Gay Bars & LGBTQ+ Venues in Fort Lauderdale, FL — Page 3

Christina Wan's Mandarin House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm, with Sunday hours starting at 4 pm. This women-led Chinese restaurant in Fort Lauderdale's Victoria Park draws a mixed gay-straight crowd, especially upscale gays. The owner, Christina Wan, is often onsite herself, adding a personal touch. While not overly expensive, the interior is nice and the Mandarin, Szechwan, and Cantonese dishes are fresh and well-priced. Regulars recommend arriving in time for the Sunset Specials, which offer great value. The service is excellent, and many locals bring friends here confidently, knowing they'll be pleased. It's a reliable spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Open daily from 11am, Pink Sub (formerly Pink Submarine) in Wilton Manors serves subs until 7pm on weekdays and Sundays, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays (unconfirmed). It's a lesbian-owned spot with a small but impressive menu of specialty subs and house-made sides. The owner is friendly, and the vibe is casual and unpretentious. Try the corn chowder, a local favorite. The combo sub, drink, and side runs $10.00, making it a budget-friendly lunch stop. Seating is limited and decor is frumpy, so you might prefer taking your sub to go. It's right on the strip in Oakland Park.

Decades Design Group Inc in Wilton Manors is a go-to spot for mid-century modern furniture and decor, blending new pieces from local artists with authentic vintage finds. You'll find rare items like Knoll tables, glass-and-chrome tables from the 70s, and arc lamps. The inventory turns over weekly, so it's different every time you visit. The shop has a quirky, fun vibe with a large selection of furniture, rugs, and lamps. Regulars know to check pieces carefully for damage, as some reviewers have noted issues with cracks or missing veneer. Stop by often to snag one-of-a-kind finds before they're gone. For more thrift and vintage shopping nearby, check out Out of the Closet - Wilton Manors.

Most Wilton Manors bars are dance clubs, but Infinity Lounge keeps things low-key with beachy decor and fresh-fruit cocktails. The happy hour runs until 9pm daily, making it one of the area's longest for mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowds. Bartenders here are known for being especially friendly, and the house martini is touted as the cheapest around. Weekend hours stretch to 1am, though the lounge stays quieter than nearby Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors.

In Downtown Fort Lauderdale, a collective of NYC transplants runs Empire Stage, producing their own works and contemporary scripts with LGBTQIA themes. This theater offers an intimate look at new plays from a queer perspective.

Walking into Stevie Moon in Fort Lauderdale Beach, you're greeted by an artist known nationally for custom body art. This queer-owned tattoo shop attracts clients from across the country seeking wildly colorful, detailed tattoos both large and small. But the reputation is mixed: with a 2.6 Yelp rating from 21 reviews, some travelers have reported unprofessional conduct and lost deposits, while others praise the artistry. Hours are daily from 12pm to 8pm. If you're planning a custom piece, research thoroughly and read recent reviews before booking. The shop is in the Fort Lauderdale Beach neighborhood, convenient for a beach day stop.

Over Easy Cafe stands out as a classic diner in Wilton Manors that closes by 2pm on most days, focusing entirely on breakfast and lunch. The homemade pies are the draw here, with regulars often grabbing a slice to go. It's a budget-friendly spot for eggs, pancakes, and comfort food. The crowd skews local and casual. You'll find the usual diner fare and a no-fuss atmosphere. If you're craving a late breakfast after a night out, this is the place.

Fresh flowers and a steer on the wall set the tone at DrYnk Bar & Lounge, a contemporary neighborhood bar in Wilton Manors. The staff is known for exceptional cocktails and craft beer, and the outdoor seating area with a fireplace is a draw for both regulars and visitors. Happy hour runs daily starting at 2pm, making it an easy afternoon stop. Grab bar bites and a draft beer, or sit by the fireplace and people-watch. It's a friendly, relaxed spot that feels more lounge than dive.

Sebrina Mara Alfonso, an openly gay musical director, leads this 93-piece orchestra. The South Florida Symphony Orchestra, formerly the Key West Symphony, performs occasionally in Fort Lauderdale. It features world-renowned guest soloists. Check the website for dates and locations.

