A Guide to LGBTQ-Owned Businesses in St. Pete-Clearwater
Check out some of the top recommended gay-owned local businesses for dining, shopping, partying and more.
St. Pete shopping spots like Zazoo'd in the Central Arts District embody the city's creative, fun-loving spirit.
Dreamy beach escapes and casinos aren’t the only things you’ll find in Florida. If you’re an LGBTQ+ traveler, St. Pete-Clearwater is full of LGBTQ+-owned businesses you’ll love to support.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to dine deliciously or buy loud-and-proud rainbow-colored souvenirs for your flamboyant family, keep these St. Pete-Clearwater gay-owned businesses in mind when creating your itinerary.
The pool at GayStPete House B&B.
Where to Stay
It’s not a gay Florida getaway without the right hotels. Here are the best gay-friendly accommodations in St. Pete-Clearwater.
Casa Del Merman at Gaystpete House
4505 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Casa Del Merman is a small accommodation centrally located in downtown St. Pete that features a sauna and a heated pool. It's pet-friendly and has a free continental breakfast and a beer/wine happy hour.
113 11th Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
For LGBTQ+ tourists who want to stay somewhere more tropical, the Coconut Inn in Pass-a-Grille Beach (part of St. Pete Beach) is peppered with beautiful pavilions and a waterfall fountain, and is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Take advantage of the complimentary beach cruiser bicycles and pedal through the quaint and historic neighborhood.
2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Opened in June 2023, Mari Jean Hotel in the Grand Central District is St. Pete’s premier adults-only gay accommodation, designed by award-winning entrepreneur David Fischer. The Mari Jean provides everything you need for the perfect vacation or staycation, from a dip at The Wet Spot pool bar and day club to a night of dancing and drinks at COCKtail, in the lobby. You don’t have to leave the Mari Jean to shop for home décor and gifts at charming ZaZoo’d – there’s a version right in the hotel. The Saint speakeasy is in the building, too, but you’ll need to slip around the corner to the side street and knock on the red door to get in (if you know the password).
Vegan sushi from Love Food Central
Where to Eat
Florida is a melting pot of cultures, so it’s no wonder that St. Pete-Clearwater has an impressive selection of cuisine options. These LGBTQ-owned bars and restaurants have something in store for everyone, no matter your food preference.
516 Grant St., Dunedin, FL 34698
The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar is Dunedin’s original Polynesian restaurant and Tiki Bar. For years, The Honu (the name means “Turtle” in Hawaiian) has served up family recipes, incorporated traditional fresh ingredients from the best local markets and blended delicious tiki cocktails.
2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Love Food Central is a plant-based haven serving homemade vegan and gluten-free entrees, salads, snacks and desserts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. We recommend the Love Burger, which is made with fresh beets and black beans. Pair it with on-tap kombucha for a perfectly refreshing brunch.
2501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Now part of famed breakfast destination Stella’s, Salty Nun is a local favorite that offers delicious sandwiches, snacks and build-your-own omelets for creative food enthusiasts.. Guests will also enjoy a full liquor bar and head-bobbing live music on weekends. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
3922 6th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Coffee lovers have to try the upscale and stylish Southside Coffee Brew Bar. Southside’s selection of espressos, Americanos and macchiatos will satisfy any coffee enthusiast. Say hello to owner Sheila Smith while there!
2914 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL 33707
If boozy brunch is your thing, Stella’s in Gulfport has to be on your list of must-sees. Since 2009, Stella’s has become one of Florida’s favorite breakfast go-to's, thanks to its signature homemade corned beef hash and fried green tomatoes (plus a full list of liquor, wine and beer).
Valhalla Bakery and Valkyrie Doughnuts
2444 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
At Valhalla Bakery, you'll find a variety of treats that are made from scratch with only the best ingredients. From cupcakes and cakes (even wedding cakes) to cookies and pastries, there's something for everyone. And the best part about this lesbian-owned foodie haven? It's all vegan! Located in the same spot as Valhalla is its sister store, Valkyrie. This vegan donut shop is a favorite among locals with a sweet tooth. At Valkyrie, the donuts are made fresh daily and come in a variety of delicious flavors. From classic glazed and chocolate sprinkle to more adventurous flavors such as key lime pie and maple "bacon" (vegan of course), there's a donut for every taste bud.
Catch a drag show at Enigma Night Club, an LGBTQ+ bar in St. Pete's Edge District.
Where to Sip and Celebrate
Are you really having a hot, gay weekend in St. Pete-Clearwater if you don't hit up its loudest and proudest gay bars and clubs? Avid partygoers shouldn’t miss out on these party destinations.
325 Main St., Dunedin, FL 34698
Open since 2007, Blur Nightclub is the best dance club in downtown Dunedin. Here, you can experience lively drag queen shows, DJs and more! Plus, the bold and daring can show off their skills at the Off the Dome Freestyle Hip Hop Open Mic.
