Mona's cocktail lounge is a fun night spot that draws a faithful following and has for many years. Located outside of the regular "strip" in Wilton Manors, Mona's unique location right on Sunrise Boulevard next to the railroad tracks gives this place an out-of-way unique and exclusive feel. The fun and welcoming staff make Mona's a true experience with a brand new show every week which, they say, will not disappoint, and coming soon will be Sundays Sunset Movie Night which will be on their huge 8-foot screen and free popcorn. Offering your favorite beer and cocktails, Mona's is a must-stop while you're in town.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: One of those places where everyone knows your name — or soon will.
Dale's expert tip: Log onto their website for upcoming events and great photos
Dudes On The Beach is just steps from the sand and cozily set in the charming shopping strip right off the popular Galt Ocean Mile at Oakland Park Boulevard and A1A. Dudes On The Beach takes the idea of a gay club up a notch with its charming upscale atmosphere and piano bar and nightly musical specials from 6-9 p.m. Entertainment includes singers, talented piano players and karaoke. Dudes On The Beach is a ideal location for casually conversing with old friends, or new ones, enjoying your favorite beer or cocktail or choice of wine, then taking a stroll across the street to watch the waves on the ocean. How can it be better?
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Off the beaten path of gay bars and clubs, with a special touch of class and steps from the beach.
Dale's expert tip: Parking is metered and don't forget to refill!
One mainstay that has become a tradition in Wilton Manors is Tropics Restaurant Piano Bar. Named the longest running gay and lesbian restaurant and bars in America for its 19 years of serving patrons, this place offers a variety of specials in a fun and classy atmosphere every night of the week, which seems to make every day a weekend. Happy Hour is 2 for 1 all brands until 9 p.m. daily. Plan to come by for Sunday Brunch. With carving and omelette stations with a set price including one complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary, or Sunday Evening Buffet which includes soup, salad and dessert. Tuesdays offers a buy one get one free, and make room for Wednesdays for its mouth-watering Prime Rib Night. Tropics is also open Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and outside dining is available.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: The food, the drinks, the clientele just does not get any better than this.
Dale's expert tip: Plan to spend time walking up and down Wilton Drive either before or after visit Tropics, and make a night of it.
Ft. Lauderdale locals love Rosie's. The atmosphere here is electric day or night. It's here where the locals come to see and be seen, and there's always a party going on. This gay bar's fun, tropical atmosphere, surprising drink specials and delicious food have an irresistible allure. Rosie's hosts happy hour Monday through Friday, but drink specials are available most days. Sunday Funday, a popular favorite, features a DJ and beer buckets all day. Besides marvelous mojitos, Rosie's is known for its wildly whimsical menu and creative burgers that boast names like Rhoda Cowboy and Wilma Breathsink. Convenient valet parking after 5.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Wonderful atmosphere any night of the week, great food, great fun, great crowd.
Dale's expert tip: A great place to introduce out-of-town guests to gay Wilton Manors
For the gay sports enthusiast, Sidelines Sports Bar is waiting for you. While there may not be a lot of sports bars that cater to the gay crowd, Sidelines has a huge following who pack the house to the seams. This smoke-free bar has 16 flat screen TVs, three pool tables, 3 three dart boards, Wi-Fi access, Buzztime Trivia and Texas Hold 'Em Poker along with other video games. Located right on the very popular and always active Wilton Drive, this favorite night spot proudly proclaims that this is "Where Sports Comes First", and why not? Great cozy outdoor seating in the alley. Look for their ads in the local gay publications or go online to see a list of games shown at the bar, put on your favorite sports team's jersey and come on in, get your favorite drink and join in on the fun.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: For gay sports fans this is the ultimate place to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and make a few new friends.
Dale's expert tip: Great place to meet other sports enthusiasts
Located right in the heart of Wilton Manors along what is known as the Strip, is Bill's Filling Station. This Wilton Manors hot spot boasts countless bars and clubs, but Bill's Filling Station is a real standout for its laid-back atmosphere and amazing drink specials and oh-so-fine people watching. Monday through Friday from 2 pm until 9 pm, patrons enjoy tasty two-for-one cocktails, and Thursday nights feature thirst-quenching $3 Long Island ice teas. Events throughout the week include karaoke, live piano music and various stage shows, keep the crowds coming, and there's also a dance floor, pool tables and darts. Plenty of parking out back.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: A favorite here for many years, and for good reason!
Dale's expert tip: A great stop in your walk-about of Wilton Manors bars
Everyone's a fan of some boot scootin' boogie, and when you combine Country Western with a fabulous gay bar you get Scandals Saloon. The Ft. Lauderdale gay community loves this bar's scene. On Monday and Tuesday nights, patrons can head here for lighthearted line dancing lessons starting at 7 pm, and by 9 pm the floor is open to everyone. Friday through Sunday, Outlawz DJs spin popular tunes, filling up the dance floor in true hoedown fashion. The daily happy hour runs from noon to 9pm, except on Sunday when it runs all day. So put on your Stetson hat, your jeans and cowboy boots and come on down for the best of the west. Yee haw!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Everybody's got a little County in them, and this where they celebrate it!
Dale's expert tip: Plenty of parking across the street at the K-Mart parking lot
Located at the always hip and happening Wilton Manors on The Drive in the heart of this diverse island city, Hunters exudes passion and energy as they serve up quality drinks, dancing and daily entertainment which attracts a predominantly gay clientele. This is the place to be for those who enjoy Karaoke, whether participating or cheering on the singers, country and western dancing and cabaret. Happy Hour is 4-9 p.m. every night except for Friday which is until 9:30 and Sunday from noon-9 p.m. Check out their website for daily drink specials. Come and join the fun and meet the regulars — and even become one, too!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Hunters is a fun place to be that draws in passers-by to hear the music, grab and drink and make new friends.
Dale's expert tip: Plenty of parking at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors but don't walk off the property or your car will be towed.
The Manor, a restaurant, ultra lounge and nightclub, is one of the top stops for those seeking a classy gay club. This completely renovated facility in the ultra-popular gay neighborhood of Wilton Manors, is chic and sophisticated, and draws class acts and Fort Lauderdale's classiest people. The Manor's Epic Nightclub has DJs spinning a sublime mix of sounds sure to please dancing divas and discerning music lovers alike. Whether they're hosting fashionable theme nights or entertaining stage shows, the club exudes a modern sense of style. VIP booths are available for a more intimate experience. Great place for Sunday brunch with outdoor seating for people watching and also to enjoy the incredible Florida weather.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Known for its ultra lounge, incredible entertainment and sophisticated atmosphere.
Dale's expert tip: The Manor often features top names in entertainment and they draw the crowds
One visit to Georgie's Alibi and you'll see why it's one of the most popular gay clubs in Fort Lauderdale. Day or evening, Georgie's serves up the best sizzling atmosphere with the best music, a winning menu including their award-winning hamburgers, and drinks that include specials including two-for-one happy hour Monday through Friday, as well as the ever-popular Long Island Iced Tea Night. Inside, patrons enjoy a video bar, which often features a VJ spinning playfully popular tunes. There's also a lovely outdoor patio that's ideal for weekday lunch, Sunday brunch, or evening get-together with friends. Georgie's Alibi is probably the most well-known of gay clubs in South Florida, so make it your first stop and see why.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: No doubt the most popular gay club in town. Everyone flocks here.
Dale's expert tip: This is place is great for those who love a lively atmosphere.