Drag queen Velma Belle reveals her favourite LGBTQ+ bars in Osaka

Opened in 2022 in the neon-lit Soemoncho district near Dotonbori, Lip Service is a drag bar where you can share drinks and enjoy chatting with glamorous queens from all over the country. 

The cover charge is ¥3,300 for men and ¥2,200 for women, and drinks start from ¥880. There’s also an all-you-can-drink option, so whether you’re on your own or with friends, chances are you’ll have a good time.

Yuta, the owner, has been a drag queen for nine years, during which he has handled everything from club performances to department store sales and appearances at various social events. Since establishing his own bar, he has dedicated himself to crafting a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy special experiences such as photo opportunities with the cast and celebratory champagne toasts. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, raise a glass, and let loose as you embrace the extraordinary.

Velma’s take: Yuta has a team of drag queens who will keep you entertained and drink with you all night long. You’re sure to have a good time.

Do With Cafe, with its distinctive red door, is a dining bar located in the Toganocho area of Umeda, one of the city’s top entertainment districts. Here you can enjoy brilliant shows put on by drag queens while relishing the creative cuisine conjured up by the owner, who honed his skills at a traditional Japanese restaurant.

The bar offers a daily-changing menu featuring the freshest seafood, sourced from the local market each morning. The beef cutlets are a standout too, made with thick, succulent cuts of meat that are expertly fried to a golden crisp. The restaurant's elegant ambience, with its sparkling decor and distinctively Japanese design elements, contributes to a memorable dining experience.

On weekdays, Do With Cafe is a great place to enjoy a meal or a casual drink after work, izakaya style. It’s also ideal for parties, with shows happening from 8.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and days before public holidays. The tables in front of the stage are the best seats in the house for getting up close and personal with the dancers. With so many events and shows, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

Velma’s take: This bar has drag queens and delicious food. What more could you want? The queens are all beautiful and full of fun.

Opened in March 2024 as the third location of the popular Eagle Tokyo Group hailing from Shinjuku Ni-chome, Eagle Osaka is poised to become one of the most popular gay bars in western Japan.

Step into a world of traditional Japanese charm as you approach the entrance, adorned with white paper lanterns, a traditional shop curtain, and sliding doors featuring intricate latticework. But once inside, prepare to be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the club area, a space filled with dazzling lights and pulsating music that creates an electric ambience. On weekends the club hosts lively DJ parties, offering an essentially Osakan nightlife experience.

The second floor centres on a corridor reminiscent of a charming backstreet that is lined with a variety of small bars and clothing shops. Enjoy happy hour specials from 6pm to 8pm, featuring cocktails starting at just ¥660 and enticing all-you-can-drink options. Don't miss the opportunity to snap a photo with the captivating mural by the renowned artist Jiraiya. Also on the second floor is a boutique dedicated to Nihon-Danji, a brand that showcases the work of talented Japanese gay artists on a global stage. 

Note that this establishment is cashless, so be sure to have your credit cards, electronic money, or QR payment methods ready.

Velma’s take: This is the largest gay bar in western Japan. The first floor has a dance floor where DJ parties are held on weekends, while the second floor boasts a yokocho-style atmosphere.