What They Say:

Rain is a relatively recent (and successful) newcomer to the Austin gay scene, bringing the upscale vibe and ambience of big-city gay bars such as G Lounge in New York City or iCandy in West Hollywood.

Rain features three large and distinct areas to drink and frolic, including the newly added front room, where pool players and their admirers can gather and be serviced by their own bar, or lounge in several fabulous seating arrangements worthy of any queen or king. Further inside, the DJ booth overlooks a small but amazing dance floor which bears a remarkable resemblance to a Michael Jackson video -remember "Billie Jean," where the squares light up as MJ prances across them? Rain's dance floor is just like that, only multi-colored and always filled with people who know how to move their asses. Rain also features a sizable back patio, with plush seating and plenty of room to scope out your prey (or your competition) and a back bar of its own.

Rain goes head-to-head with its neighbor, OilCan Harry's, with an impressive array of weekly special events. There's something for everyone, including the most atrocious and most talented karaoke singers in Austin, who flock in every Wednesday night. If you like undergraduates, or are one yourself looking for a study break, Wednesday and Thursday nights are all about you, when Rain opens its doors to those 18 and up. (Age policy is 21 and up the rest of the week and $5 cover applies to those under 21.) Sunday nights, Rain throws everything but the kitchen sink at you, including a buns & chest contest, a luridly delicious variety show, and $2.50 well drinks to give you enough courage to enter and win both.

Rain looks like it'll be here to stay.