Paco's Ranch

Paco's Ranch
Logo
The bar's entrance, 2023
Map
AddressPuerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Mexico
Coordinates20°36′14″N 105°14′10″W / 20.6038°N 105.2360°W / 20.6038; -105.2360
Website
pacosranchpv.com

Paco's Ranch, also known as Club Paco Paco,[1] is a gay bar in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

Description

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Instinct magazine has called Paco's Ranch one of the city's most popular gay bars.[2] Lonely Planet says, "This venerable disco-cantina stages smashing transvestite shows, with the music pumping loud. It's an amiable scene, with plenty of locals and reasonably priced drinks."[3]

Puerto Vallarta Daily News says, "Don't let the humble name fool you, this is a big ol' discotheque, akin to something in Ibiza. The music is loud, the lights pulsating, and the dancing doesn't stop until 3 a.m. It's not the most sophisticated place in the world, but after a few rounds of tequila shots, you'll be dancing to "Y.M.C.A." with everyone else. Great drag shows, too."[4] Passport Magazine has described the bar as a "racy, loud, crazy dance club that often features drag shows".[5]

History

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In 2020, two people were shot and killed following a dispute amongst patrons.[6][7]

Reception

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Drag performer with backup dancers on the venue's stage, 2021

In 2019, Thrillist's Meagan Drillinger said the bar is "as ridiculous and raunchy as it sounds. You've been warned."[8] Amy Ashenden of PinkNews has described the bar as "the best place for drag shows", writing in 2020, "Paco’s is a medium-sized club with two floors that is known for its drag shows. Maybe it was hard to tell after all the mezcal but the crowd seemed a little too serious for young gays watching queens lip sync to Britney. Mostly popular with gay men and trans women, it wins the award for what has to be one of the most niche drag references to be made in Jalisco history – who knew Fleur East had a Mexican fan base?"[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b ASHENDEN, AMY (January 16, 2020). "Beach clubs, drag shows and tranquil relaxation: Why Mexico's Puerto Vallarta is the perfect queer winter sun getaway". PinkNews. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  2. ^ "Two Men Dead In Fatal Puerto Vallarta Gay Bar Shooting • Instinct Magazine". Instinct Magazine. 2020-10-31. Archived from the original on 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-03-10.
  3. ^ "Paco's Ranch". Lonely Planet. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  4. ^ "Puerto Vallarta earns its spot as top LGBT tourist destination". Puerto Vallarta Daily News. March 7, 2016. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  5. ^ "THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR GAY BACHELOR PARTIES". Passport Magazine. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  6. ^ REYNOLDS, DANIEL (October 28, 2020). "Two Men Killed at Packed HIV Fundraiser in Puerto Vallarta Gay Bar". The Advocate. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  7. ^ Reddish, David (October 28, 2020). "Two murdered outside popular Puerto Vallarta gay bar". Queerty. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  8. ^ Drillinger, Meagan (March 14, 2019). "Mexico's Gorgeous, Gritty Beach Town You Should Party in ASAP". Thrillist. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
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