Cautionary Tale for Night Owls in Downtown Orlando If you're considering a night out in Downtown Orlando, think twice. After enduring an hour-long wait just to get in and paying a cover charge, I was escorted out by Mclovin' himself for allegedly being "too intoxicated." The only thing I'd have done since entering was consume no alcohol (or substances for that matter) and NOT join the orgy in the bathroom everyone was cuck watching so I stepped around a crowd to avoid any problems. Ironically, it was security's own idea to review the surveillance cameras. I was more than happy to have them do so because I knew the footage would show I hadn't been acting aggressively, causing a disturbance, or doing anything that justified being thrown out. Despite that, I was removed by Austin powers himself while they kept my cover charge totaling 3 minutes in the building. The entire experience felt arbitrary and unprofessional, and un-inclusive for a gay bar nonetheless. I paid to enjoy a night out with friends, only to be removed without a legitimate explanation. To make matters worse, this venue's reputation has been further tarnished by the former owner's guilty plea in federal court to child sex offenses involving coercion and enticement of a minor. That history makes it difficult for me to support this establishment. And i most certainly will not be returning. And highlights who they employ and look for in their employees... Downtown Orlando's nightlife has become increasingly disappointing, with inconsistent treatment of patrons and venues that don't inspire confidence. If you're looking for a fun and welcoming night out, I'd recommend spending your money elsewhere or at least save for the one venue they care, EDC, where government officials will bootlick so they can grant the festival's request like the most magical place in Orlando, Fl; while effectively closing down every other venue for nightlife in the city. Crime not accounted for. Save your time and money and find a venue that treats its customers with respect and has a reputation you can feel good about supporting. Orlando has turned into a shit hole and NYC and (obviously other much better places) are great to visit when you don't have Austin powers saying you're too intoxicated directly after taking your cover charge (leaving your wristband though) and shoving you out the door. I offered a breathalyzer and sobriety test as there was a cop 30 feet away who could professionally assess my condition but they would rather "check the cameras" a few days later. If you look like mini me and show hole, Dr evil will gladly hook you up no problem ! Enjoy the exploitation of children that are clearly used to vilify our community. read more

Southern Nights - Child sex crimes associate with Southern Night gay bar. Still current fly June at time of posting. - Gay Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

My favorite gay bar of all time! The space is huge, and each room has its own unique vibe. One room has a dance floor, while another has pool tables, so there's something for everyone. They also have a great outdoor area to hang out and relax. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and inclusive I felt completely comfortable there with my partner. Even though it's a long drive from where I live it's worth the drive for sure read more

The service and vibe here is off the chain. Southern is EXACTLY what you hope it to be. Friendly, inviting, and fun as hell. 10/10 will be back again for another show! read more

Juan is the best bartender ever! We walked in and he explained the whole layout and the multiple bar situation, it was a RuPaul night, which means that they were showing the episode on TV and they were drink specials. He was attentive and immediately recognized that we were out of town and took care of us. He also explained that because we were from out of town he knew that we might not understand that they hold our credit card when we open a tab which was nice because not everybody does it that way. As far as the bar is concerned that they have a nice stand floor apparently they do drag shows late at night on Fridays and Saturdays. There is plenty of TVs a great bar selection of drinks and nightly specials a pretty good happy hour and Trump experience. The poor is pretty heavy so if you enjoy strong drinks, you're gonna enjoy it here. Just know that when you come up to one of the entrances after 5 o'clock, you may get security asking to take everything out of your pocket and you may get scanned by a metal detector. That's just how it works in this area of town. Also parking might be a problem because they only have about 20 spaces. read more

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One of the most Diverse Night Clubs in Orlando with incredible Entertainment and multiple Bars with Different vibes Highly Recommend this Entertainment complex read more

