While many of Milwaukee's gay and lesbian bars were once exclusive single-sexed joints unfriendly to outsiders, times are changing. Now, these bars house eclectic and diverse crowds of patrons who enjoy dancing, karaoke, pool, shows or simply drinking and being sociable.

Featuring nightly drink specials, professional and amateur strippers take it all off each Friday and Saturday at C'est La Vie (231 S. 2nd St.) as various well-known performers present a variety showcase at 11 p.m.

Claiming to have some of the hottest men in town as their patrons, Woody's (1579 S. 2nd St.) is a friendly bar with darts, pool tables, NTN trivia and snacks such as pizza and garlic bread. The big back room makes for an excellent party hall.

Fluid (819 S. 2nd St.) is a fashionable, straight-friendly bar with comfortable love seats nestled in the back of the room.

Milwaukee's oldest gay dance club Cage (formerly "La Cage") (801 S. 2nd St.) is a good time for anyone, regardless of sexual orientation. With six bars and numerous dance floors, Cage's lively dance music and various video screens makes for an invigorating night of body moving. Every Friday, female impersonators show off their talents.

Boasting the longest cocktail hour in town and opening at 2 p.m., Ballgame (196 S. 2nd St.) offers nightly drink specials. Drink prices are up to a lottery system on Tuesdays and Thursdays and, if you're lucky, cocktails can cost as little as 25¢. The front lounge features retro-style leather chairs and memorabilia from films like "Animal House" and "Psycho." A Packers showcase in the back room celebrates patrons' love of sports.

You'll most likely be asking yourself "Is this it?" until you step inside This Is It (418 E. Wells St.). It's one of those unmarked bars; a bit hard to find. Inside, the lounge is decorated with red carpet walls and smoke glass mirrors and is popular for its older clientele and distinct jukebox.

Almost always busy, SWITCH (124 W. National Ave.) is having a party almost every night of the week. Gay, lesbian and straight-friendly, this bar's weekly highlight is Karaoke on Thursdays.

Although not officially a "gay bar," The Mad Planet (533 E. Center St.) is a gay-and-lesbian friendly dance club.