SFGN Bars Clubs Guide 2014 by South Florida Gay News

SFGN’S GUIDE TO what’s hot IN SOUTH FLORIDA’S NIGHTLIFE SCENE

local name, global coverage

2014

Bars & Clubs Guide

SFGN.com //

soflagaynews

SouthFloridaGayNews

Fall 2014

publisher’s column

An SFGN Toast to LGBT Hospitality Establishments In this special issue of our newspaper, in words and pictures, we showcase the array of nightclubs, bars and hospitality establishments, which populate our community. Since the inception of SFGN, we pride ourselves on delivering to you credible content and quality journalism, about the issues of our day, not the parties of our night. However, the hospitality establishments our community hosts have been the epicenter of gay rights and social activism for decades. When there is a Christmas party for Kids in Distress or a fundraiser for the Smart Ride, they seek popular social venues to promote them. For decades, it has been bar owners who have opened their doors and pocketbooks to help just causes- from fighting for HIV awareness, to advocating equal rights for our community. Consequently, whether it was Scoop Magazine under the aegis of Brad Casey 20 years ago, or Hotspots run by Peter Clark, today, the pictures you see are more than just shirtless guys hoisting cocktails. They are of our community not only at play, but often pushing a good and noble purpose. In fact, it is Hotspots which annually throws one of the community’s biggest holiday fundraisers at the Discovery Center underwriting the good deeds of Broward House. On these pages of SFGN, we salute Hotspots for simply doing each week what it does. As an entertainment guide, it is unsurpassed. Two decades in the making, and with distribution points all over the state, Hotspots is the premiere vehicle that showcases the nightlife of our community. It deserves to be heralded. Our community and our nightclub establishments have hosted scores of fundraisers for HIV, memorials for leading members of our community, full-fledged cabaret shows starring drag queens volunteering their time for charitable causes, and just fun karaoke nights for your birthday parties. We have decorated our lives with music and stage shows, often funding gay causes, political candidates, and non-profits. Those bars, too, deserve to be heralded. We do so today. Mona’s hosts an annual fundraiser for pets, the Alibi has underwritten scores of LGBT softball teams and

Broward County The Alibi Bill’s The Manor Progress Bar Hunters Johnny’s Swinging Richards Boardwalk Cubby Hole Corner Pub Monkey Business Mona’s Naked Grape 2

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Smarty Pants Rumors Scandals Sidelines Ramrod Village Pub PJ’s Cock & Tails The Stable Gregarious Funky Buddha Tropics Infinity Rosie’s

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE

Norm Kent

charities, and the Boardwalk and Sidelines donate thousands of dollars in liquor for pride events in south Florida. One Christmas party at the Manor last year raised over $50,000 for toys for tots. Our bars have been bulwarks of our community. Bill’s Filling Station holds an annual underwear party that clothes local HIV charities with green dollar bills they desperately need. Hunter’s, just new to our community, is helping underwrite Wicked Manors on Wilton Drive next week for the Pride Center. No, we can’t list all, but all give some. You see, for years, all the gay community had to rely on for organizational unity was our bars and nightclubs, and many have stood tall. Today, as the LGBT community of America has grown, we have a national lesbian and gay task force, pride centers, and pet projects. We have seniors in a gay environment and impulse groups led by organizations such as the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. We have OurFund, the Smart Ride, and a host of new ways to foster social awareness. Nightclubs and bars still give these good groups a venue to spread their advocacy. Without the help of hospitality establishment and owners reaching into their pockets, we would not be where we are now. While today’s issue of SFGN just provides snippets and vignettes about many of our nightclubs, remember also that in the gay community they have always done more than just sell liquor. They have provided safe havens for us to congregate, meet people, cultivate relationships, and reward our charitable agencies. Yes, occasionally we may have partied too hardy and stayed too long, but owning a gay bar has also meant being a voice for the LGBT community, not just a filling station for a 2 for 1 night. Today, SFGN salutes the people and publications that have showcased these causes for so long. Over the years of our developing growth and stature as a community, what the bars have done at nighttime have helped all of us achieve the things we now have and often take for granted in the daytime. Let’s say thank you with a toast to them. And call Yellow Cab for a safe ride home. We thank them for sponsoring this special issue.

Miami-Dade County

Azucar Eros Lounge The Floppy Rooster Palace Twist Discotekka Score Club Boi House Nightclub

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SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Fall Bars & Clubs Guide • 2014

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

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Director of Sales and Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Cynthia Curtis cynthia.curtis@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Jason Gonzales jason.gonzales@sfgn.com Distribution Services Manager • Brian Swinford

Palm Beach County

Fort Dix Mad Hatter Lounge H.G. Roosters Charlie’s Mixers Penny’s at the Duke

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Senior Creative Designer • Bob Reilly sfgn@bobreilly.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Sergio N. Candido sergio.candido@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com Correspondent • Michael Cook

Featured Columns

Homo History Gay Bars 3

Q-Balls All Around 20 Where The Bears Are 20 Miami’s Gay Bar Scene in 1974 23 Where The Divas Are 29

features

Fall 2014

Homo History

Gay Bars Pier Angelo

Gathering places favored by homosexuals have operated for centuries. The first recorded use of the term ‘gay bar’ is in the diaries of gay British comedian Kenneth Williams: “16 January 1947. Went round to the gay bar which wasn’t in the least gay.” The White Swan, on Vere Street, in London, England, was raided in 1810 during the so-called Vere Street Coterie. The raid led to the executions of Keith Mangum and Constanza Beucheat for sodomy. The site was frequently the scene of gay marriages carried out by the Reverend John Church. The Cave of the Golden Calf, in London, opened in an underground location at 9 Heddon Street, in 1912, and became a haunt for the wealthy, aristocratic and bohemian. It is considered the first gay bar in the modern sense. Het Mandje, in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands was opened in 1927 by lesbian Bet van Beeren. After her death in 1967, her sister Greet continued the business until it closed in 1982, but the bar and its entire interior

was preserved by her ever since and could be visited upon request. Centralhjornet, in Copenhagen, opened more than 80 years ago. The Black Cat bar in San Francisco was the focus of one of the earliest victories of the homophile movement. In 1951 the California Supreme Court affirmed the right of homosexuals to assemble in a case brought by the heterosexual owner of the bar. Julius Bar, NYC, founded, in the early 1950’s by local socialite Matthew Nicol is where the Mattachine Society staged a “Sip-In” on April 21, 1966 challenging a NY State Liquor Authority rule prohibited serving alcoholic beverages to gays on the basis that they were considered disorderly. The court ruling in the case that gays could peacefully assemble at bars would lead to the opening of the Stonewall Inn a block southwest in 1967, which in turn led to the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Julius is NYC’s oldest gay bar and one of the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the world. The Double Header, in Seattle’s

Pioneer Square, is acknowledged as the oldest gay bar on the North American West Coast, operating since 1933. The Admiral Duncan is a pub in Old Compton Street, Soho, in the heart of London’s gay district. On the evening of April 30, 1999, the Admiral Duncan was the scene of a bomb blast that killed three people and wounded around 70. The bomb was planted by Neo-Nazi David Copeland, who was attempting to stir up ethnic and homophobic tensions by carrying out a series of bombings. Chardees opened in Wilton Manors in 1990 and closed in 2007. Chardees was a glittering gay mirage in a desert of boarded-up strip malls, trailer parks, crack houses, and abandoned buildings strewn with garbage. The venue aimed specifically at the mature gay men, or silver foxes, and their admirers. It was renowned worldwide and featured two iconic bartenders, Mark Hess (now at The Alibi) and Jimmy Molloy. The “Supper Club” as it was also known, featured entertainers like Eartha Kitt, comedienne Pudgy, singer

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Jennifer Holliday, and Judy Tenuta. In April of 1997, George Kessinger opened a rocking sports bar called Georgie’s Alibi across the street from Chardees in a decrepit strip mall. And that opened the floodgates. A slew of gay or gay-friendly businesses followed — coffeehouses, real estate agents, eateries, clothing stores, banks, developers, more gay bars. That same year, Jim Stork started Stork’s Bakery and Café on NE 15th Avenue; three years later, Wilton Manors elected its first gay mayor, John Fiore. Norm Kent founded the tribe’s local paper, The Express, precursor of SFGN, in December of ‘99. Today, Wilton Manors is the center of Florida’s queer universe. Wilton Drive is the heart of one of the gayest towns in America; 40 percent of its 15,000 - plus residents identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. And it all started with one gay bar.

