Gay bar tampa
Home / places venues / Gay bar tampa
Perhaps the Reservoir Bar is for you. One of its standout events, Vampire Ball Night, adds a truly unique experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ+ party scene in Tampa. Read on to learn about the best gay bars in Tampa.
Bradley’s on 7th
1510 E. 7th Avenue
Bradley’s on 7th sits right in the heart of the gayborhood and is a favorite among the locals.
Sorry ladies, Johnsons is for men only. Looking for gay bars in Tampa? The Castle – Alternative & Goth-Friendly LGBTQ+ Bar
Address: 2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL (Ybor City)
The Castle is a goth-inspired LGBTQ+-friendly club in Tampa, offering an unforgettable nightlife experience with its alternative music, industrial beats, and themed fetish nights.
Southern Nights Tampa
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today
Keep on the City Side of life
If you’re hunting for a quieter evening in a sleek setting, City Side is the place to be.
Most of the action sits in Ybor City, where you can bar-hop on foot and still be close to beaches, museums, and the Riverwalk.
The Castle
2004 N 16th Street
Every night is Halloween in this Eastern European, gothic-style castle. It’s a multilevel dance club playing music from top 40 to new age where you are free to be who you are with a mode of dress from Goth to fetish to superhero.
Trading radiant rainbows for black leather and choker necklaces, this venue, although not LGBTQ+ specific, is popular with goths and fetish fiends and is welcoming to all. “Everyone is welcome, nothing is taboo” are the words The Castle in GAYbor live by. While not technically a gay bar, Reservoir is open to all and is patronized by a diverse group of friendly, laid-back locals.
Dance.” Stop by for a show and a few rounds of darts while enjoying the company of the friendliest folks in Tampa.
For weather and comfort, aim for late February through April. Bradley’s on 7th – Best for Drag Shows & Strong Drinks
Address:1510 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL (Ybor City)
Bradley’s is a popular gay bar in Tampa, known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
It was one of the most popular gay nightclubs in the city, but unfortunately, the lgbt community will need to find somewhere new to tear up the dance floor.
Punky’s Bar & Grill – LGBTQ+ Restaurant & Bar
Punky’s was a queer-owned restaurant and bar that served delicious food, great drinks, and community-focused events.
For venues, start in Ybor. It’s busy but manageable, and you can often pair your visit with Pride-adjacent events in spring. Cocktail St. Pete – Upscale Queer-Friendly Cocktail Bar
Address:2355 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL (A short drive from Tampa)
While technically in St. Pete, Cocktail St. Pete is worth the drive for its chic atmosphere, expert mixologists, and fabulous LGBTQ+ crowd.
Ybor City – Tampa’s LGBTQ+ Hotspot
Tampa’s historic and eclectic neighborhood, Ybor City is home to many of the city’s top gay clubs and bars. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance clubs, cozy cocktail lounges, or laid-back neighborhood pubs, Tampa offers something for every queer local and visitor, much like the welcoming atmosphere of Key West.
MR D’z Men’s Emporium
1510 N Nebraska Avenue
Don’t let the word “emporium” throw you.
City Side Lounge
3703 Henderson Boulevard
With three separate bars – the main bar, a weekend-only patio bar, and a sports bar, there’s always something going on at City Side Lounge.
Downtown Tampa – Upscale & Trendy
For those who prefer chic rooftop bars, speakeasy-style lounges, and craft cocktails, Downtown Tampa is a great option.
Bradley’s on 7th
Sometimes, all you need to ease your troubles is a casual night in a friendly gay dive.