Elio is the new queer venue on Van Oldenbarneveltstraat

Perhaps the largest bright pink-painted bar in the Netherlands, and the mirrored walls and pale pink bar stools make it immediately obvious. The iconic gay pub De Regenboog at 148 Van Oldenbarneveltstraat is now Elio, a new queer venue by Marc Kabbedijk and Daniel Vargas. Elio is the younger brother of Rotterdam's popular FERRY, the interior reflects this young character.

While FERRY is known for its wild nights, the atmosphere at Elio is more relaxed. Perfect for a drink before a night on the town or for a friendly chat.

Every night Elio is open (Wednesday to Saturday from 17:00 to 01:00), there is entertainment. On Wednesdays, the theme is Messy Wednesday. There will be drinking games then. On Thursdays, it's: anti-karaoke night. On Fridays, Elio offers special drink and snack deals, ideal for a Friday afternoon drink to end the working week. And on Saturdays, it's bingo night, presented by drag queens.

Timothée Chalamet

The name Elio is an homage to the eponymous character from the film Call Me By Your Name. A modern queer classic. Set in Italy, the film follows 17-year-old Elio, played by Timothée Chalamet, who spends a summer with American PhD student Oliver, and develops feelings for him.