Drink.
Puerto Vallarta has a vibing nightlife with bars on most corners. The Zona Romantica gayborhood is the place to be. In fact, 26 of the bars featured here are there, while the other is only one kilometer north. Lazaro Cardenas is known as ‘party street,’ it’s where the bulk of the bars are, and it’s right in the center of the gayborhood. A few bars overlook the beach to the west.
With so many bars, there’s something for everyone. Many Puerto Vallarta gay bars have drag shows, including Mexican Drag Race viewings. Karaoke isn’t as widespread as in some US cities, but there‘s one bar dedicated to it. Shirtless bartenders and go-go shows are all the rage and can be experienced in many venues. There is a selection of men-only strip bars, too. Other themed venues include a sing-a-long piano bar and a clifftop pool bar; there’s even a venue that welcomes dogs.
Prices range from high-end to reasonable; happy hours and 2-for-1 nights make it even more affordable. Cover charges aren’t that common, except for special event nights. Some bars are cash only, and overcharging on credit cards has been known to happen.
The crowd in Puerto Vallarta is welcoming, and travelers report leaving the city feeling like they’ve found a second home.
Puerto Vallarta gay bars have two sessions; firstly, the after-work drinks crowd begins at 5 pm. This is a chilled and relaxed start to the evening, and most happy hours start around then. The next busiest time is 9 pm to midnight, and weekends have larger crowds than weekdays.
There’s no need to leave the Zona Romantica gayborhood; there are too many bars there to visit in just one night. See if you can get to all of them on a 3-night stay. You’ll experience everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Being a beach location, specialty cocktails are all the rage. Whilst in Puerto Vallarta, try one with one of the three local spirits: tequila, mezcal, or raicilla (or all three in one). Bartenders love to customize drinks to your personal preferences. The lager of choice in this hub is Pacifico Beer.
Filter your night
One of the newer bars in the Zona Romantica gayborhood of Puerto Vallarta, Industry, opened in 2019 and is known as the place to get your dance on. Muscled go-go boys encourage the crowd; the music is some of the hottest in PV. There are drag, bear, and cabaret shows on some evenings and long weekends.
Industry is open every day from 11 pm until way into the morning.
Facilities: Drag Show, Go-go show, Dancing, Bar, Live music, Cabaret show
CC Slaughters in the Zona Romantica gayborhood is two bars in one. One area is a lively dance club, while the other is a classy martini bar. There are drag shows and theme parties on most nights. Drink promotions include buy one, get one free during specific hours.
CC Slaughters is open from 2 pm to 6 am every day. Several reviewers recommend paying by cash rather than using a credit card.
Facilities: Drag Show, Dancing, Bar, Live music, Cabaret show
Beefcakes bar opened in the southeast of the Zona Romantica gayborhood in December 2023. The design is industrial, with slate grey walls, a black ceiling, and a cement floor. There’s a central bar, a corner bar, and a dark room for cruising activities.
While the venue attracts many bears and leather enthusiasts, everyone is welcome, and it gets a mixed crowd,
Beefcakes has mixed opening hours. It’s closed on Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are open 8 pm to 2 am, Fridays and Saturdays are open 8 pm to 4 am, Sundays are 3 pm to midnight, and Mondays are midday to midnight.
Facilities: Dancing, Dark Room, Leather Bar, Bar, Live music
Paco’s Ranch is a popular drag bar in the heart of the Zona Romantica gayborhood. It’s a friendly neighborhood bar with more of a chill-out vibe than a hook-up one.
Paco’s Ranch is open daily from 10 pm to 6 am. The drag shows are at 0.30 and 3.00 am.
Facilities: Drag Show, Dancing, Bar, Cabaret show
Anonimo is in the south of the Zona Romantica gayborhood and is an excellent place to meet new people and hang out watching music videos. The drink prices are lower than other bars, and the vibe is very social and chilled. It covers three levels and has a rooftop terrace with views out to the ocean.
