LGBTQ+ Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay area is Florida’s largest metro area with Tampa itself, St. Petersburg and the nearby gulf beach towns. Tampa has a thriving nightlife scene in the old town area “Ybor City”, but alas, the gay scene is more spread out. You’ll find gay bars throughout Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Tampa Bay’s beaches are some of the best in the country. Whether you want coarse or fine sand, and whether you seek a mellow day of shelling or a raucous romp on a crowded stretch of waterfront, this place has it all. Of course, you can choose from a range of water activities, including charter fishing, parasailing, sunset cruises, kayaking, and more.
The region has its share of boutique districts spotted with shops and sidewalk cafés. Tampa’s Hyde Park Village and downtown St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive are among the top picks if you’re looking to check out some upscale shops and dine alfresco while getting the most of the area’s pleasant climate.
Vibrant nightlife tops off Tampa Bay’s list of assets. Ybor City attracts the club set, and barrier islands like St. Pete Beach offer loads of live music and barefoot dancing into the wee hours.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
717 South
Hot spot dispatching Italian & Pacific Rim fare in an elegant dining room with a lively bar scene.
717 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL
Bacchus Wine Bistro
Casual eatery offering small plates, charcuterie & French eats, plus truffles & a robust wine list.
124 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL
BellaBrava
Casual Italian restaurant serves up a traditional menu alongside some American options plus wine.
204 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL
Cassis St. Pete
Buzzy brasserie & bakery for American & French fare in a Parisian space with outdoor seats.
170 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL
Datz
Chill eatery providing craft beer & eclectic international fare in unpretentious surroundings.
180 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL
Gratzzi Italian Grille
White-tablecloth bar/restaurant offering classic Italian entrees plus pizza bar selections.
211 2nd St S, St Petersburg, FL
La Terrazza Restaurant
Local mainstay serving homestyle Northern Italian cuisine & wines in a warm-hued storefront space.
1727 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
Maestro’s Restaurant
Elegant, contemporary venue for American fare, located in the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL
Malio’s
Elegant space by the Hillsborough River provides high-end American fare, fine wines & power lunches.
400 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL
Mise en Place Restaurant
Chef Marty Blitz presents a New American menu featuring creative plates in a refined space.
442 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL
Noble Crust
Stylish, contemporary destination with a menu of Italian & Southern dishes, craft beer & wine.
8300 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL
Oak & Ola
Hip restaurant with a roof terrace & regular live music crafting cocktails, pizzas & refined mains.
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL
Stillwaters Tavern
Attractive space for hearty yet elevated American fare, plus a strong beer & cocktail list.
224 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL
The Galley: A St. Pete Tavern
Lively tavern featuring cocktails, draft brews & American eats in a comfy, nautical-themed interior.
27 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL
Ulele
Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers.
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL
Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant
Cozy eatery with table & banquette seating serving Caribbean dishes & hearty sides, plus drinks.
301 W Platt St Unit C, Tampa, FL
EVENTS SCHEDULE
to Tampa!
OCT 29
RIVERWALK HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT
This is a FREE community event! Children in costume and their families are invited to come and trick or treat along the Riverwalk as well as enjoy fun activities. We will have over 50 treat stations participating along the Riverwalk from Water Works Park to MacDill Park including Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. At the conclusion of the event, we invite you to stick around and enjoy the Halloween Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River.
NOVEMBER
NOV 1-6
SIX
From Tudor Queens to pop icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the
NOV 5
THE ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES EXPO
This event showcases hand-selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses that supply all things weird. Guests can expect taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, odd jewelry, skulls/bones and more.
DECEMBER DEC 16-18
NEXT GENERATION BALLET’S NUTCRACKER
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, NGB’s Nutcracker includes principal dancers from powerhouse companies alongside NGB’s award-winning young dancers. This family-friendly favorite
EVENTS SCHEDULE
JANUARY JAN 1-22
HAMILTON
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is a popular musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton that has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
For more info visit: bit.ly/3Vm2CsM
FEBRUARY
FEB 1-5
TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
This new musical reveals a comeback story like no other – of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. TINA –The Tina Turner Musical is a celebration of resilience and an inspiration of triumph over adversity. For more info visit: bit.ly/3VuD2lI
FEB 21-26
CHICAGO
a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships ... until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
For more info visit: bit.ly/3T7ISXW
MAR 25
TAMPA PRIDE
Tampa Pride is a celebration of our successes in overcoming obstacles throughout history. Come be part of this historical and annual spring event when Florida weather is most enjoyable!
For more info visit: tampapride.org
BAR GUIDE
Blur Nightclub
Upbeat nightclub featuring DJ-fueled dance parties, plus live bands, karaoke nights, drag queen shows & themed events.
325 Main St, Dunedin, FL
Bradley’s on 7th
Festive gay bar with a pool table, happy hours & live entertainment in a dimly-lit setting.
1510 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
City Side
LGBT cocktail lounge with TVs & an outdoor area, plus billiards, karaoke & cabaret shows.
3703 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL
Enigma
Lively, gay-friendly lounge with several rooms, a cozy dance floor, drag shows &
Pro Shop Pub
Enduring gay bar serving drinks in simple, down-to-earth, roadside environs with sports on TV.
840 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL
Quench Lounge
Festive, trendy gay nightspot with drag shows, karaoke, DJs & dancing, plus happy hours.
13284 66th St N, Largo, FL
Southern Nights TAMPA
Festive LGBT nightclub featuring drag queens, DJs, go-go-dancers & cocktail specials.
1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
The Castle
Multilevel dance club with music from new wave to pop.
2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Balance Tampa Bay
A volunteer organization promoting Fellowship, Fun and Philanthropy throughout the LGBTQ+ community. balancetampabay.org
Metro Inclusive Health
Provides quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, supportive and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community. metrotampabay.org
2105 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL
Tampa Bay FrontRunners
A club composed of LGBTQ+ and straight allies who meet to run, socialize, meet friends and have a great time. frontrunnerstampabay.org
Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
The premier voice of the Greater Tampa
LGBTQ Welcome Center
Offering an important community service to all that live, work and visit St. Petersburg, FL and surrounding area, providing information on areas of interest, where to stay, shop and eat. lgbtqwelcomecenter.org
2227 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL
GLSEN
A national organization fighting for every student’s right to a safe, supportive education. glsen.org
EPIC
Expanding Life-Changing HIV Services in Tampa Bay. myepic.org
4703 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL