The last gay clubs in Condado are:

Atlantic Beach Hotel & Bar: The gay section of the beach is right in front of the Atlantic Beach Hotel and the bar is very popular.  However, the hotel is now for sale on several websites - so if this is sold and converted to condos (like almost everything else in Condado) - we may also loose this club.  Less and less interesting as the hotel management seems to go out of its way to be unfriendly to bar patrons. I had words with the manager a few weeks ago when I needed to use the men's room and was refused - since I 'didn't have a wrist band' - so I took my business elsewhere and haven't been back since.

Update June 1, 2007: I met a guy today that is staying at the Atlantic Beach Hotel which has always been a gay hotel in San Juan. He reports that management will NOT ALLOW ANY GUESTS at any time up to the rooms.  4/8/08 -  Still building on their non-friendly reputation - now people are complaining that they don't feel welcome at the bar either...

So - he's in San Juan for a hot weekend and can't take anyone up to his room! So much for a gay hotel.

So if you're looking to stay in San Juan and plan on hooking up - STAY AWAY!

Apparently they are trying to change to a straight hotel and don't want any loud noises, moans, smacks or even the possibility of a hustler going in the rooms...

They were even nasty to me when I just wanted to use the men's room - YOU HAVE TO BE A GUEST....

So forget the Atlantic Beach Hotel - but the beach is still ok...

Douglas' Bar at Condado Inn:  The Condado Inn hotel has been closed for years - but the bar is still there.  Friendly older crowd but you won't find many younger guys unless they are specifically looking for older guys (and what they have to offer)... If you want to see what the bar looked like in 1980 - stop by and have a drink...  The bar hasn't changed... its like a step back in time....

UPDATE 4/8/08 - RUMOUR is that this building has been sold and will close soon.... I'll check it out this weekend and report on the situation.

Santurce

The new gay area of San Juan on 'the other side of the highway' from Condado

Once you get to Ponce de Leon Ave - you  can turn right one block and find Calle Condado for the most popular late night bars. This section of Calle Condado is a little seedy. If you need a taxi to go back to Condado - talk to the bartender or doorman....  or just make friends with someone leaving and they'll probably give you a ride!

Junior's: The new Junior's is a bit further down Condado Avenue than their old space and is extremely popular late at night and weekends.  When you go under the highway, Condado Avenue branches off to the right as a small street that connects with Ponce de Leon.  If you miss it... just take a right on Ponce de Leon and go one block to find it again. The street is not well lit - and there are usually a few drug dealers, hustlers, transvestites or addicts looking for a few dollars to watch your car for you....   but if you can deal with this, Juniors is down the street on your right.  Its not normally dangerous - but just be careful and don't be too drunk or obvious with money or jewelry. A taxi is a good idea here if you're not used to a bit of street life.

However, once you arrive - you'll find the favorite club for locals to hang out. Its so popular, they have just opened a second Juniors two doors down.  Supposedly, one is for the younger crowd who wants house, techno, reggetón, hip hop and more modern music.  The second bar is supposed to cater to the crowd that made Junior's famous with salsa, mambo and a few slow dances to a Latin music beat.  I can't see much difference on weekends... both are packed!  Strippers every night at about 1am - but don't watch the clock.... watch the crowd...  No cover as of last visit....  Very friendly crowd in both bars..... Mostly men, but women welcome....

UPDATE 5/03/08 - Open every night - shows usually around 1am. Small cover charge weekends.

'Junior's VIP' - two doors down from Junior's at 613 Calle Condado with a quieter atmosphere. Open Thursday through Sunday only from 9pm until 5am.

UPDATE 5/03/08 - Open Thurs - Sunday - the quieter alternative to Junior - now has transvestite shows instead of strippers on most nights..... too bad... but still worth a visit. Newly renovated - but the crowd starts late... after 11pm on weekends...

Red Zone: UPDATE 5/03/08 - A new sex shop across the street from Junior's with video booths in the back. Empty when I went there during the lunch hour - but should become popular since it is the only video booth store in San Juan. Worth checking out.... They now charge a minimum of $5.00 in coupons to use the machines in the back - but the booths are closed while they relocate a few storefronts down the street.  For the next couple of weeks - no booths, but videos are all on sale - buy two and get one free....

Back on Ponce de Leon Avenue if you take a left at 'Stop 18' you'll find the Metro Theater and the area for most other gay clubs in Santurce. This area is relatively safe at night and many people walk between Krash and the Tia Maria/Starz area by De Diego Avenue.

5/03/08 - UPDATE: There is a new 'after-hours' club that has just opened on the Mariginal of the highway that separates Condado from Santurce - near Condado Avenue/RH Todd.  Coming from Condado, follow Condado Avenue from Walgreen's down to the new Quality Inn (former Hotel El Portal) and go under the highway (great murals on the walls). Take an immediate left where the on-ramp goes past Video Ave. and Westernbank. After the parking lot, there is an older building that used to be a ShowTime Piano Bar. This is the building. Not sure of the name or the exact hours, but looks like it starts late - after hours and there were still guys coming out the door at 8:30am this morning...

Krash Klub (formerly Eros): The mainstay of gay club life in San Juan.  This used to be Eros and is open every night to dance, dance, dance. Located on Ponce de Leon to the left when you come from Condado.  Just next to the Metro Movie Theatre. Sunday night is occasionally reserved as women's night - but then El Teatro takes over for the guys (further down Ponce de Leon). Check their website at www.erostheclub.com .

UPDATE 4/12/08 - Still the best option in San Juan for the dance crowd. Easy walk from Tia Maria or Juniors.