2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
COCKtail is a stylish gay bar offering “stiff drinks, hard liquor, raging good times.” COCKtail is attached to the new Mari Jean Hotel.
2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Right next to COCKtail is The Wet Spot, a daytime pool club where everyone can enjoy being under the sun with a drink in hand. Float to head-bopping tunes from a live music cabana and enjoy cocktails at the three-sided bar.
1110 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Known for its daily happy hour and comedic drag shows, Enigma is St. Pete’s most famous gay club. We recommend dropping by on Mondays for Karaoke Night. If you don’t like being the center of attention, that’s okay – Enigma has something for everyone, including full liquor bars and pool tables.
2729 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Run by longtime wedding DJ Bill Kody, The Garage is an alternative gay bar that takes its partygoers back to the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.
2760 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Lucky Star Lounge is a local St. Pete watering hole with diner-style seating and colorful interiors, perfect for LGBTQ+ visitors looking for a more casual setting.
Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar
4685 28th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Visit the Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Kava Bar if exotic teas, nitro coffee, boba milk teas , real fruit smoothies and kombucha pique your interest (in fact, this is an alcohol-free zone). Hookah lovers can order shisha service on the patio. Mad Hatters is open 24 hours a day and a food truck is there from 4 p.m. to midnight.
400 49th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Looking for a spot to watch a game? Look no further than My Bar Sports Bar. Grab a seat at the bar, order a drink and maybe something off the food menu, and enjoy the vibe of a local sports bar. In between games, why not shoot a game of pool or relax with a drink in the neon pink lounge in the back. It’s not a gay bar per se, but the doors are open to everyone.
49 24th St. St Petersburg, Florida 33713
Transforming the space of what used to be The Saint, The Ball is a pop art-inspired bar and lounge in St. Petersburg's Grand Central District. Step through the hot pink door and find yourself in a room lit by neon, lined with artwork, and topped with a mirrored DJ booth suspended from the ceiling. The cocktail list is a tribute to queer icons, and the menu is playful with things like fried PB&Js and candied bacon. It’s part lounge, part late-night hangout, but it’s definitely all fun.
Tiny Tombolo Books offers a delightful selection of titles and old fashioned typewriters to leave a message or poem for other readers.
Where to Shop
There’s nothing like taking home a little piece of your trip. Make sure to drop by these LGBTQ-owned shops when souvenir shopping around gay St. Pete/Clearwater.
919 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705
For classic and graphic men’s apparel, curated goods and home furnishings, shop Atlas Body + Home. Browse a selection of hundreds of eclectic shirt prints – looking for something tropical? Atlas Body + Home has it. Are you looking for something to hit the beach in? You’ll find plenty in stock!
2135 3rd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
At Beach House 5317, discover a wide range of art, home decor, crystals, jewelry and gift items created by over 30 local artists and curators, including works by owner Jamie Edwards.
3129 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL 33707
If you’re traveling with your pet, don’t forget to pick up a special something (whether it’s a treat, a brand-new beach-themed collar or pet-safe pastries) at Paw Paws Pet Boutique of Gulfport. Paw Paws also gives back to local shelters and advocacies.
2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Bookworms, worry not – you can get your reading fix at Tombolo Books, located in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. Enjoy a curated selection of books from all over the world, including banned book picks for younger readers.
631 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Offering a mix of new and vintage furnishings, Zazoo’d speaks to every eccentric shopper’s heart. Take home unique home decor pieces or treat your family to a beach-inspired gift. You might even find something in store for your dog or cat!
Where to Relax, Connect & See Art
St. Pete-Clearwater’s gay scene can get lively, so you may want to set aside some time to unwind or enjoy quiet time. Consider adding these calmer activities to your itinerary.
The Body Electric Yoga Company
3015 7th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
The Body Electric Yoga Company is all about mindfulness and movement. Take one of many yoga, athletic classes or workshops, or sign up for live-streamed sessions. The Body Electric Yoga Company began as the love child of Katelyn Grady and Jenny Miller, the yoga teachers, business and life partners who hatched a plan to create the kind of space in which they would like to practice and teach.
2300 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Come to Ensō and let your tension melt away. Ensō Clinic focuses on therapeutic modalities, stretching and specific body work. They take a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on the mind, body and spirit.
1211 1st Ave. N, #208, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
There’s nothing like a bit of self-care in the middle of an activity-filled vacation. Head to St. Pete Massage Therapy for anything from a medical or deep tissue massage to aromatherapy. Lead therapist Jim Thomason has experience in musculoskeletal kinesiology, so you can rest assured you’ll get any strain corrected and rejuvenated.
When you think of LGBTQ Florida, St. Pete-Clearwater offers an endless amount of experiences for queers of all ages.
Content by Rachel Covello. Covello is the CEO and Publisher of OutCoast.com, an LGBTQ-focused destination marketing travel blog highlighting inclusive destinations in Florida in which to visit, celebrate, and live. Explore LGBTQ Florida on OutCoast.com to find the best rainbows in the Sunshine State.
