Highland Lounge

Love this club. The main floor is big and gets packed after 11pm. Love the downstairs, it’s dark with lasers and different music. This place is so big I didn’t notice it had an outside. One of my favorite all time clubs.

They close the basement on fridays with no warnings then still charge a $10 cover…. You’re stuck listening to a mid drag show on their blown out speakers. The drinks are ridiculously over priced and under poured. Their soda lines are dirty so all the mixed drinks taste rancid.

Ive 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 its happened. This is not a safe space for the community. Ive 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.

Hello! This is a very bad place. It charges an entrance fee of $15 per person and it weren’t have include a drink! There are also people inside, well above capacity, which is uncomfortable because its very hot and the crowd has a smell of sweat. I advise those who are thinking of going, you are not to go!

Went on a Saturday night and had a blast. Really big club (2 dance floors + outside lounge) considering the population size of Austin. Cheap $10 cover. Highly recommend.

That club was terrible . We paid $31.20 just for the entrance fee for two people at 2 AM, and no drinks were included. This place is ridiculously expensive. I will not be going back. If I had known the entrance fee was $15 per person, I wouldnt have gone there at 2 AM.

It was my favorite club, the basement was great. The last time I went the security in the basement took the men out if they were doing something inappropriate, they treated the customers aggressively, wow you cant treat the customers like that, Dont create fame and then treat the customers aggressively.

I love coming here. Nice friendly staff. I wish the main dance floor on a Saturday played some gayer music. It’s been a little spring break Cancun vs dance club lately.

Damien is the best! I love seeing him whenever I go to Highland!

Rarely do security checks, there is no bouncers to enforce safety. Staff is not friendly at all. When you need to speak to management for any sort of issues, the bartenders are quick to dismiss it or say they are the manager to shrug you off. Fights break out, and if it gets too packed they will kick everyone out and reopen 30 minutes later to charge you a second cover. Don’t waste your money at this gay club. Rain and OCH are way more chill and friendlier.

Enjoyed the back outdoor area, drinks were a little marked up compared to other nearby LGBT establishments. Bartenders were friendly which made it enjoyable. Fun drag shows on a Saturday night. Cheers.

This is my go to club in Austin. I never pass a night up here. It’s very spacious and everyone is so friendly. Nick has definitely became my favorite bartender here.

I don’t usually give reviews but the experience and atmosphere of this place was so much fun and welcoming. The bartender Mark made us feel at home and like we were regulars and always made sure everyone was happy and had a drink in their hand. Next time I’m back in Austin I’ll definitely make another stop by.

Worst bar ever . Their security team is poorly trained , are aggressive and totally not welcoming at all . Don’t waste your money .

Me and some friends stopped in for a drag show and it was such a good time! The energy here was absolutely splendid and the show was so fun! Definitely give this place a visit if you want a great night out!

Highland Lounge is a good bar. I really like the lounge. It’s a big place. Manager nick is very accommodating and always helpful of my friends and I.

No security at all on ‘busy nights’ (ACL, Halloween, Thanksgiving etc) Awful management. Some of the bartenders seem chronically annoyed and pissy. Definitely not a safe gay space. Better off at OCH or Rain honestly.

This place has an awesome dance floor. But no one is dancing. People just stand om the dance floor while the dj plays terrible music. Hes standing over the dance floor. He can see no one is dancing.... yet he continues to play terrible music. If you like dancing to not terribly awful techno, dont come here.

Got kicked out by the “manager” for asking for help finding my jacket… really weird and awful experience. Won’t come again.

I really wish the Highland Lounge staff would address line cutting. Ive witnessed groups of people walk close to the entrance and then slowly integrate themselves into the line. Sometimes they know one or two people and mingle their way in, and other times they just join the line. This also occurs at the door. This causes the queue to be 1.5 - 2 hours long. On top of that, the club isnt even packed once you enter (if Im comparing it to its earlier years and the previous establishments). On special nights (Halloween, Pride, etc.), it might be helpful if the entrance had two people at the main door processing payments, especially if they arent going to monitor the lines. A few years ago, there was a bouncer that did address this and kick people to the back if they observed people cutting, but this person wasnt there for long. 😥 I also noticed too many of the staff personally letting their friends in through side doors or at the main entrance. I tried the VIP (aka Disneylands FastPass) line once, but that even took forever due to payment processing issues.I also gave it two stars because I had a horrible experience there right before COVID-19, where the bartender ignored me. I went to order my first drink, but he acknowledged everyone but me (people next to me and those that showed up later). I could understand if I were drunk or obnoxious. However, I quietly stood there waiting my turn like everyone else. I actually experienced this twice. It just reinforced the idea that not all safe spaces are truly safe.

