Briar Patch

A few staff members aren’t very personable, are rude, and leave me asking why they’re in the customer service industry to begin with. That’s the reason why I am giving this place 3 stars. The bartenders have been friendly and personable every time I have visited. Their patio is cozy, warm, and you forget that you are in downtown El Paso. I love the fire pits, too! Unfortunately, smoking is allowed on the patio and that ruins the experience on a busy night.

Loved the environment here during the day, came after the pride parade. Indulged in the $ 1 mimosas for breakfast. Outdoor patio is comfortable and they used mason jars for their tap beer. Overall a really great experience. Will be coming back soon

If you are spending your Sunday funday here expect to pay a cover (wtf) and reuse your plastic cup.

This has been a favorite for years. Good specials, ambiance and staff. Happy hour Sunday features $ 1 vodka and free cookout. Who can beat that? Very nice, large patio.

If you’re not spending your Sunday Funday here, you’re missing out! Sure Saturdays, Fridays, and even Thursdays are a ton of fun here… but Sunday is the BEST night!
Briar Patch is a completely different feel from it’s neighbors Alive, EPIC, Chiquita’s, 8 ½, and Toolbox. No shows, no male go-go’s, reasonably priced drinks, air conditioning running, and well kept. And I know, I know I always say some rendition of this… buuuuuuuuuuut…BI, GAY, STRAIGHT are all welcome!
BP is probably the best place to be introduced to Pride Square because it attracts a diverse group of people and is much more laid back than the other alternative bars/​clubs in the area. When you walk in there’s a bar to your left that’s surrounded by bar stools and tables. Bar vibe game on point. No ripped chairs and the bar stays free of empty cups and bottles. Drink prices are decent… most mixed drinks ballpark for $ 4.50.
Outside is where it’s at though. The patio door is at the back right and that’s where I recommend you head. It’s always a mix of people dancing, chatting and drinking. It’s hard to not be all smiles when out here. Everyone’s a ton of fun and the bartenders are always fast. Since there aren’t any chairs at the patio bar, people don’t linger after they’ve paid. The patio does have a few tables towards the back, but there’s a lot of places to sit. One of my favorite things about the patio is the tree in the center… actually something about the whole set up of the patio makes it feel exclusive (and actually I’ve been surprised that some people weren’t even aware there was a patio). Really I’d say BP is Hope and Anchor’s alternative counterpart (but much smaller in size). And the music is never so loud that you can’t have a conversation so really BP is just pure perfection.

Awesome, awesome bar.
Make your way further into the bar, into the narrow passageway straight ahead, and you will enter the outdoor patio— which is where the party is! Outdoor bar, christmas lights hanging above you, packed with dancing people, dancing away to fun, fun music.
I came here with a friend around 9pm-​ish, not knowing what to expect. We just wanted a couple of drinks, hang out, and talk. Upon entering the bar, we noticed there are two sections (we didn’t notice the patio at this time)— there’s the dance floor as soon as you enter, then the bar area to the left. We went straight to the bar, of course, and got two beers. Cheap, might I add! Also, the staff was super friendly. It was pretty empty at this time, only a few people sitting scattered around the bar. After getting a few drinks in and after hours of conversation, we decided to wander around the place. We noticed all these people walking into the passageway at the end of the dance floor, and they NEVER RETURNED. I was so confused– This whole time I thought it was the passageway to the bathroom. Don’t judge me, but first thing that popped in my head was Harry Potter– and they flushed themselves down into the toilet to get to the Ministry of Magic.
No, it’s not the way to the Ministry of Magic, FYI.
It’s the party! Seriously! The patio was so packed we had to squeeze our way around the patio and towards the outdoor bar. People were dancing, drinking, laughing. Tons of fun.
It is considered a ‘gay bar’, but everyone is accepted here. No judgement, no glaring, no staring– everyone is here to have a good time!
So kick off your high heels and put on those comfy shoes, because you’re about to dance all of your troubles away.

