Ultimate Guide To The Best Gay Bars In Jacksonville

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Sunny Jacksonville is one of the largest cities in Florida, known for its picturesque beaches, local art, and some of the best dining options in the region. While there’s no “official” gayborhood in Jacksonville, it’s quickly emerging as a gay-friendly destination.

If you’re looking for places where you can be yourself and party with other LGBTQ locals, check out our guide to the best gay bars in Jacksonville. Whether you’re looking for a crazy night on the dance floor or an intimate conversation over happy hour specials, this post has some amazing options that’ll be perfect for any vibe.

Explore These Amazing Gay Bars In Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s sunny climate makes it the perfect place to enjoy a beach vacation, but the number of gay bars in the city has been drastically cut down since the pandemic. That said, there are still plenty of fabulous finds in the city.

Thinking of grabbing a drink or dancing the night away with the local LGBTQ community? Check out some of the best gay bars in Jacksonville, Florida.

Park Place Lounge

931 King St.

A mainstay among Jacksonville gay bars is Park Place Lounge, which has been serving Florida’s gay population since the late ‘90s. This bar is known for its friendly staff, generous happy hour, and laid-back atmosphere.

While it’s not a huge club, Park Place features a small dance floor and often has a DJ spinning tunes for dancing. Enjoy a game of pool and play with that cute guy you’ve been staring at all night.

If the crowd or noise starts to bother you, head to the back patio. Enjoy a well-decorated spacious area away from the loud music and rowdy patrons. This is also the only place where smoking is allowed. Enjoy a conversation or watch one of their several flat screen TVs.

Park Place is open seven days a week from 12 PM – 2 AM. Happy hour is every day from 12 PM – 7 PM and 12 AM to closing.

Boot Rack Saloon

4751 Lenox Ave.

If you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood bar that you can enjoy regularly, check out the Boat Rack Saloon. This beer and wine bar may not serve hard liquor, but its cheap drink specials and warm energy more than make up for it.

This classic saloon is one of the only gay bars in Jacksonville that feel like home. Laid back and unassuming, Boat Rack’s intimate interior design encourages interaction with its patrons, who are primarily gay men. It’s also a popular bar for the leather crowd.

The indoor area has a pool table and allows smoking, lending a real ‘80s feel. If you want to enjoy your drinks in the fresh air, there’s also an outdoor bar area with lounge chairs and tables where you can hang out under the stars.

Boot Rack Saloon is open Tuesday – Thursday 3 PM – 12 AM, Friday and Saturday 3 PM – 2 AM, Sunday 1 PM – 12 AM, and closed on Monday. Happy Hour is 3 – 8 PM

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InCahoots Nightclub

711 Edison Ave.

There’s no better place to cut loose than one of the original gay clubs in Jacksonville, InCahoots Nightclub. Billed as Jacksonville’s most award-winning LGBTQ nightclub, this large, multi-room dance club knows exactly how to get the party started.

In business since the 1980s, InCahoots has a variety of rooms that can give you the kind of entertainment you’re looking for. Whether it’s busting a move on the dance floor or playing a casual game of pool in the game room, you can find something fun to do in every corner of the club.

InCahoots has four separate bars that have vastly differing vibes, but all are welcoming. Grab a drink before burning up the dance floor at the Dance Bar, have some chill conversations with old friends (and new ones!) at the Top Bar, celebrate special occasions at the Lounge Bar, and enjoy the cheap drink specials at the Chrome Bar.

InCahoots is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 PM – 2 AM and Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 6 PM – 2 AM. It is closed on Mondays.

Birdies Five Points

1044 Park St.

Although not specifically a gay bar, the locals love Birdies in Five Points. It has a laid-back atmosphere with DJs, karaoke, pool tables and plenty of dancing. You will find a diverse group of people at this neighborhood bar.

Though it’s a small bar, the vibrant, hip atmosphere will keep you entertained all night. Enjoy tasty cocktails or wine while shooting some pool inside. If you want some fresh air, relax outdoors as you people watch sipping on one of their signature cocktails.

Their interesting décor adds to the ambiance. Even the ladies bathroom has become a hot spot for selfies! Celebrate their Gay Night on the first Friday of each month. Grab a drink with friends and enjoy the chill vibes at Birdies Bar.

Birdies is open Monday – Friday from 4 PM – 2 AM and Saturday – Sunday from 12:30 PM – 2 AM.

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Hamburger Mary’s Jax

3333 Beach Blvd.

If you are looking for a burger and drag, then Hamburger Mary’s Jax is your place. Whether you dine alone, with a love, or with friends, there is plenty of entertainment to go around.

Enjoy tasty appetizers, hearty burgers, and decadent desserts with a side of attitude. Don’t forget to check out Sunday brunch where you can try tasty omelets and other savory specialties.

As for nightly entertainment, you don’t want to miss the drag shows, “Mary-Oke!” and charity “HamBINGO Mary’s.

Hamburger Mary’s Jax is open Tuesday through Thursday 4 – 10:30 PM, Friday 4 PM – 12AM, Saturday 4 PM – 2 AM, and Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM.

Key Takeaways

There may only be a handful of official gay bars in Jacksonville, but there are many places to feel out and proud while connecting with LGBTQ community members. While the pandemic forced some of Jacksonville’s iconic gay bars to close down prematurely, those that remain are go-to places for the local LGBTQ community to gather and have a good time together. We hope you check out some of these pillars of Jacksonville’s gay community while they’re still around!

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

View All Post By Rachel Covello