If you’ve lived in Asheville for more than a minute, you know the city has a certain... vibe. It’s crunchy, it’s artistic, and it’s fiercely protective of its history. But if you’re looking for the soul of the local LGBTQ+ scene, you don't look at the shiny new breweries. You look at a stretch of Haywood Street. Specifically, you look at 237 Haywood.
That’s where you’ll find O. Henry's, a spot that carries the heavy, proud title of being the oldest gay bar in North Carolina. It’s been around since 1976. That’s a long time. It survived the 70s disco craze, the devastation of the AIDS crisis in the 80s, and the massive wave of gentrification that turned Asheville into "Beer City USA."
But honestly, the front bar is only half the story.
The real magic—or the real sweat, depending on who you ask—happens in the back. That’s The Underground Asheville NC, the industrial-style dance club tucked behind the main lodge. While the front of O. Henry’s feels like a cozy neighborhood pub where you can grab a beer and actually hear your friend talk, The Underground is where the bass drops and the lights go low.
The Dual Identity of 237 Haywood Street
Most people walking by just see a sign. They don't realize they’re looking at a two-for-one deal. O. Henry's is basically split into two distinct personalities.
The front room? It’s classic Asheville. It has this lodge-like, wood-heavy feel. It’s where the regulars hang out, the pool table is always busy, and the bartenders know your name (and probably your "complicated" relationship history). It’s the "living room" of the queer community.
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Then there’s The Underground.
It’s industrial. It’s dark. It has that raw, "I’m here to dance and nothing else" energy. While the front bar stays open daily, The Underground operates on its own schedule. It’s famous for the "Total Gold" dance parties, usually hitting on the first Friday of the month. If you aren't prepared to sweat through your shirt, you probably shouldn't be in there.
It’s also where some of the city's most legendary drag shows happen. With the recent closure of Scandals—the other massive pillar of Asheville’s queer nightlife—in early 2025, the weight of carrying the torch has fallen even more heavily on O. Henry’s and its "underground" counterpart.
Why O. Henry’s The Underground Asheville NC Still Matters
You might wonder why a bar that started in the mid-70s is still the top recommendation on Reddit and local forums. Honestly, it’s because O. Henry's didn't try to become something it isn't.
Back in 1976, it actually started as a sandwich shop called the Skylight Room. The original owners, Jay Bentley and Tony DeRose, named it after an O. Henry short story. But by 1977, they realized the community needed a place to dance. They leaned into the disco trend, and the rest is literal history.
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What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re planning to head down there, keep a few things in mind:
- The Vibe: It’s inclusive. Like, actually inclusive. You’ll see 21-year-old college kids from UNCA dancing next to guys who have been coming to the bar since the 80s.
- The Schedule: The front bar opens at 4:00 PM. The Underground usually doesn't kick into gear until much later, and often only on weekends or for special events like Goth Night or Burlesque.
- The Cost: Rental is actually an option. Weirdly enough, you can rent out The Underground for private parties—birthdays, wedding receptions, you name it. It’s surprisingly affordable, starting around $50 an hour, though you’ve gotta book it for at least four hours.
A Safe Haven in a Changing City
Let’s be real for a second. Asheville is changing fast. A lot of the "old" city is being polished away.
But O. Henry's The Underground Asheville NC represents a time when "gay-friendly" wasn't just a marketing sticker you put on a storefront. In the 80s, this place was a literal lifeline. It was an information hub during the AIDS epidemic. It was a place where you could be yourself when the world outside that door wasn't exactly welcoming.
Even today, it feels different than the "mixed" bars downtown. While places like The Odditorium or Banks Ave are incredibly queer-friendly, O. Henry's is a gay bar by definition and by history. There’s a weight to that.
Practical Tips for Your Night Out
Don’t just show up at 5:00 PM expecting a rave.
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If you want the "Underground" experience, you need to check their Facebook page or website for the event calendar. Most nights, it’s just the front bar. The big parties—the ones people talk about for weeks—are usually themed.
- Bring Cash: Though they take cards, the bar gets packed. Cash is faster for tipping your bartenders and drag performers.
- Parking: It’s Asheville. Parking is a nightmare. There’s some street parking, but you’re better off Ubering so you don't have to circle the block for twenty minutes.
- The Potluck: This is a hidden gem. The first Sunday of every month at 5:00 PM, they host a community potluck. It’s wholesome, there’s tons of food, and it’s the best way to meet people if you’re new in town.
Moving Forward
If you want to support local queer history, go buy a drink. Seriously.
With Scandals gone, the ecosystem of Asheville nightlife has shifted. O. Henry's and The Underground are more than just businesses; they are community anchors. Whether you’re there for a quiet game of pool in the front or a high-energy drag circuit in the back, you’re participating in a legacy that’s nearly fifty years old.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Calendar: Look for the next "Total Gold" or "Goth Night" on their official social media to ensure The Underground section is open.
- Plan for Drag: If you’re going for a show, arrive at least 30 minutes early to snag a spot near the stage; the back room fills up quickly once the music starts.
- Support Local: Tip your performers generously—they are the backbone of the Asheville arts scene.