Check out the winners of Best Of Broward's Bars & Clubs for 2021.
Best Bar for Bears/Best Bar for Leather: The Eagle
2209 Wilton Dr., EagleBarWM.com
Photo via Facebook.
Wilton Manor’s Eagle describes itself as “a classic leather bar in Wilton Manors in an underground, Berlin inspired setting.”
It opened two years ago at 2209 Wilton Drive, a storied location that once housed some of our community’s most famous restaurants, pubs, and clubs. Since then, the Eagle has battled COVID to become one of the Drive’s most popular venues. SFGN readers acknowledged its appeal by naming it the Best in two categories: Best Bar for Bears and Best Bar for Leather.
“We’re SUPER thrilled and thankful that your readers have chosen the Eagle as the Best Bar for Leather and Bears,” said Chuck King, general manager of the Eagle. “We have been working hard to bring the best entertainment, events and parties that are geared towards the Leather and Bear Communities, as well as put together a world class Dance Floor with incredible DJ/s, technology and sound. We are humbled and proud to have received this recognition.”
They have big plans for the future too including a new bar and transforming their back patio into a lush enclosed space.
“The Eagle is a warm industrial type of space that is extremely friendly for everyone. The Bear Cave will be getting more craft cocktail space, and we are rolling out a VIP Card program. Lots of other surprises will be coming in 2022 that I can't talk about. Stay tuned.”
From the Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors Contest to Bears in Lauderdale and the Leather Masked Ball, the Eagle delivers.
– JM
Best Gay-Friendly Straight Bar: Flip Flops
http://www.flipflopsdocksideeatery.com/
Photo via Facebook.
For the sixth year, Flip Flops won Best Gay-Friendly Straight Bar in Broward. The name “Flip Flops” suggests a casual, relaxing style. Both a bar and a restaurant, Flip Flops serves comfort food. It’s on the Intracoastal. On its liquor menu, Flip Flops describes itself as “Where Key West meets Fort Lauderdale.”
Location, comfort food, and cocktails enhance its chill vibe. Flip Flops’ menu features classic beers, specialty beers, and wine as well as frozen and non-frozen cocktails. Flip Flops offers a Margarita with pineapple and jalapenos.
Flip Flops’ menu begins with items to share with friends. These include a smoked fish dip, nachos, a 24-ounce soft pretzel, one pound of mussels sauteed in lager beer. When you share food with friends and feel the cool, breezes from the Intracoastal, relaxation follows.
Runner-up: The Funky Buddha
– SMS
Best Bar: Hunters
2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Photo via Facebook.
Hunter’s Nightclub has won Best Bar seven times in a row.
It’s not surprising since their tagline is “Spirits Elevated” so customers can expect top quality products, bar service, Dj’s and shows, according to Mark Hunter, who has been in the nightclub business for almost 40 years.
“I launched Hunters Nightclubs with my partner Marion, in suburban Chicago in 1982 and was continuously run until its sale in 2013,” Hunter said. “Three months after its sale Hunters Wilton Manors took over the space previously known as Boom Nightclub … The transformation has been an ongoing project for the last eight years.”
Hunter said winning feels “fabulous.”
“I must say, it takes a village, and we have an amazing group of professionals headed by Patrick Volkert and Bruce Howe. I am very proud of the Hunters family for doing such a great job.”
Hunter also added that Hunters is a community-driven business, and that they’re proud of supporting causes such as The Pride Center, Flockfest, Pet Project, and more.
Runner-up: DrYnk
- KS
Best Drink: Smokey Old Fashion at DrYnk
2255 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Photo via Pixabay.
And the winner for Best Drink goes to Smokey Old Fashion at DrYnk Bar, winning for the third time in a row.
Customers have a choice of adding Jim Beam Peach, Jim Beam Vanilla, or just Jim Beam to their drink.
The bar also serves different kinds of margaritas including peach, passionfruit, and cucumber.
On their website, they claim to serve “delicious craft cocktails in a comfortable intimate lounge, with fun and friendly staff,” and the customers must agree with them. They also write that all are welcomed to the bar.
“Best bar on the drive. A very upscale and welcoming place. And it’s not too expensive. I highly recommend,” a customer wrote in a review.
Happy Hour is from 2-7 p.m. every day.
Runner-up: Bloody Mary at Scandals
- KS
Bars for Lesbians Runner-up: LIT
2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Photo via Facebook.
The actual winner of this category has “declined” this distinction two years in a row so instead we’re lifting up the runner-up because our local businesses deserve some love!
LIT Bar strives to help everyone “be different” and how drinks can help with that, according to their Facebook page.
“Your neighborhood lounge, patio and live venue. A place for EVERYONE with private parking! The friendliest staff around! Come get LIT!”
A few people left reviews on their Facebook:
“It is a nice, incredible place and the staff is very helpful,” one person wrote.
“We always have a great time here. Staff is very welcoming and friendly. We have recently started coming here more frequently than our normal place we would go to nightly. We participate in a dart tournament on Wednesday and watch Drag Race on Thursday followed by drag bingo. Thanks for making us feel welcomed.”
- KS
Check out the rest of the winners at SFGN's Best of 2021 Winners.