A gallery focused almost entirely on male nude and homoerotic art, Gallery XO is a rare find even among LGBTQ-friendly spaces. The selection includes drawings, paintings, and sculptures, all capturing the male form. They also do custom framing, so you can bring in your own pieces. In Wilton Manors, it's an easy stop after a stroll.

Expect a lively crowd at Chima Steakhouse, where servers in gaucho attire parade skewers of lamb, pork, filet mignon, shrimp, and chicken right to your table. It's an all-you-can-eat meat experience, complemented by a surprisingly extensive salad bar. The Brazilian popovers are a must-try starter. This is a splurge-worthy spot for a celebration or a hearty feast. Chima is open for dinner nightly, with weekend lunch hours from 12:30-3pm. Reservations are recommended given its popularity. It's a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a festive atmosphere that's perfect for groups. If you're in the area, Casablanca Cafe is another nearby option for a different vibe.

Casa D'Angelo Ristorante isn't your typical beachside Italian spot. This upscale venue focuses on Tuscan and Southern Italian cuisine that goes beyond standard red-sauce dishes. It shares ownership with D'Angelo Pizza, but here the vibe is decidedly more refined. The Yelp rating sits at 4.7/5 from 39 reviews, a strong local endorsement. Located a few blocks inland from Fort Lauderdale Beach, it's a dinner-only destination open from 5:30pm nightly. The cocktail bar keeps things lively. It's a solid choice for a relaxed date night, especially if you want to skip the tourist crowds closer to the shore.

This LA Fitness has a 2.5-star Yelp rating from 248 reviews, with frequent complaints about cleanliness and broken equipment. The facility includes a swimming pool, yoga, and spinning classes, but it's showing its age. Regulars note the locker room has two extremes: very shy attractive men and those who over-share. While dated, the gym draws a notably fit crowd. Hours run from 5am most weekdays, closing earlier on weekends.

If you think all antique stores are dusty and disorganized, Shades of the Past Antiques offers a curated surprise. This LGBTQ-owned shop in Wilton Manors specializes in antique lighting, with vintage furnishings packed into every corner. You'll find unique lamps, chandeliers, and other fixtures alongside furniture and arts and crafts items. It's a small, focused space that rewards browsing. The shop keeps short hours: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5pm. With a 4.4-star Yelp rating from 13 reviews, it's well-liked by locals. Since it's crammed full, give yourself time to dig. It's easy to combine with a visit to Out of the Closet - Wilton Manors just around the way.

This museum is best suited for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture, especially the stories of the southeastern United States. Located in Wilton Manors, the Stonewall National Museum houses a professionally catalogued archive with rotating exhibits on social and cultural history. Beyond the exhibits, it holds an extensive collection of pulp fiction, organizational records, personal papers, and oral histories. You'll find a mix of books, DVDs, magazines, and films in the archive. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. One reviewer described it as a "little hidden treasure" where you could spend hours exploring.

Wilton Manors has a go-to spot for custom framing on Wilton Drive. Fort Lauderdale Framing offers a wide selection of frames and matting, with prices that stay reasonable. They even give a 20% discount off already fair pricing. The owner's passion shows in every consultation, helping you pick the perfect frame. Most framing jobs are done in under a week. If you have a lot to frame, ask about quantity discounts. It's a small shop with big quality. If you're exploring the neighborhood, you can also check out The Poverello Center Thrift Store nearby.

W Fort Lauderdale features a glass-bottom pool above the lobby and an upper pool deck overlooking the beach. It's an active LGBTQ+ host with frequent queer events, though it caters to a mixed crowd. The hotel has a spa and is family-friendly, with American and fusion cuisine options.

Open daily 11:30am to 10pm, Angelo Elia (formerly D'Angelo Pizza) sits just north of Wilton Manors. It offers pizza, tapas, and wine in a gay-friendly setting with outdoor seating. Specialties include ceviche and carpaccio, and the Italian menu is known for fresh sauces and cheese. It's a solid choice for a casual lunch or dinner, with plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe. Note: Yelp data suggests this venue may be permanently closed, so call ahead to confirm.

What sets this Wilton Manors theater apart is its exclusive focus on live horror shows that explore humanity's darker side. You might get the pants scared off of you, but the venue also hosts community events and rents out the space for other productions. It's a welcome addition to the local arts scene.

