Willy’s, Wynwood’s Gay Bar, Announces Closure

After opening in April 2024, it seems like Willy’s Neighborhood Bar's time in Wynwood has come to an end — this time seemingly for good. The venue announced the impending closure on Instagram today. “After this Saturday we will be closing our doors at 356 NW 24th St.,” the post reads. Willy’s blames the closure on the redevelopment happening on its block and circumstances out of its control, adding that “while the landscape around us is being reshaped, one thing that will never change is the community we’ve built together.”

Willy’s does leave the possibility that it will return in some other form. “We’re endlessly grateful for your support and hope you take comfort in the fact that this chapter may be closing, but the story isn’t over,” the post concludes.

This isn’t the first time Willy’s has closed. Formerly home to Shots Bar and a short-lived Wood Tavern pop-up, Willy’s aimed to be a third space for Miami’s LGBTQ+ community, joining other queer-friendly establishments like Gramps and R House in Wynwood. The team behind the bar was Wynwood Pride founders Jose Atencio of Milly’s Empanadas, Scott Bernardez, and Jor-El Garcia.

Shortly after it opened, it closed only to reemerge in September 2024. It seemed that whatever issues had arisen earlier had been resolved, as the venue went on to host parties and events that consistently appealed to queer patrons. New Times also bestowed on it the title of “Best Gay Bar” in its 2025 Best of Miami issue.

Willy's is known for throwing colorful themed parties, such as Night os a Thousand Madonnas, which we recently covered at New Times, RuPaul Drag Race watch parties, toga events, and more.

Willy’s closure — which New Times truly hopes is temporary — only serves to highlight that lack of queer spaces in Miami. South Beach, which once rivaled Wilton Manors in the number of queer-owned businesses, is a shell of its former self, while real estate prices in Miami make it prohibitively expensive to run a business like a gay bar.

In the meantime, you have until Saturday, August 23, to say goodbye to the current incarnation of Willy’s.

Willy’s Neighborhood Bar. 356 NW 24th St., Miami; willyswynwood.com.