Best Straight Bar for Lesbians: Emerald Bar

The demographic at St. Pete scenesters’ favorite downtown hangout and weekend live-music watering hole has changed noticeably since the lovely, always-smiling Linda started pouring drinks there this year. These days, the musicians, artists, careerist cheapskates and punk-rock types are joined by a cool, loyal crowd of women who, seriously, aren’t interested in going home with you, dude. DJ Glamazon spins the tunes on Tuesdays, and the Emerald’s Wednesday festivities and any-bomb-you-want special lend new meaning to your idea of the usual dive-bar Ladies Night. It’s always good to see a local hangout evolve without losing the personality that made it great in the first place, and the most recent shift in the Emerald’s clientele only adds to its eclectic charm.