CL’s annual guide to Tampa Bay must-visits for the LGBT-inclined, their friends and allies.
Baxter’s Lounge Open since 1982, Baxter’s features a new draft beer system, happy hour specials daily and male dancers at 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the lounge is full of late-night karaoke-ers. 1519 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-258-8830, baxterslounge.com.
Blur Whether you’re grooving inside or on the patio out back, this nightclub and showbar attached to the Chic-a-Boom Room and Kelly’s offers DJs, drag queen bingo, pool tables and beverage specials. 325 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-0206, kellyschicaboom.com.
The Body Shop Themed evenings, like Underwear Fetish Night the first and third Thursday of each month, and a game room elevate The Body Shop’s fun, laid-back atmosphere. An outdoor patio and $3 Long Islands are also among the highlights. 14905 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-971-3578.
Bradley’s on 7th Drinks, divas and dancing is what you’ll find at the GaYbor District’s rustic-chic Bradley’s. With roaring rounds of applause, guests crown the winner of the bar’s strip contest Thursday nights. 1510 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-2723, bradleyson7th.com.
The Castle A dimly lit gothic fortress that has an anthing-goes attitude and unassuming exterior. There are five areas throughout the popular club, founded in ‘92, to explore. 2004 N. 16th St., Tampa, 813-247-7547, castleybor.com.
Chic-a-Boom Room Expect jazzed-up fun through this eclectic martini bar’s trivia nights, live music, drink deals and more. 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-0206, kellyschicaboom.com.
City Side This convivial Palma Ceia lounge offers pool and darts alongside three bars, an outdoor patio and DJs who spin the latest gay anthems and Top 40 sounds. 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-350-0600, citysideloungetampa.com.
Enigma A buzzing upscale bar and dance club that debuted just in time for last year’s Pride festivities. Catch Enigma’s kickoff and 11 p.m.-ish meet-and-greet with Glee’s Alex Newell June 26, a post-parade dance party June 27 and June 28’s finale shows. 1110 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 954-599-4085, enigmastpete.com.
Flamingo Resort With restaurant, nightclub and an 80,000-gallon swimming pool, this multibar destination gets swarmed during Pride. A packed lineup of events — poolside DJs, breakfast soirées and drag shows among them — is sure to keep you busy. 4601 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-321-5000, flamingofla.com.
The Garage on Central Free pool and “happiness hours” (hello, drink specials!) are offered daily alongside karaoke and dance music Friday through Sunday. Sports games are always airing on the quaint bar’s big-screen TVs, too. 2729 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, garageoncentral.weebly.com.
Georgie’s Alibi You’ll find this one-stop shop for the region’s LGBT community at the beginning of the parade. Appealing to sports fans, foodies, and folks who like to groove, Georgie’s will feature an array of happenings throughout Pride weekend. 3100 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-321-2112, georgiesalibi.com.
Hamburger Mary’s A swoon-worthy Ybor burger shop showcasing cabaret and drag shows, a talent competition and drag bingo weekly. Reservations are suggested for events. 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-6279, hamburgermarys.com.
Honey Pot Part club, part bar, Honey Pot serves up mixed drinks and dance beats in a welcoming setting. Head to the GaYbor must-stop for a pre-Pride party June 26, June 27’s post-parade gathering and the burlesque-filled Americana event June 28. 1507 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-4663.
Kelly’s From steak and eggs to Asian kale salad and crab mac, you’re guaranteed to find “just about anything” at this beloved haunt. 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5284, kellyschicaboom.com.
Liquid Tampa Get in on this GaYbor club’s enticing bill of Pride events, including June 26’s Latin celebration with $1 drinks, DJ tunes and “papi go-go gods.” 1502 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-5043, liquidtampa.com.
Lucky Star Lounge A relaxed and cozy dive bar in the Grand Central District with strong drinks that won’t break your bank. Happy hour all day Sunday through Tuesday; enter through the rear of Mr. Sun Liquors. 2760 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Old Key West Bar & Grill Wash down this eatery’s casual grub with a cold one. Various Pride events are planned for Old Key West, too: bingo kicks things off June 25, followed by June 26’s DJ bash, a 25-foot-tall water slide for June 27 and a drag show June 28. 2451 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0969.
Pro Shop Pub An everyone-is-welcome institution that’s functioned as a neighborhood hangout and celebration venue for nearly 40 years. 840 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-447-4259, proshoppub.us.
The Queens Head Longtime owners Paul Smith and Darren Conner recently sold their hip Euro bar and restaurant to new proprietor Tracy Asalita, who shared a first date with business and life partner Jayme Frankel at the Grand Central spot. Located at the heart of the parade route, The Queens Head acts as a prime pre- and post-Pride reveling haven. 2501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-498-8584, thequeensheadbar.com.
Quench Lounge Potluck & Undie Sunday, karaoke and pool tournaments are included on Quench’s recurring roster of happenings. For Pride, don’t miss the lounge’s after-hours affair at 11 p.m. June 27, or, you know, the Magic Mike-themed amateur strip battle June 26. 13284 66th St. N., Largo, 727-754-5900, quenchlounge.com.
The Social An upstairs-downstairs hotspot showcasing everything from DJs and dancing to special events and $8 all-you-can-drink Fridays. 1909 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-242-2717.
Southern Nights Tampa In the former home of G. Bar, GaYbor’s newest party hub premiered its crowd-pleasing themed nights last week. Catering both to new crowds and G. Bar habitués, the Orlando-based Southern Nights highlights burlesque shows on Frisky Fridays, drag shows on Swank Saturdays and more. 1401 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-559-8625, southernnightstpa.com.
Stella’s Owner Barbara Banno’s charming diner cooks up homestyle cuisine, such as seafood quiche and the Hangover Burger, for breakfast, lunch and brunch. 3119 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-498-8950, stellasingulfport.com.
This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2015.