My phone was stolen. My husband’s phone was stolen. The guy we were dancing with his phone was stolen as well. All in the same night!!!!!

Shift in management has proven a promising future for this nightclub. Sporadic renovations to spruce up its overall aesthetic have made all the difference in every aspect. Nothing but great music and even better vibes any night I am there. Great open concept layout, lots of space for dancing and socializing. Sound system is undoubtedly top tier. Dont miss this spot if you ever visit ATX.

Music on Friday (5$ cover) was very good (electronic, danceable) but on Saturday (10$ cover) it was very lame (alternating between the typical fare, Britney and co, and this new age (c)rap that is not danceable). Also, too lit for a club, at least the ones Im used to. Crowd again is very different to the one you see on apps, either the handsome people go somewhere else or weve reached extreme levels of FaceApp usage.

If you relish the smell of ripe vomit with a strong infusion of Fabuloso, then this is your spot. It’s curious they find it reasonable to charge a cover for this experience and not even allow reentry. Austin is I’m dire need of better nightlife…

Me and my girlfriend went out last night to highland, this isnt the first gay club weve been to but the first time for Highland. Not even being there for 10 mins we attempted to use a restroom to which we realized had no lock on so we were holding the door for each other while we each went. A staff member repeatedly ripped the door open from both my hands and my girlfriends after repeatedly telling them it was occupied. We were willing to comply with whatever it was he wanted but he was literally opening the door on us while we were exposed yelling at us not explaining, let alone letting us explain. He just furthered escalated the situation as he continued being aggressive and forcibly removed us from the restroom and then the club entirely. Being physical is a last resort not something you use from the jump. We didnt even realize they were staff until we were already removed from the restroom and noticed their shirts, so how were we to know these two men trying open the door on us are staff, we thought they were random strangers. No one came and helped us or explained any further, he actually continued to follow us outside and instigate saying were outside now suggesting he wanted to physically fight. Yea I dont know what kind of pathetic power trip he was on but were definitely not coming back when they have people as unwelcoming, violent, and misogynistic really, as him working there. Sexual harassment is not something that should be taken lightly and its disappointing a club that is advertised as friendly to all lgbtq+ members would accept this kind of behavior from their staff.

Came here and bartender Mark Marie took care of me all night! Best service. 10/10 would recommend.

Great layout. Amazing sound and lights. More for younger crowds. Recent State masking changes resulted in owner or management deciding to either do away with mask enforcement or just do away with the mandatory mask policy. Capacity appears to be over 50%, which is allowed by State law. If you’re still uncomfortable with this new state order, I recommend you don’t go until more people get vaccinated.

Most amazing service ever! best dance floor and also have 3 floors i love it, this place give me options.

One stars for the dance floor/stage whatever.Unfair business tactics.People paid 20 bucks online to see the event waited in long line were getting in at the same pace as walk ins paying 10 bucks with 3 times faster due to short line.Creating overcrowded place where I barely got 10 minute glimpse of the show I paid to watch full.Tell you what, at the door they visually scanned my barcode (without scanner).I dont go here often bso I dont know whether this a regular thing (forward your email to a friend who forgot to buy the ticket) or just one time thing.I wouldnt wanna go back.

Really friendly, attentive, and sweet staff.Great entertainment, the music sounded great. We went with a group of 14 girls and felt very at home and safe. Thank you for having us.

I absolutely love this club , would rather be here than any other club on 4th!!!The bartenders are amazing especially Nick !This is the perfect club if you’re looking for a good time !

Best gay bar in Austin! Friends and I go every weekend and the bartenders are so friendly. They’ve started to renovate and it’s looking even better than ever.

