGBT community, Pink is and remains the place to be at the weekend.

4. Party and bar: Comeback Bar & Lounge

The Comeback Bar & Lounge in Frankfurt’s city center is a popular meeting place for the LGBTQ community, especially at the weekend. On Fridays and Saturdays, the small gay bar at Alte Gasse 33 is transformed into a party location with a dance floor, DJ and exuberant guests. But even during the week, the cozy interior and relaxed atmosphere invite you to linger for a drink or two.

The crowd is a colorful mix, ranging from business types after work to young party groups. Guests particularly praise the tolerant, open atmosphere. The friendly bar team led by chef Salvatore also creates a friendly atmosphere. The only point of criticism is the poor ventilation in the small room where smoking is permitted. Otherwise, however, there is hardly anything to complain about in the Comeback Bar – good music, fair prices and guests of all ages make a visit an all-round successful experience.

5. Relaxed atmosphere in the Tangerine bar

Elefantengasse is home to another popular place to go in the community: the small but stylish gay bar Tangerine. The retro-charming interior and relaxed atmosphere invite you to linger. Guests of all ages and backgrounds are welcome here. Even though smoking is permitted in the air-conditioned bar, it is ideal for a relaxed after-work beer in good company.

6. Karaoke, domes and bears: Welcome to Frankfurt’s trendy institution Lucky’s

If you’re looking for lively gay culture in Frankfurt, Lucky’s is the place to go. The gay bar looks back on a long tradition and has been an integral part of the Arabella Passage location on Große Friedberger Straße since 2012. Every day from 3 p.m., the Lucky’s team welcomes its guests with coffee, cake and cool drinks. Tuesday is a popular meeting point for the LGBTQ community with a legendary karaoke party from 9 pm.

On Wednesday, drag queen Jessica Walker will try to bring lonely hearts together at the singles event. Once a month, gay bears and their admirers find their special home at the Bear Lounge. On all other days, there is always action on the agenda: meeting new people, chatting, flirting or simply relaxing with a nice drink. The diverse crowd and relaxed atmosphere ensure that everyone feels welcome here. Lucky’s is run by Martin Tannert, who is known in Frankfurt as a committed organizer for the LGBT community. His motto is: Come by and have a great time with us!

7. Coffee and cake at Switchboard

The Switchboard at Alte Gasse 36 describes itself as an institution of Frankfurt’s gay and lesbian scene. For more than 30 years, the Frankfurt community has been meeting here to spend their evenings in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere at fair prices or to round off the weekend with homemade cakes on Sundays.

Guests appreciate the nice and friendly bar team, which contributes to a pleasant atmosphere. There is delicious Frankfurt-style food and a courteous ambience. Interesting events also take place here from time to time. The Switchboard can be recommended without hesitation, as one guest emphasizes.

As an institution of AIDS-Hilfe Frankfurt e.V., all the staff at Switchboard work on a voluntary basis to offer the community a safe place where everyone is welcome and can be who they are. The proceeds from food and drinks benefit people with AIDS. One guest who regularly visits the café writes: “I know that the proceeds are used to help people with AIDS.”

Overall, the reviews attest to the Switchboard being a great, cozy location with small events and a high frequency. “A feel-good place where queers can be men”, as one guest puts it. “Cult in the Frankfurt queer scene for hanging out and connecting”, summarizes another.

8. New gay bar in the city center: TWIST

The brand-new TWIST Clubbar at Gelbehirschstraße 10 near Konstablerwache is a breath of fresh air: Frankfurt’s LGBTQ+ scene can enjoy a new location for partying, chatting and relaxing with cool drinks and hip music on two floors with a stylish interior.

The TWIST club bar has two floors, with the second floor in the basement being somewhat cramped. Admission costs 5 euros during the weekend. Drinks cost 5 euros for an Astra beer or 8 euros for an Aperol Spritz.

