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Photos by Jerry Jones.
Bar Frida y Restaurante will celebrate its 25th anniversary in June 2026, solidifying its status as one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic and historic LGBTQ+ establishments.
As this milestone approaches, we sat down with owner Tom Finley and director Mike Laking to discuss the busy lineup of events and updates at the restaurant and bar this season. Tom opened with a statement that has defined his vision over the years: “Bar Frida doesn’t follow; it leads.”
Now in its fifth location—which is more than twice the size of the previous one, located at Francisco I. Madero 418 in the Zona Romántica—Tom and Mike expressed their delight at how well clientele has received the current space since its opening in August 2025.
Both emphasized a fundamental shift that goes beyond the change in scenery: previously, the business consisted of two separate entities operating side-by-side: Bar Frida and Frida’s Kitchen. Today, the bar and the kitchen are managed together as a single entity.
“That caused some confusion for our customers at the previous location because they would receive two separate checks—one for the bar and one for the restaurant. We are now pleased to announce that Bar Frida y Restaurante operates as a single business. Our menu features a selection of comfort food designed around the dishes our customers love, curated by Tom, myself, the staff, and feedback from our guests,” said Mike Laking, who has been assisting Tom for over eight years and brings extensive experience from the restaurant industry. Some of the menu items even come from Mike’s personal recipe book.
Another significant update is that the establishment now accepts credit cards as a payment option, in addition to cash.
While we chatted, I had the opportunity to try their meatloaf and delicious tortilla soup. Other standout dishes on the menu include the chili con carne and the shrimp cocktail.
“We’ve kept several fan favorites and are still planning to add essentials like enchiladas,” Tom added.
Guest Chef Program
A new highlight at Bar Frida y Restaurante is the recently launched Guest Chef Program. Once a month, a local chef is invited to feature a special dish for one night only. In January, guest chef Dee served his delicious Butter Chicken, and for February, Chef Roger of Alaska has been announced, featuring Prime Rib and Yorkshire Pudding.
Meals are limited to 20 servings, so calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended. The contact number is 322-222-5846.
Bearadise Welcome Party
“Bear Week” will make its mark at Bar Frida y Restaurante, as the welcome party for the 8th annual Bearadise International Bear Fetish Festival (IBFF) will take place here on Wednesday, January 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. There is no cover charge, and guests will enjoy a free welcome tequila shot, 2-for-1 drinks, food specials, and live music.
Ongoing Entertainment
Throughout the week, Bar Frida y Restaurante hosts regular events for its guests:
- Bingo Mondays for a Cause: Bingo lovers can test their luck while supporting a good cause. Frida’s Bingo is hosted by “The Bingo Bi*ch” and presented by Puerto Vallarta Fun & Games. It takes place every Monday at 2 p.m. (sales start at 1:30 p.m.) and benefits The Sula Society, a local animal shelter.
- ‘World of Music’ Thursdays: Talented violinist and composer Geo Uhrich has launched his concert series “World of Music,” featuring a blend of Latin rhythms, Flamenco, Middle Eastern melodies, and electronic sounds every Thursday at 8 p.m. Dinner reservations before the show are strongly encouraged (322-222-5846).
- Karaoke Saturdays: Hosted by singer Nick Rogers from 9 to 11 p.m., this is the perfect chance to take the stage in a fun, casual atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to sing, regardless of vocal skill, and enjoy happy hour drink specials.
- Gay+ Mixer: Bar Frida y Restaurante joins the 2026 host list for the Gay+ Mixers organized by Out and About PVand the Facebook group “Puerto Vallarta Gays: Everything You Need or Want to Know.” Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. to connect with the LGBTQ+ community in a lively setting.
A Bit of History
Canadian-born Tom Finley opened Frida Bar on June 1, 2001, after taking over the lease from a lesbian couple from Mexico City. The original location was on Lázaro Cárdenas Street, where Bar Reinas stands today. Finley recalls how different the neighborhood was back then; acquaintances warned him against starting a business there, claiming the area wasn’t “gay-friendly.”
“I knew the local Mexican cantinas and became friends with the local cowboys. Contrary to what people thought, they welcomed the business and became regular customers,” Tom shared.
The bar moved in 2009 to Avenue Insurgentes #301 (Bar Frida 2.0) and stayed there until the lease expired in 2020. The third iteration opened at Lázaro Cárdenas #481 in October 2020, followed by Bar Frida 4.0 in October 2022 at the corner of Naranjo and Venustiano Carranza, alongside Frida’s Kitchen.
For 20 years, Tom ran the business with his life partner, Luis Mendez, who unfortunately passed away in 2022. In a 2018 article by Out and About, Tom and Luis shared their story, which is intrinsically linked to the history of Puerto Vallarta itself.
Now, from its new location, the story of Bar Frida y Restaurante continues to be written.
One More Reason to Celebrate
Another exciting milestone is approaching: Tom Finley’s 82nd birthday on February 25, 2026. Tom teased a grand celebration featuring mariachi, live music, cake, and more surprises. He expressed deep gratitude to the Puerto Vallarta community and to life for allowing him to continue leading his business.
More Information: Follow Frida Bar y Restaurante Facebook page for upcoming events. Location: Francisco I. Madero 418, Zona Romántica. Hours: Bar (10 a.m. – 2 a.m.) | Restaurant (10:20 a.m. – 11 p.m.).
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