So this place has very long lines almost every Saturday around midnight until they close around 3:30am. If your here on a holiday or event weekend like Labor Day or pride or Halloween it could take an hour and a half. The line is fun but yeah it seems like forever to get in. I normally seem to get inside here after 2am so I can't really speak much for the drink prices but I think they are on par with most of the gay bars in the 4th street area. The crowd especially the main dance floor tends to be a mixed crowd after hours with more top 40 dance music and the lower level the basement tends to play more I dunno I call it circuit music or after 2am music but I guess you could say it's deep house. The basement is like you'd expect hot and steamy with lots of shirtless guys and dark areas to the back and side with seating. The main floor is sizable with a stage that if go early enough there are drag shows and all kinds of contests. There's a mezzanine above that looks down into the dance floor. There's also an outdoor patio area that is is multi level as well that plays different music. Like any place where there are allot of people in close proximity be aware of your surroundings and watch your drinks and pockets. Also there's a cover too that is a little more than Rain or OCH but you are paying to enter one if the larger gay venues in Austin. One more thing alcohol sales stop at 2am but if your from the western US this is pretty standard except in Nevada. read more

See all

This experience was genuinely dangerous. I was removed from Highlands while intoxicated, despite not being aggressive, disruptive, or harming anyone. My partner and a close friend were inside the bar and willing to assist me. Staff refused to allow any contact or reunification and forced me to leave alone late at night. I was in an unfamiliar city and my phone had died. I was offered no assistance, no rideshare option, and no concern for my safety. I was left to walk back to my Airbnb alone while intoxicated and without the ability to contact anyone. Cutting someone off is one thing. Isolating a patron from their companions and sending them into the street under these conditions is another. This was a complete failure of basic harm reduction and responsible service. What happened here was not about safety. It was about control, and it put me at real risk. read more

The staff was so unprofessional that they kicked a my friend group of 4 and me out after they had some issue. We were sober and they kicked us out for being intoxicated. It seemed like they had some issue with us personally. We all got kicked out after paying a $14 cover. WILL NEVER COME BACK TO THIS ESTABLISHMENT!! If you want to be profiled for being young and beautiful, DO NOT COME HERE. CLEARLY VERY INSECURE STAFF AND THEY NEED TO GROW UP!!!! Do not come here ( please save yourself the money) read more

A woman named Emily, super unprofessional and very unfriendly. Me and my three friends were sober trying to get in, payed $30 and then immediately got kicked out because my friend was wobbling (she was wearing tall boots) apparently she looked "too intoxicated" she barely even spoke to us and just threw us out with no refund. Will never come back here. A very insecure woman probably with some mental issues only kicking out pretty women. Hope she gets the help she needs. read more

Waited in line, had ID checked and paid for entry. Landon & Emily kicked me and my two girl friends out because we're too "intoxicated." We were all sober and had no issues. They had us pay and immediately kicked out. Emily and Landon are so unprofessional, and had issues and were violent. They said no refunds even though we paid and were immediately kicked us out after 30 seconds. I think Emily is insecure because my girl friends were blessed in the front and back and she was not. It was extremely disappointing, and disrespectful. WILL NEVER come back. Emily and Landon do better. I expected better service and better care. They kicked no one else out except us. read more

Service and vibes are always top notch! The drinks the energy and entertainment Is what i live for !!

Beyond disgusted and shock, the bartender stating no alcohol past 2am. Got here at 2:30am expecting to buy alcohol until 5am only to be told no alcohol after 2am despite closing at 5am. Here sober, paying $21.99 for cover. There should have illustrated sign before paying or stated hold before paying cover. read more

Highland - Sign after paying for cover - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went out here for the first time last weekend had a great time but lost my entire wallet and I went the next time they were open and the wonderful bar staff had kept it safe for me. All the love to Highland, They're amazing.!! read more

Great bartender great music great everything thank you Mark Jason's we will back trust !