Heard this was a gay bar. I am straight and came with a group of straight and gay friends. Didn’t have any problem here. People seemed nice and I really enjoyed myself.
The ambiance was great. It was very beautiful with outdoor garden like patio, lights, fire pits and places to sit. The night we went wasn’t busy at all. My friends brought me some drink called sex with an alligator, what? I only know sex on the beach. I bet sex with an alligator is more exciting.
Loved the legs décor sticking out of the wall (see pic), a little freakish but smart! Good vibe. A nice place to hang out overall. Wouldn’t mind sex it up again with an alligator at the Briar Patch if I am ever in El Paso.

This is by far one of my favorite spots downtown. Sure, a lot of people say it’s the «old» people bar but I think that has changed especially with the crowds of young people on the weekends. I love the ambiance and décor, and in summer the patio is an excellent option to spend a cool evening. I love their drink specials and for the most part I have always experienced excellent service. Overall I believe this to be one of the best alternative/​gay spots in EP.

Lived in El Paso for 6 months building a factory. I lived on the same block so I was here once a week fairly regularly. I did appreciate the cleanliness and the atmosphere, and met a cutiful waitress who worked at that million dollar bar at the big hotel. So straight people ;-)

While visiting family I decided to try this place out. The actual bar section is a bit small but there is another bar out on the patio that I am sure is open during the nice weather. The bartender for the evening was friendly and very attentive. It was also nice that they accepted credit cards and allowed for tabs. Being from the Northeast prices were VERY reasonable and well made.

Ahhhhh, the Briar Patch… how I love thee. This bar has evolved into the beautiful place that it is. From the warm lighting, hard wood floors, pool, table, cocktail tables, high stools, the more private are towards the back of the bar, and the restrooms. This place is glamazing. You walk into a bar where you know you want to spend your evening. Unlike many bars downtown, the Briar Patch doesnt make their customers sweat. Its kept at a very comfortable temperature at all times. They have a couple TV’s and a screen in the jukebox area.
This bar also spills into the patio. Yes the patio! The furnishing is very cozy and they have a projector outside where they show whatever videos the decide to have for us. There is also an outdoor bar, this is wear I like to spend my time with friends, when the weather permits. They also have restrooms in the patio area.
The price is decent and the drinks are strong. The bartenders are amazing, I haven’t been in a while but Im sure they are still great. I just may make a trip downtown just to make sure.
They have karaōke, strippers, entertainment, so you may want to call and see what craziness is going on. This is also a great place to play hookie from work, they are open just after noon.
The crowd is great, its a mixture of all ages (but mostly 25 +). I recommend that you all go and check this place out.
You must have a gorilla fart, and a double vodka tonic to start your night! I do.~

Want to go out without blaring techno mixes of Britney Spears blasting in your ear making conversations impossible?! Then The Briar Patch is the place for you! Good priced drinks, well mixed, always clean inside and out, no cover change with the exception of special occasions and great people.
I am originally from San Francisco, so I have been to many a gay bar. For El Paso, my boyfriend and I always come here. Atmosphere is very laid back. Music played here is always interesting and new (unlike the OP I mean, how many times does one want to hear Katy Perry or Usher?!)
My one tip for sure though is to order your drinks when the manager is not at the bar. He is very strict on his bartenders when pouring. Don’t know who he is? Just ask and someone will point him out (plus he’s not hard to miss). If he is not at the patio or at the bar inside, ORDER AWAY! Bartenders will be more than generous on your drinks. Also, bartenders are nice enough to give free drinks if they are unsure on how to make your drink order. We once ordered two stoplight shots, bartender was a little wary of how to make them but in the end they were free! Also, one of the only gay bars that allows tabs at the bar!!!

When people say everyone is welcome, everyone is welcome. I think the atmosphere leaves a little to be desired, but it is in a great location, it is laid back, and the bartenders are extremely kind and non-​pushy. This is the perfect place for an after work drink.

