Below is a list of establishments in the greater Philadelphia area and suburbs (including New Jersey) that welcome transgendered people. Most of these establishments cater to a predominantly gay clientele, but warmly welcome our patronage. Be sure to call these establishments to verify their schedule. If you know of any additional places that can be added to this list, or if you find they no longer cater to a TG clientele, please let us know by emailing clubupdate@ren.org.
SPECIAL EVENT:
April 24, 2004
The Grand Ballroom of the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
BOB AND BARBARA'S
A neighborhood bar with drag shows on Thursday nights beginning at 11 pm. Though small, the club comes highly recommended. It's a young crowd (college age), mixed gay and straight. The show is done on a postage stamp sized stage, and—all over the bar, when the performers leave the stage to lip synch in your face. It's funky, it's fun. The special is a shot and a beer for $3. Nuff said? One Wednesday a month DJ K-Tell takes the place over for a show with The Dumpsta Players, a young troupe of funny people who do a wild, irreverant comedy happening—often featuring some kind of drag, at midnight. Call for info on K-Tell's next tiny extravaganza.
THE CARTWHEEL
"Drag Search" every Monday night at 11 PM. The last Monday night of each month is the "finals" for that month, and the crowd is bigger. It all leads up to the Miss Cartwheel pageant in November. The attached restaurant, Bluegill's, is upscale and there is a piano bar on weekends for those who like to sing along. Call for a schedule or dinner reservations.
KEY WEST
Multi-level gay establishment with the top floor dance club in Center City. Drag nite is Thursdays. "Club Phenomenal" on the second floor welcomes Renaissance after our 1st Thursday of the month William Way Center based Renaissance meetings.
This club in a converted industrial space has a party Friday evenings called Shaft. Come join the fun! Drag will get you through the door quicker than any other outfit. Lady Bunny, Joey Arias, Candice Kane, Kevin Aviance and other New York City drag queen stars stop by from time to time to entertain, or just mingle. Local girls are always there to work the crowd, a mixed, young crowd. $10 cover... unless you're on the guest list. Lately the elusive T Hawk has been spotted here hovering around his TG prey. Free parking in an enclosed lot if you get there early. (Before 10:30 p.m.) $5 for parking after 10:30. $2 drinks from 9 till 11.
A lesbian bar on Chancellor Street, right around the corner from Key West. You'll be okay as long as you don't try to come on to them. Thursday night is Kareoke Night with Suzi Nash.
The Air Command is primarily a gay men's bar but they have a drag show on Wednesday night. Jaded Lounge, 2nd Friday of each month, featuring Asian female impersonator/drag shows.
Primarily a gay bar and dance club, this establishment is visited from time to time by transgendered ladies on the prowl.
BUMP
Philadelphia's first "Gay Lux Lounge." Located on the corner of 13th & Locust Streets in Center City Philly. Bump is located on the corner of 13th & Locust Streets in the heart of the "GayBorHood" in downtown center city. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Dinner, cocktails and Sunday brunch. Reservations available at 215.732.1800
BOUNCE (Formerly Outer Limits)
Outer Limits seems more appropriate, because it sits on a kind of barren road and is easy to miss. Get directions carefully before you go. A gay/lesbian nightclub on one level, with two bars, some tables to sit at, two pool tables, and a great dance floor*.
1102 S. Rt.30
West Deptford, NJ
856-845-1010 *Kaelin Approved
814 CLUB RESTAURANT
Sunday night is drag show night. It's creatively called Boys In Dresses.
PURE
Natasha of Shampoo fame works the downstairs bar on Wednesday kareoke nights.
1221 St. James St.
Phila., PA
TAVERN ON CAMAC
Bar/restaurant in basement, noisy showtunes-oriented piano bar on 1st floor,and bar and mini disco dance floor on second floor. Welcoming and friendly crew, good food.
243 S. Camac St.
Philadelphia, PA
215-545-0900
TRITONE
Third Thurday each month features "Hard Liquor Theater", a combination of drag, comedy, and music.
1508 South St.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Gay owned establishment. Don't miss their showcase in the back featuring rooster curios....Has a bar and serves greasy bar foods if you need a snack.
Northeast corner of 13th and Locust
Philadelphia, PA
215-546-5170
Gay Bingo at the Gershman Y
Monthly Gay Bingo fundraising event featuring drag performances and BVDs (Bingo Verifying Divas) on skates.
Broad and Pine Sts.
Philadelphia, PA
215-731-9255 for ticket information.
A party for kids like us at a restaurant called N. 3rd.. An irreverant circus for the homopunk, queer-rocker, gay skin set.... Come get your fag on the Second Wednesday of every month! NO COVER!!!Held in North 3rd's scandalous and seedy back room. Open to homos and breeders of all persuasions, genders, and political views! Frolicking DJ Psydde Delicious. Heavy handed bartending, and free drink (bar's choice) to anyone who whips their schlong out on the bar.. male or female! (Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, and Alcoholism all at once!) Party starts at 10!
3rd & Brown Sts.
Philadelphia, PA
Last updated 3/22/04 but don't trust us, call the clubs for more information.