Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, an island created by surrounding rivers, Wilton Manors boasts a high concentration of bars and nightlife catering to the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the venues are located on Wilton Drive, known as "the Drive," providing a convenient bar crawl experience and offering a variety of vibes for a diverse patronage. It's easy to see why Wilton Manors was called the "Second Gayest City" in the United States. From drag nights to dance clubs, jazz bars, or watering holes, Wilton Manors has an abundance of offerings.
The Corner Pub
1915 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors954-564-7335
thecornerpubfl.comThe Corner Pub, a deliberately unassuming name, is the antithesis of every bar on this list. Located away from the Drive, this local watering hole is tucked away from all the gaiety of the other spots. It proudly advertises its lack of programming — no drag shows, no karaoke, no bingo — in favor of simple pleasures like a bar, pool tables, and some food (you can also bring your own). They aren't above an underwear night or two (Wednesday and Saturday) to keep things titillating, but this is a no-fuss approach to a gay bar. With a daily happy hour from 1 to 9:30 p.m., the Corner Pub can make anyone a regular and become the place where everyone knows your name.
Eagle Wilton Manors is a respite for queer culture.
Photo by Stephen Lang/SRL Media
Eagle Wilton Manors
2209 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors954-533-8248
eaglebarwm.comEagles are found across the United States. While they aren't an affiliated chain of gay bars, and each location has its own dynamic, they often are a space celebrating kink culture. Wilton Manor's Eagle is no exception. From its annual leather pageant to Bear Week, Eagle Wilton Manors is a respite for certain queer cultures, while everyone is welcome. Themed nights celebrating underwear, rubber, and other kinds of gear dominate the weekly calendar. You can find otters, wolves, and bears, oh my, as well as other people interested in fetish-focused fun. While anyone can enter, the Code Bar, where the rules and dress code for each night are strictly enforced, has a policy of no phones and no judgment.
You are missing out if you only know Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar for its food and drink menu.
Photo by Stephen Lang/SRL Media
Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar
2266 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors954-565-2526
alibiwiltonmanors.comFood is not always a main concern at a gay bar, but Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar offers a substantial menu, from bar staple appetizers to classics of American, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine and some tasty hybrid dishes. Its extended operating hours of 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. make it a convenient stop any time of day. The only thing rivaling the food and drinks is the diverse programming. Drag shows take place all weekend long, including the Sunday night House of Alibi, as well as nights dedicated to karaoke, Latin dance, and jazz. The only thing better would be a deal on drinks, which it offers on Fridays and Saturdays with an all-day two-for-one happy hour.
Gym Sportsbar appeals to the section of the LGBTQ+ community that likes watching televised sports.
Gym Sportsbar photo
Gym Sportsbar
2287 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors954-990-7973
gymsportsbar.comNot all gays hate sports. Gym Sportsbar, with locations in New York City, West Hollywood, and now Wilton Manors, provides a place for people who love friendly rivalries, team camaraderie, and physical feats. TV screens broadcast a variety of sports, from baseball, football, and basketball to tennis tournaments. Gym has a full bar with a great beer selection and plenty of bar food standards — burgers, fries, and wings — to sustain all the cheering. It's the perfect place to enjoy the physical prowess of pitchers, catchers, and switch hitters.
Hunters has been a staple for the LGBTQ+ community for over 30 years.
Photo by Stephen Lang/SRL Media
Hunters Wilton Manors
2232 Wilton Dr., Fort Lauderdale954-630-3556
huntersftlauderdale.comA staple of the Wilton Manors LGBTQ+ community for over 30 years, Hunters is an institution of the Drive. Celebrating dance, disco, and community, Hunters lives by the credo "spirits elevated," which could refer to drinks or something more experiential and ephemeral. On the dance floor, you can enjoy the dazzling lights, world-class DJs, go-go dancers, and the occasional cryo blasts, or if you rather, you can gaze down on the revelry from the upstairs lounge. Buttressing all these epic experiences is the Hunters' exceptional staff, who have made this location last.
The Manor Complex
2345 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors954-626-0082
themanorcomplex.comIf you want size and spectacle, the Manor has what you need. A multiroom, bi-level space, the Manor boasts a dance floor where you can dance with hundreds of people. The impressive sound system and dazzling lighting space are utilized by regular and rotating DJs from around the world. It's a perennial stop for the latest crop of RuPaul's Drag Race alums, as well as hosting standup comedians and fundraising galas for worthwhile causes. A raucous night out in Wilton Manors should start or end at the Manor.
No Manors Bar and Lounge
2246 Wilton Dr., Fort Lauderdale954-314-7287
nomanorsbar.comThe cheekily named No Manors Bar and Lounge has one of the town's best-tasting and best-named cocktail menus. From the spicy tequila concoction called "Hot Whore" or the s'mores-infused "Campfire Quickie," the elevated drinks make No Manors worth the trip. Beyond the beverages, it offers a variety of themed nights, including a trivia night, variety show, and pop-themed music nights on Spotlight Sundays. Another unique attribute is the venue's No Manors Got Talent, which lets patrons take the stage to show off unique talents. A newer addition to the area, No Manors has a fresh take on LGBTQ+ nightlife.
The West End Lounge
2100 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors954-395-8964
thewestendloungewm.comSophisticated and relaxed is a rare combination, but the West End Lounge mixes them perfectly. A cabaret-style music venue with a mid-century feel, this place is great for a first date, anniversary, or to unwind after the workday. The West End Lounge hosts terrific performers from South Florida to New York City, including the weekly Piano Man Tuesdays with Alexander Zenoz and Beau Cornlius' Sunday afternoon pop-jazz melodies. Attuned with the music is a carefully cultivated cocktail menu in which the tasty elixirs are pristinely perfected. The West End Lounge is the epitome of refinement and a treat for all the senses.
