Best gay bars in nyc

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Boxers NYC: America’s Gay Sports Bar

2. From chic cocktail lounges to lively dance clubs, the bars in Chelsea offer a diverse range of experiences tailored to the LGBTQ+ community with bar space, bar food and cheap happy hour deals every night of the week. With its generous happy hour specials and late-night entertainment, including karaoke and themed parties, Barracuda offers an unforgettable experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Address: 275 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011

Phone: (212) 645-8613

4.

Whether you’re seeking dazzling performances or a laid-back evening with friends, Pieces promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of NYC’s LGBTQ+ community.

Address: 8 CHRISTOPHER STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10014

Phone: (212) 929-9291

8. The club’s talented DJs keep the dance floor packed with an eclectic mix of music, while its outdoor patio offers a refreshing escape from the excitement indoors.

Enjoy treats like mochi donuts and potato croquettes from their all–vegan snack menu. 

Address: 253 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri–Sun 5pm–2am

23. Industry Bar

What is it?The men behind longstanding Chelsea haunts Barracuda and Elmo Restaurant bring you this high–energy midtown drinkery. 

Why we love it:Unlike cozy Barracuda, Industry is a sprawling, high–ceilinged space, featuring a long concrete bar (manned by hunky, often shirtless bartenders, naturally), a stage hosting drag and music performances and a sizable dance floor.

Time Out tip: Drinks are buy one, get one until 9pm every night.

Address: 355 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours: Daily 6pm–4am

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NYC Nightlife

From legendary gay bars to cutting-edge dance clubs, experience the electric energy of New York's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene

The World's Greatest Gay Nightlife

New York City's LGBTQ+ nightlife is legendary for good reason.

Ginger’s Bar – A popular lesbian bar in Brooklyn

Ginger’s Bar in the heart of Brooklyn, stands as a cherished lesbian bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community. One of its standout features is “Piano Bar Sundays,” where talented performers take the stage to serenade guests with live music, adding a touch of nostalgia to the modern atmosphere.

I love being able to step into a space that has been a sanctuary for our community for decades.” With its rich heritage and enduring appeal, Julius’ continues to be a cherished gathering place for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike.

Address: 159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

Phone: (877) 746-0528

6.

From lively dance clubs to cozy neighborhood bars, each venue offers its own unique atmosphere and charm. One of its best parts is the historic significance it carries, having been awarded landmark status by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission in recognition of its cultural importance.

As one customer expressed, “Julius’ is not just a bar; it’s a piece of LGBTQ+ history.

Maybe your interests skew more trendy and urbane, or perhaps you're more of the down-and-dirty hook-up spots, the "what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends" type — we're not here to judge! With its rich legacy and ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ empowerment, the Stonewall Inn continues to inspire and unite communities around the world.

Address: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

Phone: (212) 488-2705

7.

Guests can enjoy signature cocktails served by friendly bartenders while taking in the spirited atmosphere that combines the best of the Wild West with the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene of New York City.

Black-owned gay bar Lambda Lounge is also popular. Ritz Bar and Lounge: The Place to Go For Dancing and Drinking

Ritz Bar and Lounge stands as a premier gay dance club in NYC, nestled in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.

Yes, these clubs are great alternatives if you want to have another experience aside from Broadway in the city that never sleeps!

1. Julius’: The Oldest Gay Bar in NYC

Julius’, the oldest and original gay bar in New York City, holds a special place in LGBTQ+ history as a beloved institution that has stood the test of time.

Special Guest Pianists, Singing Waitstaff & Bartenders.

THE EIGHT BALL LOUNGE

THURSDAYS

5PM

Danielle Presents

THE EIGHT BALL LOUNGE

Pool Table Games, Drinks Specials & Karaoke

1st floor/no cover

thirst trap

THURSDAYS

10PM

THIRST TRAP

hosted by EGYPT

special guests weekly

2nd flr/no cover

TBOY in the booth

2nd floor/no cover

lala's house party

FRIDAYS 6PM

LALA’S HOUSE PARTY

Drink Specials, Karaoke, Drag Shows!

