Charlie’s Austin

I managed to be there on opening AND closing day, plus many, many fun filled days between. From dirt parking lot and decrepit shack to 4 story parking garage and fancier decrepit shack, Charlies never ceased to provide the best top to bottom mix of people in Austin. There’s just no replacement for Uncle Charlies.
Four stars only because the Tuesday Steak Night stench lingers til Thursday. It’s really only a quarter star ding but hey, this is Unilocal

Charlie’s Austin (1984 – 2011)
Charlie’s Austin, born «Uncle Charlie’s», known to dear friends as «Chuck’s», and to a few snarky customers as «Charlotta’s Tranny Trailer Park», passed into memory on October 2, 2011, at the age of 27 years.
A native of Austin, TX, Charlie’s saw the beginning of one of Austin’s longest running and most successful nightclubs. Still under its original ownership, Charlie’s Austin was home to some of the finest gay entertainment available, including numerous State and Nationally titled female impersonators.
Since its birth, Charlie’s has consistently been a gathering place for Austin’s GLBT and straight ally community. Nestled between the Texas State Capitol and a Methodist church, Charlie’s was doing «ironic» before being ironic was truly cool in Austin.
Charlie’s served up cheap drinks for countless people over the years. It also served as a backdrop for many who lived, loved, and were active in the gay community for nearly three decades.
Charlie’s is survived by its owners; its managers; its sister, ‘Bout Time, also of Austin, TX; its dozen or so staff, and hundreds of patrons who now have no idea where the fuck to go to get a drink from now on. I guess ‘Bout Time, but it’s so up north. I mean seriously, WTF – nothing exists like this place at all.
A Celebration of Charlie’s life (The Last Hoorah) will be held on Sunday, October 2, at 11 A.M. at the indoor and outdoor areas, 1301 Lavaca Street, Austin, with bartenders presiding. Free country breakfast served at 11:00, $ 0.25 mimosas until noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Charlie’s can be made to The Nathan I. Foundation, which provides much needed services… to the FABULOUS! And by fabulous, I’m pretty sure it’s just money he’d use on himself. Actually, that’s exactly what it is. So, yeah, you can just take it from there…
«Requiat in Pace, in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.»

Aaaah, the gay bar. The safe haven for single straight ladies. The place where fags and their hags unite! I discovered many things here. some which I won’t dare to revisit, but guaranteed a full night of fun! I still want to try the food here. Any suggestions?

This is my favorite gay bar in Austin! I’m not giving it 5 stars only because it kinda needs some TLC regarding décor and what not to bring it a little bit more up to date. The staff is quite friendly and well mannered. Friday specials are awesome! I went out last Sunday to check out the drag shows and it was so much fun. It’s a perfect place to just hang out with friends!

I rarely give businesses a 5– star rating but my oh my, Charlie’s. I first came here to Charlie’s February 17, 2010 when I first visited Austin. Charlie’s is one of those establishments that grew on me. At first I didn’t like it because it was not in the Warehouse District and I preferred things to be within walking distance. Second, there wasn’t that much dancing going on.
But the more I came here, the more this place grew on me. This place is under going some redecorations and the shows are better here than at Kiss and Fly. The staff are very friendly and the owner, David, is always out and about talking with customers. Lionel, the manager, is literally running from one part of the bar to another just to make sure things are running smoothly. Marco is one of their staff and he’s making sure you’re out having a good time. Prices are reasonable and they have a $ 5 cover charge Friday nights (I’m unsure about Saturdays) but the beers are cheap. My bartender is Kurt, he works at the patio and he usually remembers what you ordered and will ask you if you want the same thing. THAT’S CUSTOMER SERVICE! The atmosphere is a little bit more laid back than Rain or Kiss and Fly. The crowd is a litlle bit on the older side but this place is not anything like «old man trying to take home some 18 or 22 year old boy.» Everyone is here for a great time and the age level for this bar is usually 21– 40’s.
Another thing I love about this place is Sunday afternoons they have their «dog days.» You bring in your pooch (it’s a gay bar, another yappity bitch ain’t gonna hurt the place!) and hang out at the patio. We did come here with a friend of ours and brought our dachshunds and they were an instant hit, although we were the only ones who brought our dogs. To promote this event they should have a doggie contest or something to get more people to come out and bring their pooches, or bitches lol.
Overall, good hangout, good staff, fun environment

