Can I join a gym that serves alcohol at its cafe?

Usually yes, with care. Most scholars distinguish between using a facility and taking part in alcohol. If the gym's main business is fitness and the bar is a separate corner, you can usually join. Don't buy, serve or sit around alcohol, and look for another gym if drinking is central to the place.

What Islam says about alcohol

The Quran calls intoxicants a work of Satan and tells believers to avoid them:

إِنَّمَا ٱلْخَمْرُ وَٱلْمَيْسِرُ وَٱلْأَنصَابُ وَٱلْأَزْلَـٰمُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ فَٱجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ "Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan's handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful." Quran 5:90

The Prophet ﷺ cursed ten people connected with wine, including the one who drinks it, the one who serves it, the one who sells it and the one who buys it (Jami at-Tirmidhi 1295). So you should not drink, buy, serve or sell alcohol yourself. Using a gym is different, as you're not doing any of those things.

Where scholars draw the line

The Prophet ﷺ also said that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not sit at a spread in which khamr (intoxicating drink) is circulated (Jami at-Tirmidhi 2801). Scholars generally separate being inside a building that sells alcohol, which many allow for a lawful purpose, from sitting where drinking is going on. That's the same reasoning many apply to hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. See Can Muslims stay in a hotel that serves alcohol?

Some stricter scholars prefer to avoid any venue where alcohol is a large part of the business. Both views exist, so choose what keeps your conscience at peace.

Practical ways to decide

Look at the layout. A gym with a small cafe that also sells beer is not the same as a social club that has a gym.
Check the culture. Is the bar the heart of the place, with evening drinking events and promotions, or a side corner?
Stay out of the bar area. Use the gym floor and changing rooms, and skip the post-workout drinks.
Choose the cafe items carefully. Water, juice, tea and coffee are fine. If you eat there, avoid sitting at tables where alcohol is being served.
Don't work there behind the bar. If you're offered a job serving alcohol, see Can Muslims work in hotels that serve alcohol?

Handling friends and team socials

If your gym friends meet in the cafe bar after training, suggest another place for a coffee or a juice. Say it lightly, such as "I'll meet you at the cafe next door." Most people don't mind. See Can I go to a bar with friends if I only drink soda?

If you feel uneasy

If the atmosphere makes you uncomfortable, or you find it hard to stay out of the bar area, another gym is a perfectly good solution. Many local gyms and community centres don't sell alcohol at all.

Key points

Using a gym that also sells alcohol is allowed for many scholars, if you take no part in the alcohol.
Don't drink, buy, serve or sit at tables where alcohol is passed around.
Stricter scholars prefer gyms where alcohol is not central.
If it bothers you, choose another gym.

Tip: Before you sign up, ask for a tour and notice where the bar is. If it's visible from the gym floor and busy every evening, you may be happier elsewhere.