The Ball, an LGBTQ+ bar and lounge inspired by queer icons, debuts in the Grand Central District
/The ball is located next to cocktail and the wet spot, the other LGBTQ+ destionations david fischer owns and operates | st. pete rising
A pink-lit bar with crystal chandeliers overhead, a giant disco ball DJ booth, and images of queer icons bedazzle the walls inside St. Pete’s newest LGBTQ+ bar in the Grand Central District of St. Pete.
The Ball, owned by David Fischer, who also founded COCKtail St. Pete nightclub and The Wet Spot pool bar, has officially opened at 49 24th Street North.
The space, humorously described as being located “at the base of COCKtail,” was previously home to The Saint, an upscale speakeasy that closed last year to undergo the rebrand.
“The disco ball is one of the most iconic queer motifs, particularly within LGBTQ+ nightlife,” said Fischer. “It acts as an enhancing invitation to meet others, dance freely, and be yourself.”
“The design is pop-art inspired, not shying away from bold colors and vibrant accents, but perhaps the most notable feature will be the custom-designed disco ball DJ booth as the bar’s centerpiece.”
The 70-seat bar also has an enclosed glass space for dancers and a secluded booth seating area in the back.
A wall featuring images of iconic queer musicians and allies fronts a secluded intimate booth seating section in the back of the ball | st. pete rising
The curated cocktails are named after celebrities who have played a significant role in embracing and supporting the queer community.
The “Icons” drink menu features fifteen beverages such as the Chappell, which is a mix of Grey Goose Strawberry Lemongrass Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Triple Sec; the Elton, made with Bacardi Mango, hellfire bitters, lime juice, simple syrup, and mango liqueur.
Other “Icons” drinks include Beverley Leslie, Jackie O, Liza, RuPaul, Whitney, Freddie, and Warhol.
A shareable cocktail, which serves 2-4 or 6-8 people, called the Cher-a-Ball consists of Grey Goose Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and strawberry puree.
For those wanting an alcohol-free experience, The Ball offers a “Legends” section such as the Dolly, a mixture of muddled jalapeño and cucumber, lime juice, and agave; and the Madonna, a sweet blend of pineapple and lime juice, coconut puree, and cinnamon.
The cocktails are priced between $10 to $17 each.
inside The ball, the newest LGBTQ+ bar and lounge that has replaced the saint speakeasy in downtown st. pete | st. pete rising
The Ball also serves white and red wines, champagne, and select drafts.
In addition to drinks, The Ball offers a menu of thirteen tapas, such as candied bacon, pretzel bites, popcorn chicken bites, loaded fries, and grilled kabobs with chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
On the sweeter side, patrons can enjoy fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fried Oreos, as well as cake bites.
The Ball is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Be sure to follow The Ball on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events.
