Gay Travel Guide to St Pete, Florida

Known for its stiff drinks and hard liquor, COCKtail bar is one of the best hangout spots in St Petersburg. And believe us when we say that it isn’t just the drinks that are hard and stiff… The gay bar is part of a larger complex, which also features a larger club area, a shop, and a hotel. The outside bar is where the gay clientele hang out.

COCKtail often host themed nights, with everything you can think of, like line dancing, drag shows, and karaoke. And when you’re using the toilet – make sure to look up. The ceiling is famous for its male organ murals (yes, you read that right), by artist Chad Mize. Let’s face it, we all have to resist temptation to “take a peek” at our urinal buddy’s little friend. Now we have giant pieces right over our heads to satisfy our curiosity.

At The Saint, they take the 1920s-style Prohibition theme to the max. Don’t stress though, we aren’t talking about the infamous Berghain club in Berlin here. Just make sure you dress snazzy and avoid singlets if you wanna make it through the door of this speakeasy. Once you're in, you’ll be charmed by its quirky décor, flirty staff, and tasty drinks.

As you go in, you are asked to write your darkest sins on a piece of paper and hand it to the doorman. Were our sins bad or juicy enough to be pinned up on the wall? You’ll have to go and see for yourself (wink!). Note, you will need a password to get in: check their Instagram Highlights on their story for the latest “Sin to get in” password.

The Garage is located in the heart of the city on Central Avenue. Walking in, you may wonder if you’ve found the right place. It appears nothing like a gay bar usually looks like. The lighting is dim and the interior is decorated with fine, dark woods. But once you spot the leather daddy and drag queen making out in the corner, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.

As the gay bar has been around for a long time, it has a large and dedicated clientele who frequently visit. We thought this was an incredible way to chat with people who have lived in St Pete for years and learn more about this incredible city. They regularly host themed events like karaoke, disco, and leather nights.

Just like the Madonna song, a night spent at Lucky Star will make “the darkness seem so far.” As St Pete’s oldest gay bar, it may not be the loudest or the flashiest, but it more than makes up for it with its welcoming clientele and charming ambiance. The dancefloor is splashed with unique lighting, the DJs tend to play throwback bops, and the patio area is a great escape for fresh air when you’ve worked up a sweat.

It’s a small space, so it can feel a tad crowded at times. Although, we always feel this makes it easier to strike up conversation with strangers and make new friends. It’s almost all men who visit and whilst we aren’t complaining, it is worth noting for women who may be looking to meet other women. 

We’re cheating a bit with this one as The Dog Bar isn’t specifically a gay bar. However, due to the fact it’s across the street from COCKtail, has a large queer clientele, and is full of little furries (no, not that kind of furry unfortunately), we thought it counted! The Dog Bar is half bar, half dog park. So, if you thought the name was tongue-in-cheek, think again! If, like me, you’re a dog person, then this spot will feel like Heaven.

Around the bar, you’ll find pups of all shapes and sizes, paddling pools, and feeding bowls. The bar is overlooked by a “wooferie” to make sure all doggos and patrons are safe and having a good time. After you’ve obsessed over all the cute puppies (and remembered half the reason you’re there is to drink), you’ll enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. 

Whenever we see anything listed as being “straight friendly”, we know we are in for a gay old time! Quench Lounge is described as the “hottest” gay bar in the county. So perhaps they’ve named themselves quench as they are satisfying your thirsty cravings. Throughout the week, they have several events that’ll get your heart racing as well as perking up your competitive streak. Wednesdays they have karaoke, Thursdays are for drag bingo, and on Fridays, things get rather hot at Boyz Night.

The weekends are the most popular nights with On Diva Saturdays and there is the undie Sunday, where everyone walks around in their tightest underwear… expect to see more packages than at an Amazon warehouse!

Located in an inconspicuous part of the city, Pro Shop Pub is by far one of the most underrated gay spots in the city. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. It’s a brick block, with the words Pro Shop spelt out in neon lights. Not your usual flashy, loud queer bar/club we’re used to seeing. But it turns out that its design was left over from the era when gay men used to meet there in secret.

When it opened its doors in 1976, it was one of the few places in the state where men could escape persecution and be themselves. And it was also the dawn of disco, which made it feel like even more of a piece of a heavenly sanctuary. Today, it is modest in comparison to the other spots on the list, making it perfect for anyone looking to have a peaceful night out.

We’ve told you all about the saucy bar area, now it’s time to gush over the sensational gay club. Trust us, visiting both is a must! You just can’t beat a big dance area and throw in the fact that they have live male dancers, and you have yourself a winning combo. These men are hot hot hot.

The music is just what you need for a night out dancing. Expect Gaga, Ariana, Cher, Dua Lipa (or as Wendy Williams calls her, Dula Peep), and Kylie. The club stays open until 3am each day, which in our view is the sweet spot between an early one and pulling an all-nighter. 

