On the west side of downtown, just about a 10-minute walk from either Club Hairspray or Scandals, you'll find the unassuming building (237 Haywood St.) that houses the historic gay neighborhood bar O'Henry's (828-254-1891), as well as the bar's industrial-themed dance space, the Underground (pictured above). Although it's been going strong since 1976, this welcoming spot has undergone an impressive refurbishment since new owners took over in 2011.
The main bar is an attractive tavern with a pool table and plenty of room to mingle; it's open nightly, offers a variety of specials, and while welcoming everyone tends to be especially popular with the 30s to 50s crowd, bears, regular guys, fans of leather (lots of members of the WNC Leathermen hang out here), and the like. The Underground back bar is open on weekends and for special events - it's a slick spot with an industrial vibe, and all kinds of parties are hosted here, from drag shows to live-music to monthly "dance your ass off" parties to Leathermen and "Bear's Night Out" gatherings. It's great to see this esteemed fixture in western North Carolina's gay community continue to thrive under new ownership.