2nd floor/no cover

FRI NIGHT

FRIDAYS

10PM

The Friday Night Dance Party

DIVA on the Main level

Alternating Dj’s,Pop Up Hosts, Promoters & Performers - upper level

see our special events section for lineup

dirty pop

SATURDAYS

10PM

DIRTY POP

Alternating Dj’s

spinning all your favorites

1st flr/no cover

SAT NIGHT DANCE PRTY

SATURDAYS

10PM

THE KIKI

LOLA MICHELE-KIKI hosts The Saturday Night Dance Party Alternating Dj’s with Pop Up Performances by our favorite Drag Diva & their guests

The Invasion

SUN

NIGHTS

THE INVASION

A WEEKLY DRAG SPECTACULAR with a different QUEEN & their guests each week.

- see our special events section for lineup


Crafted By Br____yn Br____y


Crafted By Br____yn Br____y

New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades.

With its unique blend of charm and community spirit, Cubbyhole continues to be a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Address: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

Phone: (212) 243-9041

9. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the dynamic scene of gay bars on this list promises unforgettable experiences and a sense of belonging in the bustling metropolis of New York City!

nnn946@gmail.com

THE KEEPERS OF THE STONEWALL INN HISTORY & LEGACY


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LGBTQ+ bars In NYC

1. Cubbyhole

What is it? Cubbyhole is one of the Village’s more festive lesbian bars. Phoenix Bar: Experience the Eclectic Energy of East Village’s Gay Bar

The Phoenix Bar stands out as a bar perfect for those seeking an authentic gay dive experience in New York City.

best gay bars in nyc

This National Historic Landmark continues to serve the community.

HistoricIconicWest Village

Hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Address: 53 Christopher St

Must-Do: Pay respects to history

Visit Website

Julius'

NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar (since 1864) with classic atmosphere and legendary regulars.

HistoricClassicOldest

Hours: Daily 1pm-4am

Address: 159 W 10th St

Vibe: Neighborhood dive

Visit Website

Hardware

Hell's Kitchen drag destination in a converted hardware store, featuring nightly performances and award-winning shows.

Drag ShowsDaily ShowsAward-winning

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 697 10th Ave

Shows: Multiple daily

Visit Website

VERS

Chic Hell's Kitchen spot with craft cocktails, trendy atmosphere, and beautiful people-watching opportunities.

CocktailsTrendyStylish

Hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Address: 5 W 48th St

Happy Hour: 5-8pm daily

Visit Website

Metropolitan

Williamsburg's beloved gay bar with backyard patio, pool table, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

BackyardPool TableNeighborhood

Hours: Daily 5pm-4am

Address: 559 Lorimer St

Best: Summer patio parties

Visit Website

Ginger's Bar

Park Slope's iconic lesbian bar with pool table, outdoor space, and welcoming community atmosphere.

Lesbian BarPoolCommunity

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 363 5th Ave, Brooklyn

Vibe: Friendly neighborhood

Visit Website

Marie's Crisis Café

Legendary West Village piano bar where patrons sing Broadway classics in an intimate basement setting.

Piano BarBroadwaySing-along

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 59 Grove St

Cash Only: No cover, tips appreciated

Visit Website

Lips

Midtown's drag dinner theater featuring fabulous queens serving up entertainment with your meal.

Dinner TheaterDrag QueensFull Shows

Shows: Wed-Sun evenings

Address: 227 E 56th St

Reservations: Required

Visit Website

Club Cumming

Alan Cumming's East Village venue featuring cabaret, comedy, and eclectic performances in an intimate setting.

CabaretComedyCelebrity

Hours: Show nights vary

Address: 505 E 6th St

Tickets: Check calendar

Visit Website

Pieces

Hell's Kitchen drag institution with multiple shows nightly and some of NYC's most talented performers.

Multiple ShowsDragNightly

Shows: Every night 9pm-2am

Address: 8 Christopher St

Cover: $10 (2 drink minimum)

Visit Website

Therapy

Hell's Kitchen's premier drag destination with two floors of entertainment and legendary weekend shows.

Two FloorsWeekend ShowsPopular

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 348 W 52nd St

Shows: Weekend evenings

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The Duplex

West Village's historic cabaret venue featuring intimate performances, comedy, and emerging talent showcase.

HistoricCabaretIntimate

Shows: Nightly 7pm & 9:30pm

Address: 61 Christopher St

Reservations: Recommended

Visit Website

The Penthouse

Elevated cocktail experience in Midtown with panoramic views and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for date nights.

Date NightViewsSophisticated

Hours: Wed-Sat 6pm-2am

Address: 30 W 21st St, 21st Floor

Reservations: Recommended

Visit Website

Westlight

Brooklyn's premier rooftop experience with 360-degree views of NYC skyline and craft cocktails in Williamsburg.