I'm 21 and I love exploring places and sharing my reviews, so of course I had to check out Southern Nights Orlando, one of the most popular gay clubs in the city. Honestly, my experience was super fun and memorable. The vibe here is amazing -- full of energy, great music, and an atmosphere where you can really be yourself. I loved how inclusive the crowd was; everyone was just there to dance, have a good time, and enjoy the night. The drag shows were definitely a highlight for me. They bring so much talent, personality, and excitement to the stage. What I really liked is that the club has different areas -- you can dance in one room, chill outside on the patio, or just grab a drink and socialize at the bar. It gives you options depending on your mood. I spent most of the time dancing, and it was packed, but in a way that added to the fun. Of course, when the place fills up, it gets pretty hot and crowded, especially near the stage. Also, the lines to get in can be long on the weekends, so my advice is to go a little earlier to avoid waiting too much. The bathrooms could be kept in better condition, but honestly that's something I've seen happen in many busy clubs. Overall, I'd rate Southern Nights Orlando a solid 9/10. The atmosphere, the music, the shows, and the sense of community really make it worth it. If you're visiting Orlando or even if you live here and want to enjoy a night out in the LGBTQ+ scene, I 100% recommend checking this place out. You'll have fun, meet people, and create good memories. read more

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I tagged along with a friend expecting a fun night, and instead watched what can only be described as complete chaos. We waited forever just to get inside, paid to get in, and within minutes my friend was being singled out by security for reasons that were never clearly explained. There was no attempt to de-escalate the situation or even have a normal conversation--just straight to kicking people out. The staff came across as rude, dismissive, and more interested in flexing authority than making sure guests were actually enjoying themselves. The atmosphere felt disorganized, security seemed inconsistent, and the whole place gave off the impression that if they decide they don't like you, your night is over regardless of whether you've done anything wrong. Watching my friend get escorted out after barely being inside was enough for me. We left feeling like we wasted our time and money. There are plenty of places in Orlando that know how to treat paying customers with basic respect--this just wasn't one of them. Needless to say, neither of us will be coming back. read more

Tish aka the "Asian Persuasion" is hands down one of the best bartenders at Southern Nights! Every time she's behind the bar it's a whole vibe -- super lit, funny, and always serving with the perfect mix of energy and personality. She makes you feel like a regular even if it's your first time there, and somehow keeps the drinks strong while still making them taste amazing. If you're trying to have a good night out, find Tish -- she'll get you right. Also kate is amazing. Great vibe, amazing customer service, perfect mixture of fun & professionalism read more

Long review so stick around if you like reading. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed my SEVERAL times I went to Southern Nights. I just moved out of Orlando, but I will absolutely go back every time I decide to visit the area. This is my favorite gay club, and this is coming from someone who goes clubbing A LOT!! First off, all the bartenders are freaking awesome. Every last one of them. All so fun and friendly. Don't know what to drink? Ask one and they'll craft up a fruity surprise or anything and everything in between. The prices are insanely fair as well. I personally go on Thursdays to enjoy the all-you-can-drink special throughout the night while I dance the night away. But Fridays and Saturdays are PACKED! Saturday is lesbian night, Monday is latin night, etc etc. This place is for EVERYONE. Masculine, feminine, trans, bears, youngins and oldies, jocks, even straight allies! You will have no problems making friends here. This is coming from someone who is introverted. Just get out there! The drag queens are SO GOOD!! Ms. Myki Meeks herself (yes, from Rupaul's Drag Race) performs here and I wouldn't be surprised if others from there join her on that list. The talent is unlike anything I've ever seen!! The DJs are so fun as well. They catch the vibe of the crowd and take requests as well (monetary requests, of course) and they all look like they truly do have lots of fun DJing every night! I could go on and on about the entire area (the outdoor patio, Stiffy's and District Dive) but I truly do believe Southern Nights has helped me grow more comfortable with myself, and I have this club to thank for that. I only wish I could take this and place it in Raleigh, North Carolina because I'd continue going! My point is, just give this place a chance and have fun. You won't regret it at all. Trust me!! read more

