While visiting family I decided to try this place out. Â The actual bar section is a bit small but there is another bar out on the patio that I am sure is open during the nice weather. Â The bartender for the evening was friendly and very attentive. Â It was also nice that they accepted credit cards and allowed for tabs. Â Being from the Northeast prices were VERY reasonable and well made.
Review Source:Want to go out without blaring techno mixes of Britney Spears blasting in your ear making conversations impossible!? Then The Briar Patch is the place for you! Good priced drinks, well mixed, always clean inside and out, no cover change with the exception of special occasions and great people.
I am originally from San Francisco, so I have been to many a gay bar. For El Paso, my boyfriend and I always come here. Atmosphere is very laid back. Music played here is always interesting and new (unlike the OP I mean, how many times does one want to hear Katy Perry or Usher?!)
My one tip for sure though is to order your drinks when the manager is not at the bar. He is very strict on his bartenders when pouring. Don't know who he is? Just ask and someone will point him out (plus he's not hard to miss). If he is not at the patio or at the bar inside, ORDER AWAY! Bartenders will be more than generous on your drinks. Also, bartenders are nice enough to give free drinks if they are unsure on how to make your drink order. We once ordered two stoplight shots, bartender was a little wary of how to make them but in the end they were free! Also, one of the only gay bars that allows tabs at the bar!!!
I'm not sure what's up with all the 4 and 5 star reviews. This is just your basic gay bar. Sure... the patio was nice... but really, there's nothing here to write home about. They did earn an extra star due to their bartender. My buddy had fairly interesting drink requests... and the bartender did a great job learning how to make new drinks! (Who knew a sidecar isn't a normal drink in El Paso?)
Review Source:This place is laid back and everyone was friendly. Â It is on the small side and as noted if you are homophobic you are probably going to feel uncomfortable, but if you just want to chill and have a couple of drinks it works. Â And this place is really clean, which is a plus. Â The patio is ok, but the view is very urban...if you look up you can't help but think you are in the middle of an R. Crumb cityscape with all the telephone poles, wires and transformers. Â But then I like that kind of thing.
Review Source:The Briar Patch is one of the cooler bars located in downtown El Paso. Â It's simple, welcoming, has moderate prices, and a great atmosphere. Â I rarely care for the music being played but that doesn't matter to me because the friendly staff and the party I'm with gets all my attention. Â The patio is definitely one of my favourites. Â
Sure, if you're homophobic, you'll probably feel uncomfortable at Briar Patch... but if sexual orientation doesn't matter to you, it's another great bar in the city where you can kick back and not worry about fitting in.
I definitely recommend it.
I know the rating is generous, but this bar deserves it. Even though it is an "alternative" bar, the atmosphere is comfortable for everyone. My biggest issue with other gay bars in the area is that if you are not gay or with someone who is gay, you are given the side eye. The Briar embraces everyone and wants everyone to have a good time.
The bar itself is gorgeous. The patio is shaded with umbrellas for the day time. The old tree in the middle of the patio really sets the tone. When walking outside make sure to look up to see the lady's legs hanging out the window! The decor is seasonal and changes every few months. Christmas time being my favorite with all the lavish decorations they put up. By looking at the decor and the time and energy spent on every detail, you would think the drinks would be overpriced. Au contraire, the drinks are affordably priced, the service is great, and the wait staff is more than exceptional.
Even on busy nights the bartender's manage to pump out the drinks in a timely fashion. The portions are generous and the more complicated drinks are superbly made. The only place I've been able to go to where a Long Island Iced Tea is consistently made well.
Most people have the conception that this is bar is aimed towards a more seasoned crowd, it is quite the opposite. There is house music that plays at night, that is just the right volume to carry a conversation and enjoy a night with friends. This bar is aimed at people who want to socialize with other people of the "alternative" lifestyle while still managing to embrace their straight friends by allowing them to let their hair down.
So if you're looking for a classy, friendly place to have a few drinks with friends without the stiff collar, I would undoubtedly suggest the old BP!
I was born and raised in El Paso (well, Anthony), and have been visiting ever since I left to college 6 years ago. Â Being a gay man, I thought I knew all the places to go in EP for a good night out: the OP or the Mining. Â Well, I was wrong. Â I looked up the Briar Patch online and was surprised to discover it. Â So I called the number listed, just to double check. Â Here's how it went:
"Briar Patch, how can I help you"
"Hi, is this place gay or primarily straight?"
(silence)
"uhh....we're.....alternative" (read: everybody is welcome)
Needless to say, I was a little hesitant to show up, but my friends decided to take a risk and go anyway. Â I'm glad that I did! Â The space is gorgeous, and very relaxing. Â There's a pool table/lounge area, a bar, and a great space next to the restrooms with a couch and some sofas. Â The patio is HUGE and would be great on a nice summer evening.
Our bartender was friendly and made all the drinks my bf asked for (even though he hadn't ever made them). Â They weren't bad for his first time. Â It was a tuesday night, so it was pretty empyty, but I can't wait to go back on the weekend to see how fun it can be!
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