Puerto Vallarta’s south side, also referred to as Zona Romantica and Old Town Vallarta, is home to Vallarta’s most popular gay attractions. Gay hotels, nightlife, boutiques, and hangouts stretch from the Rio Cuale to the stylish southern tip of Los Muertos Beach.
Pick up a copy of The Puerto Vallarta Gay Guide – this handy booklet is available at hotel concierge desks and locales throughout the south side. The Gay Guide includes a directory of Puerto Vallarta’s gay clubs and local retailers with a convenient map and details on upcoming events and entertainment.
Puerto Vallarta gay lounges and bars:
Vallarta Cora
South Side Puerto Vallarta 174 Pilitas Street Ph: 223-2815 Daily, 3pm-midnight.
The Vallarta Cora is a gay hotel with patio lounge and bar service that is popular in the early evening and particularly around sunset. The clothing optional jacuzzi and steam room get notoriously hot. For men only. Popular with locals and gay travelers. There is a cover charge which includes a free cocktail.
Blue Chairs – Blue Sunset Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
Los Muertos Beach – Calle Malecon y Almendro #4. Ph:: 222-5040 Daily 10 am to 12 am.
Puerto Vallarta’s infamous rooftop hangout is particularly popular at sunset. Blue Chairs Hotel Rooftop Bar and Restaurant offers tasty Mexican and seafood dishes. Wading pool. Casual, yet stylish atmosphere with plenty of gay activities and entertainment:
- Gay Movie Night (Mon 8:30 pm)
- Gay Bingo (Tues. 7-9 pm)
- Dirty Bitches Show (Weds & Sun 7 pm & again at 9 pm)
- Cruise Party (Thurs 5 pm)
- Gay Karaoke (Fri 7 pm)
- Blue Hombre Show (Sat 7:30 pm)
Apaches – Martini and Cocktail Bar
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 439 Olas Altas. Ph: 222-4004 Happy hour is from 5pm-7pm. Open Mon-Sat, 5pm-2am.
Small, trendy, & upbeat gay martini and cocktail bar in South Puerto Vallarta is popular with gay and straight visitors. Located on famous Olas Altas street. Choose sidewalk seating for ideal people watching.
Garbo
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 142 Pulpito. Ph: 223-5753 Happy hour, 6pm-9pm. Daily, 6pm-2am.
Elegant and stylish ambiance lend to Garbo’s upscale atmosphere. Dress up and socialize with flavored martinis, glowing cocktails and nightly live music during Puerto Vallarta’s high season- piano, guitar, and a jazz singer. Live music starts at 10:30 pm. Located next to Kit Kat Restaurant, making Garbo’s the perfect after-dinner treat.
Frida
South Side Puerto Vallarta, Near Pharmacia Guadalajara & Cathedral – 361 Lazaro Cardenas. Daily 1pm-2am
Authentic Mexican cantina with 8 or 9 tables and bar for drinks and casual conversation. Draws a mostly lavender crowd. Popular among locals and American/Canadian transplants. Cheap drinks and friendly atmosphere. Owners are fabulously friendly and helpful!
La Noche
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 257 Lazaro Cardenas. Ph: 222-3364 Happy hour, 7pm-9pm. Daily, 7pm-2am.
Daily martini specials along with soft music and romantic lighting make this lounge very popular. Ideal for good company, La Noche is a place to get to know someone. Over 25 martini choices on the menu.
Kit Kat Club
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 120 Pulpito. Ph: 223-0093 Daily, 5pm-1am.
Upscale lounge with stylish decor and meticulous international cuisine. Resembles London or NYC styled gay clubs with art deco design scheme and almost over-comfortable seating. A must for the gay Vallarta vacationer! Dinner and cocktail hotspot for locals and vacationers.
Los Amigos
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 237 Venustiano Carranza – Upstairs. Ph: 222-7802 Daily, 6pm-4am.
Located next door to Paco’s Ranch, Los Amigos is a popular gay bar with a casual, fun cantina atmosphere. Festive and friendly describe this gay bar which has been here for nearly 10 years. Open terrace. inexpensive, bargain drinks. Friendly owners- say hello to Charlie when you hear his Southern drawl and cowboy hat.
Sama
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 510 Olas Altas. Ph: 223-3182 Happy hour, 5pm-7pm. Daily, 5pm-2am.
One of Puerto Vallarta’s newest gay martini bars, Sama is located directly on famous Olas Altas Street. Sidewalk seating, elegant atmosphere. Friendly (and funny) staff and service. Extensive martini selection.
Descanso Sunrest Rooftop Bar
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 583 Pino Suarez. Ph: 223-0277 Happy hour, 2pm-6pm. Open Daily, 2pm-9pm
The rooftop terrace bar at the Descanso del Sol hotel offers panoramic views of Banderas Bay. A popular evening hangout, arrive at least an hour before sunset. Lookout terrace, wading pool. Free appetizers include tostadas and burritos from 5-6pm.
