Best Transgender Bars and Clubs in Reno

Reno has a small but welcoming LGBTQ+ community with several gay-friendly venues, and Nevada's relaxed attitudes create an easygoing atmosphere for all travelers. There is no dedicated trans bar in Reno in 2026 — what exists instead is a tight cluster of queer and gay bars where trans patrons are a consistent, visible part of the crowd. Reno has a lively, active gay community but no formal "gayborhood" — the bars are scattered in all parts of town, with the most welcoming tending to cluster closest to downtown. For most trans Reno locals, a night out means one of four or five venues, all within the city itself.

The Reno Trans Scene

When the LGBTQ+ bar Tronix closed in 2015 after an 11-year run, Reno's queer nightlife contracted sharply — a trend its own community attributed to a period of broader social acceptance that made dedicated spaces feel less necessary. In 2025 and 2026, that calculus has reversed. As the owner of Reno's newest LGBTQ bar put it: "We're going backwards." The result is a modest but real rebuilding of Reno's queer bar scene, anchored by veteran spots like the 5 Star Saloon and Carl's — The Saloon, and energized by new openings like Out of the Closet Bar and Nightclub. Trans community members anchor the crowds at all of these venues and show up in force for drag events and themed nights. The community's social infrastructure runs through these bars and through Our Center, the city's LGBTQ+ community hub, which runs dedicated programming for trans adults.

Top Transgender Bars and Clubs for Reno Locals

5 Star Saloon

Type: LGBTQ+ dance club and cocktail bar

Location: 132 West St., Reno, NV 89501

Features: Open since 1971 and the longest-running gay bar in Nevada, 5 Star has been voted Best Gay Hangout in Northern Nevada by the Reno News & Review and maintains a reputation as a safe environment where people can be themselves. On Fridays and Saturdays it becomes a full dance club with a platform stage, DJ sets, and a dance floor with cage and poles; weeknights lean into karaoke and a more casual bar atmosphere.

Website: http://5starsaloon.com

Out of the Closet Bar and Nightclub (OTC)

Type: LGBTQ+ nightclub with drag programming

Location: 340 Kietzke Lane, Reno, NV 89502

Features: OTC's 3,000-square-foot interior includes a dance floor, black walls, colorful LED lighting, pool tables, platforms for go-go dancers, a pole, and a back patio with seating for smokers. The owner has committed to a 2026 calendar of charity events, drag shows, karaoke nights, and DJ events — and the inclusive, all-of-community intent is explicit from ownership. OTC is located at 340 Kietzke Lane and operates Thursday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to close.

Website: https://otcreno.com

Carl's — The Saloon

Type: Queer dive bar and neighborhood hangout

Location: 3310 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89502

Features: Carl's is a long-standing LGBTQ+ bar in Reno with a relaxed, welcoming vibe, friendly bartenders, and fun themed nights — it's known for strong drinks, no cover charge, and a smoke-free interior. The bar also sponsors special events like fundraisers, beer busts, and Pride parties; on regular nights it's a friendly, low-key local spot with pizza and pool. It draws a mixed queer crowd where trans regulars are a familiar presence.

The Emerson

Type: Trans-friendly cocktail lounge with queer events

Location: Midtown Reno, NV (South Virginia St. corridor)