Charlie's Austin

Was here April '08 and didn't realize that there is a $5 cover on Friday nites! Still, had 2 drinks here. The go-go boys were TOTALLY LAME, as one just sat there and talked with a "friend" and the other was on his iPhone texting. BORING! Also, we must have gotten there at dinner, as the staff was eating for our entire stay here. Cheap prices came with the cover, but the rest makes it a questionable stop at best.

Charlie's is the only place in Austin that doesn't make DQ's feel unwelcome, and I really appreciate the tolerant atmosphere, where, gosh, even people 'hit with the ugly stick' are not made to feel unwelcome. I know that's not in keeping with community stereotypes of only tolerating college age twinks, and that's why I love Charlie's.

This is the place for those over-the-hill, past their prime, or just plain hit with the ugly stick. However, bartenders are friendly and make worthwhile drinks. Strangely, this place has the hottest exotic dancers in town. Music can be hit or miss certain nights of the week, and yet only the drunk ones get on the floor to dance.

Even the go - go boys were bored (although very washboard!) On the Friday night I was there, the energy level was low that I thought I stumbled into a bingo hall. The dancers were stiff in all the wrong places. One was wearing sunglasses so he never had to make eye contact with the patrons. Bartenders were friendly and drinks strong thankfully.

Charlie's is really comfortable during happy hour--with great bar staff! Later, the crowd gets younger, edgier and fills the place like a New Orleans gay bar. Packed on weekends, late. No more of a drug scene here than in the straight bars downtown, if that's what you're looking for.