This is such a fun place to be!! I came here twice in the week I was visiting Orlando- once on a weekday and the other on a saturday. There is a cover charge to enter but it's not very expensive- less than $10. They take cash or card, and even have an ATM for cash withdrawal. There's a few different hang out spots within, and even connects to the District Dive next door. It gets very busy even during the week. Service at the bars was quick for ordering drinks. Ambiance/Decor was pretty cute for pictures. If you're sensitive to loud music/noise like me, I'd recommend bringing ear plugs along. My watch did alert me that it was too loud while I was there, and I have sensitive ears so I was happy I had my ear plugs with me in my purse. All in all, will definitely be back once I'm in Orlando again! read more

Met a friend here for a Sunday night out. It was a nice crowd but I'm not easily impressed by clubs and bars. It was good to be out. Large establishments. A few rooms of different music types. Lots of characters. And of course drunk people doing the most. read more

I want keep going to this place, its usually a good time with good people. But this is the second time i get my phone robbed out of my pocket. After the 1st time it was taken i didn't go here for awhile, I tried to be careful after but 2nd time they literally unzipped a deep pocket and managed to take it. AND both instances it was around 10-15 who have got robbed along with me. We all brought it up to security and they seem like they're just used to it. They were not helpful at all. Not even the police officer outside the place who told us to file a report online.. with what phone exactly. So i believe that their is a ring of people stealing phones in there and the staff are in on it or they just do not care. Cause why are you not checking people coming out or doing something after people start reporting it to you. read more

I've always loved southern and going with my friends, the bartenders are always amazing, but tonight was crazy. I went with friends and I was headed to the bathroom and some girl stopped me and asked if I was gay, I told her no and introduced her to my boyfriend who was behind me. She said, "well then why are you here" and i responded saying we came with friends and I love the music and she stated since i was straight I don't belong here. I responded saying I thought everyone was welcome, and she responded by pushing my drink and pouring all over me. I left soaked in my own drink that I paid for and this girl was in my face bc I was at southern and straight. This blew me bc I've been going to southern for years and it was very disappointing. read more

Entertainment was great but the bartender was very unprofessional. Horrible service. Accusing guest's of doing horrible things just to get them kicked out. She should be fired. read more

took away my pepper spray, and wouldn't give it back!! Still would not let me in . i showed up looking sooooooo nice and wouldnt let me in. Fuck yall. :((((( read more

The men at the door & bar are extremely rude, never returning here again & recommending my entire network to skip this place as well and go somewhere like OTR instead (or anywhere else for that matter lol) where they're actually more grounded, kind, heart centered & real. ‍ read more

The security is completely terrible. They all have really bad attitudes to PAYING customers which is insane. I had asked one of the security guards to take me to the bathroom and they really tried to charge me $30?!?!? So unprofessional, wouldn't recommend to a single person. read more

The security is so bad they never around when you need them. You complain to them and do nothing in regards to the complain. I don't feel safe at all. I don't think I would ever recommend southern nights to anyone. And they charge me extra for a skip line that's the club is not even aware of. If I could give them no stars I would. read more

The shows here are amazing. It's a small bar with a nice vibe. I've only been here for the Les Vixens Burlesque shows which are incredible!! The venue itself has a hometown bar kind of feel. If you're planning on coming out for a show I do recommend getting here early because there is limited seating. I personally try to get as close to the stage as I can so I usually arrive about an hour before the show doors open. They usually have the bar available before going in so you can grab a couple drinks and then once the doors open for the show there's another bar inside. I'd recommend bringing cash to make it quicker for the bartender. The service here is really nice and I'm grateful they have Zephyrhills water. Just be warned if you are set in the front by the stage It can get very cold so I highly recommend bringing a shawl or a sweater. They have to pump it down so it's not too hot for the ax however it does tend to make the audience very cold. Which I guess isn't too bad considering how hot the shows can get. We adore Ivy and her girls! read more

