OUR GUIDE TO GAY PUERTO RICO
Gay Nightlife in San Juan
Puerto Rico is by far the most gay-friendly destination in the Caribbean and even though it is not quite the "gay mecca" it was in the late 80s and early 90s, we still have a nice selection of offerings for any taste.
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Being Latin in culture, nightlife starts late in San Juan (especially in the nightclubs). There are some venues that fill up earlier venues (and we'll point them out) but a good rule of thumb is to plan your evening to begin around 1AM. A disco nap is strongly suggested since most bars close between 5AM and 7AM on weekends.
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Another thing to note is there are very few options during the week. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday's offer very few options for socializing in the gay-o-sphere; most people saving their energy (and money) for the weekend.
Tia Maria's Liquor Store
Santurce, San Juan
San Juan's oldest gay bar and a real experience. Very mixed crowd; everything from happy hour professionals to the old guard couples who have been in San Juan for decades. Smoking (and drinking) on the sidewalk and can be packed to the gills inside at peak times but always fun and CHEAP (very inexpensive drinks). Great place to start your evening.
Early Choice
Zal Zi Puedes
Santurce, San Juan
A cute local gay bar - say hello to Carlos the bartender (and owner/operator). As with most places on Puerto Rico, things get going later, but stop in anytime after 10:00 for a drink and a chat before it gets busy. There is a good music selection but too loud, though. People go there to see shows of very poor quality. A very small location with a friendly staff and crowd.
Late Choice
Oasis Tapas & Lounge
The Condado, San Juan
The only gay bar left in the Condado, the Oasis is fun with a large outdoor covered smoking area and easy access to the beach. Nice crowd (very mixed) and a very good option for non-Spanish speakers since it has a heavily ex patriot crowd of visitors from the mainland. Nice drink prices, By our observation the peak crowds are usually over around 11PM
Early Choice
The Bear Tavern P.R.
Ocean Park, San Juan
This bar is temporarily closed, Don't be misled by the name; although there are plenty of Bears at the Bear Tavern it is really quite mixed and very accepting. If you are expecting an "Eagle" with palm trees this is not it. What it is is a nice local tavern with fun events and lovely people. Also REALLY good drink prices. Go and enjoy, A popular stop after Tia Maria's
Early Choice
Toxic Night Club
Santurce, San Juan
From Toxic Nightclub: "Toxic Night Club is Puerto Rico Hottest Gay Night Club and Gay Bar with the best Drag Shows and Best Circuit Parties. A double stage, V.I.P. area, Sexy And Friendly Bartenders, Best in music, International DJs and Professional Security. We love to party and we party hard... till the sun comes up and down again. If you come to San Juan this is the place to be."
Late Choice
Xteamworks Bath House
Santurce, San Juan
XTEAMWORKS is San Juan’s only exclusive gay sauna. This venue is tucked away on one of the main eastbound streets from downtown, located above a sign store. Here guest’s will find the discrete doorbell to enter.
​The venue features steam room’s, sauna’s, dark rooms and private rooms to satisfy every need. The friendly staff are also always on hand to answer any questions.
Late Choice
SX The Club
Santurce, San Juan
SX is hard to describe. There's a dance floor (sort off) there's a cruise bar (sort of) there's a lounge (sort of) and there's a men's only area (and if women venture into the men's only area chaos ensues; so please don't push the envelope here). There are go go boys (and I'm sure a bit more if pressed) but all and all SX is a fun bar and a unique experience we enjoy a lot.
Late Choice
SX (The Men Only Section)
Santurce, San Juan
I am well aware that I have already listed SX in another section but it is worth listing twice. As inferred in the other section, this is a bar with many facets. One of those facets is the Men's Only Section. This is an advisory that if you enter the Men's Only Section you do so with a full understanding of why men go into the Men's Only Section. Enter at your own risk!