360° ViewsBrooklynCraft Cocktails

Hours: Daily 5pm-1am

Address: 111 N 12th St, 22nd Floor

Best Time: Sunset

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Elmo

Chelsea's stylish restaurant and lounge known for its beautiful crowd, excellent brunch, and sophisticated evening scene.

RestaurantBrunchStylish

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Address: 156 7th Ave

Brunch: Sat-Sun 11am-4pm

Visit Website

Gantry Plaza Rooftop

Long Island City's waterfront rooftop with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views and relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

WaterfrontOutdoorQueens

Hours: Seasonal, Apr-Oct

Address: 4-09 47th Rd, LIC

Vibe: Casual, scenic

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The Fleur Room

Luxurious rooftop bar atop the Moxy Chelsea with stunning city views and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.

RooftopLuxuryCity Views

Hours: Thu-Sun 5pm-late

Address: 105 W 28th St, 30th Floor

Dress Code: Upscale

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Atlas Social Club

Stylish Hell's Kitchen lounge with craft cocktails, upscale atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe for the community.

CocktailsUpscaleLounge

Hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Address: 753 9th Ave

Happy Hour: 5-8pm weekdays

Visit Website

Mood Ring

Bushwick's mystical bar with astrology-themed cocktails, queer-friendly atmosphere, and cosmic dance parties.

AstrologyQueer-FriendlyDance Parties

Hours: Wed-Sun 6pm-4am

Address: 1260 Myrtle Ave

Vibe: Mystical, inclusive

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The Boiler Room

East Village's no-frills gay dive bar with pool table, jukebox, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere.

Dive BarNo FrillsPool Table

Hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Address: 86 E 4th St

Cash Only: ATM on-site

Visit Website

Nowadays (Underground)

The indoor counterpart to the daytime garden parties, featuring late-night electronic music and underground vibes.

ElectronicUndergroundLate Night

Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-6am

Address: 56-06 Cooper Ave

Season: Year-round indoor

Visit Website

Happyfun Hideaway

Bushwick's intimate queer party space hosting underground events, art shows, and community gatherings.

CommunityArt ShowsUnderground

Hours: Event-based

Address: Check social media

Follow: @happyfunhideaway

Follow on Instagram

Bossa Nova Civic Club

Bushwick's legendary underground venue featuring experimental music, performance art, and boundary-pushing events.

ExperimentalPerformanceUnderground

Hours: Event nights only

Address: 1271 Myrtle Ave

Tickets: Check website

Visit Website

Nowadays Loft

Secret warehouse loft parties featuring cutting-edge DJs, intimate dance floors, and underground electronic music.

SecretElectronicIntimate

Hours: Special events

Location: TBA via mailing list

Access: Invitation only

Join Mailing List

Your Guide to NYC Gay Nightlife

Best Times to Go

  • • Happy Hours: 4-8pm weekdays
  • • Peak Hours: 10pm-2am Fri/Sat
  • • Late Night: 2-4am for die-hards
  • • Sunday Funday: Day parties 2-8pm

Budget Planning

  • • Dive Bars: $8-12 drinks
  • • Mid-tier: $12-18 cocktails
  • • Upscale: $18-25+ craft cocktails
  • • Cover Charges: $10-40 depending on venue

Getting Around

  • • Hell's Kitchen: A/C/E to 42nd St
  • • West Village: 1 to Christopher St
  • • Brooklyn: L train to various stops
  • • Late Night: Use rideshare apps

Safety Tips

  • • Stay with friends, especially late night
  • • Watch your drinks and don't leave them unattended
  • • Keep phone charged for rideshare/emergency
  • • Know your limits and pace yourself

Dress Codes

  • • Dive Bars: Come as you are
  • • Dance Clubs: Stylish casual
  • • Rooftops: Smart casual to upscale
  • • Special Events: Check requirements

Etiquette

  • • Tip bartenders and drag performers well
  • • Respect performers during shows
  • • Be inclusive and welcoming to all
  • • Ask before taking photos of others

Don't Miss Out

NYC's nightlife scene is constantly evolving with new parties, special events, and seasonal celebrations.

.

MONDAY NIGHTS

with ARIEL SINCLAIR

FRIENDS, FUN, GREAT PRIZES, O69 Shots & Buttered Popcorn with M&M’s

Piano Bar

TUES & WED

9PM - Second Floor

The Stonewall Inn presents PIANO BAR.