The Back Door

A great atmosphere all round. Staff are great, drinks are great, food is great, and they have some kind of event almost every night of the week. If you’re in Bloomington this is a great place to go. I’ve never had a bad night at the Back Door and everyone is always so welcoming and friendly. Support your local gay bar.

I made an unplanned visit to Bloomington, and decided to check out karaoke at The Back Door. The environment was very welcoming, and the place was full of energy and love. Highly recommended, and my only complaint is that I don't have more time here to check out their other amazing events.

Friendly environment! You will have maximum crowd participation, if you play the right Song. Definitely keep your bartender as they are great, even though I don’t drink.

Interesting bar with a light and friendly atmosphere. Features a creative hand stamp and lighted singing contest involving large strong women with big hair and fun sing-a-long style lip syncing. Bar tenders are friendly and fast. Bathrooms are co-ed but creatively decorated with local graffiti. Would go back.

The atmosphere is immaculate. Only *minor* complaint is some of the performers at shows aren't doing much performing, but its still so fun to be there regardless. My bloom go to.

My favorite bar in Bloomington! Definitely makes some people uncomfortable given it’s a gay bar, but this is the best place for dancing with tasty drinks. Get the cucumber one!!

Gay bars are a rare treat here in Indiana and Bloomington. There’s nothing better than this one. I love coming here and the owners are absolutely nice and the staff is amazing. Not to mention the bartenders know how to pour up a really good one as well.

Wow, what classy, kind people. My husband, two of our friends, and I (we are all from Indianapolis) took a trip this weekend to Spencer Pride and decided to see a drag show here. We didn’t purchase tickets in advance and they were sold out. However, the front desk show is compassion and generosity and made room for us while offering us discounted tickets. We felt valued, and I appreciated the kindest they showed us. What an overall really amazing experience! We will certainly come back from Indy to visit!

This is my favorite spot in town it has great vibes and it feels safe. The food in the food truck is perfect is amazing and they always have fun events.

My favorite bar in town! I love the atmosphere, everyone is always super welcoming. Great shows are hosted here on the regular and drinks vary in price from reasonable $2 PBR upwards of $8 fancy cocktails. It's the only bar in town where I feel totally comfortable letting lose and dancing the night away.

The staff and bartenders are great—I love getting to chat with them when it’s not too crowded.
A personal favorite of mine is the Disney Cabaret night. Be on the lookout for it, it can sell out quickly.
Love the performances and overall atmosphere.
Throw glitter, not shade.

First time there and I had a great time there pic of a after party I went to after that's just a cut out picture the guy had at his home in his man cave

I've only been once, but it was a good time. The staff was polite and good at their jobs, and the Drag show was great.

Edit: I have now been twice and I had an even better time the second time around.

I brought my straightish friend here for her first drag show.

She enjoyed herself thoroughly! From her perspective, the performers were “meticulously made-up” and “well-dresses”. It was a night of “thrills and titillation” “filled with rainbow unicorns” and “tongue-in-cheek titled drinks”.

As the only real queer place in Bloomington, besides my friends’ houses, this place is a lot of fun where all are welcome.

This is the only queer bar in town now and it's a gem. Good drinks (with fun queer community inspired names like The Beard) at a moderate price and an incredibly fun atmosphere. The decor is kitchy--lots of unicorns, gay/queer photos, glitter and animal print. I adore this place for dancing, drag shows and local music. Always check their Facebook page for events because certain nights can get REALLY PACKED so you have to decide if you want a low key night or not. What I most appreciate about this place is that the owners and employees really seek to make it a safe space for LBGTQ+ people, women and people of color. No harassment will be tolerated and people can be kicked out/banned for bad behavior. In summer and spring the patio and porch expand the space and are great for hanging out even if a show is going on. So much love for the Back Door!

I've reached a point that the only bar that I go to when I'm in Bloomington is the Back Door Bar. As far as I'm concerned, it's hands-down the best bar in Bloomington. I still have vague and fleeting memories of Bullwinkles, and the great times I had there. It's not that big of a place, but in some ways that just makes it that much better. Great atmosphere, great drinks, great shows, great people, and great, great place to dance = one heck of a great time!

The Backdoor is such an amazing place for LGBTQ+ or even straight allies! Everyone feels comfortable and there's a zero tolerance of any inappropriate behavior. Come here to dance your butt off and have an amazing good time and great drinks!

Loved that they had a menu board with fun mocktails! Made going out while pregnant easy and fun to still participate.

Home away from home. I love this place. It made me move back to BTOWN. The backdoor will have my heart until the day I die. Amazing staff and amazing performers.

I accidentally bought the wrong ticket to a show and so far I haven't been able to fix it. They were able to fix it just a bit ago. I love going here with a group of my friends and am excited to go there this Saturday.