Unlike the typical Florida seafood spot, Kelly's Landing flies in lobsters daily from Boston and serves a New England-style clam chowder that Northeastern expats swear by. The menu leans into flash-fried seafood, with fried shrimp earning local praise. Outdoor seating is available. Not a gay venue, but the crowd is mainstream and laid-back.

Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale is for indie film fans and anyone seeking an alternative to mainstream multiplexes. As the former Cinema Paradiso, it's now the home base for the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, which programs LGBTQIA-themed films each year. The venue draws a mixed crowd that's both gay and straight, and its lineup rotates through art films, operas, and cult classics like "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Price tier is standard for a moviehouse, though ticket details aren't confirmed here. Check the festival schedule for queer-specific screenings. For another LGBTQ-friendly cultural stop in town, you might also visit Island City Stage for live theater.

Beautiful views and excellent service are the hallmarks of this Westin. The Westin Beach Resort is the more relaxed choice compared to its high-style neighbor, The W Fort Lauderdale. Elegant rooms and luxurious beachside service await guests at this Westin Resort. Close to downtown and the gay beach, visitors can take a water taxi to local sites. The resort is family-friendly and pet-friendly, with a swimming pool and spa. Its 24-hour availability means you can check in anytime. For a livelier scene, the W Fort Lauderdale is just next door.

One reviewer called it a place where a gay man can't be himself in a straight world, seeking help. This men-only chorus, formerly the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, performs around the region. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. You'll find community through music.

Great drinks in an unfussy setting. Catch a drag show from local queens at this relaxed neighborhood bar.

What sets this shop apart is its focus on gay culture art and accessories, including the largest collection of Steve Walker artwork anywhere. Custom framing is also available, and they offer shipping nationwide. It's a fun stop for unique decor.

Inn on the Drive is a small bed-and-breakfast in Wilton Manors, set apart from larger Fort Lauderdale hotels by its personal scale and pet-friendly vibe. It has a saltwater pool and a sunny sundeck, with rooms described as cute and affordable. This isn't a full-service resort; guests should expect a more casual, DIY experience. Reviews note that housekeeping may be limited, and supplies like towels and coffee are self-serve from a closet. The pool area has good WiFi. For a more polished stay, nearby options like the W Fort Lauderdale offer full amenities, but if you want a quiet, budget-friendly B&B where your dog is welcome, Inn on the Drive fits that niche.

Home of the largest LGBTQ+ circulating library in the United States, Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale offers a unique blend of history and community. This LGBTQ-owned venue houses extensive archives and a library, making it a vital resource for queer culture and education. It's family-friendly and welcomes all ages, with free admission to explore its collections. Open Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, it's an easy stop in Wilton Manors. While this location focuses on archives and meeting space, a visitors center operates on Wilton Drive nearby. It's a quiet spot for researching LGBTQ history or attending community events.

Strong drinks, rowdy crowds, and go-go boys define this leather bar in Wilton Manors. The Eagle is a men-only, fetish-friendly venue where bears, travelers, and locals mix for themed nights and dancing. Known for its accommodating staff and low-key vibe, it's a staple during Tropical Bear Week and a must for leather enthusiasts. Cover your bases before you go: it's 21+ only and opens at 5pm on weekends, 7pm on weeknights. The music stays loud and the drinks stay strong. Don't bring Mom, but do bring your gear. Right down the street, Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar offers a more casual stop if you need a change of pace.

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa stands apart from other Fort Lauderdale Beach hotels by offering oversized condo-style suites with marble baths and private balconies. It is near the gay beach at Sebastian Street and is very gay friendly. The hotel features a 10,000 sq. ft. spa and exercise room, with some rooms including kitchenettes – ideal for a longer stay. Yelp indicates the venue may be permanently closed, so confirm before booking. Each suite has an ocean view, and the hotel sits right on the beach. You'll find drink specials and packages available for guests. The vibe is casual elegance with style and flair.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street is open 24 hours daily, making it easy to check in at any time, even after a late flight. The all-suite rooms separate the bedroom from the living area, decent for travelers needing extra space. Its location near the airport and cruise port is a practical advantage. On the downside, Yelp reviews give it a 2.6/5 rating, with common complaints about inattentive staff. A free nightly happy hour is a nice perk, but you likely won't find many other LGBTQ+ guests here. For a more social scene, you could try the W Fort Lauderdale.