I've been in Austin for over 10 years. Highland is trash. The staff are all very aggressive and act like you are a burden. The drinks are overpriced and specifically during queer events they love to gouge at the door and at the bar. Come here if you want your phone stolen. In my entire time in Austin, this is the only place it's happened. This is not a safe space for the community. I've had friends rent out the top space and even during that time... security did nothing to help and bottles were stolen. Avoid this one at all cost. Or go and find out for yourself. read more

BEWARE!!! You might fall in love lol. I went here with friends on my second night in Austin. it was a cool neon inside and staff were friendly. I was told to get there before midnight to avoid a cover. They had a drag show with some really enthusiastic dancers and at midnight the show ended and the dj started. The music and drinks were pretty good but the people were even better. Specifically my now fiancée I met that night there. What a vibe! If you are considering going just be careful you might meet your forever person 10/10 recommend. read more

I enjoyed the time I had here. I came on a friday night and a few of us were visiting from California. It was one of the few places that had business and people around town. We visited two other places and couldn't stay longer than 30 minutes but this was definitely a heart part of town. If I was in town and had no plans friday night, I'd come here again. read more

Highland - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is an "ok" bar, but nothing special. Staff are reasonably attentive but the main problem is that they let way too many people in the building at times, and it gets so crowded you can't even walk through. When there are that many people in the space, it becomes extremely unpleasant. I suppose if you are looking for a dance bar, this is a good place but otherwise there are better locations to go out for a drink and socialize. read more

Be aware!!! My wallet was stolen, and the staff and security are useless. Basically was told, it wasn't there problem. Thankfully I was able to get all my cards cancelled in time, and was pretty on it. I literally sat my wallet down to pay for drinks. Handed a card, turned back and it was gone. read more

Terrible experience with the staff and their "Reserved" outdoor seating. Friends and I were sitting outside corner near the bar minding our business for over an hour before another clubber came to tell us that it's "Reserved". There are no signs, staff never said anything even after taking our empty cups. To make things worse, I have a physical disability. After telling the other clubber we have been here and have not been told to it's "Reserved" they grabbed a staff member that ushered me to move. I was treated as if I'm the burden for having a Physical Disability sitting in the one area with open seats that hand NO SIGNS stating it's "RESERVED". Do better highland, communicate and block the space off if it's truly "Reserved". Kicking out a person with a disability is not the solution to lack of communication. read more

We had such a great time here! The music was good and the drinks were too. Everyone we ran into here, patrons and bar staff were so polite and sweet! read more

My group and I had one of our funnest nights out in a while at Highland for Sunday night karaoke. We didn't even plan to go here. We were entertaining out of town LGBTQ friends who wanted to check out the scene in Austin. The first place we went was dead, so we moseyed over to Highland. We were an eclectic group of gay, straight, women, men, and pretty much all the races. We were all treated warmly and well taken care of by the staff, from the bouncer to the bartenders to the emcee. The karaoke crowd is enthusiastic and kind, singing along if they know the song, but chill if you just need to sing out some weird angry song nobody knows. And the bathrooms we used all had locks, so it seems they've fixed whatever lock issues they had in the past. read more

I was assaulted and thrown out of Highland on New Year's Eve for tossing balloons on the dance floor before closing. Some emo trashy girl threw me out and grabbed me aggressively. I was never informed I did something wrong nor was I asked to stop. I already contacted an attorney which I recommend for anyone else who was assaulted and almost thrown down stairs at this bar. Then publicly booed while walking out. I can't wait for this to go to court. I will be making a police report tomorrow morning. read more

