In one of the nation's largest cities, which has a huge military presence and a relatively high number of gay guys who aren't out of the closet, it's not surprising that ACI Alternative Club (827 E. Elmira St., 210-223-2177) - just off Interstate 35 on the north side of downtown - has a substantial loyal following with men from all over the region. This independently operated facility that, annoyingly, doesn't have a website, is also the nearest gay sauna to a number of cities in southern Texas, including Corpus Christi, South Padre Island, McAllen, Laredo, and Del Rio - it's also less than a 90-minute drive south of Austin, which does have its own gay sauna, Midtowne Spa.


This good-size venue has all the usual bathhouse accoutrements, including multiple lounges for watching porn, lockers and changing areas, a large deck for sunbathing (good fun in the Texas sun), and a full gym with steam room and a variety of equipment. Although the club was damaged by a fire in spring 2014, it's reopened and undergone some improvements and repairs. A positive here is that the staff is generally quite nice and helpful, and the crowd spanning ages and with a pretty equal mix of Anglo and Hispanic guys.