Ochsengarten opened in 1967 on Mullerstrasse as Germany's first leather fetish bar for men, and 58 years later it still anchors the Glockenbachviertel scene with a strict dress code, a back room and a packed weekend crowd.
Tip: Dress code (leather, jeans, uniform, rubber, skin); no street wear. Doors from 20:00 or 21:00 depending on the night.
Address: Muellerstrasse 47, 80469 Munich
Deutsche Eiche has stood on Reichenbachstrasse since 1864 as one of the most historical meeting places of Munich's gay village, with a Bavarian restaurant, a 24-hour reception, a men-only sauna and a small rooftop terrace.
Tip: The sauna is paid and men-only; the restaurant and bar run alongside. Freddie Mercury kept a regular suite here.
Sub on Mullerstrasse runs as Munich's gay and queer community centre with a cafe-bar on the ground floor, exhibition walls for local artists and a steady programme of readings, concerts and counselling.
Tip: More community room than club; the bar is the place to start the night before walking to Ochsengarten or Prosecco.
SPIN opened on Theklastrasse in November 2025 as Munich's first jazz-kissa listening bar, with a floor-to-ceiling wall holding up to 2,000 records, restored 1975 JBL 4341 studio monitors and artisanal sake on the menu.
Tip: Conversation is kept low; arrive between sides. Free entry to Goldener Reiter next door for SPIN guests.
Couch Club on Klenzestrasse runs 150 gins on the back bar with sixties and seventies sofas, a foosball table in the back room and bi-annual tastings, giving the Glockenbach a slow listening spot away from the dance floors.
Tip: Spanish-style Gin and Tonic in a large goblet is the house pour. Tastings (around 55 euro) run twice yearly; book ahead.
Theresa Bar tucks into a rear courtyard on Theresienstrasse in Maxvorstadt, with custom 1960s-inspired furnishings from seven elohim, a small counter and a low-volume programme that suits a long, talkative night.
Tip: Entry through the rear courtyard; the bar is hard to spot from the street. Book for groups over four.
Schelling-Salon has run on Schellingstrasse since 1872 as Munich's oldest Viennese cafe-restaurant, with a long timber bar, billiard and table-tennis tables and a beer list that runs to Augustiner and Schneider on tap.
Tip: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Pool tables charge around 5 euro an hour; cash is easier than card.