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE // SFGN.COM

Fall 2014

broward county

The Alibi 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-565-2526

2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-567-5978

alibiwiltonmanors.com facebook.com/alibi.wiltonmanors

billsfillingstation.com facebook.com/billswiltonmanors

Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

The Alibi in Wilton Manors is a staple of the community that everybody locally knows. Opening in 1997, and recently purchased by the owners of Monkey Bar in P-town, it still has its long-time traditions with improvements to bring you a great mix of food, drink, and entertainment. The outdoor patio is a great place for sharing a meal in the fabulous South Florida weather with friends. Go inside for tasty cocktails, watch the game, enjoy the music videos, and mingle with the crowd. There are food and drink specials every day. Happy Hour (2-for-1) is Monday

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through Friday until 9 p.m. The locally famous “Long Island Iced Tea Night” is on Thursdays starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday nights bring you local community icon Nikki Adams to the main stage with Billboard reporter VJ Barry Bowder to host the insane “Game Show Night.” Or relax in the Manchester Room on Saturday with the zany and talented local cabaret performer Jennifer McClain. Check out their website and Facebook page for a complete listing of all their weekly events. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Bill’s

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Bill’s was originally established in 1995 on NE 11th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, but relocated to its current location in 2007 in the heart of Wilton Manors. Right in the middle of all the action, Bill’s is best known for its Friday night “Growl” bear night. The property has a large main stage and dance floor area, and a smaller room called Mustang Lounge, where the smooth jazzy sounds of “Tony And Gloria” can be heard weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays get stirred up with karaoke at 9 p.m. Misty Eyez and “Tranny Palace” perform their flavor of female impersonation every

Sunday at 10:30 p.m. Lots of drink specials all week long including their 2-for-1 Happy Hour Monday through Friday until 9 p.m. The second Saturday of every month brings you “DILF” night, a night of leather/levi cruising with world-famous Herbie James in the DJ booth. Pool tables, dartboards, and a tasty bar menu complete the experience. Smoking permitted, this large venue has something for everyone. Check their website or Facebook page for their complete schedule, and list of special events. Dennis Jozefowicz

broward county

The Manor

Progress Bar 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-626-0082 themanorcomplex.com facebook.com/ManorComplex

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954-533-4916 ProgressBarSouthFlorida.com facebook.com/ProgressBarSoFL Wilton Drive’s newest club, which opened on Labor Day, is, like Hunters, part of a chain of gay bars that began somewhere else. The first Progress Bar opened in Chicago’s “Boystown” a year ago, and was soon followed by the Phoenix Bar and Nightclub in the Chicago suburbs near O’Hare Airport. Wilton Manor’s Progress Bar is located at the site of the now-defunct New Moon Lounge, in its day the Drive’s only lesbian bar. Justin Romme is General Manager of Progress Bar. He describes Progress as “beautiful yet welcoming,” “nonpretentious,” and “a fun place to come.” Though Progress is primarily a gay men’s bar, it welcomes women who still yearn for the old days at the New Moon. They need not fret, for every Wednesday night Progress hosts

“Ladies Night,” also known as “New Moon at Progress,” which features a familiar crowd and three former bartenders from the New Moon. Like its Chicago counterparts, Progress Bar promises its patrons “a unique blend of talent that creates the incredible Progress Bar experience,” with “an expansive floor plan.” This “expansive floor plan” includes a welldecorated main bar with TV screens that show the latest music videos. Progress also has “the nicest Patio Bar on the Drive” and even its own parking lot – a plus for those of us who have trouble finding a parking space during peak bar hours. Hours: MonThur 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fri-Sat 2 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Sun 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Jesse Monteagudo

Shannon and Anthony’s

Corner Pub 1915 N. Andrews Ave. Wilton Manors

Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Open on Friday and Saturday nights until 4 a.m., The Manor Complex is a piece of authentic South Florida club scene that’s right in our own back yard, in the heart of Wilton Manors. The property, (and yes, we can call it a “property”, it’s that big,) consists of indoor and outdoor spaces like none other in town. The multilevel “Epic Nightclub” is a scene right out of Hollywood, with massive speakers, world class DJ’s, and entertainers on the stage. VIP booths and bottle service are available for up to 15 people. And lets not forget the huge dance floor, hosting the “Bubblegum

Fridays” and “Epic Saturdays” themes! Inside is like another nightclub inside a nightclub, the “Ultralounge” hosts the famous “Noche Latina Saturdays”, a local institution celebrating over 16 years, with the best in Latin music and entertainment in South Florida. And even more, another lounge area is here with a more traditional “bar” feel. The place is big, and it gets packed! Special events and performances happen on a regular basis. Check their Facebook and web pages for the latest happenings. Dennis Jozefowicz

954-564-7335 cornerpubbar.com facebook.com/ShannonAnthonysCornerPub Neighborhood bars are not dead, not by a long shot. And for more than four years, Shannon and Anthony’s Corner Pub is just one of the bunch that thrive in our area. Happy hour is every day from opening until 9:30 p.m. and there are themed drink specials and events going on every day of the week. For example, Thursday nights after 9:30 p.m. is $2 Skyy night, or shirtless happy hour on Monday nights at 9:30 p.m. (Though, as of this writing, we hear that a new weekly schedule is coming soon, so check with their sites for the latest!)

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Being one of the many bars that host the local gay bar pool league on Tuesday nights, Corner Pub has two pool tables, as well as a jukebox, and TVs. Be sure to watch out for annual events and fundraisers, this place does a lot of community fundraising and gatherings that aren’t on the typical gay radar. Smoking is permitted, and they are open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Fall 2014 2014 column browardmessage county Fall

Hunters

Johnny’s

Fort Lauderdale

2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-630-3556

1116 W. Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale 954-522-5931

huntersfortlauderdale.com Facebook.com/huntersfl

ilovejohnnys.com Facebook.com/JohnnysFans

Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

When Patrick Volkert and Mark Hunter took over the old Boom nightclub, they knew exactly what they were doing. Hunters Nightclub is an awesome, new vibe on the drive that will get you shaking your booty on the weekends, and relaxing during the week. The remodeled lounge side is a flavor of greater taste and sophistication, while the dance floor side is a little bit louder, and with a better utilized lighting package than its predecessor, making it a much more energized dance experience. Their motto is “Spirits Elevated”, and they certainly live up to it. Weekly events include Karaoke Mondays and Tuesday at 9 p.m., DJ SOL supplies the music for “Fur

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Fridays”, an early evening bear gathering from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., and the fabulous performances of Cabaret Wednesdays starting at 9 p.m. Get rid of that Sunday hangover with the Bloody Mary bar, available on Sundays from Noon to 6 p.m. A personal favorite for many is the ultimate in disco, the Classic 54 Hi Tea Dance, Sundays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring the best in disco played by none other than DJ Richie Rich, and get a drink from an original Studio 54 bartender, local mixologist Sal DeFalco. Check their website and Facebook page for a complete guide to their weekly and special events. Dennis Jozefowicz

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For more than 33 years, Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale has been serving up drinks and dancer boys to locals and tourists alike. Even today, there are dancers and entertainment every night of the week. The boys start shaking their thing at 5 p.m. daily. Sundays feature “Open Mic Karaoke” starting at 9:30 p.m., and “Amateur Strip Contests” at midnight. Theme nights include “Man Crush Mondays”, “Boy Buffet Wednesdays”, and “Eden

Thursdays”. Drink specials correspond with each night’s theme or event. There is a kitchen on premises, serving the usual bar cuisine of burgers and finger foods. A game room offers pool tables and arcade games. Smoking is permitted, and valet parking is available. Check their website for more information, and like their Facebook page for daily updates and happenings. Dennis Jozefowicz

column browardmessage county

Swinging Richards 1350 S.W. 2nd St. Pompano Beach 954-876-1129 florida.swingingrichards.com

Fall 2014 2014 Fall

Sidelines 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

954-563-8001 SidelinesSports.com For nearly nine years, this is the place where the LGBT community comes to get their sports fix. With 24 TVs airing almost any sport you can think of, countless dart boards, and pool tables, owner Laurie Wittaker has created the Cheers of Wilton Manors. With football season in full swing, drinks specials are offered during games, including beer and liquor deals on Monday Night Football, draft

and bottle specials during college games on Saturdays, and Sunday beer buckets. Plus, throughout the week there are always pool, darts and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments to jump in on, and now, customers can indulge in three-for-one drink specials during Friday Happy Hour, 4 to 6 p.m. Christiana Lilly

Cubby Hole 823 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-728-9001

“A Treat for the Ears and Eyes” If you enjoy a wide variety of music like 80’s, Techno and House and don’t mind chugging back a tasty cocktail, Swinging Richards might be your kind of place. Did I mention there would be totally naked men? (Hence the name.) The most popular nights to go are Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays, it’s free to get in. “The more you drink, the prettier the boys get,” says Swinging Richards General Manager Matt Colunga. “And they are great looking to begin with,” he said. Swinging Richards caters to a gay male crowd. Women are welcome as long as they have a male escort.