I’m not sure what’s up with all the 4 and 5 star reviews. This is just your basic gay bar. Sure… the patio was nice… but really, there’s nothing here to write home about. They did earn an extra star due to their bartender. My buddy had fairly interesting drink requests… and the bartender did a great job learning how to make new drinks! (Who knew a sidecar isn’t a normal drink in El Paso?)

This place is laid back and everyone was friendly. It is on the small side and as noted if you are homophobic you are probably going to feel uncomfortable, but if you just want to chill and have a couple of drinks it works. And this place is really clean, which is a plus. The patio is ok, but the view is very urban… if you look up you can’t help but think you are in the middle of an R. Crumb cityscape with all the telephone poles, wires and transformers. But then I like that kind of thing.

it is a fun place to go with friends. The patio when the weather is nice is fun to hang out and have drinks. Drinks are not bad and the prices are good.

The Briar Patch is one of the cooler bars located in downtown El Paso. It’s simple, welcoming, has moderate prices, and a great atmosphere. I rarely care for the music being played but that doesn’t matter to me because the friendly staff and the party I’m with gets all my attention. The patio is definitely one of my favourites.
Sure, if you’re homophobic, you’ll probably feel uncomfortable at Briar Patch… but if sexual orientation doesn’t matter to you, it’s another great bar in the city where you can kick back and not worry about fitting in.
I definitely recommend it.

I know the rating is generous, but this bar deserves it. Even though it is an «alternative» bar, the atmosphere is comfortable for everyone. My biggest issue with other gay bars in the area is that if you are not gay or with someone who is gay, you are given the side eye. The Briar embraces everyone and wants everyone to have a good time.
The bar itself is gorgeous. The patio is shaded with umbrellas for the day time. The old tree in the middle of the patio really sets the tone. When walking outside make sure to look up to see the lady’s legs hanging out the window! The décor is seasonal and changes every few months. Christmas time being my favorite with all the lavish decorations they put up. By looking at the décor and the time and energy spent on every detail, you would think the drinks would be overpriced. Au contraire, the drinks are affordably priced, the service is great, and the wait staff is more than exceptional.
Even on busy nights the bartender’s manage to pump out the drinks in a timely fashion. The portions are generous and the more complicated drinks are superbly made. The only place I’ve been able to go to where a Long Island Iced Tea is consistently made well.
Most people have the conception that this is bar is aimed towards a more seasoned crowd, it is quite the opposite. There is house music that plays at night, that is just the right volume to carry a conversation and enjoy a night with friends. This bar is aimed at people who want to socialize with other people of the «alternative» lifestyle while still managing to embrace their straight friends by allowing them to let their hair down.
So if you’re looking for a classy, friendly place to have a few drinks with friends without the stiff collar, I would undoubtedly suggest the old BP!

I was born and raised in El Paso (well, Anthony), and have been visiting ever since I left to college 6 years ago. Being a gay man, I thought I knew all the places to go in EP for a good night out: the OP or the Mining. Well, I was wrong. I looked up the Briar Patch online and was surprised to discover it. So I called the number listed, just to double check. Here’s how it went:
«Briar Patch, how can I help you»
«Hi, is this place gay or primarily straight?»
(silence)
«uhh…we’re…alternative» (read: everybody is welcome)
Needless to say, I was a little hesitant to show up, but my friends decided to take a risk and go anyway. I’m glad that I did! The space is gorgeous, and very relaxing. There’s a pool table/​lounge area, a bar, and a great space next to the restrooms with a couch and some sofas. The patio is HUGE and would be great on a nice summer evening.
Our bartender was friendly and made all the drinks my bf asked for (even though he hadn’t ever made them). They weren’t bad for his first time. It was a tuesday night, so it was pretty empyty, but I can’t wait to go back on the weekend to see how fun it can be!