Highland Lounge

Staff were pretty rude when it came to retrieving a lost purse. After sending a Instagram DM, Email, and multiple calls staff seemed confused. None of which were helpful or informed. Staff advised they had no one “manning” the office. Was informed to come back on the weekdays…when they are closed. Staff refused to check their upstairs office where they keep more lost items. Completely understand it is on us for losing the purse but even then the staff weren’t helpful at all.

We went there one night and they were charging a $40 cover fee so we didn’t enter because we weren’t willing to pay that much per person. My friends and I returned another night and got in early and were not charged a cover fee. The atmosphere, dancing, and music was great until my partner and I got separated. He went looking for me and took one step out of the building to look for me outside and then turned around to go back inside when the bouncer grabbed him from behind and threw him to the ground and told him he couldn’t just walk back inside. The bouncer saw him come from inside and turn around so he knew he wasn’t trying to skip the cover fee or security. Another staff member picked up his legs and they dragged him away. My boyfriend’s face was bloodied up and he has cuts, scrapes, and bruising on his face and body from being thrown down and dragged on the concrete. When I finally found him, we sat down outside the club as we waited for our friend to close his tab and get out and the bouncer told us we couldn’t wait there for our friend. We were extremely upset by the unnecessary aggressive behavior exhibited by the bouncers. I have read other reviews where people said they paid cover fees and denied reentry because they were told they had to repay the cover fee. This is greed, and throwing my partner and dragging him instead of discussing is terrifying and disgusting. We will never return because we do not feel safe here.

Incredible staff and an amazing lineup of drag shows and community events. The energy at Highland is always welcoming, fun, and inclusive. Whether you’re there to dance, enjoy the performances, or just hang out with friends, the atmosphere makes everyone feel part of the community. One of Austin’s best nightlife spots for queer events and entertainment.

I was having the best time at Highland watching some amazing queens. Mark Jackson is an unhinged diva on a power trip. She attempted to kick me out of the bar when I asked I thought I was next. She proceeded to blow up at me and say don’t tell me how to my job. The actions she did up to that point was she pointed at the next customer and then me. Someone new walked up the bar and she served them and I was only kindly asking I’m next. Then she refused to close my tab. I left to a much kinder bartender to get a drink and returned to the other bartender asking kindly to close my tab. Mark got even more crazy and said I’m kicking you out for asking him to close my tab. She had the gall to tell management that I cussed her out and I would never stoop to her lowly level. Customer is always right and she needs to stop acting like she owns the place.

Highland lounge is the best gay bar in Austin, the teams always take care of this patrons, and ensures a clean safe environment. If you have the opportunity to interact with Mark (aka the best bartender) Erika or Jaja then you’re in for a treat. You don’t want to miss out on the best drinks, tunes or vibes at highland. Everyone is always welcome no matter what!