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 Blur Nightclub
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 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
