Palace Bar

Join us at Palace South Beach for an unmatched blend of captivating drag performances, exquisite dining, and vibrant nightlife. Where every moment becomes a cherished memory in the heart of SoBe’s thriving LGBTQ+ community.

If these vibrant walls of Palace could whisper, they’d share tales of a journey from a daring dream to becoming the beacon of Miami’s LGBTQ+ scene. It’s been a road marked by glittering nights and milestones, shaping South Beach into a ‘90s haven of gay culture, with Palace at its heart. Indeed, “Every Queen needs a Palace,” and since 1988, we’ve rolled out the royal carpet for the fiercest drag talents across South Florida.

Back in February 1988, Steve Palsar unveiled Palace at 1200 Ocean Drive, against a backdrop of a raw, unpolished Miami. Amid the gritty charm of a city, as gritty as a scene from Miami Vice, Palsar found his “slice of heaven.” Palace broke ground on Ocean Drive, becoming a pioneer that welcomed waves of cafes in its wake, transforming the street into a vibrant artery of the city.

As the ‘90s dawned, Palace embraced the city’s burgeoning gay community. With the 12th Street Beach turning into an LGBTQ+ hotspot, Palace’s legendary T-dances spilled from our doors, creating a space where freedom and joy reigned supreme. The era saw icons like Gianni Versace bringing glamour to our doorstep, alongside stars who mingled with the crowds, adding sparkle to our story.

Enter Thomas Donall in 2007, who, faced with a Palace that had seen better days, envisioned a renaissance. With a knack for transformation, Donall rejuvenated Palace, introducing drag spectacles that danced through the streets and a drag brunch that became the talk of the town. His vision extended beyond the stage, hosting grand block parties and championing causes with over $2 million donated to enrich our community.

In 2009, a stroke of rainbow colors claimed the 12th street corner, officially marking Palace as a landmark of LGBTQ+ unity. Following the heartbreak of the Pulse nightclub tragedy, Palace stood as a beacon of remembrance and resilience, celebrating our message of love and equality, right across from South Beach’s cherished gay beach.

The chapter at 1200 Ocean Drive closed in July 2017, making way for a new beginning. Palace’s spirit, undeterred by change, found a new castle at 1052 Ocean Drive. Today, our doors swing open to a chorus of cheers and the shimmer of drag royalty, frequented by stars and beloved by all who seek a place where joy, acceptance, and fabulousness are in endless supply.

Palace isn’t just a venue; it’s a legacy, a vibrant testament to three decades of triumph, transformation, and togetherness. We invite everyone to step into our story, to experience the heart and soul of Miami Beach’s most welcoming spot. Here at Palace, every visit is a celebration, every meal a feast for the soul, and every performance a declaration that, indeed, every Queen—and king, and everyone in between—needs a Palace.