LeeAnne Burns
Shaking Up History at Palace Bar
Miami Beach is synonymous with sunshine, style, and above all, unapologetic fabulousness. At the epicenter of that fabulousness, holding court at 12th Street and Ocean Drive, is Palace. For decades, Palace has been the ultimate stage for drag queens and a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community.
Yet, as much as Palace prides itself on breaking boundaries on the runway, a different kind of barrier remained behind the bar, until now. Meet LeeAnne Burns, the powerhouse bartender who holds the crown as the only female bartender on Palace’s revered, all male bar team.
From Southern Comfort to South Beach Swagger. LeeAnne's journey to Miami's queer nightlife elite began far from the neon glow of Ocean Drive. Her career was first forged in the bustling bar scene of Atlanta, Georgia, where she honed her craft and developed an intuitive understanding of hospitality.
It was this foundation that propelled her to the sun-drenched shores of Miami, where she quickly established herself as a leader. She took on the demanding role of Bar Manager at Lure Fishbar in the luxurious Loews Miami Beach Hotel, overseeing operations that balanced high-volume service with refined beverage creation.
The Broken Shaker Effect, LeeAnne’s career-defining moment came when she joined the team at The Broken Shaker. More than just a cocktail bar, The Broken Shaker is a global institution, an alchemist's lab known for its garden-fresh ingredients, inventive tinctures, and award-winning menus. As a bartender there, LeeAnne was instrumental in menu creation, contributing her expertise to the innovative, seasonal cocktail programs.
Her skill and dedication were internationally recognized when she was part of the core team that helped The Broken Shaker secure a prestigious spot on the World's 50 Best Bars list, a monumental achievement that solidified her status as a top-tier industry professional.
After years of managing sophisticated hotel bars and contributing to world-renowned cocktail programs, LeeAnne sought a new, deeply meaningful challenge.
“Stepping into Palace is exciting,” LeeAnne says. “It’s not just a gay bar; It’s where everyone comes to feel seen and celebrated.”
While the atmosphere is electric and the drag shows are legendary, LeeAnne brings her elite, 50 Best pedigree right along with her. Guests can still expect the perfectly poured classics and specialty drinks, but with her expertise in flavor profiles and ingredient sourcing, it's clear the bar program is in for an exciting, subtle elevation.
LeeAnne Burns is more than just a talented mixologist; she is a pioneer. She is a powerful symbol of inclusion and a reminder that talent, no matter who holds the shaker, can and should break every glass ceiling.
Next time you're at Palace, be sure to ask LeeAnne what she’s shaking. You'll be getting a taste of history, stirred with an award-winning touch.
