The best gay clubs in Miami to dance, flirt and have a blast
Let’s be clear: without the legacy left behind by the best gay clubs in Miami, there would be no Miami nightlife as we know it today. The queer club scene showed this city how to party and each one of the best clubs in Miami, the best clubs in South Beach and even South Beach itself owes a huge thanks to Miami gay culture. That culture, by the way, is still very much a part of this city’s pulse today—whether it’s an underground drag night in Wynwood or inside a flashy South Beach club. LGBT nightlife is still a driving force in South Florida. And though Miami nightlife has grown more inclusive throughout the years, blurring the lines between gay club and straight club, these spots carry on the best of gay nightlife in the 305.
Best gay clubs in Miami
Twist
What is it? Twist is one of the most storied gay spots left in Miami Beach, a reliable joint to end the night. The multi-floor space has seven bars to choose from. Shirts have a tendency of coming off and Sabroso Thursdays with Sazon Latino showcase Miami gay culture with a Latin flare.
Why go? No cover. Ever.
Palace
What is it? The best drag brunch in the entire world. Though we had a not-so-tiny panic attack when we learned Palace’s original location was going to be shutting down, we quickly recovered when we learned the iconic drag brunch bar was simply moving a few blocks away on Ocean Drive. Now, at 1052 Ocean Drive, you can find the same curbside drag shows and gallons of mimosas.
Why go? Ever seen someone do a death drop on the sidewalk? Now’s your chance.
The Manor
What is it? When it comes to the LGBT scene, it’s worth making a trip to Wilton Manors, one of the most gay-friendly neighborhoods in the country. When the sun goes down in Wilton, all restless bodies head to the Manor, the neighborhood’s biggest and wildest club that boasts loud music, fleshy dancers and flashy decor.
Why go? Because the nearby New York Grilled Cheese is open till 3am Thursday through Sunday and 4am on Saturday. It’s one hell of a post-club snack.
Hotel Gaythering
What is it? A nice spot to start the night off with a cocktail. The chill gay hotel is a great place to meet visitors and get the lay of the land from savvy locals. And, why yes, the vending machines do provide glass dildos and buttplugs alongside lemonade. Thanks for asking.
Why go? Uh, did you hear us about the vending machine?
Gramps
What is it? Gramps is by no means strictly a gay bar but it’s a loud and proud ally. The LGBT-friendly Wynwood bar also happens to throw the absolute best weekly drag party in town: Double Stubble. Every Thursday at 9pm, Miami’s drag community is on full display with some truly breathtaking performances.
Why go? This ain’t your average drag. Performances here are insane, over-the-top explosions of creativity and ferocity.
Basement
What is it? Not a strict gay club but a hotspot during Pride Week nonetheless. Basement is very LGBT-friendly 365 days a year too. You will often find drag queens slaying it over by the rainbow bowling lanes and same-sex couples killing it on the dance floor.
When to go: Ice skating anyone? Basement has that too.
Jamboree Lounge
What is it? A nondescript, dive-y little lounge in MiMo. This place is nice if you don’t feel like clubbing into the wee hours (we don’t blame you). It’s got a neighborhood vibe and some crazy good drink specials.
Why go? “4skin Mondays”—pause for laughter—offer $3 Miller Lite and Budweiser. Not bad for a Monday!
Azucar Nightclub
What is it? An LGBT option for those who don’t want to trek to South Beach. Azucar, just off Coral Way, is a home for Miami’s Latin LGBT population. The curious should check out Sunday night’s sultry noche de cabaret. It’s an art you can appreciate without a translator.
Why go? Because you’ve seen Madonna songs in drag before. It’s time to watch a queen crush some Celia Cruz.
Club Aqua
What is it? Club Aqua isn’t so much a club—rather an old-school bathhouse. Does that make it any less fun? Hardly. You come here to get just clean enough to get dirty again. But at this secret Coral Way spot you can also jam out on Friday nights to DJs and mingle with barely-dressed singles.
Why go? We think you know why… (And if you don’t, maybe skip this one).
Need more places to party?
Check out the 20 best bars in Miami
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