Reviews of The Back Door (Night Club)

Idriss Bah

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!

Joe Newman

I used to go to this bar fairly often. The drinks are nice and there's usually a unique event going on. Unfortunately, the last time I went was last Halloween. I know it was a while ago but it's been really bothering me. I haven't felt comfortable to return because of the direction of the party. What was an easy going burlesque show turned very venomously political. Im not an avid Trump supporter or very political charged but the atmosphere was not only dissapointing but honestly bordered on frightening. One of the dancers blared a song screaming f* Donald Trump, queuing the crowd to do the same. The dancer covered a flag in fake fecal matter and paraded it around stage while the crowd grew into a frenzy. My boyfriend and I left shortly after, both feeling incredibly uncomfortable by the riot like behavior, genuinely concerned about what violence was going to break out. It was very animalistic. It didn't occur to either of us until this past week when discussing what bars to go to that the behavior and atmosphere of The Back Door had changed in such a way that we had not intention of returning. I used to love this bar but the dancer wasn't the only time that politics had been infused in what should be a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. It gave the bar a bad taste and reflected very poorly on the community

Will Pulliam

Nice club and dancing

rachel belen

One star only because the bartenders are nice, but its a realy lonely pub to go to especially for a young gay man, clicky, out of touch and druggy place. If you are not part of a borg collective & are just looking for good music and maybe meet new freinds or possible hookups i would go somewhere else. If you like ecstasy, antifa, & going home alone late at night its the place to be!! - joshua b.

Contessa kindfire

Fun and friendly environment.

Alicia Hayden

Honestly one of the dingiest bars I've been in but I suppose that's in style in Bloomington, had a terrible time last night at the New Years eve party, the DJ was one of the worst I've experienced and the Dance floor is wayyyy to small for anyone to even move, over crowded, poorly organized and the drinks are insanely over priced.

Joel Thomas

The bartender overcharged me for my beer. I am sure he gets away with this a lot. But, I had purchased beers earlier and KNEW what the price was. I would NEVER return to this hole in the wall, RIPOFF bar, even if it is the only gay bar in town. TOTALLY BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS BAR. CRAP BARTENDER MUST HAVE A COKE PROBLEM. AVOID, drive to Indianapolis.

Christopher Martin

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!

Toby Klein

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.

Alyx Duncan

I've never felt more welcome

Evy Johnson

Great dance floor and vibes. Fun drinks, but more expensive than the other college bars.

J. Brolin

Great job guys!!!

Jeremy Ramstein

Went there with my wife and one of her friends and it looks nice, but they are heavily involved with politics and we were ironically treated as if they have a phobia of people who are different. Her friend was wearing an American flag tank top and cowboy boots and she was treated horribly. Random scoffs and eyerolls the entire time we were in there. Even parts of their website are unnecessarily rude; "Gay allies are welcome, but please remember this space was not created for you." That's just a really bad way to get your point across and it comes off hypocritical and offensive. I think that quote alone speaks volumes and is a clear representation of their lack of concern as well as proper etiquette and courtesy for others. There's even curse words on their website. At one point while we were there, there was even anti-trump chants while an American flag was being abused in ways I won't even detail. Imagine how uncomfortable that made my wife's friend feel? It felt very unsafe, yet they advertise it as a safe place. At any point in time, that entire floor could have erupted into a riot or even a massacre if it would have caught the wrong person's attention. Needless to say, we didn't take up our complaints with management, the integrity is obviously compromised at the highest level, so we just left. I do not recommend this place at all. They know how to network, so they look enticing, but there are much better bars you could go to with a far more acceptable environment.

Tiffany Walton

You guys know I love you...

Natalia M

It's a fun little bar. Very chill atmosphere. They have great shows. Mixed drinks are tasty, and have fun names.

ViralRak

I’ve been here a few times, it’s always a good time. The atmosphere has always been welcoming and the staff is always swell. They host fun events, and I always have an all around great time whenever I’m there.

No One

Very upbeat atmosphere, great drinks.

Debra Henninger

Love the diversity of the crowd.

Jordyn McIntyre

We had a ton of fun at this place! We went to a show prior to it turning into a dance party. All of the staff was courteous and kind, as were other patrons. The only thing that sucked was the amount of bathroom stalls. We loved it and will definitely go back!

Ariss McKalynn

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.

Kathie Johnson

I love going to the Back Door. No one cares what you're doing, what you're wearing, who you're attracted to or who you love. It's a slice of heaven for me in IN.

Cody Weikel

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.

Sami Schalk

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!

Thomas Wolf

Best drinks in town with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, though be prepared for loud music, my ears were ringing after about two hours

Megan Saylor

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.

Charm Hole

Queerest place in Indiana!

Rxnboi84

All inclusive

Brandi Wampler

Awesome events, and awesome people! Love the atmosphere, great place to meet new friends! Great drink specials as well! Keep up the good work :)

Ilise Kundel

Great cocktails, and a great place to go dancing on certain nights. Women - be wary of the single straight men that try to hit on queer women, but I feel like that is an unfortunate feature of every LGBT+ bar. I wish they had more bathroom stalls, but I do love the gender neutral bathrooms.

Andrew Hsu

Atmosphere is lame. And so is the decor. Drinks are meh too. Bathrooms are kind of gross.

Jacob Bielecki

Had a lot of fun here. The drag show was great. fun drink names

ondria vandivier

Saturday Dance Parties and Drag, need I say more!? Drinks are a little pricey but I don't even care once I am dancing. The whole place is crowded and fun, but never difficult to get on the stage if you want! Definitely bring all my friends here when they are in town