The Mercantile Saloon
Many visitors describe Mercantile Saloon as a fun and welcoming LGBTQIA+ bar with strong drinks and a great atmosphere. However, some guests complain about the bar being expensive, only accepting cash, and not being very clean, with one reviewer also mentioning unfriendly bartenders and issues with the jukebox.
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via Stay22About this place The Mercantile Saloon
The Mercantile Saloon, known as the Merc, is a gay dive bar at 1928 L Street in Lavender Heights, a block south of the K Street clubs. Local listings date it to 1976, which makes it one of the oldest gay bars in the city. It's cash-only, cheap and unfussy, with a jukebox and karaoke, and a regular crowd that comes to talk rather than dance.
Google lists it open until 2am every day, from 4pm on weekdays and 1pm on Sunday. Bring cash. With about 485 reviews at 4.3, it rates better than the dance clubs nearby.
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Verified by GoogleBased on 485 Google reviews.
Not one real man here. Fled quickly!
Best gay bar I've ever been to - it's small and packed constantly, the drinks are strong, and everyone is gay as hell
Had. A. Great. Time. At. Mercantile. Saloon. I. Will. Come. Again. For. Sure
Expensive, only cash, not very clean. Not very good mixed and size cockteil drinks. AROUND 35 FOR 2 DRINKS without tips.
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Last updated on 2 November 2026