Rainbow Cactus On Holland Rd

I just wanted to recommend Rainbow Cactus. While it IS predominantly a gay/lesbian bar, there is a very diverse crowd on Friday and Saturday nights. Straight couples, older folks (straight, gay, and lesbian, single and other), drag queens and drag kings, people who come to dance or play pool, and of course folks (like me) who love to watch the drag shows. The drinks are reasonably priced (and pretty strong), the staff is friendly, and I'm pretty sure there's no cover (I've never paid to get in anyway).

The drag queens who perform on Fridays and Saturdays are pros and great dancers. Audience participation is encouraged and they even have "drag races" where you can win a whopping $5 for putting on a dress and riding a tricycle to the finish line on the stage! That's $5 american money! lol! Jasmine and Jennifer are our two fave queens. Jennifer will keep you laughing your ass off and she loves to show off her new boobs . Jasmine has the most beautiful legs *sigh*.

The right hand side of the club is the disco/drag show area. It has a huge dance fllor and tables big enough for large groups. The pool tables and men's room are on this side. The left side of the bar (divided by a wall) is predominantly lesbian with a seperate full-service bar, lady's rooms, dance floor and non-stop country music. Line dancing is the norm and the regulars are wonderful to watch (eventhough I detest country music). Switching back and forth between the two can become adicting as it can be hard to figure out where you're having the most fun!

I don't know what percentage of the patrons are swingers but as it's an all-embracing atmosphere, I'm sure there are quite a few. Just look for the straight couples My triad (hubby, myself, and our girlfriend) love hanging out there and hope other folks can check it out, too!

L

May check it out, when is the best time.

I don't think things get fun until after 10pm. I've been in there earlier in the evening (8-ish) and the crowd seems to come in in dribs and drabs until suddenly, the place is packed and you have no idea how they all got there without you noticing! Did I mention they make the drinks STRONG? Could explain why things seem to go from empty to packed in just a short time

A note on the food: The only thing I've eaten there is the chips and salsa which is damn good. I think they cook they tortilla chips themselves. The menu is pretty much a short list of typical bar food: fries, wings, jalepeno poppers, etc... You might want to grab a bite before hand.

L

we have been there a few times and have had a great time each visit--love to meet up with yall some time VB PG--love the laid back atmosphere and yes i was in one of the drag races--lol00i didnt win but still hada ball--love to hear from other locals

vabeachcpl

So they don't mind straight couples, huh? We would be first-timers, what kind of "ettiquette" should be followed?

Dancer120 - Straight is certainly NOT a problem! They welcome everyone. My personal experience with the waitstaff has been great. While you'd probably get your drinks faster by getting them yourself at the bar, the waitstaff is friendly and often pretty damn funny.

As far as etiquette: Don't do anything that you wouldn't do at a straight bar. In other words:

-Don't stare. That's rude in any setting.
-Be polite.
-Drag queens should ALWAYS be spoken to as if they are women unless they request otherwise. And they love it when you flirt, so long as you're respectful.
-Tip your servers well and they will bust their butts for you (that goes for any bar!)
-Get up and dance when you feel like it!
-Watch your tongue. Sometimes we say disparaging things without realizing that it could be insulting. Words like "fag" and "dyke" are NOT nice.
-When tipping the drag queens (the pros on stage only), you can tuck your bills into any strap or waistband. Just don't grope. Be sure to smile and let them know that you're enjoying the performance.

Generally, just behave as you would at any bar. Relax and let yourself feel at home. You'll be treated with respect if you do the same.

L

Who's ready for a trip to the Cactus? It's been far too long for me!

L

How about Monday or Tuesday night, 18-19 July? Maybe you could show us the ropes (and hopefully more...)

Scratch that. Make it Tuesday!

L

And BTW Wanker, I'll bring any ropes (or chains) that you like, although I'll have to scout the dance floor for anchor points ;)

L

Rainbow is a great club. Love the drag shows there. They are really open and do not mind str8/bi/or gay in there it seems. They just like to party and have a good time

jim- The "don't care what your orientation is" thing is what I love most about the Cactus. I've never felt out of place, over- or under-dressed, or the least bit unwelcome. I've never experienced unwanted advances. When I've been asked to dance, the invitation was always very polite and there were no hard feelings if I turned someone down.

The atmosphere at Rainbow Cactus is very warm and welcoming. I haven't been there in a few months and am itching to go to another drag show soon!

VB very much agree with you have been there a few times and have never been made too fell out of place. Actually had a hell of a good time when we went.

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