In the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s gay district is Zona Romantica, where you’ll find the best bars, clubs and nightlife all conveniently within a stone’s throw of each other and Playa Los Muertos. Here are our top 12 favourite bar and nightclubs in Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta.
For more ideas of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, check out our Guide to Gay Puerto Vallarta.
Best Gay Bars in Puerto Vallarta
1. La Cueva Cantina
Address: Olas Altas 414, Int. A, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
Appropriately translating to ‘the cave’ in Spanish, La Cueva is a popular hangout for bears, cubs and their admirers. Oh, honey. Play pool, or take centre stage on karaoke night.
2. Apaches Martini Bar and Bistro
Address: Olas Altas 439 – 443, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
One of the liveliest bars in the Zona Romantica, Apaches specializes in martinis. Mixed crowds enjoy the casual atmosphere and 2-for-1 happy hours.
3. Mr. Flamingo
Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 257, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
The most popular and only tiki bar in Zona Romantica, Mr. Flamingo is one of Puerto Vallarta’s liveliest gay bars. It’s on a busy corner in the middle of all the action, which means you can almost always expect a good crowd of other partygoers.
4. Bar Frida
Address: Insurgentes 301, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
Bar Frida is a relaxed, cantina style bar that pays tribute to Mexican artist and icon, Frida Kahlo. Known for their fresh squeezed lime margaritas and ice-cold beers, this regular bear hangout and local favourite has been around since 2001.
5. Reinas
Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 361, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
This royal-themed dive bar may or may not be the place to meet your prince, but royalty and queens alike will want to stop by Reinas for a beer or two to enjoy some kitsch and conversation.
6. Blondies Loft + Slushbar
Address: Calle 1, Púlpito 115, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
Pop art decor and top 40 tunes fill the space of this chic second-floor beach house, but it’s the boozy slushies that bring all the boys to the loft.
Stop by Blondies on your way back from the beach and sip on a frozen signature cocktail, like the popular Platinum Blondie, a premium margarita made with Cazadores Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Or try the Sun-Kissed Blondie, a blend of dark spiced rum, fresh mangoes, peaches and pineapple juice.
7. Anonimo
Address: Calle Rodolfo Gómez 157, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
Anonimo is a small, hidden underground bar in the middle of the Zona Romantica with an all-night happy hour and karaoke crowd following.
8. Diva's Bar
Address: Calle Francisco I. Madero 388, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Live bands, drag shows, and a great space for celebrations. The crowd is more mixed than some other Puerto Vallarta gay bars, but that never takes away from the fun or the welcoming environment.
9. Los Amigos
Address: Calle, Venustiano Carranza S/N-C, Alta Vista, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
This late-night cowboy cantina is well-loved for Arturo and Charlie's ability to create a fun and friendly atmosphere (not to mention a mean margarita). The breezy patio bar is at the top of a few flights of stairs, and worth every step.
Best Gay Nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta
1. La Noche
Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 267D, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
With three sprawling levels and a rooftop garden bar, La Noche has been the biggest gay party spot since 2002. Expect over-the-top drag shows, go-go dancers, circus acts and show tunes of course! For a breath of fresh air, make your way to the rooftop bar for a spectacular view of the mountains and stars.
2. CC Slaughters
Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 254, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
Two bars, a dance floor and regular drag shows, CC Slaughters starts to pick up around 2 in the morning. Live DJs keep the party going at this after-hours party spot.
3. Paco’s Ranch
Address: Ignacio L. Vallarta 278, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta
Cheap drinks, nightly drag shows, a big dancefloor and a mix of top 40, Spanish and country music draws the cowboys to Paco’s Ranch. Free line dance lessons on hoedown nights.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta's Gay Nightlife
December to March is generally the high season for travel to Puerto Vallarta, so you can expect bars to be busiest around then. We also recommend planning your getaway around some key LGBTQ events:
- BeefDip Mexico Bear Festival (January)
- Puerto Vallarta Carnival (March)
- Puerto Vallarta Pride (May)
- White Party Thanksgiving Circuit (November)
- New Year's Holidays
For more local recommendations and things to do in Puerto Vallarta, talk to one of our LGBTQ Travel Experts and check out our Guide to Gay Puerto Vallarta.
