I used Yelp to find a lunch place while visiting my oldest friend in Orlando and found that Outpost…read moreNeighborhood Tavern had meatloaf.
Alas, the menu has been changed and meatloaf is no longer available.
But I sat down anyway, Andy guided me through what was popular, and he helped me pick out a Cuban Sandwich.
Natasha came to check on me and the head chef, when he heard how I was praising that Cuban Sandwich, came out of the kitchen to thank me.
Here's the interesting part. Within minutes of arriving, being seated by gentle and kind Andy, seeing Natasha come up to me to check on me, I was ugly-crying and couldn't stop.
Yes, Outpost is a Tavern. Yes, it's a gay bar. Yes, there are people who are living their lives of love and inclusivity that frequent this remarkable place.
The vibe is peaceful, loving, and oh, so gentle.
While I was eating, a straight couple came in, sat down, read over the menu, looked around and, after a few minutes of whispered conversation, got up and left.
I went to the bar and chatted with Andy. "Happens once or twice every week," he said, shrugging.
Love is love, people. I was so moved by the vibe that my entire system relaxed for the first time in the year I've been living in Florida again.
I grew up in Miami, lived in Orlando for a year 1990-1991, and finally left, swearing I'd never come back.
The Florida I'm living in today, here in September of 2026, is a nightmare of tension, hate for "the other", and red-hat wearing maniacs who think that only folks like them are true Americans.
I saw love, and inclusion, and kindness within the walls of Outpost Tavern.
So my entire mien crumbled as the tension drained away and I recognized that I was among my people, despite being straight myself. I haven't felt so safe in a year.
I will be visiting every time I am anywhere near, from now on.
If you want to escape this authoritarian state, if only for a meal, and a MARVELOUS meal at that, please wear your rainbow clothing and visit Outpost Tavern. It's nice to visit what neighborly inclusivity and love feel like among friends who were strangers just moments earlier.
Love is Love, people.