Gay Bars & Clubs ⭐ Featured

Oilcan Harry's

GayOut (10) 4.5
Tripadvisor (10) 4.3
What reviewers say

Visitors frequently praise the lively atmosphere, great shows, and attentive bartenders, with many calling it a must-visit. However, some reviewers note that the venue can feel cliquish and has a dated or uninviting smell, with a few mentioning it can be empty on weeknights.

88
/ 100
GayOut Score
4.5 🦉4.3
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Address
211 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
📞
Phone
+1 512-320-8823
🌐
Website
oilcanharrys.com
💰
Price Range
$$
🟢
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About this place Oilcan Harry's

Oilcan Harry's has been on West 4th Street since 1979, making it one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in Texas and an institution in the fullest sense of that word. The bar has outlasted multiple waves of Austin nightlife trends, multiple iterations of the 4th Street strip, and the city's transformation from regional capital to global tech hub — and it has done so by being exactly what it has always been: a good gay bar with a great patio, a welcoming atmosphere, and the loyalty of a community that returns generation after generation. The patio is the soul of Oilcan Harry's — an outdoor space that takes full advantage of Austin's climate in the good months, where the combination of warm evenings, cold drinks, and the social energy of West 4th Street at the weekend creates one of the more pleasant outdoor bar experiences in the city. The interior has a dance floor and DJ programming on weekend nights. The 1979 founding date places Oilcan Harry's in the generation of gay bars that opened in the years immediately following Stonewall — bars that served communities navigating the intersection of gay liberation, AIDS, and the slow movement toward legal equality. For visitors to Austin, Oilcan Harry's is the bar with the history and the atmosphere that no newer venue can replicate.

Upcoming events at Oilcan Harry's

Opening Hours

Closed
Monday 16:00-02:00
Tuesday 16:00-02:00
Wednesday 16:00-02:00
Thursday 16:00-02:00
Friday 16:00-02:00
Saturday 14:00-02:00
Sunday 14:00-02:00

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Community Reviews

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GayOut Community

J
JasonL
Jun 2026
★★★★★

In town for a bachelor party and this was one of my first bars to visit hands down had an amazing time! The show was amazing and did not have a hard time getting a drink which was an all time first. Definitely planning to make this a must stop any time I’m in town.

H
Hansel S
Jun 2026
★★★★

Came here for a drink stayed for a few. The bartender was great and so were the drinks. would come back here next time we are in town

D
Donald B
Jun 2026
★★★★★

Years ago this was my favorite hangout. Meeting friends, hanging out and having a good time. I had opportunity to visit this old haunt and it's sad. The same barflies from the 90's are still there, but time and alcols has caught up with them. The place has a smell of mildew and it's hard to work up a conversation unless your local. Very cliquish. Drink prices were moderate and the day bartender was friendly. Don't think about getting quick service after 10:00pm. Not on my future tomdontlist if I return to Austin.

L
L D J
Jun 2026
★★★★★

This is by far the best gay bar/night clubs that I have ever been to. The drinks and atmosphere were great and I made this a nightly staple while I was in Austin. They played a great variety of music and offered a well lit dance floor. Drake, our bartender, was absolutely the best! I can't wait to visit again.

J
JiminyC
Jun 2026
★★★★★

Been here several times during our visit to Austin. Some of the weeknights the place was almost empty but excellent gogo dancing and some alternative crazy games on the Thursday drew in quite a bit of a crowd. Weekend it was heaving!

P
pnkgirl27
Jun 2026
★★★★

I heard a lot of advertising about this bar and came across it during the day while out exploring the city as a tourist. It was closed due to it being 9 am so I can't give a true review on here. The outside has flags and looks like a fun bar for everyone though.

T
Tony R
Jun 2026
★★★★

I was in town for the AFC playoff game and wanted to find a place to cheer on my NE Pats. This was a fun and friendly bar with plenty of big screen TVs.

R
Ruben S
Jun 2026
★★★★

It's a great neighborhood bar and hangout for happy hour or to catch a game. The back bar, OCH has been converted to a sports bar and all the latest sporting events are on during the weekend. They'll let you even watch Tennis when it's not too crowded!

B
BexFlo
Jun 2026
★★★★★

Good music,Great Bartenders, Best Drag Shows, Great drink prices, friendliest staff. It's right in 4th street you will see the rainbow flags outside to tell you that you're in the right spot. It's spacious in here but come early on show nights it gets packed and definitely the place to be in Sundays for their Super Sunday Diva show.

D
dgr1968NewJersey
Jun 2026
★★★★★

Visited OCH based on what I've read online and have to agree that this is a great gay bar in Austin! Not only was it the friendliest, but it got a great crowd and had good drink prices...plus it's easily accessible by foot from any of the downtown hotels. Would definitely recommend!

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Last updated on 3 August 2026

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