Tabasco Disco Bar Bars & Clubs in Florence – GayOut Guide
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Tabasco Disco Bar

GayOut (4) 4.3
Google (4) 4.8
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90
/ 100
GayOut Score
4.3 G4.8
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Address
Piazza Santa Cecilia 3r, 50122 Firenze
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Price Range
$$
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About this place Tabasco Disco Bar

Tabasco opened in 1978 at Piazza Santa Cecilia 3r, a small square a few steps from the Basilica di Santa Croce — the pantheon of Florence and the burial site of Michelangelo, whose same-sex attractions are the subject of centuries of scholarship. The irony of Italy's oldest gay bar operating in the shadow of that particular church is not lost on Florentine gay culture. Tabasco is a venue of historical importance: it predates the HIV crisis, predates Italian civil unions by 38 years, and has witnessed the entire arc of modern Italian LGBTQ+ history. The current space consists of three connected rooms — a bar area, a small dance floor and a darker back room — occupying a historic building with low vaulted ceilings. The décor accumulates decades of the venue's own history: photos, posters, ephemera from four and a half decades. The music is mainstream and commercial: pop, house, chart. The crowd is mixed in age — tourists who know about Tabasco's reputation alongside local regulars — and the venue benefits from Florence's heavy international tourism, which means English is widely spoken. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 22:00. Entry is free most nights.

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 22:00-03:00
Wednesday 22:00-03:00
Thursday 22:00-03:00
Friday 22:00-04:00
Saturday 22:00-04:00
Sunday 22:00-03:00

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Google Reviews

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4.8
4 reviews

Based on 4 Google reviews.

Pedro Montana
Pedro Montana Oct 2025
Pedro Montana
Pedro Montana Oct 2022
assistant qualite
assistant qualite Aug 2019
Massimo Ferrari
Massimo Ferrari Jul 2019

Tabasco began its history in 1974, when it was Italy's first gay disco. The venue is located in the ancient crypt of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. Its location is central yet secluded and hidden from prying eyes. It's a unique venue with a stunning 16th-century structure featuring stonework, arches, period statues, and a still-active well. The most famous Italian and international DJs have played at the club's decks. Tabasco closed late at night and remained open year-round. Always well-attended, its international reputation made it a must-see for foreign tourists, and with its ancient yet pleasant and warm structure and highly cosmopolitan atmosphere, it was a popular spot. Famous figures such as Miguel Bosè, Stearling Saint Jacques, and Donatella Milani have passed through here; you could even bump into Tondelli and Don Lurio; even Sylvester came to present his album in 1977. Unfortunately, it was closed by the police in May 2010. Owner Marco B. (guilty of failing to monitor what was happening inside the club) is accused of allowing drug use inside. It reopened from 2011 to 2014, and perhaps continued operating for a few more years. What I know is that it currently languishes in total desolation, awaiting redevelopment. One thing is certain, though, Florence hasn't forgotten this historic gay nightclub and is still cheering him on: "Go Tabasco!"

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Last updated on 3 August 2026

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