August 2014 marks the club’s one-year anniversary at its Pompano Beach location. Management had a highly publicized battle with city officials in North Miami and eventually decided to relocate in Broward. Thus far, things appear to be working out. “The club is nice. The boys are hot. Our customers are friendly and we’re able to give back to the community,” says Colunga. Hours of operation are 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. from Wednesday through Sunday. Once fall picks up, it will reopen on Tuesdays again. Denise Royal

thecubbyhole.com Facebook.com/pages/Cubby-Hole-Bar/85947929085 The Cubby Hole is another great example of the local neighborhood bar scene (or should I say, bear scene) as it prides itself as “The best little butch bar in Fort Lauderdale.” Being close to downtown Fort Lauderdale, this place gets a great daytime lunch crowd all week long. And they serve pretty darn good food to boot, such as burgers and fries, munchies, and more, all day until 9 p.m. But don’t be fooled, their nighttime crowd is just as good. They have different themed drink specials throughout the week after their daily happy hour,

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which is until 9 p.m. Examples of weekly fare include Underwear Night, Bare Bear Chest Night, Moht’s Stoli Party Sunday, and more. They have a pool table, jukebox, and smoking is permitted. They’re open every day at 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. on Sundays, and close 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Be sure to check their Facebook page for the most up-to-the-minute happenings, and their website for more information. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Ramrod 1508 N.E. 4th Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-763-8219

ramrodbar.com facebook.com/RamrodFortLauderdale

Photo courtesy of Ramrod Facebook.

Every major city has a leather/ Levi/uniform bar, and here in South Florida, ours is the Ramrod. Located just a few blocks south on Wilton Drive, which turns into 4th Avenue, Ramrod is everything you would expect. It’s dark, edgy, they have a DJ seven nights a week, it’s quite loud, and it’s packed with sweaty shirtless men. During the day, it’s your typical neighborhood butch bar, with a 2-for-1 happy hour that lasts from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. They have a patio bar that opens at 6 p.m., and a different theme every night of the week. Notable nights include the insane LEATHER/Fetish/ gear Fridays with world famous

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DJ Herbie James, Saturdays are “Packed to the Rafters,” bringing caged hunks dancing at midnight, “Rock Hard Undies Night” on Tuesdays brings rock music and men in underwear, and lots more. Of course, smoking is permitted, and cigars and pipes are very common! Hugely popular monthly events include “Pig Dance” on the first Saturday of the month, and Enforced Dress Code (EDC) on the patio every third Sunday of the month 9 p.m. to midnight. Check out their website for a full schedule, and their Facebook page for daily happenings and announcements. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Naked Grape Wine & Tapas 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-563-5631 nakedgrapewinebar.com facebook.com/pages/Naked-Grape-Wine-andTapas/146484612063568

Remember Cheers - the TV bar where everyone knows your name? The Naked Grape Wine Bar on Wilton Drive may be as close as our area gets. The bar, which has been in business for eight years, serves a diverse crowd. “We offer a comfortable, relaxed, cozy environment where people can talk with their partners, friends, or co-workers. The vibe is intimate without the disruption of TV or overly loud music. We often think of it as a “conversation bar,” a place to relax and catch-up with those special people in your life. At night, the lights are low and the candles are lit to create an intimate environment. We also

have a covered outdoor patio that is pet-friendly. It’s a great spot to ‘people watch’ along the Drive,” said owners Caleb Ben-Avram and Tim Slivinski. The most popular wines by far are any of the red blends. Currently a red blend called “Saved” is very popular, followed closely by the Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Blend and The Tentacle. Naked Grape also offers an amazing artisan cheese list as well as fresh, made to order tapas offerings. Everything is made fresh to order. The best nights to go are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Denise Royal

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Fall 2014 2014 column browardmessage county Fall

Lips

Monkey Business Bar

Restaurant 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 954-567-0987

2740 N. Andrews Ave. Wilton Manors

954-514-7819

lipsfla.com Lips is a drag cabaret and restaurant famous for its over the top shows and frozen cosmos. Differently themed shows are performed six nights a week. But the crowd favorite is Lips’ gospel brunch every Sunday with service at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. “Our host Nicolette is the funniest!” says Lips Manager Sean Engler. Lips is a favorite for large groups celebrating bachelorette parties, birthdays or other special occasions. “Any sort of celebration,” said Engler.

Expect some big laughs while you eat and drink. With performers including Miss Twat Larouge and Misty Eyez, what else would you expect? Those shows are the real reason you go to Lips, not the food. Besides the meal, there’s a show charge that ranges from $5 to $10. Reservations are recommended for everyone; they are required for large groups. Denise Royal

facebook.com/MonkeyBusinessBar For those who like to monkey around in a relaxed environment, this is the spot for you. Monkey Business Bar offers a friendly neighborhood vibe with inexpensive drinks, especially for South Florida. The locale features a small stage, TVs, cute bartenders, and drink specials for just under three bucks a pop. Things liven up

for the weekly karaoke fun on Wednesday nights. See if you can take the stage and belt out your best version of “Turn the Beat Around.” And the frequent drag shows provide hot, sensual entertainment for your weekend enjoyment. The bar operates as early as 7 a.m. and closes at 2 a.m. Andrea Richard

Mona’s 502 E. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale

954-525-6662 MonasBar.com Easily identified as the bar by the train tracks, this 17-year-old bar is as unique as they come. Not only do they have drink specials every day and karaoke on Wednesdays, but owner Jerry Schultz has worked to create a sense of community at Mona’s. In its annual fundraiser in the name of a late manager, $10,000 was raised for the Pet Project this past July Fourth. Not only that, but the bar hosts pet pageants, AIDS Walk fundraisers, adoption days,

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cookouts, and more. Perhaps the most highly anticipated event is the day after Christmas, where with the purchase of a drink, customers can choose a wrapped item from the back patio that Schultz collected from garage sales over the year -he hides cash in the gifts too! “We run a nice class bar,” Schultz said. “I’m very proud to say I own that bar.” Christiana Lilly

broward county

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Boardwalk Bar 1721 N. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale

954-463-6969 BoardwalkBar.com

Photo by J.R. Davis.

Open since 2002, staff says Boardwalk Bar is known for a hot commodity: their male strippers. With dancers hitting the stage every night, drag queens take over the microphones as MCs to lead the crowd into a frenzy of fun. But that’s not all the bar has to offer -Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every single day with two-forone specials. Karaoke is set up on Wednesday nights, and with the cover, guests

can indulge in 75-cent drinks from 9 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday night, move your hips with the beats of Latin Night, including $4 margaritas and Coronas, as well as karaoke. If you’re looking for delicious bites, owner Victor Zepka has got you covered with their dining option, Beefcake’s Grills, serving burgers, wraps, salads and more with daily specials. Christiana Lilly

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Fall 2014 2014 column browardmessage county Fall

Smarty Pants 2400 E. Oakland Park Blvd. # 101 Fort Lauderdale 954-561-1724 smartypantsbar.com

Rumors

Bar and Grill 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-565-8851 rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com facebook.com/pages/Rumors-Bar-Grill/ 322936497806515

Smarty Pants is “the oldest ‘alternative lifestyle’ bar in Fort Lauderdale,” according to owner Mark Tison, serving our community for more than 30 years. Before Tison bought and renamed the bar in September 2003, it was The Bushes; before that it was Little Jim’s; and before that it was Simba’s Lounge: a “gay speakeasy” where closeted gays would gather discretely to drink and socialize. Today Smarty Pants continues to be a home away from home for many gay men. Tison calls it “the ‘Cheers’ of Fort Lauderdale, where everyone knows your name.” Smarty Pants regulars are fiercely loyal, and most would not go anywhere else. Tison and his staff return the favor, keeping most of their regulars’ names and phone numbers on file. Even when a regular moves out of town he maintains his ties. According to Tison, all a regular has to do when he comes back to visit is to call Smarty Pants ahead of time and he and his staff will be at the bar, waiting for his arrival. Smarty Pants attracts a variety of gay men, along with a few women. (“We are straightfriendly and lesbian-friendly.”) It is a full liquor bar but beer is