Allright y’all, picture it: it’s my bachelorette PARTAY! Time for my ladies and gays to make bad choices, trip in our high heels and let our t*tties pop out of our tops because I’m getting MARRIED (hell hath frozen over)!
The problem? It’s a Tuesday night. My wedding was planned for New Year’s Eve and with a lot of out of down bridesmaids, we did my bachelorette party on Tuesday. Buzz kill. Where the hell do we go? Call in my GAY REINFORCEMENTS, because even on a Tuesday night, Charlie’s is HOPPIN’! Penis pops for EVERYONE!
I ended up on stage during the amateur strip show (don’t ask how because hell if I know), was bought shots by my fans all night and ended up doing shots in the back office (yes, there is one) with the OWNER of Charlie’s. I still don’t know how I got there.
Best part? One of my bridesmaids got SO DRUNK at Charlie’s that after we arrived back at the hotel that night, she couldn’t find the bathroom so she peed behind the curtains next to her bed. We woke up astonished, horrified and DELIGHTED! We tried to tell her it wasn’t the bathroom and she was like «Screw you all, I’m FABULOUS!».
THANKS CHARLIES!

This place has been around for ever. Just look at the bartenders. I was blessed to be here last night with some of my favorite people for Nathan’s birthday thing.
But I am always amazed at some of the most beautiful people that I get to hang with like Yolanda, Errol, Catherine and Kerri B. And behold old school week my friend Val was there. I remembering Margarumarita’s at my house with you lover. Dancing, laughing and good times were had at this old gay place.

I used to pass by this place every day on the bus on the way home from work, and I would always tell myself, «I’ve gotta try that place sometime.» Well, last night was finally the time.
Keri B, David M, Yolanda G and I met up with the fabulous (his berfday sash said so) Nathan I for his berfday party, and I haven’t had more fun in quite a while.
First of all, I managed to get in without paying a cover. Dunno how that happened, but hey, that leaves more money for drinks. Now, I dare say the drinks were a light pour, considering I had about seven Cape Cods and managed to walk away completely sober, but for $ 1.50 apiece I didn’t care. (It was $ 4.50 for the first drink, and $ 1.50 for each drink after.)
I didn’t recognize the majority of the songs the DJ played, but I thoroughly enjoyed slidin’ and squeezin’ with the gang. And David M managed to prove what a completely horrible partner-​dancer I am. Truth be told, I only partner-​dance well when we’re dirty dancing. Yeah, go ahead and picture me dirty dancing with you, guys; I give you permission. Maybe if you’re lucky, I’ll dirty dance with you at a Unilocal event.
Yolanda and Keri were each wearing truly chic necklaces, and both said they bought their prizes at the OTHER Charlie’s. Y’know, Charming Charlie’s. Can’t keep all these Charlies straight, I tell you what. And, no, there weren’t any Vietcong soldiers with shit sticks in there last night.
It wasn’t at all hard to get a drink at any time, despite it being Friday night. The bartenders were oh-​so sweet, and plenty of bar patrons went out of their way to help me get the bartenders’ attention the once or twice I couldn’t on my own.
So many great, friendly people with whom to talk, I was never without a conversation. And some of the conversations got pretty scandalous, which I like. At least the people involved in the conversations weren’t at all testes… ahem… excuse me, I meant testy. In fact, all the guys I met last night were the nicest people on Earth.
I can see myself happening into Charlie’s again very soon. Air conditioning, cheap drinks, friendly peeps, not having to worry about getting hit on by skeezy straight guys… I’m in Heaven. By the way, David M has a really nice ass. He must work out.

