Straight Folks In A Gay Bar

Posted on by Melissa Jensen

Bubby and Sissy's Bubby and Sissy's Bubby and Sissy's

 

 

 

 

This weekend I suggest you head North to my favorite bar. Yes, it is a bit of a haul, but judging by the people I have met, it is a destination for many. I’ve met people who have traveled from further than St. Louis just to visit Bubby and Sissy’s in Alton, IL.

Yes, it is a gay bar and here’s what that means to me:

Bubby and Sissy's

Fantastic Bartender!

  1. Great club music and a crazy dance floor. I’m not sure they are the only place in Alton with a dance floor but DJ Mandy is awesome!
  2. Great people. I’ve made so many amazing friends over the years and look forward to seeing them every time I go.
  3. Fantastic Bartenders…Andrea is missed but Jason is everything I want in a bartender.
  4. Bubby himself…love him.
  5. Huge patio area with some of the best people watching around.
  6. The drag show…more on that later.

    Bubby!

    Bubby!

I love it here. I venture out to other bars from time to time. I had an incredible time in The Grove last weekend with some great friends, but I always come back here as my home bar. It appears to me to be one of the most popular places to go for a bachelorette party or birthday celebration, especially upstairs. Now if you are gay you know what to expect. However, if you are not, here are some suggestions:

  1. This is not your bar; be respectful.
  2. You will get hit on. Again, this is not your bar. You are welcome here, but it is a gay bar.
  3. Be kind to your bartenders; they are working hard for you. Be nice and tip them well, both upstairs and down.
  4. $1 Jello Shots

    $1 Jello Shots

    If you are a tiny, little straight girl that is used to being the center of attention, you will not be here. This is not your bar. (This may be one of my favorite things about this bar). You will have the time of your life if you can let go of the need to be the center of attention. If you can’t, it’s going to be a long night for you.

  5. If you are not comfortable going, don’t go!  I don’t care who is trying to drag you; this is not a good idea. You hear me ladies…don’t force your man to go if he really is not comfortable and especially if he is prone to making slurs. He’s going to get drunk and ruin your night, my night and everyone else’s night.
Teighlor DeMornay

Teighlor DeMornay

Upstairs is one of the best drag shows in the area.  In case you didn’t know, St. Louis has a ton of drag shows. There is a $5.00 cover at the door if you arrive after 9:00pm but the show is free. Come early on a Saturday night because it is PACKED. Show host Teighlor DeMornay is always amazing and always a crowd favorite. All of the girls are amazing. One more set of tips for you. And if you ladies in the show want to add any, please feel free in the comments below.

 

 

Bubby and Sissy's

  1. They are performers; the better the crowd’s energy, the better the show.
  2. Tip, Tip, Tip. Don’t forget to bring your money for tips.
  3. You will get messed with…but if you read my advice above you won’t mind, because if you do mind…DON’T GO!
  4. Do not ever go on the stage unless you are explicitly invited to do so (such as for your birthday). This is their show. No one comes here to see you sneak up on stage.
  5. Have FUN!

So come on over and plan to have an amazing time and meet fantastic people. Bring your tip money and be respectful. Maybe I will see you there.

Brought to you by: Mills Properties

Photos courtesy of Nathan Jensen

Melissa Jensen

Melissa is a native of the Greater St. Louis region. She is addicted to anything Google, and cannot understand why motion activated paper towel dispensers never see her hands.

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  • Sarah S.

    You had me at $1 Jello shots… Next time I’m back in Illinois, maybe we can get together for a cocktail!

    • Melissa Jensen

      The Jello Shots are not weak, but none of the drinks are.

  • Ashley.W

    Fun reading!!! Loved when you said “he’s going to get drunk and ruin your night…. Lol” I can always count on honesty with you ;)

    • Melissa Jensen

      I’ve seen many a night ruined by a someone who shouldn’t be there.

    • Nate

      no doubt!

  • http://www.facebook.com/Michael.RA.Batchelor Michael Batchelor

    Take it from a straight guy who on a rainy night under an umbrella met one of the nicest couples ever, and hint, he took these photos and she wrote the post.

    • Nate

      Thanks!

  • Jeanene Ketchum

    Melissa could not have stated it any better. This is my home bar and to read about from her eyes makes me know this bar really dies ROCK. Come out and have a blast.

  • donna moore

    Great Article!

  • http://www.facebook.com/coxxy8 Shane Cox

    Geat blog and great place to visit!! Nothing but fun had here!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/jenn.heuer Jenn Cole Heuer

    sounds like a fun place for any open minded individual! looking forward to checking it out soon!

  • http://www.millsapartments.net/neighborhoods Jessica

    I’m getting pumped about going here. I’ve been to drag shows at Grey Fox and Novak’s but this sounds better than theirs. Not to mention, I’ve heard recently from multiple people (including you) that this a really fun place to go. Are the shows Fri & Sat, or just Sat?

    • Melissa Jensen

      The shows are Friday and Saturday with an amature show Wednesday. Friday is less crowded but I would suggest Saturday. Good crowd = phenomenal shows.

  • Nate

    I am biased to the blog but, countless times I’ve seen this place packed and everybody having a blast! And maybe one night out or two you might not see it here but, after some time I’ve gotten to see the bit of the community it has. The kind one would see with close family and friends, its inspiring.

  • http://www.facebook.com/bobbiewillis87 Bobbie Willis

    I go Bubby and Sissy’s Every weekend and I also usually go on Wednesday nights. They have a drag show down stairs on Wednesdays and it is free. No cover charge. Come check it out. you will not be sorry. All of the Shows are amazing and FUN FUN FUN!! The bar is a great time also, though. I have an amazing time drinking and dancing and socializing. I have met alot of straight people there as well and they usually say it is because they have the best dance music and an amazing dance floor, along with the positive energy !!! hope to see you there!!!

    • Melissa Jensen

      I’ve never made it there on a Wednesday. I will have to check it out sometime.

      • http://www.facebook.com/bobbiewillis87 Bobbie Willis

        I really hope to see you there. It is a great time and gives you a little dose of what you can experience on a friday or saturday. please come check it out. we would love to see you there…

  • Tonya

    Actually great portrayal. Never felt out of place or unwelcome.
    Side note-enjoy your blogs Melissa

  • Chris Easton

    Agree with this blog 100%. I have met so many great people and great friends going to this place. Your spot on with this Melissa! It’s nice to not have to travel across the river and know its going to be a great time where you can be yourself.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=540976385 Lizzy Shake

    Great blog about a great bar. Let’s go together sometime! I’d like to see that Weds. night one – maybe on spring break?

    • Melissa Jensen

      That would be fun. I should have gone this past Wednesday since school was canceled for Thursday.

    • http://www.facebook.com/bobbiewillis87 Bobbie Willis

      Definately check out the wednesday night drag show. they need support from the croud to win a spot at the weekend drag shows. so i hope that ill see you all there!!