Southern Nights - Here for the horror show with the Les Vixens - Gay Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Everything I mentioned in my previous review of this place from 6 years ago still stands, but it's worth mentioning that Southern Nights is part of a 3 bar "complex" and though the bars are all connected and in theory you can walk between the three of them via open interior doorways, they also seem to be run independently. If you enter through District Dive as we did, you cannot enter Southern Nights through the open interior doorway connecting the two without a wristband, so you must exit District Dive, walk outside, around the building, get felt up by security, stand in line, pay the cover and then you can enter Southern Nights. To boot, security working the entrance line were sarcastic and rude. When I asked how much the cover was, rather than giving a serious answer, he snapped "200 dollars!". When I asked if they were still charging a full cover when the place was slated to close in a bit more than 30 minutes, he belted out another snide comment. We purchased drinks at Southern nights but the crowd wasn't great and the only dancers/entertainers in the main club were women seemingly catering to the lesbians in the crowd, so we decided to check out District Dive and Stiffy's. We were stopped when we tried to pass into Stiffy's, and were told we could not take drinks from Southern Nights into that other bar. It's very odd that they've connected all 3 bars with the idea that patrons can walk between the 3 of them, but in reality you cannot freely move between the 3 unless certain conditions are met. Kind of defeats the purpose. read more

I come here often and spend quite a bit of money here and have never had an issue until now. Kaley, the curly hair bartender that was outside on Thursday night was the rudest bartender I have ever met. Refusing service because someone "didn't say please or thank you" is absolutely insane, considering i did say thank you. I tried to ask for a manager and waited 30 minutes before giving up and asking multiple different staff members. Everyone besides Kaley was great. We love Alex the security guard and quite literally all the other bartenders. Never have i had such bad service, and her drinks are terrible all the other times we've been there too. She should not be employed here because after asking around, it seems that the way I feel is pretty mutual to many other people, a telltale sign that someone is not deserving of their employment. read more

Great burlesque show! Staff was great, performance was excellent! I would highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Southern Nights - Champagne - Gay Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I've been a regular customer here for 3 years. I was just going to write a review to praise them but unfortunately, I had a very bad experience on Halloween night 2024. The line was long. My group waited patiently to get in. We even paid cash. However, when I walked 'outside' (means I was still inside the fence, I haven't stepped outside of the property) to take a look at the crowd so I could time my Uber order, the security guard wouldn't let me back in. She said you were already outside, you'd have to go. We already paid extra and waited so long in line to enter the club and then we were not allowed to go back in even though we hadn't left the property? This is the worst customer service I've ever received at this venue. I suppose I will not come back here so often and inform my friends and colleagues about this incident. read more

You cannot beat their unlimited well drink specials! Don't tell me otherwise! I was visiting from new york and a friend told me to check out southern nights. You got a massive space with drag performances, cheap drinks, and great company. Dance on the stage, hang out with friends, tip your queens, and have a good time. Note: cash only cover and their ATM wasn't working when I went there. But there's another bar next door that has games, free popcorn, bathrooms, etc. If you're looking for a relaxed and chill night read more

Southern Nights - a neon sign that says let's misbehave - Gay Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

First time ever going to an openly gay club and genuinely had a great time! Definitely changed my perspective of that scene

I love going on Mondays for Latin night. The drag shows are very fun to watch and the music is great. Every bartender, bouncer, and security member I've met are very nice. The drinks are pretty good but can be a bit strong. I don't recommend going on the weekend as it gets very crowded and becomes hard to move around. read more

First club/bar experience and it was amazing! I went with my girlfriend and friends and we had a great time, super sweet (and flirty :p) bartenders and the music choices and ambience was great. Definitely going again. Also almost forgot how good the bartenders make their drinks. read more

