The downtown Bar Complex is the "Birdcage" of Lexington, Kentucky. Not only is it a gay and lesbian friendly establishment, but patrons are encouraged to dress in the most stylish and exuberant fashions possible. In fact, the bar has hosted many beauty pageants, where both men and women compete, dressed in sparkling gowns. Although the entertainment may be over the top, there is an array of cocktails from which to choose. The Bar Complex attracts both young and old looking for a night of innocent fun, and the music ranges from oldies like ABBA to classic show tunes.
The Bar Complex
224 East Main St.
Lexington KY 40507
859-255-1551
thebarcomplex.com
At first glance, the small and dark bar known as Crossings may look like a typical biker bar, but it is, in fact, a friendly, gay establishment. The majority of regulars at the Crossings are gay men who prefer to hang out and socialize at a good old-fashioned bar. There is no dress code, although many of the clientele wear flannel, denim and leather. The karaoke setup is a crowd favorite for those in the mood to belt out a tune. Happy hour at Crossings lasts from 4 to 9 p.m. every day of the week.
Crossings
117 North Limestone Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-233-7266
crossingslexington.com
Similar to the Bar Complex, Pulse features extravagantly dressed entertainment, which it describes as its "drag shows." The setting, however, is more of a modern dance club than classically styled. As the name suggests, house and techno-pop beats thump away throughout the night, while a spectrum of colors spins across the floor and walls, thanks to the club's elaborate light shows. Many nights are simply dance nights. These usually get started about 11 p.m., when folks gay and straight come to dance to music by guest DJs or one of the several in-house DJ staff.
Pulse
257 West Short St.
Lexington, KY 40507
859-721-0119
pulsenightlife.com
