Charlie’s

Name: Charlie’s
Address: Charlie's Phoenix, West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, USA, Phoenix
Telephone: +1 602-265-0224
Rating: 3.5

AZ's Largest Gay Country Bar

Average Reviews

About

Charlie’s Phoenix, a staple in the Valley’s LGBTQ+ scene since 1984, continues to be a hub for nightlife and community gatherings. Located on Camelback Road, just west of Seventh Avenue, it’s got a welcoming atmosphere that’s evolved over the years. Originally a spot for urban cowboys and line dancing, it’s now known for its diverse mix of music, events, and crowd.

The venue features an expanded dance floor, perfect for everything from country two-stepping to high-energy Latin nights. It’s also famous for its lively drag shows, like “High Heels & Halos,” and weekend after-hours parties that keep the energy going until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A taco truck parked out front satisfies late-night cravings, while the spacious outdoor patio—complete with two bars and bleacher seating—offers a more laid-back vibe.

Charlie’s doesn’t shy away from variety; you’ll find karaoke sessions, bingo nights, and salsa lessons throughout the week. The bar attracts a wide range of patrons, from longtime locals to tourists exploring Phoenix’s queer nightlife. Open every day, it’s a go-to for both regulars and first-timers looking to experience a piece of Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ history.

Photos

Reviews

3.5

Based on 1072 reviews

Savanna DeSimone

22:08 24 Jun 25

Had a blast and played pool but the their pool stick suck big time so if u liked to play and know how bring your own but if ur just goofing off and don’t care your fine lol

Cricket

05:11 18 Jun 25

Fun night. With friends. And solo if early enough. But drinks could be stronger. They’re cheap for sure but taste water down. I’d rather be charged more and have less calories than have to sip down 5 + to get a buzz. Bigger glasses maybe too 🤔

Jason Stine

01:16 17 Jun 25

I've been disappointed recently. I don't know if it was the time of year or what. But I started going a few months ago and absolutely loved it: good music, a good dance floor, and a nice outside area to escape to if needed, without leaving. However, now it feels like there's always a drag event taking over the dance floor, and the outside area is the new club, so there's no escape. The outside bar is usually closed, so there's not even that. I understand having events on weekdays to bring in people, but they have (drag) shows Friday and Saturday until midnight or later, and by then it's too late for the dance vibe to really kick in; it doesn't vibe as well anymore. I want to enjoy it, but recently I've been going down the street to Stacy's, where the dance floor is usually open, or The Rock, which has cheap drinks considering the price per ounce.I'm hoping Charlie's restores its Friday and Saturday nights for going out, cutting loose, and dancing. It really was the best place for it before the drag took over.Additional note for the Friday and Saturday shows its not enjoyable with average dancing, which rarely happens as they usually just walk in circles in and through the crowd taking money instead of dancing. Oh and never corect lip sync-ing is a weird thing that I can't help but notice.

Patrick E

07:40 14 Jun 25

Doesn't even have a bike rack. So I pull up and am waiting politely with my bike because it's busy. Before I even get a chance the bouncer is kicking me out! Phoenix is already inhospitable to bikes so what a disappointment. Will not be returning and yes it is your loss. You can see in the pic how busy it was. I believe Fernando was the bouncer. Way to go above and beyond alienating your customers!

A Kauffman

02:46 31 May 25

I had fun at Charlie’s! I went on a Friday night, and it was super lively. Wonderful drag performers! Affordable alcohol. Friendly bartenders. Overall a good time.My only qualm is that I was charged a $10 cover, which is “for girls.” Im not a girl, I am a trans man (who does not always pass). No staff member was acting maliciously, of course, but the experience made me feel a little awkward as a gender non conforming person.

Ron Hill

04:39 22 Feb 25

Julian is a nice addition. I find most Bartenders are not so friendly here. Unless your a usual . Very, very clickish. Not friendly.He was very nice and welcoming.

Jake Shapiro

19:16 19 Feb 25

I had a blast went there for a birthday party, and the crowd was wild. The drinks were good. The atmosphere all in all it was a great place.

CUNxT

04:59 18 Feb 25

I was stranded at the fries grocery store across the street and nobody would let me use the bathroom but walked over to Charlie’s and they checked my ID and ushered me to the bathroom with open arms lol excellent service front door man is adorable and super nice, not gay, but might go check it out. It looks like fun That🤘🏻🖤💋🥰🥰

Bianca Garcia

16:45 16 Feb 25

Giiiiiiirrrrl, have I had some TIMES at Charlie's some... actually a little questionable but the food fixes it all at the end 😂🥂🩷🏳️‍🌈 the preformers are GORGEOUS I mean....10's across the board whether they are Drag Queens or Male Dancers they are perfection. I enjoyed my last visit where one of the performers (I love you Latino Cowboys) bent me over and whipped me three times. Call me a masochist but I enjoyed every bit of it 🤭😂 I know everyone goes here for the tacos but TRY THE BURGER! it has that home cooked burger taste to it and baby, the cheese is nicely melted on there with a soft bun. You can't beat the price!

