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Nite Out

The rainbow connections

If you're looking for nightlife, the Tampa Bay area has plenty of it.

By MIKE KANAREK
Published June 23, 2005

As one of the bay area's largest gay pride celebrations gets ready to go this weekend, you might be wondering just how much gay and lesbian nightlife there is in the area. Quite a lot, it turns out. You can find everything from neighborhood bars to nightclubs filled with pounding music. Here are some favorites:

In this large building north of downtown, crowds pack the two floors on the weekend. The crowd skews younger and is mostly men. The music is loud in a heart-pumping way, and there's always a drag show going on (loved the Hollaback Girl performance) or some guys (and look, girls, too) wrapped around a stripper pole. It's like a scene out of Queer as Folk, only better written.

The cousin of the highly successful Wilton Manors version in Broward County, Georgie's sits in a small shopping center, and inside there's a relaxed, low-attitude atmosphere. Half has a sports bar feel, with darts, pool and multiple TVs; the other half feels more like a club, with music and a dance floor at night. Bonus: There's a small patio out front for a quiet conversation. Expect a crowded space on Friday and Saturday nights, with a range of dress and ages. Georgie's serves food until 1:30 a.m.

The night and day of bars. Grand Central is set up like a traditional neighborhood bar: well lit, some cool music, a small stage, a pool table, lots of seating. The Platform has black walls, low lighting, leather paraphernalia on the wall and a cage (it caters to a pretty specific scene, and makes no apologies for it). Need to get away? There's a courtyard out back. Expect mostly men, and some older ones at that. You'll find plenty of leather among the crowd in the Platform, and a very cruisey vibe. The club offers regular karaoke nights, and the Platform will host the Mr. Gulf Coast Florida leather contest in August.

Ladies, this one's for you. The club has two floors, but one is open only on Saturdays. The place has a cool/funky atmosphere and plays some great music. Thursday is drum and beat night, Friday is Latin night (heavily promoted) and on Saturday, Flirt hosts drag shows. On a recent night, after her performance, the drag mistress of ceremonies enticed some of the partygoers into a raucous dirty dancing contest, using shooters as bait. This is a younger crowd. Dress up or down; you'll be right at home in jeans.

It's a gay-a-palooza for locals and tourists, with a leather bar, piano bar, outdoor tiki bar, dance club and after hours club. The complex also includes a restaurant, specialty shops, live theater and hotel rooms. There's also the Sunday T-dance, lots of fun even in the summer heat. (The newly renovated pool area just reopened this week). The crowds can ebb and flow, depending on the season, but the everything-for-everyone nature still attracts fans. In addition to regular events like drag shows in the Lunar, the resort frequently hosts big events such as leather competitions.

Looking for more nightlife? Here are some other places to try:

Backroom Bar - 14601 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach

Baxter's - 1519 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

City Side - 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa

Club Z109 - 5858 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater

Frank and Tony's Pub - 2419 Grand Blvd., Port Richey

The Frat House - 10387 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg

Haymarket Pub - 8308 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg

The Hideaway - 8302 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg

The Male Room - 4502 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Metropolis - 3447 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

2606 - 2606 N Armenia Ave., Tampa

The Vault at The Bank - (Friday nights) 1919 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

[Last modified June 22, 2005, 10:45:07]