Anthem Orlando

The bass hits your chest before you even clear the doorway at Anthem right on North Orange Avenue. Security checks IDs quick on the sidewalk and the cover charge is totally reasonable. It is loud, sweaty, and packed tight with people spilling out from the bar area toward the small performance space in the back.

You cannot hear yourself think over the speakers, and someone just bumped my drink near the stage. The crowd is a mix of regulars and downtown locals who came out for drag performances and live sets. It is hot inside because the air conditioning can't keep up with the bodies moving on the floor.

Drinks are poured heavy and the bartenders don't mess around when the line gets deep. No one cares what you're wearing tonight as long as you're dancing or cheering for the queens. The neon lights flicker overhead and the floor is sticky with spilled vodka sodas.