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There’s a new energy buzzing in the heart of Zona Romántica. Rising above Monzón Brewing on Venustiano Carranza in the space that recently housed the oldest gay bar in PV – as Los Amigos. Sanctuary Puerto Vallarta promises something fresh, fearless, and full of heart. Sanctuary is the second location from Portland bar owners Tammy and Brad McCray, whose mission is simple: create a home for everyone under the rainbow.
From Portland to Puerto Vallarta
Tammy and Brad’s Vallarta story began back in 2011.
“We came to PV and immediately fell in love with the place and the people,” Brad recalls. “By pure coincidence, we ended up on Playa de Los Muertos. Techno music in the background, the gay scene buzzing—it just felt right.”
At the time, the couple already ran several bars in Portland and were deeply involved in the creative nightlife community through their Burning Man camp, Slutgarden.
“We knew this place was special,” Brad said. “Since then, we’ve been meeting people and trying to be part of the community. There’s this sense of pride among Vallartenses—from people who grew up here and those that now call it home, love their city—and that really drew us in.”
Their connection deepened after meeting Arturo and Charlie, owners of Los Amigos.
“We loved them and the place immediately,” Brad says. “Taking over the space of the oldest gay bar in PV comes with weight. We can’t mess it up.”
They considered keeping the Los Amigos name but quickly realized it wouldn’t feel authentic.
“It would be disingenuous to pretend to be a gay cowboy bar when we’re not gay cowboys,” Brad laughs. “We’re creating something different—a space that brings people together instead of dividing them.”
A Space for Everyone
Back in Portland, the McCrays had witnessed how even progressive queer scenes could sometimes be divided.
“There were clubs for gay men, clubs for lesbians, clubs for everyone in between—but nothing that really bridged those worlds,”. “We want to create a space where everyone belongs: queer, trans, gay, sex-positive—it doesn’t matter. As long as you’re kind, you’re welcome.”
That philosophy inspired the name Sanctuary. It’s not just a bar; it’s a place of connection, where equality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily practice. “Equality was the original revolution,” Brad says, “and it’s still revolutionary today.”
Building Community Through Art and Collaboration
For Tammy and Brad, community isn’t something that happens by accident—it’s built intentionally, through collaboration and creativity.
“When we hang out at places like Apaches, Frida’s, or Twisted Palms, we talk about all the new LGBTQ+ terminology and identities coming out of Portland,” Brad said. “It’s like ‘Learn a New Word Day’ sometimes! But those words really matter. There’s a huge group of people who don’t fit neatly into boxes, and they deserve a space too.”
One of the ways Sanctuary will celebrate inclusivity is through art.
“We’re thrilled to have Gabriela De Jesús Lara creating a mural for the space,” says Brad. “The local talent here—visual artists, performers, musicians—is just incredible. Some cities celebrate mediocrity, but PV artists can blow you away.”
And for those who’ve ever been told their art was “too risqué” for local galleries? Sanctuary wants you. “If you’re a queer or sex-positive painter, come hang your work on our walls,” Brad added. “This is your space, too.”
Lessons from the North
The McCrays know a thing or two about running bars—they’ve opened several successful spots in Portland—and they’re bringing that experience south of the border.
“The best advice I ever got was: get a good attorney and a good accountant, and do it before you start,” Brad says with a grin. “That’s true anywhere.”
What’s been most surprising, though, is the spirit of collaboration among local business owners.
“Reid and Miranda at Monzón Brewing have been amazing. Every bar owner we’ve talked to has been supportive and generous with advice. In some cities, people would say, ‘You’re on your own.’ But here, everyone helps each other. That sense of community is real.”
A Local Team, Local Flavor
Rather than bringing in staff from the U.S., the McCrays are committed to building a local team.
“Our bar manager will be Alejandra Mendoza,” Brad explained. “She’s worked at some of the best spots in town and knows the community better than we ever will. We actually met her several years ago at Casa Tradicional and said, ‘If we ever open a bar here, she’s the one.’”
That spirit of trust and collaboration runs deep in Sanctuary’s DNA. “This isn’t just our bar,” Brad explains. “It’s PV’s bar.”
A Different Kind of Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Tammy and Brad see Puerto Vallarta as a world of its own.
“It’s not just about staying out late—it’s about rhythm,” says Brad. “There’s a morning crowd, a brunch crowd, a happy hour crowd, and a late-night crowd. People here really live their days. Back in Portland, it rains for months—you might not see the sun for 30 days straight. Here, people are out, they want to connect.”
That warmth and friendliness set PV apart.
“If you’ve been to Vegas, you know how different that feels,” Tammy adds. “Vegas is fun, but not friendly. PV people actually want to meet each other. It’s not a ‘bro’ vibe—and that’s a relief!”
Their vision for Sanctuary is a reflection of that open, welcoming energy.
“We have bi friends—a Mexican couple who live in the States—and they love it here,” Brad says. “But they’ve told us how hard it can be to find a space where they both feel equally accepted. That’s what we want Sanctuary to be: a place for couples, singles, everyone, together.”
What to Expect
As for what’s coming once the doors open in November? The McCrays are keeping things fluid. “Anyone who thinks they can force a theme on people is in for a rude awakening.” “We’ve learned that the community will shape what Sanctuary becomes.”
Expect karaoke nights, performances, private events, brunches, happy hours, and—of course—some seriously good music.
“Our playlists will definitely stand out,” says Brad. “We’re not doing the typical gay bar soundtrack. Expect something different, something fun.”
And what’s their idea of a perfect night at Sanctuary? Everyone laughing, feeling playful, being themselves, and feeling like they belong. That’s it. That’s the magic.
Sanctuary Grand Opening November 14
With a grand opening set for November 14, Sanctuary Puerto Vallarta is ready to add something new to the city’s vibrant nightlife—a space that celebrates individuality, creativity, and connection.
Whether you’re queer, trans, gay, straight, bi, curious, or just curious about good vibes, Sanctuary promises to be a place where everyone can exhale, dance, and feel at home.
Sanctuary Puerto Vallarta
Venustiano Carranza 239A, Zona Romántica (above Monzón Brewing, formerly Los Amigos)
facebook.com/SanctuaryPV
Grand Opening: November 14
Hours: TBD
New Website coming soon: www.sanctuarypv.com
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