The musical programme is a colourful mix of pop, charts, indie, house and electro. On Fridays and Saturdays, different DJs play, including DJ Dommy Dean.

The place can fill up quickly, so you have to queue to get in. Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm.

9. One of Frankfurt’s oldest pubs: Krawallschachtel

The Krawallschachtel looks back on almost 500 years of history, making it one of the oldest pubs in Frankfurt. Thirsty throats have been supplied with beer, cider and other drinks in the listed half-timbered house at Alte Gasse 24 since 1526. Today, landlord Rolf continues the tradition and preserves the historic charm of the premises. The cozy atmosphere, rustic furnishings and varied drinks menu invite guests to linger every day from 7 pm, and on Saturdays from 5 pm.

According to guest reviews, Rolf in particular creates a pleasant atmosphere with his friendly and courteous manner. Regular visitors praise the relaxed atmosphere in which young and old can meet and have light-hearted conversations. One guest writes of a “legendary experience in Frankfurt’s oldest pub” and emphasizes the “unique atmosphere that invites you to linger”. The only negative comment is that smoking is permitted on the premises and the air is smoky as a result. Otherwise, however, if you want to enjoy original Frankfurt cider or other drinks in a historic setting at a fair price, Rolf’s Krawallschachtel is the place for you.

10. Lesbian bar “La Gata”

In September 1971, Frankfurt native Erika “Ricky” Wild opened a special kind of meeting place: the “La Gata” bar in Sachsenhausen became a meeting place for lesbian and bisexual women from all over the region. A minor sensation at the time, as there were hardly any women-only bars at the time. in 2021, La Gata celebrated its 50th birthday – as the world’s oldest continuously operating lesbian bar, it is a real cult venue that is highly regarded by the community.

Landlady Ricky, who affectionately calls La Gata her “child”, is still regularly behind the bar herself even after half a century. On Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm, ladies of all ages are welcome in the cozy bar in Seehofstraße to meet like-minded people over drinks, music and dancing or to make a flirtatious acquaintance or two. Many of the visitors have actually met their partner at La Gata, says Ricky. For the scene, the store has long been a home away from home – a safe space where women can party and live it up without a care in the world. The party in September ’21 was just as big as the special anniversary.

11. So what – cult gay pub with retro charm in the city center

Klapperfeldstraße 16 is home to an institution of the local gay scene: the “Na und?” bar. For over 20 years, this small bar in a prime inner-city location has been a magnet for gay men of all ages. With nostalgic furnishings, good music and reasonable prices, “Na und?” has earned a reputation as one of the city’s coziest gay bars.

Young and old alike appreciate the informal, relaxed atmosphere and the humorous bar team led by landlord Ibrahim. For regulars, “So what?” has long since become a familiar retreat for an after-work beer or a chat with like-minded people. In short: a bar with cult status and timeless charm.

All of Frankfurt’s gay bars at a glance

In the cosmopolitan Main metropolis, the LGBTQ community is welcome in (almost) every bar. But a visit to these hotspots in particular is worthwhile for every nightlife fan.

Conclusion

For its size, Frankfurt am Main offers a considerable selection of bars, pubs and venues specifically for the LGBTQ community.

The city’s lively and colorful gay nightlife is concentrated in the famous “Bermuda Triangle” around the Konstablerwache. A few scene institutions such as the Switchboard, La Gata and Lucky’s can look back on decades of tradition. For many queer people, they are of almost familial importance.

There are also a number of small, fine bars such as Central, Tangerine or Pink, which offer a relaxed, wild or shrill and exuberant ambience. So everyone will find their favorite place to meet like-minded people in a respectful atmosphere.

Overall, Frankfurt’s gay culture cannot compete with international cities such as London or Berlin. But by its standards, the Main metropolis offers a diverse selection of venues for the LGBTQ community. And this is definitely a good basis for a lively, proud queer lifestyle.

How about a visit to Frankfurt’s gay sauna after the party?