Below is a list of establishments (and events) in the greater Philadelphia area and suburbs (including New Jersey) that welcome transgendered people. Most of these establishments cater to a predominantly gay clientele, but warmly welcome our patronage. Be sure to call these establishments to verify their schedule. If you know of any additional places that can be added to this list, or if you find they no longer cater to a TG clientele, please let us know by emailing clubupdate@ren.org.
NEW!
BRIANNA'S IN THE COTTAGE GREEN
Northeast Philly's newest club for gay men and women. The Cottage Green is a catering/banquet hall. Sunday nights Brittany Lynn take the place over and presents a Star Search drag contest for Miss Northeast. To sign up as a contestant call 215-426-8585. The DJ is Miss Salada Tee, the 1999 Miss Cartwheel. Cover is $15. For that you get a lavaish buffet and penny drinks till midnight, plus the show, The Dating Game after the show, guest bartenders from center city clubs, and free parking. Open 8pm-2am.
9001 Ashton Road
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 673-1000
BOB AND BARBARA'S
A neighborhood bar with drag shows on Thursday nights beginning at 11 pm. Though small, the club comes highly recommended. It's a young crowd (college age), mixed gay and straight. The show is done on a postage stamp sized stage, andall over the bar, when the performers leave the stage to lip synch in your face. It's funky, it's fun. The special is a shot and a beer for $3. Nuff said? One Wednesday a month DJ K-Tell takes the place over for a show with The Dumpsta Players, a young troupe of funny people who do a wild, irreverant comedy happening at midnight. Call for info on K-Tell's next tiny extravaganza.
THE CARTWHEEL
"Drag Search" every Monday night at 11 PM. The last Monday night of each month is the "finals" for that month, and the crowd is bigger. It all leads up to the Miss Cartwheel pageant in September. Cafe 'Mo is the attached restaurant. The food is excellent, and the prices are not bad. They have $9.95 special most week nights. There is a piano bar on weekends in Cafe 'Mo for those who like to sing along. Call for a schedule.
KEY WEST
Multi-level gay establishment with the top floor dance club in Center City. There are no specific drag nights on their schedule at this time. Call for info on special events.
SHAMPOO
This club in a converted industrial space has a party Friday evenings called Shaft. Local fab, drag hostess Fe Fe La Da Da welcomes you to the fun in the Velvet Underground. Drag will get you through the door quicker than any other outfit. Lady Bunny, Joey Arias, Candice Kane, Kevin Aviance and other other New York City drag queen stars stop by from time to time to entertain, or just mingle. It's a mixed, young crowd. $10 cover, unless you're on the guest list. Free parking in an enclosed lot if you get there early. $1 call drinks from 9 till 11.
SISTERS
A lesbian bar on Chancellor Street, right around the corner from Key West. You'll be okay as long as you don't try to come on to them. Thursday night is Kareoke Night with Suzi Nash. Wednesday night is "Drag-A-Rama" with male and female drag. Music by hot DJ Maria V.
The Air Command is primarily a gay men's bar but they have a drag show night on Thursdays, the "USO Show" with Sandy Beach at 10. They have special events (like drag swimsuit contests) from time to time.
WOODY'S
Primarily a gay bar and dance club, this establishment is visited from time to time by transgendered ladies on the prowl, such as TG Forum's Sexy Vampire, Kalina Isato.
CLUB 1415
EXCHANGE
Call for info.
814 CLUB RESTAURANT
Sunday night is drag show night. It's creatively called Boys In Dresses.
THE JOURNEY'S END
Drag shows on Wednesday nights featuring Brittany Lynne. This is a new spot in Delaware County. Check to see if it's still open.