Thanks goodness for keyboards. If I’d had to hand write this, itd be ashaky mess this morning. I can still smell Charlies all on me and she’s writhing around in my tummy too, not so gently reminding me of how much fun I had last nite.
This place is cray cray ya’ll. I hadn’t been in years and always associated it with the «older gay crowd». But it’s no longer the geriatric queen bar. They had all ages and types in here and all friendly and huggy.
I was glad for a chance to come back to Charlies and to meet the Nathan I in person. I texted my bff what I was wearing for his approval «Purple dress, orange pumps, zebra belt» His reply: «You betta work!». That’s gayspeak for «nice choice». And it was. I got so much attention at the gay bar. Danced my ass off with boyz and girlz, got drinks easily and cheaply and abundantly, and was told how hot I was all nite. Ya can’t beat a gay bar for makin a girl feel good about herself. Had one sweet boy tell me if I was his wife, I’d wake up wearing nothing but diamonds in the morning. I told him I was still single til Sunday when hubby gets back from his trip…
Now…how to approach what really goes on here? Lemme say I haven’t been that grabbed or molested since the last time i went to the swingers club. It’s ok tho, I like a good molesting for the most part. These gay boyz love the lady pillows and I was glad to have them appreciated so well :) In fact, remember that old adage, «Always wear clean underwear. You never know when you’ll be in a wreck.» Well this is my new adage «Always wear your fancy bra to the gay bar. It’s sure to see the lights of the dancefloor.»
Also, the «labels» on the bathrooms are just for show. I spent more time in the boys room, coaching David in the fine art of peeing IN the toilet, than in the actual «ladies“room that I visited on occasion with Nathan.
We defintely were NOT Charlies Angels last nite. more like Charlies Devils. In an alternate universe, our show would star me as the anti-​Jaclyn Smith… tall, sexy, smart, and able to handle shots of Tuaca in a single gulp without falling off my pumps. Yolanda would be the anti-​Kate Jackson… spunky, sweet, beautiful and able to crush her enemies on the dance floor. And Nathan would of course be the anti-Farah…bold and boa-​ed, devestatingly gorgeous, and able to knock his enemies down sashaying in his crown. Errol could be our Bosley, always lookin out for us from a safe, sober distance. And Charlie? Well, Charlie would provide us with our missions… to have fun, to dance the nite away, and to make a million new best friends. Mission accomplished, Devils.

It occurs to me bars are like people — there are cool bars and hipster bars, quiet bars and dark bars, ass-​kicking and ass-​wipe bars — tell me your favorite bars and I’ll know a lot about you. But when it comes down to a party, there ain’t no bars like gay bars. This is one of those secrets not mentioned in the Breeder’s manual.
I love gay bars for two reasons: I’ve found that people who are open about their sexuality generally won’t bullshit you about other things, and straight women go nuts in gay bars. It may have something to do with being surrounded by a hundred guys who smell good and actually know how to dance.
I’ve been to Charlie’s before a long time ago, but it appears to have been completely revamped for the better, and now has a touch of those 4^th St. dance-​hall-​days places. The easiest way to describe the Charlie’s layout is there’s a front part with a/​c, and a back part with smokers — each has its own bar and DJ, and it’s whatever suits you. I keep hearing about the food, but I’ve never seen or tried it. Incidentally, using either of the bathrooms here can be an interesting experience.
I was at Charlie’s on a Friday night for Nathan I’s ROTDC/​Birthday bash, and Nathan is one of those Unilocalers I always read who writes beautifully but no one seems to have met, so I was curious if I could pick him out from the crowd and I did. He’s a totally cool guy. And standing next to Nathan and Keri B. will make you feel very short. As always, it’s a pleasure to see the vivacious Yolanda G. and Ernesto, but Adam should really convince David to shave a little closer.
I had planned on making it a night at Charlie’s, but right when I was considering how delightful it would be to Salsa with Keri, I received a text that my potential furlough was canceled and to report back to work by 0700. But that’s okay, I’m sure there were a hundred guys there after I left that would politely step in.

i’ve been to many a gay bar in town — and generally they’re the best ones to get your dance on in as there are men who actually like to dance and don’t have to be dragged onto the dance floor. In addition to music vids, lots of britney, gaga, fergie, typically there are men dancing in what can only be described as bikini bottoms with an extra, um, pouch on some sort of raised platform, the womens bathroom is crowded with dudes and drinks are a tad overpriced.
This is all true of Charlies. And really it’s not a bad spot. It’s just kind of unclean and weirdly divided, with a dance floor that makes everyone feel like people are watching them… and they are. I guess what really left a meh taste in my mouth is the utter confusion of ordering a drink… at a bar.
The one my friend opened a tab with, Zach and two others, were working the back bar. Anytime we ordered a drink from anyone who wasn’t Zach, it was like a *major* ordeal. We had to hunt him down and he had to add the drink. But the reason we kept going to the others is that Zach was busy being distracted by his friend (girlfriend?). They were playing «throw the bottle top» at each other and apparently that’s the next Angry Birds because he couldn’t get enough of it. Bottle cap to her… bottle cap to him… bottle cap to her… bottle cap to him! As riveting as that possibly could have been, it wasn’t exactly the thing he was there for.
So as far as the super limited number of gay bars, it’s probably a pretty good spot. But if I’m judging it by the general standard of bars, it’s going to be among the ones that people have to drag me to when I’m a. super drunk or b. really interested in getting my shake on.

