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With more than 25 LGBTQ bars, and more restaurants then we can count, there are almost endless possibilities to enjoy a night out in Puerto Vallarta. With limited space, we asked the O&APV staff some of their favorite places and why. We encourage you to do your research and find the perfect place that fits your taste and needs, as our list is just a sliver of all of the many offerings.
People Watching Bar
Chachalaca, located only half a block from Los Muertos Pier on Francisca Rodriguez St, this bar is a great place to people watch and catch up with your friends. Chachalaca is a local bird that, talks a lot, and thus the bar is fittingly named!
Piano Bar
Garbo is a great jazz and piano bar. It’s located on Calle Pulpito, and has great live music and a nice mix of locals and tourists.
Bar with Best View
Top Sky Bar overlooks the gay beach area and offers great food and drinks as well as a great view. It’s on top of the Alamar Hotel complex and open to guests of the hotel as well as non-guests.
Bar/Club to Mingle with Locals
Paco’s Ranch, located at Ignacio Luis Vallarta 278, is a cowboy-themed bar and dance club that is popular with locals. They have fun drag shows, is another cowboy-themed gay bar but it’s also a club where you can dance the night away (see more about this below).
Dance Club
CC Slaughters, located at Calle Lázaro Cárdenas 254, on the corner of the “gay strip”, is a late night, early morning dance club that is popular for tourists and locals.
Strip Club
There are at least three men’s strip clubs in PV. But Club 69, located on Lazaro Cardenas, was our top staff selection. It offers a variety of hot men dancing for your pleasure.
Unique Bar
Blondies offers slushies with alcohol, a perfect combination to quench your thirst after a hot day at the beach. They offer two locations – Calle Pulpito and Basillio Badillo – with each having a cool vibe that you are sure to enjoy.
Neighborhood Bar
Reinas is a great neighborhood bar with a queen décor. Located at Lázaro Cárdenas 361 they will do their best to make you feel like family.
Bear Bar
La Cueva is PV’s only bear bar – that we’re aware of – and it’s in a new location – now located at Calle 5 de Febrero (moving this past year from its Olas Altas location) you can enjoy drinks and fun with fellow bears or bear admirers and then have dinner upstairs at the popular restaurant, No Way Jose.
Cowboy Bar
Los Amigos is a popular cowboy bar located at Calle, Venustiano Carranza. You’ll find friendly bartenders and cheap beer. And of course, locals sporting cowboy hats!
Open Air Bar
Mr. Flamingo, located at 295 Calle Lázaro Cárdenas, is at the corner of the “gay strip” in PV that has a large concentration of bars. It’s a Tiki bar with a cool vibe. It’s a great place to people watch and have a quick drink.
Best Patio
Anonimo, located at Rodolfo Gomez 157, looks small as you enter, but head up to the second floor for a wonderful patio area. The bar actually has three floors, with each having its own personality and fun.
Martini Bar
Apaches Martini & Cocktail Bar, located on Olas Altas 439, has some great Martini’s. Check out their happy hour from 2 to 7 p.m. for some really great deals.
Sports Bar
Check out All Access Sports bar, located Calle Lazaro Cardenas. It’s half block from the beach and offers a terrace seating with view of #Plazalaza. It is gay owned and has local fun and gay-friendly staff, This is the place to be to watch sports on the screens or to enjoy live music. Watch their facebook for the events.
Brunch
Taste Restaurant, located at the hotel Casa Cupula, has a fantastic brunch on the weekend. They have it all – from mimosas, sushi, waffles, chilaquiles, omelettes, quesadillas, sea food, fruit, juices, desserts… and more! Brunch is served every Sunday starting at 10am – 2pm. Located at Callejon de la Igualdad 129.
Lunch
El Mole de Jovita, located at Calle Basilio Badillo 220, is a great lunch spot to try Mole – a traditional Mexican sauce. El Mole de Jovita serves different variations, all delicious and made from a recipe handed down in this family owned restaurant.
Dinner
No Way José (cool name, right), is located at 5 de Febrero 260 and a fantastic place to have dinner offering contemporary cuisine. It’s popular so you might want to make reservations. Local live entertainment is often offered.
Hotels
With Puerto Vallarta having the largest number of gay hotels and resorts in Mexico, you’ll find there is a gay-friendly accommodation option for everyone – from adults only to those that cater to families. Here are just a few that our staff enjoys.
Hotel Mercurio is located a 10-minute walk from Los Muertos Beach and offers a 24-hour adults only pool area. With a great restaurant, complimentary buffet breakfast and an outgoing friendly staff, Hotel Mercurio is a great option for gay men. (closed May 2024).
Marriott Puerto Vallarta isn’t in the “gay district” – it’s located not far from the Airport at the marina. But this fantastic resort is an ideal hotel for gay families and works hard to make sure the LGBTQ community is welcomed. The hotel features one of PV’s largest pools, a beautiful beachfront and several great restaurants.
Casa Cupula is a luxury boutique hotel that overlooks the gay district. With a great restaurant, an onsite gym, and a popular clothing-optional pool party, it’s a great getaway.
Piñata PV Gay Hotel is a clothing optional fun sexy boutique hotel that is an easy walk to the gay beach and nightlife area.
Hostel
While there are numerous hostels located throughout the gay district. Our pick is Jet’s Hostel, a six-bed gay hostel, that has shared sleeping areas. Jet is a young, outgoing local entrepreneur, and also operates Jet’s Boat Tours and Jet’s Nude Boat Tour.
Popular Events
There are an endless number of events offered to the LGBTQ community that occur at different times of the year. From art walks to festivals, there has to be something to fit your taste and budget. Be sure to check the event online to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
Bear Festivals: There are several bear festivals and events, including Beef Deep, that take place in January and February. These festivals attract beefy, scruffy men, and their admirers.
Puerto Vallarta Pride: Orgullo Vallarta Pride is held the last week in May, that boosts a parade and a week-long schedule of events. The event draws thousands of visitors who love to show their pride.
Semana Santa: Easter holidays are a big deal in Mexico. This holiday isn’t a gay festival or event, but if you visit around Easter, you’ll get to see various community parades and celebrations.
Day of the Dead Festival: Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated in early November. You’ll see a variety of Ofrendas set up throughout Vallarta and a parade is often held. It’s a fun time to visit and reflect on those you have lost.
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