Anonimo is open daily from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Facilities: Dancing, Bar
The Corner Bar is your friendly gayborhood hangout with the sexiest bartenders in Puerto Vallarta. It’s in the Zona Romantica district. It’s a popular bar for locals and visitors to meet and form new friendships. Signature cocktails are the drawcard, along with the reasonable prices.
The Corner Bar is open daily from 6 pm until midnight.
Facilities: Dancing, Bar
Starting as a small martini bar in 2002, La Noche in the center of the Zona Romantica gayborhood expanded into the building next door and is now a dance bar with a rooftop terrace. It’s known for its signature cocktails and lively crowd. Entertainment includes drag and go-go shows.
La Noche opens daily at 8 pm and closes at 2.30 am.
Facilities: Drag Show, Go-go show, Dancing, Bar, Live music
Elixir Mixology Bar is in the east of the Zona Romantica gayborhood. While not an exclusive gay bar, it has queer events and meet-up nights. As the name suggests, its specialty is signature cocktails. Live singers and DJs provide the entertainment.
Elixir Mixology Bar is open six nights a week from 6 p.m.; most nights, it closes at 11 p.m. and midnight, Thursdays through Saturdays, and it’s closed Mondays. Happy hour runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Facilities: Dancing, Bar, Live music
If you’re in Puerto Vallarta and looking for some sexy guys stripping, head to 69 Strip Bar in the Zona Romantica gayborhood. Like strip bars worldwide, the dancers rely on tips and may be forward in requesting them. Private dancers are available in the VIP rooms. Drinks are higher priced than at other gay venues, which is standard. It’s a cash-only venue.
69 Strip Bar is open daily from 9 pm until 4 am.
Facilities: Go-go show, Bar
Mr Flamingo, in the center of the Zona Romantica gayborhood, is a popular dance bar. Shirtless staff and patrons create infectious energy. The venue boasts the best drinks and the hottest vibes in Puerto Vallarta. Drag and other live shows pop up during the week.
Mr Flamingo is open daily from 2 pm until 3 am.
Facilities: Drag Show, Dancing, Restaurant, Bar, Live music
Wet Dreams is a male-only strip bar in the Zona Romantica gayborhood. The performances are high-quality, and it’s known as the home of the original shower show. Like other strip bars, the guys will approach you and ask if you want their company. Drink prices reflect the type of bar that it is.
Wet Dreams is open daily from 8 pm until 2 am.
Facilities: Go-go show, Bar
Primarily a bear bear, Studs is exceptionally welcoming and has a mixed crowd. It’s in the heart of the Zona Romantica gayborhood and features go-go boy shows. There are leather and fetish-themed nights. The decor is described as ‘cozy and masculine.’
Studs Bear Bar is open Mondays from 9 pm to 1 am, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 3 pm to 1 am, Thursdays from 3 pm to 2 am, and Fridays and Saturdays from 3 pm to 3 am.
Facilities: Go-go show, Dancing, Leather Bar, Bar, Live music
Diva’s Bar is situated at the far east of the Zona Romantica gayborhood. It’s well known for its friendly staff, delicious bar snacks, and light meals. There are drag shows on weekends and drink specials on most days.
Diva’s bar is open daily from 2 pm until 2 am.
Facilities: Drag Show, Restaurant, Bar
Kooky Karaoke is in the heart of the Zona Romantica gayborhood. As the name suggests, it’s all about getting up on stage and belting out one of your favorite tunes in English and Spanish. Watch out for theme nights to amp up the fun.
Kooky Karaoke is open every day from 8 pm to 4 am. Tag yourself on social media to be in the running for free shots. Bar snacks are also available.
Facilities: Karaoke, Restaurant, Bar, Live music
La Cueva Cantina in the Zona Romantica gayborhood is a small, laid-back bar where the bartenders get a little heavy-handed with their drink pouring. There’s a pool table on site, and well-behaved pets are welcome.
La Cueva Cantina is open daily from 6 pm until 2 am.
Facilities: Dancing, Bar, Live music
Destinations
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