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most regulars’ drink of choice. It allows smoking but also employs two smoke-eaters, which allow us to breathe. Smarty Pants’ most popular feature is its daily Happy Hour, which runs until 8 p.m. except Sunday - where it runs until closing for all and Monday - where it runs until closing for those who are “in the biz.” Another popular Smarty Pants feature is Karaoke Zone, hosted by Don Casteel, which goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke is followed on Sundays by Bingo, a popular fundraiser for local AIDS charities. Smarty Pants also serves Saturday morning breakfast, for those who survived Friday night. Smarty Pants is also famous for its Special Event Weekends. Its next one is “Trailer Trash Weekend” (Aug. 22-24), with a special Saturday afternoon show. Smarty Pants celebrates its 11th birthday with a festive “Anniversary Weekend” (Sept. 1921), including a Classic Car Show on Sunday afternoon. Jesse Monteagudo

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Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Another one of the “newer” places on the drive is Rumors Bar and Grill. It fits the bill as an everyday video bar and gathering place that has a different special or theme every day. Inside, Hobo’s Grill serves up your favorite bar cuisine, but we hear the Alligator Bites are quite the awesome, popular “go-to”. 2-for1 Happy Hour is Monday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Thursdays from open-toclose, which is also considered “Lady’s Night”. This bar also has a jukebox, pool table, DJs, karaoke in the “Red Room” Wednesdays

from 6 to 10 p.m., and weekly entertainment, including The Daisy Deadpetals Show, Fridays at 11 p.m. and midnight. Other happenings include Sunday Mimosas and Bloody Marys specially priced from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays have the After Dark High Energy Dance Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Check their websites for a full calendar of regular events, latest bar ads, and Hobo’s food menu. And don’t forget their Facebook page for daily happenings. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Turning Back the Clock, Revisiting October of 1991 Norm Kent

‘Bar Tombstones’ courtesy of the Ramrod photo morgue. Available on display this week. Photo by J.R. Davis.

It was October of 1991, and gay life was at once emerging and thriving in Fort Lauderdale. On East Las Olas Boulevard, Wayne Gibson announced he was going to be selling the high end Cathode Ray Bar to John Manzi. The Cathode had already become the most premiere bar in the gay neighborhood of Victoria Park in Fort Lauderdale, especially on Sunday nights when the community’s movers and shakers would line the outdoor waterside patio. From WSVN’s news anchor, Craig Stevens, to WFTL’s afternoon talk show host, Al Rantel, well known names and hot numbers would crowd the narrow establishment. Not far away, just under the tunnel at US 1, Jungle Bar owners Zack Enterline and Steve Whitney announced in Hotspots! Magazine to columnist “Mrs. Beasley” that they would be featuring a “Dog Day Thanksgiving,” a free Turkey Day buffet for gay men and their pets. At the time, I was a minority partner in the bar. It was just down the block from the long-running gay strip club, Stanley’s, featuring “hot and young dancers,” hosting that month the 7th annual Dixie Awards, a charity event run to honor popular local entertainers. On Sunrise Boulevard, in what is now

Mona’s, a more subdued establishment named the Phoenix would serve the gay community. On the same street, in what is now Slammer’s 321, a young entrepreneur named George Kessinger ran a popular bar named Georgie’s. He would eventually go on to operate some place in Wilton Manors we now call the Alibi. Meanwhile, a new bar named Saturn was just opening, featuring promotions by a Brad Buchman, a local HIV activist. His work was promoted by Brad Casey, writing for a small gay magazine called, “A Friendly Voice.” Still, the mother of all gay bars, was on A1A at 17 South Atlantic Boulevard, the Marlin Beach Resort and Hotel, featuring “Mother” at its Sunday Brunch Buffett. Today, it’s the Beach Place, and you can say even now on a Sunday afternoon, it’s still where the boys are. Then, it was known for its underground swimming pool and lavish restaurant. In 1991, however, the most popular bar in town had become the Copa, on Miami Road in Dania Beach, elegantly operated by lovers John Castelli and Bill Bastiansen. A phenomenal dance club, with a 4 am closing time, it was a gay entertainment Mecca on the weekends, whether it was hosting a ‘wet jockey short contest’ or an AIDS fundraiser.

Nevertheless, the Copa had been raided by Sheriff Nick Navarro earlier that year in May, accused of being a “drug den.” Hundreds of gay men and women were illegally detained and inexcusably humiliated, forced to vacate the bar to waiting TV cameras- and law enforcement officers with guns in their hands and masks on their head, issuing threatening directives to stunned patrons. Meanwhile, a smaller dance club, the Lodge, was running successfully at the corner of Himmarshee Street and 2nd avenue, in the city’s historical district. Tucked away on the second floor, it competed with Backstreet on East Broward Boulevard, also in ownership of a late night liquor license. While the Lodge was short lived, it distinguished itself under other names as well, first as the glamorous Cabaret, hosting sit down dinners and featuring nightly performances by Electra. It also reopened as the District, and eventually Manhattan’s. Another popular gay supper club at the time was January’s, just west of I-95 on Davie Boulevard. Under the Lodge on the first floor, years before, there was also a male strip club called ‘Johnny’s Village Inn’ owned by Johnny Moses. He would move it to

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its present location on West Broward Boulevard, selling it to Sean David. On its ad pages, Hotspots heralded the opening of drag performer Cathy Craig at a gay themed hotel and bar, called Club Caribbean Resort on US 1. In one of its cottages, a year later, Brad Casey would start Scoop Magazine. Pompano Bill met him there, and the retiree began taking pictures of gay nightlife in South Florida. As the decade unfolded, Club Caribbean would go from owner to owner to foreclosure,

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message Fall 2014 2014 column features dead bars Fall crushed in part by a multi-million dollar lawsuit after a drunken young gay man dove from the second floor bar into the pool and cracked his skull open. Meanwhile, another club, called 825, The Malebox proudly announced on Monday’s they would host a strip club contest called “Boys and Beer” and the “Men of X-Tacy.” The owner was a Boston entrepreneur, Joe McCallion, who ran into tax problems with the IRS. After shutting down, the bar was taken over by Paul Hugo, who turned it into a successful neighborhood locale. When he sold it to Ed Cosman though, the music died. FLPDS targeted it for multiple code violations. Hugo, however, found a new business partner, Brett Tannebaum, and the duo has squeaked by, eventually opening up The Coliseum on US 1 in Hollywood, and now, The Venue in Wilton Manors. In 1991, down the block from the Malebox was Lefty’s, a neighborhood institution owned by Lefty, and his partner Kevin. A big bear of a man, Lefty was promoting a Thanksgiving feast that month as well, probably

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offering some of the boar he would catch on one of his New York hunting excursions. Lefty would sell the bar at 710 North Federal Highway, eventually reopening as the Haymarket. The FLPD took down the place for drugs and lewd act violations in 2001. On the south side of Federal, just beyond the 17th street causeway, attorney Arthur Smith ran a popular club called ‘The Bus Stop.’ Gay themed nightlife was starting to emerge in Wilton Manors. A new bar would open in the Manors in December of 1991 at 2004 Wilton Drive, between the Dairy Queen and Siam Restaurant. What is now Tropic’s was then ‘the Cape.’ One other bar on Wilton Drive catered to lesbians. Where the Village Pub now sits, it was called ‘The Otherside.’ It was relentlessly and repeatedly harassed by

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city officials for parking problems and code violations. The Stud on Andrews Avenue boldly announced a ‘Master/Slave’ Auction for the Holidays ahead, to benefit Poverello, a food bank program for HIV patients. Down the block, a bar called ‘Rustlers’ attracted the country western crowd with square dancing. The Stud, though was so popular, it would move from Andrews to State Road 84, and reopen in a huge dance facility, which included an outdoor volleyball court and a host of showcase performers. It would eventually be sold and reopen as The Saint. But when the Coliseum opened in 1999, just a few hundred yards from the Copa, the Saint lost its staying power. But with its outdoor volleyball court, foam parties, teen nights, and large dance floor, it will be remembered. On Broward Boulevard, there was also Tacky’s, home of the Sunday Meat Market and an overflowing outdoor tea dance, with full liquor until 4 am. It met its demise later in the nineties after some attempted revivals, including an

effort to make it into a lesbian venue. No matter where you partied or worked in the early 90’s it seemed everyone would wind up late night at Tony Barone’s ‘End Up’ in the Romark Building on West Broward Boulevard near 441. Meanwhile, West Palm Beach became the first Florida city to ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. They had a few bars of their own, notably Heartbreakers and Kozlow’s. Later Cupid’s would open up offering full nudity. In Miami Beach, there was plenty of activity as well. Warsaw was gearing up for Boy George on New Year’s Eve. The Cactus and the Boardwalk was also still alive and well. The Boomerang, Stables and Southpaws, also graced the pages of David. Dana Manchester was hosting a cocktail party and fund raiser on Coral Way at a Jack Campbell bathhouse. Life is a series of comings and goings. As we look back and reminisce, we can see where the road has taken us, maybe get an idea of where we are going. But for everything we do take with us, there is a fond memory left behind.