This place would easily be a five star if the bar staff wasn't garbage. I got three gin and tonics. Yet all three were a different price ($7, $8, $9).... how does that make sense? The bar tenders charge you what they want. Which is really stupid considering that means I'm going to give you a smaller tip since you just ripped me off. However, the space is dope, pretty good dj, and a lot of hot guys. I guess because people in Austin don't know any better so they don't say anything. But homeboys, you do that in Miami? You'll see what happens lol. Not to mention the overly white crowd has a sense of privilege that I had to check a few times. Trying to skip people in line they clearly see are waiting... where they do that at? Either way though, the hot guys and drag show made up for the drink situation. So it's definitely worth checking out! read more

this club is AMAZING! i don't understand all the bad reviews against this place We show up to get drinks and dance, and that's exactly what happens! Drinks are at great prices compared to those at surrounding bars, music is fantastic, and the bartenders are friggen' amazing AF read more

This has been my all time favorite club for years. I've been coming here for a long time and I still have yet to get tired of this place. The music, scenery, and the drag queens.... ESPECIALLY the drag queens, it's perfect to a T. Its so big and spacious so there room for everyone! Also everyone is so friendly here I always walk out here with a new friend. When you do come don't forget to say hi to Nick Rober! read more

See all

I had a fantastic conversation with Nick the General Manager who really turned my experience around. My friends did not stick around, I was alone... he made me feel part of the community, made me feel special. I don't know what everyone is saying about the bathrooms, I have been here on multiple occasions, successfully had a stall which had locks and latched. I guess you guys were drunk? Idk... read more

I ordered one drink and immediately closed my tab. Within the five seconds that the bartender was holding my card to run the tab, he lost the card. When he handed me the receipt for signature I asked where my card was. He said he gave it to me then blamed me for losing it. I told him, "No, actually, you didn't" and asked him to look for the card. He insisted that he gave it to me then demanded that I check all compartments of my wallet four times. He then demanded that I check the floor in front of the bar twice. I didn't have it, and it wasn't on my side of the floor. He became very agitated and started yelling at me and cursing at me and blaming me for losing my card myself. It was very inappropriate and unnecessary, and I told him as much. In his defense, he did take my phone number and promised to look for the card. He did, at 3 a.m., after I had already gone home, then told me the bar would be closed the next day. He found the card at the bar. I had a flight the next morning, so my only practical option was to report my card lost, then change my card number in all my online accounts. This is extremely irritating, it was the bar's fault, and now I'm going to have to deal with a bunch of administrative nightmares and potential late bill payments, not to mention the fact that I won't have access to my credit card for about a week. Although the bar tender ultimately tried to deal with it, he did so once it was too late to be helpful (I told him before I left the bar that I was flying home/out of Austin the next morning, but he told me he would not look for the card further until later), and the yelling and cursing and accusations were very inappropriate. This should not be happening in any service establishment. read more

This bar is fun, has great music and the environment is entertaining. The staff is also friendly. Always have a good time here & must see gay bar in Austin. read more

Highland - Me the turtle neck - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

Everytime I come here I legit leave my ass on the dance floor. So much full on fun! Expect to see people in all ranges of outfits. Got a fake bunny head at home? Cool. Bondage gear? No problem! Drag and shirtless sweaty men? We love to see it! I think you have to pay a cover at the door (my friend handles for the whole group) and drinks are club drinks! There is a whole other room past the bathrooms also! If you want to Let your freak flag fly and dance like no one is watching this is the spot for you! read more

First night out here and it was a great vibe! Much better music than any bar I usually go to, but the same song would be remixing for 5 minutes and it got old. However there was no one creepy there, I felt safe, and all the men were so sweet. Complementing outfits and dancing! Bring a few dollars for the dancers and get some drinks! Bathroom could be cleaner, but I can say that about any bar. It was a 5 dollar cover fee read more

Josh the best bartender on this bar, he always has the hand making my drinks. Love this place!

Always a great time! Mark is an amazing bartender! Awesome atmosphere and drinks are reasonably priced!

