Miami's queer bar scene is unfortunately not as vast and varied as we'd want it to be. Most of the LGBTQ+ spaces are concentrated in Miami Beach or Wynwood. However, they're not all great. But here's a list of the one's you can count on.
THE SPOTS
Bar Gaythering is located in the lobby of Hotel Gaythering, which is, you guessed it, a gay hotel. The boutique hotel caters exclusively to gay guests and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The bar itself is dark and cozy, with a few tables and couches. They do events like trivia, bingo, and karaoke. Located right off the Venetian Causeway before Alton Road, it’s a bit secluded, and as a result, a little more low-key.
AxelBeach is a fairly big resort on Collins with a few bars to choose from, but its Sky Bar, located right next to the pool, is home to weekly LGBTQ+ parties. The hotel also features a Ground Bar with a light-up dance floor as well as the fourth location of Alibi Monkey Bar, which is a staple in New York, Provincetown, and our northern neighbor Wilton Manors.
Twist is probably the most famous gay club in Miami. The two-story spot on Washington Ave with the giant Pride flag outside has been one of the landmarks of Miami gay culture since the '90s and it’s still going strong. The inside layout can be a little confusing, with several different rooms and bars to choose from, and it’s usually packed with people dancing to the various DJs and drag performances that seem to be constantly happening. But with no cover charge and very generous drink specials (2-4-1 on pretty much everything), it’s easy to spend a whole night here taking shots with strangers.
The Corner is a great Downtown bar that's always cooking up fun and interesting events for Miami's underground scene. Every month, they'll host queer events by Steer Queer, jazz nights, or post-punk parties that remind us Miami's music scene expands beyond house. The best way to keep track of said events is though their instagram. And on a regular night, you can look forward to a Happy Hour beer and a hotdog.
POWERED BY
R House is a restaurant that's really well-known for its weekend drag brunch. Their iconic performances over french toast are no secret, so a reservation is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, it's walk-in friendly for Happy Hour drinks and snacks Wednesday-Friday.
POWERED BY
Palace is a bar, restaurant, and club all in one that’s been around for over 30 years and is home to some of the city’s most famous drag queens. There are drag performances almost daily, from its famous sidewalk brunches to late-night hookah parties. The rooftop bar is also a great place to grab a drink and enjoy a beautiful waterfront view.
With good pizza, a shaded outdoor patio, and half-off drinks during Happy Hour, Gramps is one of Wynwood’s most popular hangouts. It's also one of the best bars in Miami and has an incredible drag show every Thursday called Double Stubble. Their multi-faceted space also hosts film screenings, stand-up shows, and heavy metal concerts. There's really nothing else quite like Gramps in this city.
Nathan’s is a gay bar right on Washington Ave. and 12th Street—one of the beach’s busiest strips. This place has undergone a few changes in its life, and is now calling itself Nathan's Beach Club. So you can expect DJs, loud music, and dancing. But there's still a pretty robust lineup of weekly events like RuPaul's Drag Race viewing parties, and "Latin night" with $8 margaritas. You can see what's coming up on their Instagram.