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Rosie’s

The

Stable

Bar and Grill 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-563-0123

205 E Oakland Park Blvd. Oakland Park 954-565-4506

rosiesbng.com facebook.com/RosiesBarAndGrill

stablefla.com facebook.com/stablefla

Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Rosie’s Bar and Grill is one of the most popular places in town for casual food and drink for tons of reasons. With its open interior, and shaded outdoor seating, it’s a great place to enjoy the local tropical weather year round. Though there is single seating at the bar, most people come here on dates or in groups, and it’s a great place to celebrate a small birthday party, or even bring your straight friends. The atmosphere and staff are very happy and up beat, and the food and drinks are fantastic. The menu is themed, unique and fun, with options like “Rhoda Cowboy,” their BBQ bacon cheddar cheeseburger, or the “Young Ranch Hand,” a

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grilled chicken breast sandwich with bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing. But there is much more than just sandwiches. There’s “Big Girl Plates”, (full meals…) “Bowls of Stuff”, (variety of specialty salads…) and even a “GuiltFree Menu”. There really is something for everyone here, with a variety of main ingredients featured, such as shrimp, chicken, beef, and more. Happy hour is Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as many other drink specials throughout the week. Their full menu is available online at their website. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

The Stable, sister property to Scandals Saloon, offers the same generous cocktails as its sibling with happy hour prices until 9 p.m. daily, and all day Sunday. This neighborhood bar permits smoking, and has an outdoor patio, pool table and a dartboard. But unlike other neighborhood bars, this place has something going on almost all the time. “Underbear Tuesdays” at 8 p.m., and Comedy Campo Bingo with Miss Candy Cornhole on Wednesdays 8:30 p.m., both offer an evening of fun and prizes. 2-Guys-On-A-

Mic karaoke on Fridays at 8 p.m. will make you feel like a star, and some of the finest female impersonation entertainment on Saturdays starting with Lady Fancy at 9 p.m., and continuing with “Sloppy Seconds” with Jessica Channing. The drink of the week is a Bloody Mary, on Sundays with the infamous Russell. There is so much packed into this little place, we can’t fit it all here. Check their website for full details of their weekly schedule. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Village Pub 2283 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale 754-200-5244 VillagePubWM.com

PJ’s

Cocks & Tails 2340 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-368-5516 PJsCornerPocket.com Photo courtesy of pjscornerpocket.com

Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Ask co-owner Greg Phelps about the secret to Village Pub’s success and he will tell you it’s because he and his partners run the business like a family. Celebrating two years in October, Village Pub has become a popular destination for all segments of South Florida’s LGBT community. “We view the bar as the community’s bar,” Phelps explained. “We’re the hosts of the party and there’s something for everyone.” On Sundays, Village Pub hosts the popular Retro T-Dance (and on the last Sunday of the month, Menergy, a popular party with the bear community), Monday is Dragicide with Misty Eyez, Tuesdays feature show tunes and on Wednesdays,

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patrons enjoy karaoke with Two Guys and a Mic. High Energy Thursdays feature special guest performers, shows and dance music late into the evening. Among the guest entertainers who have taken the Village Pub stage are Canada’s Miss Concepcion, Electra, “Sordid Lives” writer and comedian Del Shores and the musical duo Amy and Freddy, who helped the Village Pub celebrate their opening, first and second anniversaries. “Everybody should find at least one night that is good for them,” Phelps promised, noting the bar also extends its 2-for-1 Happy Hour special into Saturdays. J.W. Arnold

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Dubbed as Fort Lauderdale’s only “interracial club,” this venue is touted as the first Black owned and run bar in Wilton Manors. The bar promotes an open-minded vibe in which all walks of life are welcome. Inside, patrons will find a relaxing lounge where the music won’t dominate your conversation. Want to get philosophical with that cutie you just met on a

cushy couch? PJ’s Cock & Tails is a good choice. This full-service bar opened in January 2014, and has exposed concrete walls yielding an artsy and loft like feel. Happy hour occurs from 4 to 8 p.m., and Sunday evenings are when to find a good karaoke show. Andrea Richard

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Scandals

Gregarious Drinkery

Saloon

2033 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

3073 NE 6th Ave. Wilton Manors 954-567-2432 ScandalsFla.com facebook.com/scandalsfla

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754-779-7399 GregariousDrinkery.com One of the newest destinations on busy Wilton Drive is Gregarious Drinkery. Open just a few months, Gregarious is an oasis from the bustling drive, decorated in natural stone, dark wood and tactile surfaces. The environment is modern and clean, just like a tangy cosmopolitan. But whether you prefer a simple beer or the latest concoction from the bar’s talented mixologists, your quench will be satisfied. Best of all, Gregarious offers 2-for-1 Happy Hour specials all week long. If you’d like a bite to eat, Gregarious is also an eatery. The menu includes salads, freshly made potato chip and hand-cut fry baskets, and their signature Reuben fritters, a delicious sandwich in two bites with a unique

Russian dressing dipping sauce. For heartier meals, the chef serves up fresh Angus beef and turkey burgers, fish tacos, savory flatbread pizzas topped with gourmet ingredients and tasty pastas. Theme nights feature margaritas on Mondays, “Therapy” Tuesdays, Island City Punch Wednesdays and Cosmopolitan Thursdays. Diva headlines “Who’s the Bitch with the Microphone” on Sundays, “drag like you’ve never seen before,” featuring unscripted, spontaneous and interactive appearances by Diva and her friends and offering the audience the opportunity to select the music. J.W. Arnold

Funky Buddha Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Scandals Saloon is South Florida’s only gay country bar, offering generous cocktails, with happy hour prices daily until 9 p.m., and all day Sunday. There’s a $10 beer bust starting Sundays 3 p.m. till close. There is an outdoor bar and patio, and smoking is permitted. Friday and Saturday nights are an open dance floor for country two stepping and line dancing starting at 9 p.m. till close. The large outdoor patio also brings DJs on Saturday nights starting at 9 p.m., and for Sunday Tea from 4 till 11p.m. Sundays at 9 p.m. till 1 a.m., 2-Guys-On-A-Mic run the best in karaoke.