For dancing, drinks, and delicious men, you can’t go wrong with the most popular gay club in St Pete: Enigma. Using world-class lighting systems and expert sound machines, a boogie here is like no other. You can practically feel the music pulsing through you (or maybe that was the one too many drinks we had…?)

Friday nights are when Daphne Ferraro takes to the stage for “the best drag show in the world.” Her words, not ours, although we don’t disagree. Her comedic chops are legendary, her impersonations are spot on, and her musical performances are sensational. And best of all, they run a happy hour every day until 9pm. Visitors get 2 for 1 on all cocktails, bottled beers, house wines, and more. So, you know where you can find us…

Blur is first and foremost a show gay bar, so expect theater from the moment you arrive. Tuesday nights are for house-enthusiasts, with DJ sets blasting out the best of the genre until midnight. Wednesday/Hump Days are for hip-hop fanatics. They feature an open-mic night, so if you feel inspired, you can hop up on stage and spit your best bars. Thursdays are for karaoke. This is right up our alley – the only issue we have is deciding who gets sing to Lady Gaga’s part in ‘Rain on Me.’

For drag queen shows, come by on Friday for fantastic performances and incredible lip-syncs. Once a month, they have drag queen bingo, which merges our two favourite things, silly games and drag. On Saturday, they have a live band, and on Sunday, it’s Happy Hour all day. 

“Selling is more than just putting some things on shelves. It’s about creating the right experience and atmosphere”. Truer words have never been spoken. At Atlas Body and Home, it’s all about the expertise and technical design skills of gay owners, Michael and Tony. Having spotted the lack of clothing options for men in St. Pete, Michael and Tony put plans in motion to open a small gay store that sold undies and bathing suits. Flashforward to the grand opening, and they had a whole retail store rearing to go.

When we stopped by to freshen up our wardrobe, we knew we were in safe hands. Their range of men’s apparel, accessories, swimwear, and printed shirts came to fruition after intensive researching, traveling, and investing. The pair wanted to make sure each item, no matter how small, was well suited to their brand – and they couldn’t have done a finer job. 

Dorothy Gale may have said “there’s no place like home” but then again, her barnyard wasn’t touched by the magic of ZaZoo’d! Whether you’re coming to shop, browse, or snap pictures, you will leave ZaZoo’d itching to redecorate your whole house. The inside is stunning, full of quirky furniture, whimsical décor, and funky lighting fixtures. If you consider your taste in home décor to be in any way alternative, then this is the spot for you.

Every piece of furniture you’ll come across, regardless of whether it’s new or old, has been reworked into a truly unique piece that will become the main attention grabber of your room. They have an in-house interior design team, so if you are stuck or in need of a bit of inspo, you can chat to them for new ideas. 

Social Roost is owned by gay couple Rob and Jason, who both grew up in St Pete, went to school together, served time in the army, and traveled the world before establishing one of the city’s most fabulous dining experiences. If that ain’t a tale for the ages, we don’t know what is. Having seen so much of Mother Earth, it’s easy to see just how wide and diverse their menu is. Tokyo shrimp, salads inspired by Italy, the Mediterranean, and the southwest of the US, Peruvian chicken, Mexican-style tacos, you name it!

Their menu is almost as well traveled as we are (close, but no cigar). Their resident chef, Susan Burdian helped develop the global menu, and with mixologist Max Blowers also on board to whip up delicious cocktails, they are truly an unstoppable team.

Uptown Eats is a gay-owned café that serves breakfast and lunch. From the second you walk in, you are pelted with the rich smell of roasted coffee, toasty pastries, and delectable sandwiches. It’s enough to make you never want to leave. Staff are always smiling, super welcoming, and are happy to suggest any items on the menu if you are struggling to decide.

The selection of foods ranges from the uber nutritious to the diet-crushing treats. So, no matter what you are craving, you’ll find something to tuck into. It's owned by Dan, who is a partner of Chad Mize (yep, the guy whose male organs murals you can find on the ceiling of the COCKtail bathroom). There is even an outdoor seating area so you can enjoy your brekkie in the morning air. And our big tip? Look out for their uber delicious rainbow cookies!

Lingr is another LGBTQ-owned business that you simply must visit! Their menu was developed by Chef Jeff (such a cute accidental rhyme), who appeared on and won the Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games. Inspired by his mix of Norwegian and Asian heritage, Jeff created a menu that is contemporary, whilst still feeling authentic. All dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients and are perfectly matched for Lingr’s selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wine.

You can clearly tell how much time, love, and attention went into each dish. Everything we saw being served up, both to our table and our neighbours, looked positively delish. We had a mix of veggies and spiced salmon – making us feel like we were dining right in the heart of Norway. The staff are equally as passionate about the food and sharing their recommendations as the chefs are preparing it. An all-round must-try! 

Who doesn’t love a nautical theme? After all, there’s nothing better than a hot seaman! Pier Teaki has 360-degree views of the waterfront. So, as you wait for your food to arrive, you can breathe in the fresh, sea air and get excited to tuck in. Plus, if you book your table for sunset, your views are even better. Pier Teaki’s menu is packed to the brim with the likes of clam chowder, shrimp, and spicy fish.

The restaurant is surrounded by water, with stunning views out onto the gorgeous Tampa Bay waterfront. The staff were extremely pleasant, welcoming, and full of recommendations as to what we should try. We love it when you can tell the people love the place they work in and take pride in walking you through the menu. 

Opening its doors in 2018, Golden Dinosaurs has been the go-to place for vegans across the Tampa Bay and St. Pete area ever since. It serves a range of sandwiches, burgers, wraps, chilli dogs, and baked goods. Run by an indigenous couple, you can tell how much care and attention was put into crafting each meal. Even those who aren’t vegan (ahem us, sorry!) can find something suitable and delicious on the menu.

The staff are dedicated and ensure every customer has the best experience. The vibe is very chill, with seating on a private patio, decorated with a gurgling water fountain, bushy trees, and painted artworks. It’s a super relaxing place to tuck into your meal.

We loved visiting the Dali Museum. Its exterior design is a rectangular block with a glass blob wrapping around itself around the front –very retro Lady Gaga vibes. The mind-bending architecture had us gagging so much, people around us started to doubt we even had a reflex to begin with… The museum is dedicated to the surrealist artist, Salvador Dali, and it is the largest showcase of his work outside of his native Spain.

He was known for his charismatic persona, unique use of imagery, bold artworks that definitely took nerve to showcase, and incredible talent. (Pssst: He was also believed to be a fellow queen!) Inside, we found oil paintings, watercolors, photographs, and sculptures by the iconic artist. There are also exhibitions, sound recordings, and video clips that relate to his life, so you can learn about the man behind the magic.  

St Pete is known for its street art. Even taking a wander around the city and admiring the murals and works of graffiti is an experience in itself. The Chad Mize Gallery, a small but fascinating art gallery, used to be located right next to Uptown Eats (owned by Chad's partner). However, the space was only ever planned to be used for five years and now Uptown Eats has expanded into what was once the gallery space.

You can still see photos of previous exhibitions on the website, the gallery showcased local queer artists which was amazing. One previous exhibition featured several artists creating a work of art inspired by a decade. So, whether it was the classic look of the 50s, the funky 80s, or the hip 90s, wandering about felt like moving through a time portal. As well as the Say Gay exhibition, which commented on Florida’s controversial Don’t Say Gay Bill. While the gallery may be gone, you can still find excellent street art nearby!

With over 350 days of sunlight each year, there isn’t really an excuse to not hit up the beach on your visit to St Petersburg. Found at the southernmost tip of St. Pete Beach, is the white sand beach town of Pass-A-Grille. It’s laidback and every bit as quaint as you’d expect a beach town to be. Each night, people gather there for the nightly bell chime at sunset (appropriately marked on their event calendar as Ding Dong).

Nearby, there are outdoor markets, boutiques, rooftop bars, piers, and ice cream shops all within walking distance. Is it any wonder so many people choose to retire there? Over the years, the LGBTQ population has grown, and the town even hosts a gay-themed 5k run/walk, which is held each year to celebrate Pride. Anyone can take part and unlike most places, you’re guaranteed a gorgeous day to complete your journey.

Aren’t we forever contradicting ourselves? Whenever we go somewhere remote, we’re looking for the nearest cocktail bar. And then when we’re in a bustling gay city like St Petersburg, we’re itching to escape into nature. In the Sunken Gardens, there are thousands upon thousands of tropical plants for visitors to get lost in.

Paths meander through the stunning gardens, ranging from colorful displays, lush plants, and a flock of flamingos who love to roam around because why not? There are also several parrots who reside there, called Bobbie-Sue, Mindy, Coconut, and Mitch (and who all love a game of peekaboo). The gardens are open until 4.30pm every day, with a $15 admission fee for adults.

Home to the most comprehensive art collection in Florida, a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts is a day well spent. There are over 18,000 objects that represent 5,000 years of civilisation, spanning across ancient Greece and Rome, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The museum also features a photograph collection, and art by iconic painters Monet, Auguste Rodin, Kehinde Wiley and Jacob Lawrence. They regularly host special exhibitions.

In the past, the museum showcased how photography shifted through 1970s America. Another successful exhibition was Black Portraits, a series of artworks that portrayed black identity and experiences. Events are often held, such as coffee talks, cocktail evenings, and dance parties. Adults can get tickets for $22. The museum is closed on Mondays, but stays open until 8pm on Thursdays, whilst closing at 5pm every other day.