Charlie’s is located immediately west of the Texas State Capitol building. Now anyone who understands Texas politics and politicians will appreciate the juxtaposition of this gay bar next to the capitol building. It really is the coolest thing about the place.
Anyhoo, I generally meet up with a group of friends at Charlie’s for Tuesday steak night. For 6 bucks, you may order a bacon wrapped filet mignon cooked to your liking, or a chicken breast. Either dinner includes a baked potato, salad, green beans, and a roll. Now don’t go expecting Ruth Chris quality steak here. However, it is a decent meal for a dirt cheap price.
They also have some of the other things one can expect at a gay bar like go-​go dancers on certain nights, drag shows, amateur strip night (which can be rather frightful), $ 1 draft beer on sun., mon., and tues. But don’t get too excited if you like good draft beer like I do. The draft beer selections are Coor’s light and Zeigenbock. Charlie’s has 3 bars which makes scoring a drink a hassle free endeavor.
The only gay bar I have thus far enjoyed being in and going to was in Portland, but for meeting up with a group of friends for steak or the once in a blue moon friday or saturday night out at a gay bar, Charlie’s is an okay place.

This is my favorite gay bar in Austin. As a middle aged gent, I feel very comfortable here, unlike places such as Rain and Oil Can’s, where you only feel a part of the crowd if you are 25 and in skintight jeans. There’s a really mixed crowd and everyone is always very friendly. Seems I always meet new friends. Charlie’s feels like a relaxed neighborhood bar and they have a steak night where a steak or chicken meal is $ 6. The djs play a great mix of tunes including classic disco from the 70s and 80s. If you are into the trendy snob vibe, move right on. But if you like a place with genuinely friendly people and a sense of fun, check this bar out.

I was recently here and this is what my opinion is:
Pros:
–Next to the capito — close to downtown.
–Parking
–Large place
–Patio
–Cheap drink night
–Pool tables & TV
Cons:
–Tiny dance floor
–yucky dancers
–Jaimie Perry (who used to be a nice person) the drag queen — now has an attitude. I met her before she started working the drag queen scene. I approacher to say hello and she snobbed me as if she’s now some celebrity. People need to remember their roots and not be pretentious. She used to take care of someone as a job and now is a cheap drag queen w/​attitude.
–have to buy 3 cheap drinks to equal 1 good one.
–Under dressed people.

It’s true, Charlie’s is not Kiss and Fly… It’s not even Rain. However, if it were, Austin would have the same bar in two locations. It may be a little rough looking on the inside — a few too many unclean carpets, but Charlie’s is a really is a good time.
Friday is all day $ 1.50 wells (with $ 3 cover). Our bartender, Josh was the best… awfully charming and very accommodating. The dancers were a lot of fun to chat with, but the company is what you make it. I brought my own, so I was happy. At midnight, they offered free breakfast tacos. I did not partake, but they were there.

Feeling even better about Charlies after the drag show last night. Had some more great times!

Tue nights. $ 6 dollar steak night.
This includes baked potato (all the crap you wanna put on it)
green beans and corn on the side
Salad bar and hot rolls!
I’ve been going for over a month of Tuesdays, and I’m hooked.
It would be nice if there were more lady lesbians there though… but, for a good steak at that price, who cares!

I love going there to meet my friends and have the drinks with them. So far, I have yet find a cute woman to go home with, but that is okay. lol.
Oh, I had to add something I forget to mention. I am profoundly deaf, so finding a nice bar is hard for me. Charlie’s have more people who can sign or do not mind to writing with me (to communicate with me). On the Fridays and Saturdays, there is a better bet for these kind of people to be there. Can’t wait for this coming Friday!

RIGHT next door to the Capitol building.
Just a short walk for Rick Perry…
Ghetto.
Cheap.
Sad.
But convenient!

I like the outside bar here. Warm, friendly, a lot of upscale crowd. Very few women. But who’s complaining at a gay club? My friend won 3^rd place In a best bootie contest and got drinks bought for him all night. The drag shows are supposed to be pretty cool here.
If you are into the gay scene and don’t want to compete with 18 year old teenybopper boys, check it out. Ive heard this is a hangout for the business people and politician types.
And its far enough away from the 4^th street scene to have a very different vibe from oilcans and rain.