While many of Miami’s storied LGBTQ-friendly bars and clubs have shut their doors over the years, Miami’s epic drag brunches and city-wide pride parades are as strong as ever. Plus, there’s still a slew of vibrant nightlife options to choose from, including the rebranded Nathan’s Video Bar (Nathan's Beach Club) and South Beach’s longstanding gay nightclub Twist.
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1216 Washington Ave. / Website
Previously Nathan’s Video Bar, the pandemic-born nightlife spot has reopened with an elevated brand transformation steps away from Twist. The result of a partnership between Nathan Smith and Derek Gonzalez of GOAT Hospitality Group, Nathan’s Beach Club aims to establish a safe and welcoming space within the nightlife scene for Miami’s LGBTQ+ community. The GOAT Hospitality portfolio includes brands like Pilo’s Street Tacos, Pilo’s Tequila Garden and Frozaritas. Malaysia Babydoll Fox will host the First Annual Community Prom on June 23.
R House
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2727 NW 2nd Ave. / Website
Miami happens to be known for a little something called drag brunch, so if you’re looking to sling back mimosas in the company of rock-star queens, you’re in the right place. The most fabulous queens host a fun-filled boozy brunch every Saturday and Sunday for $60 per person, taking place right in the heart of Wynwood.
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1052 Ocean Drive / Website
Known as the premier LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in Miami, Palace Bar has been churning out festive weekend drag brunches and nightly drag dinners on Miami’s iconic Ocean Drive for more than three decades. For a quintessential South Beach experience, classic bar bites and fun cocktails, Palace should be at the top of your hit list.
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1057 Washington Ave. / Website
Twist is one of the few meccas for gay nightlife still left in Miami, and it’s still pulsing with energy. Founded in 1993 by Richard Trainor, Twist is cover-free and massive, with seven bars, three dance floors and nightly programming spanning across two stories in South Beach. Plus, the fun doesn’t stop until 5 a.m.
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176 NW 24th St. / Website
While not an official gay bar, Gramps is known for its Thursday night Double Stubble drag shows at 8 p.m., hosted by Karla Croqueta and featuring special guest performers and DJs.
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1409 Lincoln Road / Website
Situated on Hotel Gaythering’s property (a Miami Beach hotel catering exclusively to gay guests), Gaythering Bar hosts nightly events ranging from karaoke to trivia. Drinks are 50% off during happy hour.
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2301 SW 32nd Ave. / Website
Azucar Nightclub is the go-to destination for Miami’s Latin LGBTQ+ community, featuring captivating cabaret, dancers, DJs and drag competitions in Little Havana.
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1500 Collins Ave. / Website
Self-labeled as “hetero-friendly,” AxelBeach Miami is a hotel chain designed for the LGBTQ+ community and focuses its branding on inclusivity and freedom of self-expression. The on-site Sky Bar is a trendy spot for enjoying a cocktail and the colorful dance floor overlooking Washington Avenue.
Photography by: Courtesy of R House