New to Austin, first time at this bar. The performers were incredible, drinks were good, crowd was nice. I do not lose my cool very often, especially not at service industry employees -- knowing that that job can be difficult, having worked in the service industry with drunk customers, late nights etc. myself. The bathroom door doesn't lock, so me and my friend went in together to watch the door for each other. We were told that that was not allowed in an extremely rude way, but that wasn't a huge deal. When my friend explained the door doesn't lock, the employee doubled down on his attitude and provided no explanation and displayed no empathy, then threatened to kick us out of the bar every time we tried to explain. A woman who I guess may have been a manager or shift lead walked by at that time and he signaled to her. I explained the situation to her and she was extremely understanding and was way more effective in getting her point across. The employee then told us that people were doing drugs in the bathroom downstairs and thats why people can't be in the bathroom. My man, just START with that and take the attitude down like 12 notches. I will admit I overreacted, but he was so incredibly rude and entitled. I am grateful for the manager who came by and again the performers were amazing. But that one guy was beyond the worst. read more

Nah. This place charges a cover, charges for water (which is illegal in Texas), just pass. All around.

What's a disgrace of mismanagement. Aug 14. Let in too many. Staffed all bars with only one bartender. Couldn't get a drink. Actually told by one that he's ignoring our side of the bar. Shut down by fire Marshall and out by one. Silly stupid little owners. read more

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!! Friendly staff and amazing drinks! Every time I come in, there is ALWAYS something new to look at! Whether it be the lights, glitter, queens, or the people, there is something for EVERYBODY!! 3 floors and a patio!? How can you beat that!? Amazed!! read more

I absolutely LoVE this lounge! Super fun atmosphere, great drag shows and a newly added Latino night! I recently lost my phone while at Highland and the staff was more than helpful in recovering it the following week! Thomas especially went out of his way to make sure that my phone was kept safe and returned in exactly the same condition! The bartenders are always fun and friendly at this bar. Nick up on the second floor will surely keep you entertained while serving you drinks ! While every queen is unique in her own artistry, and it can be a fools game to compare any two drag queens...one in particular stands out this season. Our very own Senator Colleen DeForrest! Catch her next performance and Highland lounge and she'll have you running to the ballot box ;) #ColleenForPresident 2020! I too have been a long standing fan of this space before it was Highland. I remember Kiss n Fly as well, and the establishment it was before..Vicci ;) All I can say, after reading some of the reviews below, is that I'm glad this particular piece of real estate continues to grow and evolve along side the city of Austin itself. As a woman of color, and someone who has frequented this bar, and the bars that once stood in the same space, I can say that I haven't quite felt ostracized or treated differently because of my race or gender. ‍ read more

The Dj you had on 09/07/2019, can you please put him on Saturday nights. He's like really good! Great mix of music with no interruptions.

Nick is the best bartender I've ever had!!! So fun and the music is amazing!!! A MUST SEE when you come to Austin!!! :)

Really should be a zero star! WATCH YOUR PHONES! What's sad is that it's not from other patron taking it, but the establishment itself. They even initially answered the cell when called saying they have the phone (duh...they answered the call to the cell), but then later when called back they said they didn't have it. So incredibly sad that this business operates with such lack of honesty and ethics. I'd definitely watch your phones, purses, credit cards, etc! read more

The bartenders are fantastic, the music is unique, and it is an experience that should not be missed! If you come here, you will never be disappointed. read more

Really valued the ambiance and the vibe. Josh, the bartender on the outdoor patio really took care of me. Served me quick and was super friendly. Honestly, he's the reason why I'm coming back. Very good energy and a great person! Excited for more nights here! read more

Had a fun time visiting here during pride weekend. Fun, multi-level space with great performers and drinks! The bouncer (Steven) was very welcoming and funny. Definitely recommend :-) read more

Such an amazing club with funky beats and tasty treats (read shots). The door guy, Steven (I think, idk- the guy with the long ass hair ) is so sweet and kind. He was so understanding and I could just tell he took his job seriously. I will for sure be coming back here again! read more