South Florida is home to one of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes in the country—so it’s no wonder Miami and its surrounding neighborhoods are brimming with dozens of gay bars, restaurants and nightclubs. From happy hour to live music to next-level drag performances, add these 13 LGBTQ+ spots to your must-visit list.
The 13 Best LGBTQ+ and Gay Bars in Miami
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Published Jun 6, 2022
1. Palace Bar
Neighborhood: South Beach
Palace Bar is one of Miami’s oldest and most popular LGBTQ+ spots. For more than three decades, Palace has remained Ocean Drive's only gay bar and restaurant with drag shows seven days a week. Beyond the next-level, all-day entertainment, Palace is known for crave-worthy food, from beer-battered cauliflower bites to tuna tataki to the signature “Black and Blue” burger made with a grilled bun, blue marble jack cheese, thick bacon, onion rings and a homemade Cajun BBQ sauce.
1052 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 305-531-7234; palacesouthbeach.com
2. R House
Neighborhood: Wynwood
In 2014, R House started as a part restaurant, part art gallery led by business partners and husbands, chef Rocco Carulli and Owen Bale. Along the way, they met one of Miami’s most famous drag divas, Athena Dion, which led to the restaurant’s now-acclaimed drag brunch that draws hundreds every weekend. Today, R House has become a staple in the community, known for its ever-expanding roster of entertainment paired with chef-driven food and drink.
2727 NW 2nd Ave., Miami; 305-576-0201; rhousewynwood.com
Photo courtesy of The Eagle
3. The Eagle
Neighborhood: Wilton Manors
This underground, Berlin-inspired bar is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ spots in South Florida. Located in the heart of Wilton Manors, the Eagle is known for hosting themed nights and events almost every day of the week.
2209 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors; 954-533-8248; eaglebarwm.com
4. Nathan’s Video Bar
Neighborhood: Miami Beach
One of Miami’s newer LGBTQ+ bars, Nathan’s Video Bar is an ideal spot to order your favorite cocktail and tune in to screens playing classic shows like Sex and the City. They also have a robust event calendar, hosting everything from karaoke to Latin night.
1216 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; nathansvideobar.com
MONKEY BUSINESS BAR/Visit Lauderdale
5. Monkey Business
Neighborhood: Fort Lauderdale
Monkey Business is one of South Florida’s more casual LGBTQ+ bars. Known for its drag shows, karaoke and weekly game shows, gather a few friends and enjoy this spot’s laid-back atmosphere.
2740 N. Andrews Ave., Lauderdale Lakes; 954-565-3550; yelp.com
6. Bar Gaythering
Neighborhood: South Beach
Inside the popular Hotel Gaythering, the bar is a well-known spot for lounging, drinking and playing games. Each night is themed (Pictionary Tuesdays, Bingo Thursdays) and includes various happy hour-style drink specials, from 50 percent off well drinks to free shots.
1409 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 786-284-1176; gaythering.com
Twist
7. Twist
Neighborhood: South Beach
One of the longest-running gay bars and nightclubs in South Beach, Twist is also one of the only spots in the area that doesn’t charge cover. With two massive levels of indoor and outdoor entertainment space, Twist includes three dance floors, rotating DJs, and more.
1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-538-9478; twistsobe.com
8. Gramps
Neighborhood: Wynwood
Though this Wynwood hangout isn’t just a gay bar, it’s one of the most inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly venues around. Known for its cocktails, cold beer and New York-style pizza courtesy of Pizza Tropical, Gramps has also become a hotspot for RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties and its weekly “Double Stubble” drag shows.
176 NW 24th St.; 855-732-8992; gramps.com
Azucar Nightclub/Facebook
9. Azucar Nightclub
Neighborhood: South Miami
If you’re looking for something upbeat, Azucar Nightclub is where it’s at. This high-energy hangout is the Latin gay bar of your dreams. Similar to other spots on this list, expect drag shows, cabaret nights, dancers and DJs.
2301 SW 32nd Ave., Miami; 305-443-7657; facebook.com/azucarnightclubmiami
10. Hunters
Neighborhood: Wilton Manors
Dance under the disco ball all night long at Hunters in Wilton Manors. Another one of South Florida’s oldest-running gay bars, this hangout features a large dance floor, a video bar with eight screens and an upstairs lounge overlooking the dance floor. Stop by any night of the week or tailor your visit to one of the venue’s themed nights, from trivia to karaoke.
2238 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors; 954-630-3556; huntersftlauderdale.com
11. Kill Your Idol
Neighborhood: Miami Beach
Cheap drinks, live music and good times are what Kill Your Idol in Miami Beach is all about. Plus, this gay bar offers a killer late-night happy hour, with half-off drinks every night from 8 to 10 p.m. Don’t miss drag night on Fridays and jazz night every third Sunday of the month, either.
222 Espanola Way, Miami Beach; 305-672-1707; facebook.com
12. Skybar
Neighborhood: Miami Beach
If you’re looking for a casual, LGBTQ+ friendly daytime hangout, Skybar is it. Centered around a sparkling swimming pool, this gay bar is an ideal spot to lay out in the sun, sip on a cocktail and enjoy the best of Miami. If you are hungry, snack on a few tapas at the pool bar.
1500 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-628-6362; axelhotels.com
Rosie’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
13. Rosie’s Bar And Grill
Neighborhood: Wilton Manors
Tropical-inspired bites and refreshing cocktails—what more can you ask for? Rosie's Bar and Grill in Wilton Manors guarantees fun times for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Whether you are LBGTQ+ or an ally, there’s a reason why Rosie’s has been a beloved local spot since 2006.
2449 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors; 954-563-0123; rosiesbarandgrill.com