Tia Maria: This is around the corner from El Teatro on 'De Diego Avenue' which runs back into Condado.  Tia Maria is technically a Liquor Store - but is the neighborhood hangout for all the guys in San Juan.  Open from early afternoon to about midnight - this is where everyone stops by for a drink before they head out to the discos and late night bars.  Very friendly but crowded with two pool tables and a juke box filled with the best Latina Divas. The crowd spills out onto the sidewalk most nights - so you can't miss it...  This is my neighborhood bar and always worth checking out... UPDATE 4/8/08 - Still open every night and tends to stay open til about 1am on most nights, since its one of the few neighborhood bars left in San Juan.  If you're in Condado - just take De Diego Avenue past the Museum of Art and look for Tia Maria on the right.

Starz: A new disco only open on weekends - across the street from Tia Maria. You'll see the line around the corner...  I haven't been yet, but everyone loves this club!  One on these weekends I'll stand in line.... They now have valet parking and its very popular Sunday nights when other clubs are slow.

UPDATE 4/8/08 - Open only Saturday night. Across from Tia Maria.

Cups: This club is a little hard to find - so you may need a taxi.  Its about a 7 minute walk from Tia Maria. If you continue down Ponce de Leon until you reach Leonardo's Men's Clothing Store (Tuxedos in the windows) - you're in the area.  Turn left here and walk up the hill toward San Mateo Church - you'll see CUPS off to the right on a small side street that almost connects to the main street. This is San Juan's bar for women.  Lots of space for hanging out, dancing, pool tables and a very friendly atmosphere. Men are welcome, but it is primarily a women's bar. UPDATE 4/8/08 - CLOSED - no sign of activity.

Old San Juan

UPDATE 4/8/08 - Steamworks is still CLOSED: There is still a FOR SALE sign on the building.

Hato Rey Business District

Hato Rey near the business district has more and more bars
Its not too far from Santurce, but you'll need a car and a map!

Bar 'El Paraiso': New and haven't been there yet, but people say its like a liquor store that is open from Tues through Saturday from 6pm. On Calle 12 de Octubre 402 on the corner of Eleanor Roosevelt. A little hard to find if you're not familiar with the area.  Near Ave Hostos - I'll check for landmarks for the next update. It looks like it could be walking distance from the Urban Train or Metrobus II.
UPDATE 2/28/08 - Open Tuesday - Saturday.

Angelu's Cafe & Sports Bar: New and around the corner from El Paraiso at Calle Eleanor Roosevelt #239 (near the corner of calle 12 de octubre). check www.myspace.com/angeluscafe  for details. Open seven days with happy hour - doesn't list hours, but seems to be open early for the after work crowd. More later after we visit. UPDATE 2/28/08 - Open Daily.

Esechys New club new the 'placita' park in Hato Rey. Open from Wednesday to Sunday. Best to check out Angelu's or El Paraiso and ask for directions - its not too far away....

Rio Piedras/Carolina

Zeus is a little hard to find on 65th Infantry in Rio Piedras almost in Carolina. You need a car to get there, its on a commercial strip outside of town. - UPDATE 4/8/08 - CLOSED - changing to a straight club.

Out on the Island

There are several good clubs. Many are very hard to find if you're not a local.

Eastern Puerto Rico

Bebo's Playa is just outside of San Juan if you follow the main road in Isla Verde past the airport and along the beach strip of Pinones. Its only open on Friday through Sunday from noon until late.  A bit hard to find and many consider the area a bit unsafe if you don't know the territory. Popular beach bar in an area with many bars, snack bars and restaurants.

For Information about El Yunque Rainforest, Luquillo Beach
and Eastern Puerto Rico, visit www.elyunque.com
Although not a gay site, you'll find lots of great information for excursions or day trips

Western Puerto Rico

Kenny's Country Club is on the 'old road to Caguas' about 15 minutes from San Juan. Follow Carr #1 to km 23.6.  Look for a row of stores that includes a Marble Shop, Roma Pizza and Caribbean Construction. There is a road just before a tile store called Italceramica that is across from a Texaco station. Follow the cars up the hill and across a stream on the road/driveway.  After 9:30pm on Saturdays only. Flat cover charge of $21.00 includes open bar all night.

Apolo is on the other side of the island in Hormigueros near Mayaguez. Carr #2 behind an Auto Store. New space only open on weekends for dancing in an old warehouse/garage space. UPDATE 2/28/08 - No longer listed in the gay guide.

Twister is on Carr #100 in Cabo Rojo near Boquerón in the Parador Highway Inn. Open from Thursday through Sunday for dancing. UPDATE 2/28/08 - No longer listed in the gay guide.

Wanive's Planet is on Carr #411 km 2.9 in Rincón. More info after we check it out.  Supposed to be open every day. Rt 411 runs from just before 'Mango Alley' on the Mayaguez side of town and up the hillside. There are probably signs for 'La Cima' restaurant which is on top of the mountain.

Franky's Informal bar on Rout 115 in the Asomante sector of Aguada. Open from Wed through Sunday.i

Ultra Sports Bar Route 114 in Mayaguez in front of Mr. Special supermarket. Open from Tuesday through Sunday. Weekend shows and DJ.

Online Cruising seems to have taken over in San Juan. This is too bad in a way, since photos are self-posted and you don't get a feel for personality or attitude of the guys.  However, if you're coming to San Juan - the current favorite site is www.manhunt.net - with more guys in San Juan than gay411, Squirt or Men4SexNow.

Strippers: If you need a stripper for a party or private session - check out www.sanjuanstripper.com for Tyler who often performs at Juniors and Zeus. He was a hit at our New Year's Party this year! 

Culture: Visit Museo de los Santos in Santurce's Arts & Culture District

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