Diva’s
South Side – 388 Francisco Madero. Ph: 223-2958 Daily, 6pm-2am
Puerto Vallarta’s newest cantina bar offers great daily specials and is famous for having, “A little touch of attitude.” An up and coming hangout with gay locals and nationals as well as gay travelers.
Encuentros
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 312 Lazaro Cardenas. Ph: 222-0643 Happy hour, 8pm-10pm. Open Daily, 6pm-2am
Upscale pizza bar and lounge, Encuentos is Puerto Vallarta’s most stylish pizza place. Ideal for drinks, snacks, conversation and fabulous appetizers. Unique appetizers include cold crab, tuna, and chicken. Great guacamole. Mixed clientele.
Mercurio’s Pool Bar
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 168 Francisca Rodríguez. Ph: 222-4793 Happy hour, 3pm-6pm. Daily hours, 3pm-10:30pm
Upbeat pool-side bar located at the hotel Mercurio.
Plasma
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 235 Pino Suarez. Happy hour, 6-9pm. Daily, 6pm-2am
Plasma screen videos enhance the decor of Puerto Vallarta’s most modern gay bar. Pool table, and a back room/labyrinth for men.
Dancing, cruising, and live entertainment:
Club Paco Paco
South Side Puerto Vallarta 278 Ignacio Vallarta Ph: 222-1899 Hours: Happy Hour 1pm-9pm. Daily 10 pm to 6 am. Cover charge.
Puerto Vallarta’s gay nightlife has been made legendary by the happenings at Club Paco Paco. The largest gay night club in Puerto Vallarta, it consists of 2 bars, a 2nd floor cantina, an expansive dance floor, pool tables, jukebox, 3rd level rooftop bar, and outdoor terraces with magnificent views. A back passageway leads from Club Paco Paco to the Ranch. The place is usually hopping from 12 am to 4 am. Puerto Vallarta’s most popular gay dance club: DJ’s play techno, hip hop, electronic and pop music. The dance floor is flooded with fog, lights and lasers. Entertainment: The popular drag shows run Thursday through Sunday from 1 am to 3 am. Cover charge applies after 9 pm includes these shows.
The Ranch
South Side Vallarta – 239 Venustiano Carranza. Ph: 223-0537 Cover charge. Happy hour, 9pm-Midnight. Daily, 9pm-6am.
The Ranch is a split level structure with a large bar area and disco dance floor. Connected by passageway to nearby Club Paco Paco, The Ranch is located next door to the entrance to the gay bar Los Amigos, making this the perfect “in-between” stop for quick gay entertainment: male stripper shows from 11:30 pm and 1 am. Cover charge includes a national drink, the stripper shows and also the drag show in Club Paco Paco. Music by DJ Miguel.
Stereo
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 267 Lazaro Cardenas. Ph: 111-4243 or 123-8030 Hours: Daily, 9pm-4am.
Cozy dance club with European music and ambiance. Stylish, upbeat. DJ Erick from Kit Kat on Mon, DJ Juancho on Weds, and popular DJ Ramses on other nights mixing pop with house. Mixed young gay and straight.
Manana – Club Manana
South Side Puerto Vallarta – Club Mañana 290 V. Carranza Ph: 222-7772 Hours: Sun-Thurs, 10pm-6am; Fri-Sat, 10pm-8am Shows nightly at 11:30 PM. Cover charge.
Vallarta’s newest gay club has become a fast hit! A Hacienda style structure adds instant uniqueness. Dancing on the outdoor patio or inside on the air conditioned disco dance floor. Shows feature international guest performers, strippers and drag queens. Nightly gay stripper shows start at 11:30 pm. Live DJ’s. Great holiday events!
Oasis – Karaoke Bar and Strip Club
South Side Puerto Vallarta – 156 Pilitas street at Amapas. Ph: 223-5273 Hours: Happy hour, 6pm-8pm. Open Tues-Sun, 6pm-2am. Oasis Bar features karaoke and male strippers for entertainment, along with music and videos by DJ Daddy “O.” The rooftop terrace offers starlit ambiance. Karaoke on Thurs, 9pm-Midnight. Papi Chulo dancers perform Tues, Fri and Sat, 9pm and 11pm during the high season.
Antropology
Centrally located on the River, Rio Cuale, Puerto Vallarta – 101 Morelos, Plaza Rio Cuale. Happy hour, 1am to 4am daily and Mon-Weds. Daily, 9pm-4am. Men only club.
The upstairs bar at Antropology has a unique Aztec and Mayan decor scheme with nearly continuous entertainment by “the youngest strippers in town” beginning at 10 pm. The rooftop terrace provides Puerto Vallarta street views ideal for people watching and quiet conversation. Hot staff and friendly service. One of the few gay strip club in Puerto Vallarta that do not charge a cover.
Balconeras
Central Puerto Vallarta – 182 Juarez street
After 22 years, the oldest gay club in Puerto Vallarta has closed its doors. No news of a re-opening.
