Reinas Bar

Reinas Bar, or simply Reinas, is a gay bar in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Owner Marcus Van Groeningen opened the bar in 2010.

Reinas Bar
The bar's exterior at night, 2023
Restaurant information
EstablishedOctober 8, 2010 (2010-10-08)
Owner(s)Marcus Van Groeningen
Street addressLázaro Cárdenas 361
CityPuerto Vallarta
StateJalisco
CountryMexico
Coordinates20.6040°N 105.2337°W / 20.6040; -105.2337

Description

Reinas Bar is a queen-themed gay bar in Zona Romántica. Out and About Puerto Vallarta has described Reinas as an LGBT-owned, "cozy friendly neighborhood bar" with a "great mix" of locals and foreigners. Reinas has dresses, hats, high-heeled shoes, makeup, and wigs available for guests to wear.[1][2][3] According to Ed Walsh of the Bay Area Reporter, the bar is busiest before midnight.[4]

The interior features many depictions of queens, as well as a large mirror in the shape of a crown.[3] According to the magazine, "Everywhere you look – walls, doors, tables, – you'll see photos of the Queen of England, Princess Diane, along with tiaras, chandeliers, and a few other elements of British royalty."[2] Salvador Dominguez of Out and About Puerto Vallarta said the images of Queen Elizabeth II and other royals "contrasts with the Mexican style of cantina". There are screens streaming music and videos from the 1980s in both English and Spanish.[3] The menu includes beer, margaritas, mezcal, and tequilas.[3]

History

Owner Marcus Van Groeningen opened Reinas on October 8, 2010, in a space which previously housed Bar Frida,[5][6] but had been unoccupied for approximately two years. During the permitting process, he spent three months decorating the space.[2]

Van Groeningen and staff collect shoes to donate to children via Cheryl's Shoe Box annually. The theme for Reinas' twelfth anniversary party was "cowboys and cowgirls".[2] The bar hosted a viewing party for the Academy Awards in 2019.[7]

COVID-19 pandemic
The bar's interior, 2023

Like most businesses, Reinas had to close temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, as part of the city's annual LGBT pride festivities, the bar hosted the virtual session "Tea with the Queen".[8] Operations were restored by July 2020.[9][10]

In August 2021, Reinas closed again for the rest of the month because of regulations enacted by the local government requiring bars to have operating kitchens. The owner wrote, "Hello my dear friends, clients… sad news, but I have decided to close the bar, until the first of September or when it is indicated that it can be opened normally. After 2 more bars closed yesterday I can't take the risk. I'm really sorry especially for Curiel, Angel, Ivanka, Lalo, Yair and Abram. I'm really sorry, please come back when the bar is open again. Frame. God save the queen!"[11]

Reception

Iñigo Alkorta of Vallarta Lifestyles called Reinas "emblematic" in 2020.[12] In 2021, Out and About Puerto Vallarta said the staff "do their best to make you feel like family".[13] In 2022, the magazine's Salvador Dominguez wrote, "If you like kitsch more, Reinas will definitely be your place... In Reinas you can have a drink and at the same time talk without so much noise or bustle... [Their] prices are cheap and they have a personalized treatment from the owner and waiters who are adorable."[3]

References
  1. "Reinas Bar". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  2. Jones, Jerry (2022-10-04). "'The Queens Bar' - Reinas Celebrates 12 Years". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2022-12-03. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  3. Dominguez, Salvador (2022-01-19). "Exclusive NightLife Guide to PV's LGBTQ Bars and Clubs". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  4. Walsh, Ed. "Puerto Vallarta offers deals, beaches, gay nightlife". Bay Area Reporter. Archived from the original on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  5. "Tom and Luis look back on two decades of life in Vallarta and Bar Frida". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. 2018-10-19. Archived from the original on 2020-08-04. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  6. Jones, Jerry (2022-11-17). "Bar Frida and Kitchen Settles Into New Home". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2022-12-17. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  7. Chavez, Alejandro (2019-02-20). "Want to watch the Oscars? Here's a list of watch parties". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  8. "Puerto Vallarta Virtual Pride Schedule". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. 2020-06-07. Archived from the original on 2022-05-24. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  9. Velasco, Alexis (2020-07-28). "This is how LGBT+ bars and nightclubs look like in Covid-19 times". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  10. Jones, Jerry (2020-06-25). "Beaches, Hotels, Bars, Restaurants and other Businesses Welcome Visitors as Puerto Vallarta Reopens". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  11. Benitez, Daniel (2021-08-22). "Reinas, Apaches, One Six One Shuttered the Rest of August". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. Archived from the original on 2022-01-25. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  12. "LGBT Visitors: Activities and Entertainment for All Tastes". Vallarta Lifestyles. 2020-02-15. Archived from the original on 2020-10-27. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  13. "Destination Puerto Vallarta: LGBTQ Friendly Bars, Restaurants and More!". Out and About Puerto Vallarta. 2021-02-16. Archived from the original on 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
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