Beginners’ line dance lessons are Mondays at 7 p.m., standard line dance lessons are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., line and two-step lessons on Wednesday at 7 p.m., and twostep lessons on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Quite frequently, when he’s not at his other bar, The Stable, you’ll see owner Ken Kelly sipping on his Absolut and tonic on the patio with his friends, which is practically everyone in the entire bar. It’s a large bar with a neighborhood feel you’re sure to enjoy, and it’s a great place to gather with friends, or meet new ones. Dennis Jozefowicz

1201 N.E. 38th St. Oakland Park

954-440-0046 FunkyBuddhaBrewery.com The second location of the Funky Buddha name (the original bar is in Boca Raton), at just a year old the brewery has become the place to be for lovers of craft beer — and bears. Although not a traditional gay bar, Tuesdays have turned into bear night for the gay community, calling themselves Bears for Beer. The spot is constantly bringing in new local flavors, celebrating with tap parties and inviting the whole

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community out to try the newest beers. Food trucks are parked outside so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach, and other special events include Om Brew Yoga sessions and weekend tours of the 40,000-square-foot brewery for just $5 (you get to keep your Funky Buddha glass too!). What else do we have to sell you on? Christiana Lilly

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features

Fall 2014

Q-Balls All Around Christiana Lilly

With the slam of the cue into a rack of billiards balls, the game begins for a night of friendly competition. “This is a fun league where people can come out and get out of the house on Tuesday night,” said Joe Kruszewski, president of the Q Ball League. For more than 10 years, the gay pool league has invited men and women, both gay and straight, to hit the billiards tables in seasons under the rules of Bar Room 8-Ball. There are currently 14 teams, each with between five to eight members. Seasons run from January to May, then pick up again in the summer through October or November, depending on how many players join. Members meet at various bars on Tuesday nights in Wilton Manors, Oakland Park and Fort Lauderdale. The league

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Bears Are J.W. Arnold

differs from others because of its more relaxed atmosphere -while competition is high, the intensity that is in other leagues is not there. Rather, members are looking for a social experience. Also, pool players of all levels are welcome to participate and there’s no entry fee. At the end of the season, the players pool together to throw a banquet. “The only thing you are required to do is tip your bartender for your drinks and have good time,” Kruszewski said. “After you win a game, the euphoria is outrageous.” Those interested in joining as a single player or with a team are encouraged to sign up early, as the league must put together a schedule and other logistics. Bars looking to sponsor the league are also encouraged to reach out. Visit QBallPool.com.

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It’s been more than 50 years since the Connie Francis movie, “Where the Boys Are,” that established Fort Lauderdale as the spring break destination for a generation, a reputation the city fought for many years to come. But, when it comes to bears, Fort Lauderdale is definitely the place to party and this time around, the city’s convention and visitors bureau is welcoming the association. Each spring, thousands of hairy gay men — and the guys who like them — converge on Fort Lauderdale Beach for Beach Bear Weekend. The area’s guesthouses, as well as the Wilton Manors entertainment district, are especially busy in early- to midMay with associated tea dances, restaurant crawls and dance parties. But, with a large local population,

every weekend can be a celebration of the bear culture. Fridays are a particularly popular night, as bears traditionally converge on Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Drive, for happy hour and later, Growl, the bear appreciation party. Bears can also be found in numbers at Village Pub, 2283 Wilton Drive, on Sundays for the Retro T-Dance from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and especially on the last Sunday of the month for Menergy, featuring DJ Bill Hallquist and the bar’s popular $10 beer bust. Unlike in other cities, bears are hardly an endangered species, roaming freely at nightlife destinations across the area. Local bears can also be frequently sighted at the Cubby Hole, 823 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale; Scandals, 3073 N.E. 6th Ave. in Wilton Manors; and Tropics, 2000 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

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Tropics

Infinity

Piano Bar and Restaurant

Lounge

2184 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 754-223-3619

2000 Wilton Drive Oakland Park 954-537-6000

InfinityLoungeFL.com Facebook.com/InfinityLoungeFL

TropicsWM.com

Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Tropics has been serving the more mature patrons in our community for more than 20 years, with its great mix of food, spirits, personalities, and entertainment. Though, these days, you will find all sorts of people visiting this Wilton Manors institution. The restaurant is a great place to have a date, or to enjoy one of the many weekly specials. The most popular include 2-for-1 meal menus on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Prime Rib night on Wednesdays, and the Sunday Brunch. After your meal, grab a space at one of the three bars on the property for the best 2-for-1 happy hour anywhere, where it’s 2-for-1 drinks, all the time, all brands,

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7 days a week. Lets not forget about the nightly entertainment. From the cool sounds of well known local personalities ‘Tony and Gloria’, to the festive piano of Ruben Gonzales, Tropics has a full schedule of entertainment. They even brought back Sunday evening karaoke at 7 p.m.! Check out their new website with the full daily schedule of entertainment, and check out their restaurant menus. Restaurant reservations are highly suggested via phone or their website. If you haven’t been back in a while, come visit soon, as they’re under new ownership, and doing quite well. Dennis Jozefowicz

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Photo by Dennis Jozefowicz

Ask anyone in the area where to go for good martinis, and more often than not, Infinity Lounge is the local favorite that everyone seems to answer. One of the newer bars on the scene, this is not your average t-shirt wearin’ watering hole. Designed with an industrial elegance of polished concrete and sparkling chandeliers, this is definitely a place that screams “upscale” without the attitude. The feel of the casual, yet sophisticated ambience, combined with a wide variety of martinis, (many served with creative fresh ingredients…) featured cocktails,

and friendly staff, make it a great place to loosen up before or after a special date. It’s also a great place to visit regularly to wind down after a long day at the office. (Nothing says “relax” like a good tropical martini!) The interior is intimate, and there is outdoor seating on the front sidewalk. Along with their cocktails, they also carry many wines and craft beers. Happy Hour is every day from 3 to 9 p.m., plus other specials. Check their Facebook regularly for updated specials and highlighted drinks! Jesse Monteagudo

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Miami’s Gay Bar Scene in 1974 Jesse Monteagudo Miami in the 1970’s was a great time to be young and gay. As my fictional alter-ego, Joe Martinez, said in one of his adventures, “Miami was a candy store for a young gay guy just out of the closet.” With no AIDS in sight, and most venereal diseases treated with a simple shot, it was “the golden age of gay sexuality.” It was also a golden age for MiamiDade County’s lesbian and gay bar scene. Not only were there far fewer raids than before, but local laws that made it a crime for “known homosexuals” to be served liquor or congregate in a tavern were overturned. The legal drinking age was 18, which made things very convenient for a young gay man who was just coming out. A gay kid had many places to choose from in 1974. In fact, there were more gay watering holes in Miami Beach - and certainly in the Miami mainland - than there are today. In his 1972 directory, “The Gay Insider USA,” author John Paul Hudson (writing as John Francis Hunter) listed 15 gay or mixed pubs and clubs in the mainland (including Coconut Grove and Coral Gables) and 8 queer watering holes on the Beach. A 1975 bar rag, Where the Action Is - whose only claim to fame is that one of its contributors was a 22-year old newcomer named Jesse Monteagudo - listed 13 mainland bars and 6 Beach bars. They did not include the “down low,” mixed taverns that catered to minorities. Nor did they include the other places where gay guys cruised and socialized: The Club Miami and Regency Baths; the 21st Street and Virginia Beaches; Bayfront Park; Florida Pharmacy; Rio Theater; Danny’s Book Store; Downtown YMCA; the Greyhound Bus Station, and so on. The years between 1974 and 1975 were also my gay bar years. Never before or since would I frequent so many pubs or clubs, or as often, as I did back then.

Lack of money did not bother me, since student discounts and the kindness of friends and strangers often helped me get through. The lack of a car was a detriment, since it limited me to a great degree to bars that I could get to by foot or bus or ride. Interestingly, I never went to the Cactus Lounge on Biscayne Boulevard, which until its demolition a couple of years ago had the distinction of being the only 1974 gay bar in South Florida still in existence. And I was too late to enjoy Googie’s, a hot spot immortalized by Jack Nichols in his memoir The Tomcat Chronicles. But somehow I managed to visit virtually every other openly gay male bar in Miami-Dade County, save for a couple of Miami Beach or West Miami taverns. Significantly, my first gay bar (1973) was the Nook, Coral Gables’ only gay bar. I found out about the Nook by chance: I was working as an usher in a theater on Ponce de Leon Blvd when one of my co-workers happened to mention the existence of a “queer bar” nearby. Though I visited the Nook several times, it was never my favorite hangout. Located on a side street, the Nook acted as if the Stonewall Riots never happened. Discreet gentlemen in dark suits sipped martinis while listening to Judy Garland or Barbra Streisand records on the jukebox. Fortunately, I soon learned from the gayvine where the action really was. In 1974, Miami’s gay action was centered around the Warehouse VIII. Located on S.W. 8th Street and 36th Avenue, this former warehouse (hence the name) boasted a huge dance floor, a Levi-leather bar in the back, a cruise bar upstairs, and a rooftop where anything could happen. The Gay Insider USA described the Warehouse as a “huge place; [with a] suspended horse-drawn cart; [and] pool tables. Upstairs is a swinging bar, but not too friendly to

outsiders,” unless, of course, you were young and cute. It was also a late bar (closing time, 5 a.m.), which allowed us to party all night, drag ourselves over to the Dunkin’ Donut across the street for coffee, and get back to our family homes before Mami and Papi woke up.

