In this guide · 4 sections
Fort Lauderdale's gay bars are almost all on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. That strip is about a mile long, packed with venues — bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops from end to end. On a Friday night, if you start walking from one end, you'll pass at least ten gay spots before you hit the other side. For a city this size, that's a lot.
The scene itself covers a lot of ground. There are sports bars, leather bars, bear bars, dance clubs, drag venues, and quiet cocktail places. Weekends bring a mix of ages and types: locals from Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, plus visitors from Miami, the Northeast, and beyond. Unlike bigger cities, the bars here aren't really segregated by scene. The leather crowd, the circuit crowd, and the older regulars are all within a few hundred meters of each other.
The Bars
- Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar — This is Wilton Drive's anchor, the biggest gay bar complex in South Florida. It's got a restaurant, multiple bars, a patio, a pool bar, and entertainment all under one roof.
- The Manor Fort Lauderdale — Wilton Drive's main entertainment complex. Multiple rooms, drag shows, DJs, cabaret, and late-night dancing. It gives South Beach a run for its money on spectacle, but without the attitude.
- Club Ramrod Fort Lauderdale — Fort Lauderdale's leather bar. A serious leather and fetish spot that's been around since the 1970s. It's one of the city's oldest gay bars, and it's in Fort Lauderdale proper, not Wilton Manors.
- DrYnk Bar and Lounge — A nice bar and lounge. The back patio is particularly good.
- Hunters Fort Lauderdale — A long-running Wilton Drive fixture. It has a bar, dance floor, patio, and regular entertainment. It's one of the original spots on The Drive, with loyal regulars and a friendly vibe.
- LeBoy — LeBoy is fun, and the drinks are good. Ricky is a great bartender, always getting everyone energized. There have been rumors about patrons being turned away for not being "skinny enough," but that's not true. I'm 237 lbs and have never been denied a drink. I'm sure if I wanted to be a dancer they'd turn me down, it's a strip club.
- — A good spot for men who like a relaxed atmosphere. Bartenders could be friendlier, but they're always slammed. Drinks come fast. The music is energetic. Most guys here are chill, no attitude or ego, and there's someone for everyone. It's one of my go-to places when I'm in the area.
- Scandals Saloon — Wilton Manors' country-western gay bar. Line dancing, two-step lessons, and boot-scootin' nights. It's been around since the 1980s.
- Smarty Pants — Always a good time here when visiting. It's a great neighborhood bar. Fritz is a good host.
- The Grind — A bar and cruise spot on Wilton Drive. It's a comfortable, low-key neighborhood option for a more relaxed evening.
Leather and Bear Scene
Fort Lauderdale has a stronger leather and bear community than most US cities its size. This shows up in the bars: several places have specific leather and bear nights, and the gear shops on The Drive sell to serious customers, not just tourists. The Leather and Fetish Weekend, usually in autumn, is one of the South's bigger leather events and draws a national crowd. If this is your scene, Fort Lauderdale delivers in a way that Orlando or Tampa don't.
When to Go
The Drive fills up on Friday and Saturday nights, usually starting around 9pm. Sunday afternoons have a relaxed, local feel at some bars. Weeknights are quieter but not dead—Wilton Manors has a permanent population, so there's always some foot traffic, even midweek.
During Fort Lauderdale Pride (February) and Leather Weekend (autumn), The Drive gets seriously packed. Bar-hopping slows down because crowds spill onto the sidewalk. If you want a quieter experience, come on a Tuesday in January; you'll find the regulars at the bar without fighting for space.
Practical Notes
Most bars on Wilton Drive don't charge cover. Some specific themed nights might have a small cover. Cocktails cost $8 to $14. Older bars tend to be cheaper; newer ones price accordingly. Tipping is standard—at least $1-2 per drink.
Parking on Wilton Drive gets full on busy nights. The Hagen Ranch Road parking area off The Drive is often the overflow spot. Ridesharing to The Drive from anywhere in Fort Lauderdale or the beach is easy and avoids the parking issue.
For more on the city: Gay Fort Lauderdale Guide. For places to stay: Fort Lauderdale Gay Hotels.
