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[This story on Tamale & Sugarbaker is from our 2025 Summer print issue. You can see the electronic version here. They were honored at the second annual Best of Puerto Vallarta Gays award ceremony.]
Tamale & Sugarbaker have been named “Best Gay Couple” at the 2024 Best of Gays Awards. The recognition highlights their personal relationship as well as their significant contributions to the Puerto Vallarta community through their businesses and involvement.
The couple is co-owner of The Tunnel Bar, located in the Las Terrazas complex on Basilio Badillo. The bar, which opened with partners Bryan Stocks and Roger Allen, is designed as a neighborhood space for locals and visitors.
The Tunnel Bar features cocktails and a menu of steamed hot dogs, reflecting the bar’s tunnel-themed decor. The bar’s owners emphasize that while the business is LGBTQ+ owned, it is a space for everyone in the community.
“We wanted to create a space where anyone can come in, have a drink, relax, and enjoy the company of others,” said Sugarbaker. “It’s important for us that people feel welcome and comfortable, regardless of who they are.”
Tamale added, “Our goal is to bring people together in a way that feels natural and genuine. We wanted to build a space where the community can connect, and we’re proud that The Tunnel Bar has become a place where people feel at home.”
In addition to their work at The Tunnel Bar, Tamale & Sugarbaker are also behind Tamale Tours, which offers guided tours that showcase the city’s beauty and culture. The couple’s business ventures are focused on creating inclusive experiences for both the LGBTQ+ community and visitors from all walks of life.
Tamale, an artist and musician, and Sugarbaker, a business owner, have been active in the local community for years. Their businesses and personal commitment to inclusivity have made them influential figures in Puerto Vallarta.
Tamale & Sugarbaker’s work reflects their dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and connection in the city. Their contributions to the local LGBTQ+ scene, both professionally and personally, have made them an intricate part of the queer community in Puerto Vallarta.
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