Studio 13

Whoa! Definitely something to experience!
Careful in the restroom, you never know…
:-)

After a year I’m updating to 3 stars. I’m still annoyed by all the attitudes, but on Saturdays I find myself drunkenly gravitating to Studio 13’s dance floor, because honestly, where else am I going to dance and find someone to dance upon?
Primary complaint: If I have to pay $ 5 to get into this place, why can’t you at least offer up some good drink specials? Never have I walked into Studio and said, «Wow, great drink special!»

After being in the bar for over an hour, buying drinks, I was informed thatI would ned to pay a cover for my partner and myself. I asked the «manager» if that was corect — yes it was. I told the «manager» that I could take my friends and I elsewhere to spend my money. The manager’s” reply? «ok. Bye.» I strongly encourage readers of this review, gay, bi, tr8 or otherwise NOT to patronize this establishment — PERIOD!!! I assure you that no one will EVER see me in this place again!

Seems the bar has undergone a little remodeling here and there over the years, could use a few more updates but over all it’s good for Iowa City. The bartenders are nice and mix decently strong drinks.
The crowd could use a little nudge here and there, I get that it’s a college town but there’s no need for the attitude, it is just Iowa City not Chicago, NYC or some large city where you’d expect that.

First of all, the place itself is hard to find — don’t look for it ON Linn St — it is in the alley behind Confluence.
Secondly, the atmosphere and layout are fairly decent for a ‘small-​town-​gay-​bar’, and the patrons seemed genuinely happy and were having a great time. Drinks are cheap and strong, (an ideal combination).
Definitely an oasis in what seemed to me quite a closeted city, which was surprising for a college town.

It’s unfathomable how one could seriously enjoy this place, especially if you’re over 23. 1) It’s so dark that you cannot see your hand in front of your face. 2) The music is so loud that even screaming is inaudible, and your ears will be ringing for hours after leaving. 3) $ 5 cover every night… IN IOWA CITY??? 4) A mostly-​under-​25 crowd oozing with attitude and having no idea how to conduct themselves in a bar setting (people don’t say ‘excuse me’ here, they shove and elbow you out of the way) 5) Almost exclusively twinks and faux-​wannabe-​athletic-​frat types and a handful of blootto-​drunk over-​40 guys pawing at the college boys 6) Often so crowded that you cannot move
It’s sad that a town that has such a large gay community can’t open and sustain a gay bar that caters to people over 25. I never thought I’d say this, but The 620 (IC’s gay bar from ???-’98) was a gay bar Mecca compared to the Studio.

This gay bar seems to not have the pretentiousness and attitudes that the gay bars in the big cities have which is refreshing and nice to experience. Alcoholic drinks are reasonably priced and everyone seems friendly. Anyone that might thinks this bar is pretentious should go to the gay bars in Denver! LOL! Fun music to dance to as well!

Friendly staff. I go here quite often and everyone is real nice that works there. The crowd can be a little testy but this bar is in a college town, so the crowd is def. younger, with a mix of a few local.
Drag shows on Wednesday (open stage), Friday and Sunday (FREE Pizza!). Daily specials and theme nights as well.
Recently underwent renovations and has totally changed the look and feel of establishment.