I've come pretty consistently for 4 years now. It's pretty much the best you'll get in terms of a gay club in the area That being said it is a fun place and I have never run into any major problems with anyone here. Check their Instagram to see what the "night" is. Gay men, lesbians, college, etc. If you want a better feel for who will be there Its on the cleaner side for being a club, i've never stepped in vomit or been horrified by the bathroom which happens often at most orlando clubs. I would recommend it to people trying to look for gay hang outs in the area as it's typically chill. Your night will be fun as long as you aren't acting a fool and are just being safe. read more

Terrible place. Just save your money and go elsewhere. Customer service is so awful! I would literally rather risk my life downtown than go to this place ever again. read more

So fun! The staff are so sweet. And they put on a fun drag show! Music was gay enough to dance too!!

Recently they changed the men's bathroom to have a trough instead of 2 private urinals with dividers. So tonight I got approached by security for using the trough that they installed. Security said I should point my junk the other way. There is no way to point it without someone seeing it..... there is no dividers anymore... won't be back ...... read more

Amazing bar! Just went for the first time on a Friday, the bar itself is pretty large has a few indoor and outdoor areas. The DJ's know what's up, the music was great they played a lot of diverse songs so everyone could enjoy. Plenty of room to dance with your friends!! Couple of bars to get drinks at, and unlimited drinks on Thursdays! There is a cover but it's not pricey at all, worth going to for sure! read more

if I could give 0 stars I would. I walked in with my friends and paid 40 dollars. I went straight to the bathroom and waited, when we entered the restroom 4 people were exiting and we all went in thinking to would be quicker for us to all pee. a security guard knocked and waited and when we exited and kicked us out right away without letting us explain. He was very rude and we were only in there for 10-20 minutes we didn't even get a chance to get a drink. read more

I really like this club. Been coming here for years. It's awesome. But this is the second time an additional amount was added to an already very generous tip on my credit card (I usually tip around 50%). This most recent time last week, an extra $20 was added. Thankfully my bank alerted me. I'm not sure what's going on, but you all should know what my experience has been. Save your credit card receipts! read more

Staff was incredibly rude, we were overcharged and then kicked out after an hour and a half because my friend "appeared to be intoxicated". They were sober and made zero attempt to buy alcohol or to remove their under 21 wristband or Xs on hands. First time experience can't say I'd go again. (Keep in mind it was also college night and advertised for a younger crowd) read more

I mean as a gay bar you always think everyone is nice specially the bar tenders, but surprisingly no lol , in the entrance you have to pay only cash , the security guard by the door are really rude , it won't hurt if you spoke nicely, other than this I had fun read more

Southern Nights - Gay Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Ramón the Bartender on the patio was So much fun. Best gay bar in Orlando. Featuring the best drag queens too. read more

There seems to be no diversity. It's the same playlist of songs every time you go. I think it's time for a new DJ.

I have now been to Southern Nights in Orlando a few times and each time I have a wonderful time. The past two times I have been to see the drag show. Southern Nights brings in the biggest drag names in the country right now and the shows are always a good time. When you come in they do usually charge a cover. It was $10 if you are 21+ and above and $20 if you are 18-20. They check your ID and they do a body scan with a wand just to be on the safe side. After you arrive inside you have multiple bar areas you can visit. They have a bar area right when you walk in, a bar area in the drag room, a bar area outside, and few more bar areas throughout the location. Inside the have a big dance floor and a DJ spinning jams, and they have a stage area for the drag shows. Drinks here are very reasonable and you can usually get some pretty awesome drink specials while you are at the bar. All the guys I have ever met here have been super nice, the bar tenders are super nice as well and the management have been amazing whenever I have dealt with them. I would for sure recommend this location and this bar! It is super fun and a great place to have fun any night of the week! read more

Horrible service. They kicked us out bc we were "tipsy." We paid $25 for all you can drink premium drinks and we had ONE drink. Security and the Orlando police officer outside of the club was rude. read more