When the sun goes down in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, the night lights up with entertainment, bars and other venues. Kick back and relax or dance the night away—the choice is yours. Gay-friendly destinations range from hipster havens to drinking dives and offerings include everything from cocktails and high-end cuisine to jukeboxes, pool and drag shows. Most LGBTQ+ nightspots are concentrated west of downtown in the Grand Central District, but others can be found in the beach communities and nearby cities of Clearwater and DunedIn. Expect to find a full range of ages, styles and orientations.
1 Drag Queen Bingo, Anyone?
Blur Nightclub is located just north of Clearwater in the quaint town of Dunedin. Tuesday is gay-friendly night featuring—you guessed it—drag queen bingo. Friday nights, you'll love the female impersonators show, featuring some of Tampa Bay's best known performers.
2 Cabaret, Burlesque and More at the Flamingo Resort
Located just minutes from some of the best beaches in America, the gay-owned Flamingo's reasonable rates, lush tropical setting and nonstop entertainment venues (6 themed bars, a high-energy dance club and a mouth-watering grill) wow LGBTQ+ locals and guests from all over the country. Enjoy tropical drinks outdoors at the poolside Cabana or, indoors, at the Code Bar where male dancers and pumped up music break down inhibitions. Or—dance the night away at the Flamingo Blue Room Night Club featuring live DJ's; and light shows, cabaret and burlesque shows. The ever-changing nightlife includes karaoke, live piano music, country and western dance parties, male dancers and female impersonators.
3 A Slice of Europe: Queens Head Euro Bar and Restaurant
As its name suggests, a trip to Queens Head Euro Bar and Restaurant, with its stylish, laid-back atmosphere is tantamount to taking a mini trip to Europe. Based in a former gas station, guests get to experience a homey interpretation of a British pub. Sample the chef’s mouth-watering takes on classic European dishes while sipping an excellent variety of beers, ales and ciders. Dine indoors or al fresco on a table or canopy-style bed, and if you’re not in the mood for a meal, take in some of the Queens Head's events, from Tuesday trivia to a Saturday night dance party.
4 Get Treated Like a Local at the Pro Shop Pub
One of downtown Clearwater’s oldest businesses (celebrating 38 years in 2014), this small bar may have a pool table and a juke box, but its main draw is the people. The staff members at Pro Shop Pub are known for their friendliness and they attract a robust crowd of regulars, both gay and straight. The daily specials are also a potent hook: Fridays bring well drinks for just $1.50.
5 Go Clubbing At Enigma
St. Pete's newest dance club and bar brings a fun and colorful vibe to The Edge District. You'll find all-day drink specials, friendly bartenders and---depending on the day---drag shows and talent contests. It's easy to fall into the beat and hit the dance floor, but there's also plenty of outdoor space to catch up with friends.
6 Kick Back At Punky's
This gay-owned bar and grill has created a huge local following in a short time thanks to it's welcoming vibe, laid-back atmosphere and prime location in the Grand Central District in St. Pete. The outdoor patio bar, complete with cornhole, goes well with its all-day Happy Hour. Oh, and there's always a long list of events, like Leather Bingo, live music or karoke.
7 Happy Hour with Fido at The Dog Bar
For a friendly hangout accepting of all walks of life, especially four-legged friends named Fido, head to The Dog Bar in St. Pete. Serving up fun by the pint, wine glass or water bowl, this popular indoor-outdoor spot boasts plenty of activities and games from ping pong to corn hole. Dogs are welcome on leash in an intimate bench-style seating area, or off leash at the Dog Bar Dog Park area, a place where pups can play freely.
8 Enjoy Tiki-Hut Vibes at Salty's Gulfport
At Salty's Gulfport, choose from an indoor sports-bar environment, or a relaxing waterfront tiki bar. Enjoy live music on the patio while sipping an adult beverage at this quirky, popular spot that's relaxed by day and lively at night.