Near the Warehouse VIII, there were several gay or mixed taverns. I never cared for El Carol, a long-lasting “mixed” bar on LeJeune Road, a block South of Calle Ocho. I much preferred the nearby Second Landing, so much in fact that I was a regular there. Located on the second floor of a building on the S.W. corner of 8th Street and Le Jeune the first floor was occupied by a straight strip bar - the Second Landing began its career as Step Mother’s, was Bachelor’s West in the brief period it was owned by the same people who owned Bachelor’s II on Coral Way, and became the Second Landing in 1975. An ad in Where the Action Is bragged about the Landing’s “intimate Cruisy Atmosphere, For the Late, Late Crowd” – it was open until 5 a.m. – “that wants a cozy place to cruise,” with “Most Drinks 75 cents” - certainly a plus for a kid who was working his way through college. The Second Landing was a great place for young Latin boys looking for older papis (or vice versa), which was what I was into at that time. The Second Landing was a thing of the past

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by the 1980’s; and since then the entire building was torn down and the site is now occupied by a Walgreen’s. Bachelors II, with a restaurant on the ground floor and a cruise bar on the second floor, was located on Coral Way between S.W. 28th and 29th Avenues. Though Bachelors II then boasted “the delightful piano stylings of the famed Walter Lena and Neil Martin,” to me it was just a place to grab a drink on my way to the nearby Club Miami Baths. The Hamlet, located on Main Highway in Coconut Grove - at the time Miami”s “gayborhood” - was a great place to hang out in the daytime or early evening. Also in Coconut Grove was the tony Candlelight Club, a members’ only restaurant and lounge. Since financial affluence was required to be a member, I only went to the Candlelight Club as a guest or, later (1976), when it hosted the early meetings of the Dade County Coalition for the Humanistic Rights of Gays. Historian James T. Sears, in his 70’s gay history Rebels, Rubyfruit, and Rhinestones, described “this Coconut Grove landmark among the banyan trees” as a place one could “sometimes spot celebrities like Roy Cohn and Barry Manilow dining on rack of lamb and drinking Chateauneuf du Pape.” It was definitely not my kind of bar. I was more at home in Downtown Miami’s Levi-leather bars, like the Rack and the Ramrod (later the Double R). Space limitations keep me from mentioning some of the bars on Miami Beach, particularly the Mayflower Lounge - Billie Lee’s Bar during Jack Nichols’s “tomcat” years (1962) - and Basin Street, both on Alton Road. The same goes for Broward County bars that I managed to visit now and then: Keith’s Cruise Room in Hallandale, Tee Jay’s in Hollywood, and Tacky’s and Venture Inn in Fort Lauderdale. All in all it was a great time, and I might write about it again some day.

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Fall 2014 miami-dade county

The

Azucar

Floppy Rooster

Nightclub 2301 N.W. 32nd Ave. Miami

305-443-7657

7018 N.W. 72nd Ave. Miami

AzucarMiami.com Facebook.com/ClubSugarmia “Lo major de la noche,” has gone through a name change. Azucar used to be called Club Sugar before it took up a more, ahem, Latin twist. Mmmm, mmm! This sweet venue is a nice place to hang out and flirt with a fun cutie. It is open later than its contenders, with a 5 a.m. closing time

786-766-0778

Wednesday through Sunday nights. Revelers can dress casual, socialize and kick back without dealing with too much pretention in this friendly club. The drag shows offer over-thetop drama, audiences are sure to be amused.

FloppyRooster.com

Andrea Richard

Eros Lounge 8201 Biscayne Blvd. Miami

305-754-3444 “No bull. Just rooster.”

Facebook.com/ErosLoungeMiami Want to sing with your buddies but can’t find a venue with an extensive song list? Eros Lounge provides an impressive sound library for its Wednesday night karaoke bash. Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., participants can sing to their hearts’ content.

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Also, on the calendar are bingo nights, drag shows, film screenings and TV-show viewing events. Happy hour features 2-for-1 drinks on the daily. Andrea Richard

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Fall 2014

This all-nude gay strip club and lounge is located within minutes of the Miami International Airport. Need to wind down before taking a flight? Come by here for a smashing good time, baby. The venue’s motto “No bull. Just rooster,” is a playful take on

what occurs on any given night. The place is open 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, and is known to heat things up when the buff and tone gentlemen shake it and grind it on stage. Now, flex those biceps! Andrea Richard

miami-dade county

Palace South Beach

Discotekka 950 N.E. Second Ave. Miami

305-371-3773

1200 Ocean Drive Miami Beach

305-531-7234 PalaceSouthBeach.com facebook.com/PalaceOceanDrive Photo courtesy of PalaceOceanDrive Facebook

Fall 2014

Discotekka.com Shirts off. Booty out. Hands up in the air. This downtown Miami dance club holds no bars when it comes to partying. Hip-hop is played here along with a slew of live-musical acts and infamous DJs. This hotspot hosts a Wednesday night bash “Mekka” featuring “new male meat” along with a drag contest and 75-cent

drinks before 1 a.m. And, of course, the after hours fiesta “La Puta Nota” is known to sauce things up on Fridays. It begins at 4 a.m. and rattles on until 11 a.m. where ladies get free admission. The bar has a 23-hour liquor license so, come here, knowing you can party on and on. Andrea Richard

Score 1437 Washington Ave. Miami Beach

305-535-1111 ScoreBar.net

“Every queen needs a palace.” When you want a night on the town in the ever pumping and hopping SoBe, Palace Bar is your best bet. This venue boasts a nightclub, Americanstyle restaurant, and a bar with fine cocktails. Patrons can score breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch here, and dine indoors or al fresco. Now in its 26th year, Palace is the first and

only LGBT bar/restaurant on Ocean Drive. And this sultry venue is located just a few steps from 12th Street Beach where the gay crowd is known to frequent. Drag queens perform nightly dinner shows and entertain on Sundays for a “Brunchic” shindig.

This rocking nightclub, which is the brainchild of Billy Kemp and Luis Morera, just celebrated its 16th anniversary (sharing a birthday with the one and only Madonna). Originally located on Lincoln Road, a year ago the club moved off the strip onto Washington Avenue, increasing in size with a massive dance floor, state-of-the art sound equipment, a full bar, and a constant flow of entertainers. “We have all the components

to make us a real night club,” Morera said. Each night has a different music theme -Latin, hip-hop, open format, underground, etc. -- with matching drink specials. Behind the bar, they’re most known for their large assortment of mojito flavors. Add in drag queens, gogo dancers, impersonators and other entertainers, and guests are in for a wild night. Christiana Lilly

Andrea Richard

Fall 2014

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE // SFGN.COM

Fall 2014 miami-dade county

House Nightclub 1915 N.W. Miami Ct. Miami

Twist 1057 Washington Ave. Miami Beach

305-538-9478

855-694-6893

TwistSoBe.com

HouseNightClub.com Facebook.com/HouseNightClubMiami

For 21 years, Twist has been the “it” spot to go hard all night. With seven full bars and multiple rooms on two floors, customers can hit the dance floor, video bar, garden bar, bungalow, and enjoy the go-go dancers. DJs work the decks for different vibes throughout the complex, from hip-hop to Latin to

EDM. For drinks, every day, Happy Hour is from 1 to 9 p.m. with two-for-one specials on everything, as well as two-for-one call and domestics from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursdays. And the best part? Their tagline says it all: never a cover, always a groove. Christiana Lilly

Club Boi From famous nightclub visionary Mark Lowe, House nightclub is a concept like no other. From a sexy-driven food menu, to the high-end liquor selections, surrounded by a club of visual surprise in every corner, House is not for the average “club goer.” As described on their website, they are an “AOE” (Anything On Earth) establishment, meaning they will provide whatever you desire. This is a serious club scene, with enforced dress codes, themed nights, and people that experience life in

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extraordinary ways. Fridays is “My House” night, which tends to be more “straight” and Saturdays is “My Rules” night, which is more “alternative.” The entire concept surrounds “being hat home” you have to register for a “House Key” at their website to guarantee entrance. If you’re new to such concepts, and you do happen to get a key, you should be prepared to experience an evening of sight and sound, trend and transcendent. Dennis Jozefowicz