03:04 02 Jan 25

I will never return to Charlie’s after tonight 12/8/24. I had purchased a carne asada burrito and their employee Jason came and escorted me out thinking I was extremely inebriated because I was shivering in the December winter. I’ve been here so many times and I’ve never felt so disrespected as I did tonight. This is not the first time having issues with this bartender. I won’t be returning as this has been a disappointing embarrassing situation. So disrespectful as I’ve seen others individuals extremely drunk and out of control without intervention. Will not be returning to this establishment after tonight. Later Jason

Cobalt Public Relations

22:57 28 Dec 24

This club was a lot bigger than I expected. There is an indoor and out door space that gets jammed packed. Drag shows indoors and plenty male strippers to go around.The only con is that this gay club was full of drunk overly excited heterosexual women. On a Friday night it was about 40% of the patrons!But I’ll definitely go again the next time I visit Phoenix.

Dak0taCr4ft

22:59 17 Dec 24

Great vibes but horrible customer service. The bartenders have huge egos & an attitude problem no matter how sweet you try to be. They make ordering a drink feel like I’m asking them to scrub the toilets.

Scott P.

20:31 17 Dec 24

Went on a Friday night when they had free tacos and $2 drinks and had a blast with my friends. Also, the drag show was awesome(make sure you have plenty of cash to tip them)

Larry H.

15:47 16 Dec 24

I moved acroos the street from here recently, I went in for a HH drink and to check the place out. I had visited here once back in the 90's I believe....

16:14 08 Dec 24

Loving Life

14:28 04 Dec 24

Great gay bar to visit if ever in the city. Nice vibe inside and out. The tacos are the best.

Lucy B.

17:49 24 Nov 24

So good!! So entertaining!!! And the drinks were really good,but I've got to say the men were delicious! Love this place!

James Hunt

04:10 20 Nov 24

This is probably one of the dirtiest bars I’ve been too. The only time I’ve ever had fun here is when I was drunk. The bathroom is absolutely disgusting with urine everywhere. When it’s busy it’s hard to order a drink.

Mic ll

13:48 10 Nov 24

I have been coming here for OVER HALF A DECADE.I'm very goth/metal and I love dancing and chilling. The first night I come when I see the blue thin line flags(the entree guy said it was cop night but the inside door man had no idea what i was talking about when i mentioned it.)I get reported from the manager because a guy was harassing a couple women and he complained when i was confused at him shoving me. I walked away yet still got a complaint from the manager from the str8 dude. DO NOT COME W THE THIN BLUE LINE FLAG IF YOU ARE QUEER. I felt so unsafe and disgusted.Remember stonewall when we and our grandparents were murdered for who we were in the 60s/70s from homophobic cops? I do. And it's pathetic the managers and owners don't see this historic pain point when we just want to be safe being who we are.When you're dancing w thin blue line flags out front try to remember the folks that murdered people like you not even a lifetime ago. They're the ones in the bar. Congrats. Pathetic.Edit: staff is great and love literally everything else

Kelvin S.

14:59 07 Nov 24

Charlie's Phoenix is an amazing bar the staff and the patrons are nice and welcoming love that they always have drink specials and great drag shows and...

James Jordan

19:17 01 Sep 24

Was there last night on 8/31/24 and there was no door person outside. I walk in and a very nasty door person reaches out and grabs my shoulder to stop me. I'm pretty sure that's technically assault and not allowed. He then accuses me of being drunk. I was not drunk at all. He was very hostile and rude and his behavior was disgusting. I will be talking to management about this individual. People like that should not be working in any kind of customer service job. He may have been discriminating against me due to my age as well.

Elena H.

00:50 26 Jul 24

This place is great!!! We felt so comfortable and welcomed! They do not judge! They make sure you have a great time while you're here! I will always come...

Shon Simms

15:00 21 Jun 24

This place is great if Latino, white, or a straight woman. If you’re black, go with white or Latino friends and only send them to the bar to get the drinks. The drag show was good- a 50/50 mix of 90’s/2000’s and Spanish music. The vibe was good but the bartenders here suck.

Abayomi O.

01:33 10 Jun 24

Food is top notch and authentic. Everything is made fresh for you and also open late. Service is superb, but if you're and there and you Don't meet Jesse...

Katura Salinas

00:49 03 Jun 24

ALWAYS have an amazing time here. Not super sure why reviews say it's discriminate to women. I'm gay but somewhat straight looking and have always been acknowledged by staff and treated well. As far as other guests, nobody is ever in control of that but have never had a bad experience. Love this place for it's amazing diversity and have so many wonderful memories!

Roger Yeh

12:49 20 Mar 19

Such an awesome space full of fun, great people.I was traveling alone and decided to pop in for some fun. Charlie’s is a great place with cheap drinks and friendly, unpretentious people. Great drag shows too!Don’t forget to check out the huge back patio and DELICIOUS food truck. Definitely recommend this place for a fun night out on the town.

Charlie’s Phoenix reviews from WhereIs.Gay, Google and Yelp