Highland is my favorite place as a transplant from DC. The staff has always had my back since I arrived here. Mark is amazing and so are Cici, Jaja, Axel, Jonathan, Nick, and the rest of the staff. I love it here.

Among the most chaotic nightclubs in Austin. Not necessarily a bad thing.

404 Colorado is simply sacrosanct.Need I say more? UPDATE: BEST SOUND SYSTEM I HAVE EVER HEARD in a DJ VENUE IN AUSTIN.Who cares if all they play is STRICTLY Hip Hop and R&B on Thursday?Their state of the art, bass enhanced, optimized, BOOMING SURROUND SOUND tweaked to PERFECTION is every DJs dream come true; guaranteed to satisfy even the most jaded, discriminating audiophile!!!Take your COVIDIOT mask off, shut up, and dance(no mask enforcement).There is NO COMPARISON.Highland is truly a breath of fresh air in these tumultuous times.

Always a great time! Nick and Emalie ( The patio bartenders)… Less inexpensive drinks on 4th street, especially over RAIN….. rain will drain your wallet dry. This is an iconic 4th street bar!

Worst bar in Austin. Terrible service, bartenders are extremely rude and it takes forger to get a drink, over 45 min. Go anywhere but here for a fun night out. Do not recommend.

Put 1 star but wish I could put 0. The “security guard” physically hurt my friends after continually stating their ID’s were fakes, even though the ID’s said they were 19 and we repeatedly stated that as well when asking the entry age. Completely ruined our girls weekend by causing anxiety and trauma from this experience. Do not recommend.

Coolest bar ever! Felt like a gay fun house, loved the vibessssss

I have come here for years pre-COVID, however I was charged 4x as much as my friend for a vodka soda and vodka redbull. He ordered the same thing and was charged $15, however I was charged over $50 for the same order. Absolutely terrible.

Such a fun bar! i could not think of a better bar for you to visit on Friday and Saturday! Great bartenders, great drink specials for HH! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

We went and had a Gay ol time!!!! The place was hot as F! Excellent music, excellent service and A lot of smoldering Dancing !

Only reason this club deserves one star is because they overcharged my card $50. I guess make sure you buy multiple drinks, because theyll charge them for you anyway. 5/8/21

Who do I talk to about disputing a charge? I went to the bar and they said my tab had been closed and I didn’t close it. Anyways I opened another tab and when I looked at my bank statement it looks like some left a large tip on my behalf. Please get back to me.

Awesome place! Fun staff and strong drinks

Always a great time! Mark is an amazing bartender!

This place could be amazing but instead it feels like a middle school winter formal. Get 👏🏽 a 👏🏽 new 👏🏽 DJ

It’s a dump. Trashy management.

Look for Mark behind the bar! Top tier service and the BEST experience!

Kinda hectic 😂 kinda nasty and sweaty,

Amazing Drag Show! Amazing Bartenders! Amazing Happy Hour! Amazing music! I LOVEEEE this place!

The show director is shady and want book out of town girls she keeps giving me the run around

Very nice great lighting and music and drinks. Not anywhere to dance and they only serve drinks on the third floor

Its 8 in the eve and not op we n. Web site says open

This place is trash! They clearly pander to california style bars its extremely trashy wont be coming here again

If this place was any better, I just could not stand it!!!!!

Reached out about a $50 overcharge and have not heard back. Will not be returning here.

Kinda a dive bar. Feels old and dirty

Great drinks and ambience!

Was pick pocketed here 2 times now. Awful place to be.

It is a nasty place I accidentally stumble into it dont go there

The best bartenders and management in the city.

Love the atmosphere and the drag shows!

Horrible

Amazing

Be ready to wait 30 minutes for a drink.

#thebest

Perfect

Not worth 15 bucks plus outrageous prices for drinks!! Greed is evil!!!

Im on vacation this weekend, I paid my ticket at 12:30pm and then I came back at 3:00am and the security wanted me to pay again for the half hour left before they closed, even though I was showing him that I already I had paid early. It is an abuse on their part so I would not return to the place, they went too far!!!

The clubs website is not updated, it says it is open and when you arrive it is closed.

Super good ❤️✌️