Once you’ve got the “go at least once” spots out of the way, you can start to explore the spots locals more regularly frequent. Just watch out for the cover charge ($20 post-midnight!). If you’re looking to stay up late in the city, Voyeur is the place to go.

While Woody’s is respectable in size and more low-key in its presentation, the large scale Voyeur building is a more mainstream space focused on nightclub adventures. The two establishments have a joint venture where they often host bargain deals for entry and connecting events. Then right across from Woody’s is the popular Voyeur nightclub. Honestly, the fact that Woody’s is so well-known has made it what I call “The straight woman’s gay bar.” That said, it’s still the mecca of the gayborhood and should always be respected as such. It’s known by everyone and is a tourist hotspot, but it’s not necessarily the most representative of local life. But caution, Woody’s mainstream appeal has made it the gay bar equivalent to the Philly cheesesteak staple Genos.