Frankfurt am Main is known for its diverse LGBTQ scene. Numerous popular bars and clubs for the queer community are concentrated around the famous “Bermuda Triangle” in the city center. In this article, we present 10 of the hottest gay bars in the city – from quaint pubs to chic scene hotspots and new trendy locations, there is something for every taste. Whether you want to have a relaxed beer, dance the night away or meet new people – you should definitely try out these gay bars in Frankfurt!
1. Central” gay bar
Bar Central in the heart of Frankfurt’s queer district is an established institution in the local LGBTQ scene. Located at Elefantengasse 13, the bar impresses with its characteristic ambience with black walls and red floor as well as brightly lit liquor shelves. The clientele is predominantly male and mostly between the ages of 25 and 50, although the bar is known for its all-ages atmosphere. The bar in particular, with seating for around 15 people, forms the social center of the location, where both regulars and newcomers can get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. In the summer months, an outdoor area with stools invites you to linger. The Central Bar, formerly known as “the gayest ungay gay bar”, opens its doors Tuesdays to Saturdays and offers drinks at prices below the Frankfurt average.
2. Gay bar “Zum Schwejk”
The gay bar “Zum Schwejk” is one of the most traditional and popular trendy bars in the Rhine-Main area, located at Schäfergasse 20 in Frankfurt. As the oldest gay bar still in existence in Frankfurt, it offers a sociable and exuberant atmosphere that is particularly characterized by pop music. The predominantly male and somewhat older clientele enjoy both the spacious indoor area with bar tables and couches and the outdoor area directly on the street. The bar, where smoking is permitted, is particularly popular at weekends and is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4 pm to 1 am and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm to 3 am. Thanks to its central location north of Konstablerwache, it not only attracts regulars from the LGBTQ community, but is also a popular meeting point for tourist groups.
3. New trendy bar: PINK
Over the past two years, the gay and lesbian bar “Pink” has become a permanent institution in Frankfurt’s LGBTQ party scene. The small bar at Alte Gasse 34 is affectionately known by the community as “Ranzige Pink” and is particularly popular at weekends and on public holidays. The clientele is extremely diverse and ranges from business professionals after work to young partygoers.
Despite some spatial restrictions such as the narrow dance floor and the sometimes problematic ventilation, visitors particularly appreciate the exuberant party atmosphere, the DJ’s choice of music and the tolerant, open atmosphere. In good weather, the lively hustle and bustle even extends to the street in front of the bar, which underlines the establishment’s special charm.
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 Bar Tangerine
Bar Tangerine in the heart of Frankfurt offers a quaint and rustic atmosphere, characterized by classic German wooden furniture and an inviting large bar. As a popular meeting place in Frankfurt’s LGBTQ scene, the cozy location invites you to linger and relax. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of drinks here every day from 6 p.m. until the early hours of the morning and quickly strike up a conversation with other guests. The bar, which is located at Elefantengasse 11, impresses with its personal and informal atmosphere, which is a great place to switch off from everyday life. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 120 reviews, it is clear that the Tangerine concept is very popular with guests.
6. Karaoke, domes and bears: Welcome to Frankfurt’s trendy institution Lucky’s
If you’re looking for a lively gay culture in Frankfurt, Lucky’s is a must. 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’s always action on the agenda: meeting new people, chatting, flirting or simply relaxing with drinks. 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 in the Alte Gasse in Frankfurt is much more than just an ordinary café – it is a traditional institution of Frankfurt’s LGBTQ* scene that has been around for over 25 years. Guests can not only enjoy homemade quiche and regional specialties in the volunteer-run café, but also find a lively meeting place for exchange and culture. The café places particular emphasis on products from the region and impresses with its diverse range of food and drinks. In addition to the regular café and bar business, the Switchboard also offers numerous cultural events and scene-oriented gatherings, making it a colorful and lively meeting place.
8. New gay bar in the city center: TWIST
The brand new TWIST club bar at Gelbehirschstraße 10 near Konstablerwache is a breath of fresh air. On two floors with a stylish interior, Frankfurt’s LGBTQ scene can enjoy a new location for partying, chatting and relaxing with cool drinks and hip music.
The TWIST club bar has two floors, with the second floor in the basement being somewhat cramped. Admission costs 5 euros at the weekend. Drinks cost 5 euros for an Astra beer or 8 euros for an Aperol Spritz.
Musically, there is a varied program ranging from pop and charts to indie, house and electro. On Fridays and Saturdays, different DJs play, including DJ Dommy Dean.
It can also fill up quickly, so you’ll 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 – iconic gay bar 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
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More InformationIn 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 or 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?