Raleigh has plenty of LGBT-friendly bars and clubs, but no dedicated lesbian venues. Unfortunately, this mirrors a trend across the whole United States – it is estimated that there are only 21 remaining lesbian bars in the entire country!
However, if you and your queer lady friends are looking for a new hangout spot in Raleigh, don’t despair. There are plenty of bars in Raleigh that are welcoming to the lesbian community. Ruby Deluxe and the Wicked Witch are two of the most popular bars for queer women in Raleigh.
Ruby Deluxe
Ruby Deluxe is located in a basement in downtown Raleigh, at 415 S. Salisbury Street. The location is central to Raleigh and convenient to residents from any part of the Research Triangle Park area – visitors from Durham and Chapel Hill can reach Ruby Deluxe within about 45 minutes.
Ruby Deluxe is known for its artsy, “weird” vibes which resonates with many members of the Raleigh lesbian community. Visitors can enjoy drinks on the patio, dance on the dance floor, or play pool with their friends, girlfriends, wives, and everyone in between.
Live entertainment is another major draw for visitors to Ruby. Drag shows often feature bizarre and unique performances (in the best way). Burlesque nights are also very popular at Ruby Deluxe.
More than just a bar, Ruby Deluxe serves as a community hub for the Raleigh queer community. The venue hosts monthly community markets featuring LGBTQ vendors who make and sell handmade arts and crafts.
It also organizes a plant swap for all the lesbian and bisexual plant moms out there, making Ruby Deluxe a popular gathering spot for Raleigh’s lesbian community, day or night.
The Wicked Witch
Brought to you by the same owners as Ruby Deluxe, the Wicked Witch is located in the Warehouse District (known as Raleigh’s gay neighborhood) at 416 West South Street.
Like Ruby Deluxe, the Wicked Witch’s name evokes femininity. The Wicked Witch also evokes magic, mystery, and gothic style. Both of these are accurate descriptions of the vibe at the Wicked Witch.
The Wicked Witch is known for hosting goth and alternative music events, including live performances by bands and DJs.
On Wednesday evenings, the Wicked Witch hosts drink and draws, which feature alcoholic beverages and live models for guests to show off their artistic abilities. The event costs around $12 to participate.
These events are popular with the local lesbian crowd and are a great way to meet lesbian and bisexual women in Raleigh.
Does Durham or Chapel Hill Have a Lesbian Bar?
Unfortunately, similar to Raleigh, these cities have LGBT-friendly venues but no dedicated lesbian bars or clubs.
The Bar Durham used to be a popular lesbian hangout but, sadly, it closed in 2021. If you are in Durham or Chapel Hill, we recommend the Pinhook which is an unofficial queer bar located in downtown Durham. The address is 117 W Main Street, Durham, NC.
Other Raleigh Area LGBTQ Bars and Clubs
Raleigh and the surrounding area are also home to a large number of LGBT-friendly bars and clubs that are, of course, welcoming to the lesbian community. While not specifically catered to lesbians, some of these venues include:
- Legends Nightclub in the Warehouse District is great if you are looking for a place to dance and enjoy EDM.
- The Night Rider, right next door to the Wicked Witch, is another member of the Ruby Deluxe family. This bar is great for ping-pong, pinball, and karaoke.
Check out our list of the top 7 gay bars and clubs near Raleigh for more detail about these and other venues that cater to the LGBTQ crowd in the Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill region.
References
21 lesbian bars remain in America. Owners share why they must be protected | PBS NewsHour