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE

Fall 2014

1060 NE 79th St. Miami

786-395-2272 ClubBoi.com Opened in 2002, this party spot boasts a sexy good time for gay and bisexual black men and women. Club Boi’s website states an ‘adult content’ warning before visitors can click through. This is no place for minors! But for those looking for high-energy dance music and a night on the prowl, this is the place to come. Hear a

music lineup featuring the best in hip hop, dancehall, Latin, House, R&B and so on. But that’s not all. Sizzling nude male stripper nights are sure to entice. The club allows for ages 18 to enter and play; but the 21-year-old and older crowd can enjoy the booze. Andrea Richard

Fall 2014

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE // SFGN.COM

Fall 2014

palm beach county

Fort Dix 6205 Georgia Ave. West Palm Beach 561-533-5355

Mad Hatter Lounge

1532 N. Dixie Hwy Lake Worth 561-547-8860

facebook.com/fortdix.bar

facebook.com/MadHatterLounge

Nestled among neighboring industrial buildings on a street that gets pretty dark at night, Fort Dix has plenty of light outside welcoming a regular clientele of mostly middle-aged men. The inside is almost as dark as the outside. With dark walls and dim lighting the bar is nevertheless welcoming to many. “We’re a friendly neighborhood bar,” said manager Dale Ludwig, answering questions while keeping customers’ glasses full. “We’re also reaching out to the bears and the leather community,” he added. “They need a place to go and we’d like it to be here.” A quick trip to the bar’s Facebook page shows their invitation to the leather folk with

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$2.50 well and domestic drinks on Saturdays starting at 10 p.m. The bar offers daily specials including an early evening cocktail hour. According to Ludwig the most popular beverage is a toss up between Jaegerbombs and Jello shots. “We attract a number of sports fans,” said Ludwig. “We have pool tournaments and show football games on Monday night. Fort Dix was opened in 1988 by Daniel Williams and Mark Koslowski who gave the bar its original name, Koslow’s. When Koslowski left the business in 2006, Williams renamed the bar Fort Dix. Donald Cavanaugh

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE

Fall 2014

The Mad Hatter Lounge is the last gay bar in Lake Worth. There used to be several and many downtown. No more. Ron Amodio and Tim Rice bought the bar in December 2012. Since then, it’s gotten a facelift both inside and out. With lighter walls and softer lighting inside and some plants and flags and decor on the outside, there’s an upbeat feeling for regulars and visitors alike. “We’re definitely a neighborhood bar,” said Friday barkeep Jimmy Zoellner. “I think you’ll find that all four of the remaining bars in Palm Beach County see themselves that way. Some people like us; some like Roosters; some Fort Dix and some Penny’s. Some people visit all of us;

others not at all.” There are nightly specials every week. The current favorite is an $11 beer bust from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Another favorite is New Meat Mondays which features a guest bartender from 6 to 8 p.m. every week. “The guest brings friends and everyone meets new people,” said Zoellner. “The most popular beverage is vodka or beer, depending on the crowd,” he said. “And don’t forget karaoke is Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. with Frank-e-oke.” Donald Cavanaugh

features

Fall 2014

Where The

Divas Are? J.W. Arnold

954-777-7777

YOUR RIDE TO THE

Every drag queen needs a palace and in South Beach, you’ll find the grandest queens on South Beach at the Palace Bar, 1200 Ocean Drive. The performances spill over into the sidewalks at the Palace’s weekend Brunchic brunch, thrilling locals and terrorizing unsuspecting tourists. Throw in the hottest local and guest DJs and the Palace is definitely the destination on the busy Ocean Drive strip. In Fort Lauderdale, the ladies of Lips, 1421 E. Oakland Park, definitely rule with shows six nights a week and the infamous Sunday Gospel Brunch hosted by Nicolette. Lady LaRouge hosts Dragalicious Tuesdays and Misty Eyez presides over Bitchy Bingo Wednesdays. On Thursdays, it’s Dinner with the Divas — Whitney, Dolly, Madonna, Cher and Bette — while Fridays and Saturdays are Glitz & Glam hosted by “the” Diva. Fans can also catch an outrageous drag performance practically every night of the week at bars and clubs across the region. On Sundays, Misty Eyez hosts

the long-running Trannie Palace at Bill’s Filling Stations, 2209 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, and on Mondays, Florida’s Own Dame Edna brings her unique style of comedy and singing to the Manchester Room at the Alibi, across the drive in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. At the Village Pub, Misty Eyez, one of the busiest queens in town, hosts Dragicide Mondays, a wacky lip sync competition that tests both professionals and amateurs. Fans of country queens can catch Lady Fancy at Scandals Saloon, 3073 NE 6th Ave. in Wilton Manors, and The Stable, 205 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Recently South Florida lost a drag legend when Auntie Mame died. She was a regular on Sunday nights at Boardwalk, 1721 N. Andrews Ave. On the weekend, Latinas abound at The Manor, 2345 Wilton Dr., home of Noche Latina Saturdays, and in the Epic nightclub, many of the country’s biggest talents host themed parties every week, including many of the finalists of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

DRIVE!

Yellowcabbroward.com Fall 2014

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE // SFGN.COM

Fall 2014

palm beach county

H.G.

Roosters 823 Belvedere Road West Palm Beach 561-832-9119

Charlie’s

Sunday Mixers www.facebook.com/groups/167175890107250 For four years, Charlie Fredrickson and a few friends have organized monthly Sunday movable mixers at a variety of venues such as the Chesterfield in Palm Beach and the Players Club in Wellington. “The purpose for the mixers is good socializing and networking among men and women in the community without smoke or loud music to contend with,” said Fredrickson, noting that women often account for more than a third of the guests. “It’s a comfortable atmosphere for everyone,” said local acupuncturist Maryann McCarthy who has attended the events. “It’s so nice just to be able to talk with people at a normal volume.”

RoostersWPB.com facebook.com/pages/HG-Roosters/ 43915759499

The mixers usually attract over 50 guests from all parts of gay and straight Palm Beach County. With these numbers, they can often negotiate specials with the venues, from hors d’oeuvres to two-for-one cocktails. A who’s who of the gay community often attend with people affiliated with Compass, Gay Lake Worth, Integrity of the Palm Beaches, MCC of the Palm Beaches Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, and, the county chapter of Prime Timers to name a few. Many unaffiliated Palm Beachers also attend and guests often come from Fort Lauderdale as well as Stuart and Port St. Lucie. Donald Cavanaugh

Penny’s at the Duke 902 N. Dixie Hwy Lantana

561-318-7359 Established in 1984, Roosters is the longest continually operating gay bar in Palm Beach County. Located on Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, the bar is less than a quarter of a mile east of I95 so it’s a convenient location for customers from all of Palm Beach County and points north such as Martin and St. Lucie counties. “We’re mostly a neighborhood bar,” said David Hazen, manager on duty on Friday nights. “We welcome everyone and we often have a good number of women – which is good. “The local bar isn’t the only way to meet people anymore,” he added. “There’s a lot of new competition for our traditional

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customer base.” The bar has daily specials which can be found on their website. The site includes hours of operation and a gallery of photos. More information is available at their Facebook page. On Sundays at 5 p.m. they have a barbecue on the back patio and at 11 p.m., Jared Scott does karaoke. According to Hazen the most popular daily specials are the $3.00 Long Islands on Saturday while the overall most popular beverage is the apple martini. “We sell a lot of them,” he confirmed. Donald Cavanaugh

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Fall 2014

facebook.com/pennysattheduke The Duke opened in 1946 and keeping the name was part of the purchase agreement for Penny Johnson to buy the business. A patron suggested Penny’s at the Duke and it stuck. Then Penny laid down 9000 pennies in urethane to physically lay claim to the name and opened the place in August 2013. Penny’s is a neighborhood gay bar with a twist. A bunch of straight customers came with the territory and have stayed to become part of the regular crowds. “They have fit right in with us,” said Johnson. “They sing karaoke (Mindy and Todd) with everyone else on Wednesdays from 7 to 11 p.m. and they stay for the drag

shows.” Penny’s forbids smoking inside. There are two patios where people can take their drinks and smokes and most do without complaint. “The policy has been well accepted,” said Johnson. “No one likes going home reeking of smoke.” The bar has lots of specials, which can be viewed online at their Facebook page. The current favorite beverage is a cinnamon whiskey called Fireball. And whether you’re female or male, you’re welcome to be one of “The Ladies Who Brunch” on first Sundays at noon. Donald Cavanaugh

Fall 2014

BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE // SFGN.COM

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BARS AND CLUBS ISSUE

Fall 2014