Ambar Ramirez
Words by Ambar Ramirez
When one closet door closes, another one opens. While few and far between, our Bold City is still home to several gay bars. And just as the history of such businesses is worth highlighting, it’s important to uplift the ones still standing today. After all, history is made every day.
Park Place Lounge:
Founded 31 years ago on Park Street, Park Place Lounge stands as one of Jacksonville’s oldest gay bars. Its story begins in 1989 when Midwest partners David Perreault and Alan Wood set off for a short vacation in Key West. But at the time, the Keys weren’t the paradise we know today — Fantasy Fest had been canceled, the AIDS epidemic had pushed Florida Keys Memorial Hospital to the brink of financial collapse, and locals frequently complained about poor roads and heavy traffic.
Maybe it was the state of things, or maybe the humid tropical climate didn’t suit the Midwestern couple, but whatever the reason, they decided to cut their trip short. Fate, however, had other plans. On their way home, their car broke down — right here in Jacksonville. Despite the era’s widespread discrimination, particularly in the bar scene, Perreault and Wood saw something more. They knew they had found their new home.
The original penny-lined bar Park Place was founded in 1992 on Park Street. Even though owner at the time, Art Eisan, made it clear that he didn’t care for the LGBTQIA+ community but liked their money, Perrault and Wood (and many others) found solace in the windowless, low-key bar. When the original landlord died and the new one raised the rent, Eisan moved shop over to King Street and passed Park Place Lounge over to Perrault and Wood.
With Perrault and Wood at the reins, they made Park Place Lounge a place for everyone. At a time when many wouldn’t support them, they fought back tenfold by raising money for the community and giving food to the less fortunate.
While Perrault and Wood have since passed on, Park Place Lounge stands as a beacon of the legacy this couple created. Some of the charities Park Place Lounge supports include the NFAN, Ray Ray’s Kids, PFLAG Jacksonville, Amber House, Christmas Day sandwiches and other needed items for the homeless, RIOT (Riverside Invitational October Tournament) bowlers, drives for local teachers for school supplies and the American Cancer Society. Park Place Lounge is a place where you can be yourself, have a drink and support the local community.
Other bars include:
InCahoots:
Originally founded in the ’80s and newly renovated in 2024, InCahoots Nightclub remains a vibrant haven for Jacksonville’s LGBTQIA+ community. While Park Place Lounge offers a laid-back bar atmosphere, InCahoots brings the energy. Flashing strobe lights, high-energy dance floors and nightly drag performances set the scene, complete with go-go dancers and an electric crowd. Known for hosting some of the city’s best shows and serving up the cheapest drinks, Incahoots has earned its place in the city they fondly call “Gayville.”
Hardwicks:
If Incahoots and Park Place Lounge had a baby, it would be Hardwicks. Nestled in the heart of Downtown, this newest addition to Jacksonville’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene is setting a new standard. From the outside, its dark-painted walls and terracotta roofing may seem unassuming, but step inside, and you’re met with pure luxury. Plush brown leather seating is scattered throughout, offering a stylish retreat from the disco ball-lit dance floor. With regular drag performances and a live DJ, Hardwicks welcomes everyone, no matter their background or sexual preference. It’s a place to let loose, enjoy the music and dance the night away.
Note from GM Teresa Spencer
Oh, and let’s not forget Jack Night at Birdies in 5 Points. Once a month they host a night for men to meet men. Not that it stopped me. I went with a friend once and had a complete blast. Being one of the only women in the place, I got a lot of attention.
The Walrus also hosts a few LGBTQIA+ throughout the month. One of the events they are pushing in February is “T W i N K L i G H T,” a theatrical drag parody of “Twilight” written and directed by BeBe Deluxe.
Hamburger Mary’s is always a fun place for food, drinks and, of course, bingo and drag shows … but you’re going to have to wait a little longer. After a fire destroyed the restaurant/bar at its Beach Boulevard location, Hamburger Mary’s has found a location in Murray Hill — but the opening isn’t scheduled until March 2025. In the meantime, check out another popular LGBTQIA+ place for food, drinks and fun. Be sure to check out the Mascara & Mimosas Drag Lunch, hosted by the one and only Jordyn Sinclair, at Tulua Bistro in Springfield — or stop by their location in Jacksonville Beach.
And we must mention that our sister city St. Augustine also has a ton of fun gay bars/ events around town. One of our favorites is Naughty Bingo hosted by Karrissa T. Wade at The Original Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine Beach.
Be sure to let us know what we left out. Email us team@folioweekly.com
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