Where do gays, lesbians, and other folks in the queer community go to enjoy cocktails and events where they can be their authentic selves? NYC has a vibrant and proud queer community from West Village to Hell’s Kitchen. Some of the best lesbian and gay bars in the world are found throughout New York City. These are the hotspots where queer folks and allies come to enjoy a fun night of drinks, dancing, socializing, and more. Whether you are a local in search of a fun night, or a tourist who wants to experience the nightlife in New York City, keep reading. Taimi has the best spots for drinks and atmosphere in one of the most exciting cities in the entire country.
Top 10 Queer Bars in New York City
So, where does the queer community gather in NYC? The city is packed full of gay bars, lesbian bars, and queer-friendly nightspots. Whether you’re in search of one of the best lesbian bars left in America, an iconic gay bar, or just a spot for queer parties, you just can’t beat these LGBTQ+ bars in NYC.
1. Ginger’s Bar
Ginger’s is an Irish Lesbian bar located in the heart of Park Slope, one of Brooklyn’s queer neighborhoods. It’s one of the last true lesbian bars in NYC, and has been a safe space for queer women, trans folks, and allies for more than 20 years. It is a true neighborhood watering hole with stiff mixed drinks, a pool table, and jukebox. There’s an outdoor patio that’s perfect for those who want a chill spot to hang with friends.
The vibe at Ginger’s bar is undeniably chill. There’s a loyal crowd of regulars that includes a mix of locals, younger queer drinkers, and lesbian friends in search of a fun, inclusive experience. Ginger’s bar regularly hosts fun events including drag shows, trivia nights, and watch parties. There’s even a dance floor that comes alive when patrons are enjoying live bands or a DJ.
Ginger’s bar is lesbian owned and more than just a spot to grab a few drinks. It’s a queer landmark, and worth a visit when you’re in NYC.
2. Cubby Hole
Cubby Hole is a beloved lesbian bar found in West Village. It’s one of NYC’s most well-loved sapphic hangouts that’s been serving the queer community since 1994. Widely renowned as one of the best gay bars in New York City, Cubby Hole is a joyful space where queer women and friends can gather to have fun, enjoy drink specials, and take part in an array of special events. On any given night, you might join friends to watch a jazz singer, watch the WNBA finals, or attend a button-making party for Pride!
The drinks here include a mix of specialty cocktails, bottled beers, draft brews, wine, and a selection of nonalcoholic options. Come during one of their happy hour events, and you can get well drinks as low as three bucks! No matter what you imbibe, you’ll find a fun crowd to hang with here. Tourists are always welcome to come party, but there are regulars that include a diverse crowd from the local neighborhood. There’s no dance floor here, but you can still enjoy music from a great DJ who spins throwback hits, queer anthems, and great pop music.
Cubby Hole is more than another Lesbian bar in New York. Folks have worked hard to keep the place open, even bringing it back after it was closed for a period of time. When so many other lesbian bars are disappearing across the country, it’s more important than ever to patronize every dyke bar you can. Queer women need these spaces, and Cubby Hole exemplifies everything a queer bar should be.
3. Henrietta Hudson
Henrietta Hudson has been an iconic space for lesbians in NYC for more than 30 years. It’s served multiple generations of lesbians and other queer women since 1991 This is a place with deep roots, a high energy vibe, and strong sense of community. Since the closure of Mary’s Bar, the historical and cultural of significance of this “dyke bar” cannot be overstated.
Henrietta Hudson is a lesbian bar with a slightly sophisticated, upscale feel. It’s located in West Village and is the oldest lesbian bar in New York City. The current branding focuses on a more intimate experience, high-end cocktails, and a charcuterie bar. They’re even adding an outdoor patio for folks who want to sit outside while still enjoying the bar scene.
Still, the atmosphere here is quite accessible. Not to mention that Henrietta Hudson is iconic. Anyone visiting the city should spend at least one night enjoying the spot that’s become a second home for so many lesbians.
4. The Stonewall Inn
Stonewall Inn, situated in Greenwich Village is an NYC icon. This historic place is known all over the world for its place in LGBTQ+ history. Today, this Manhattan landmark is one of the best gay bars to hang with friends, watch a rag show, or party at one of the many upcoming events at the venue.
This Greenwich Village is two floors of queer joy. There’s a dance floor in the main room, a pool table in the back room, and plenty of room to sit and enjoy drinks with frieds. Whether you are heading in from Hell’s kitchen, Brooklyn, or East Village, this is a gay bar that’s worth the drive.
On Wednesday nights, The Stonewall Inn turns into a piano bar. That’s just one example of the fun events and parties that keep things exciting for visitors to this New York destination. Come for happy hour, stay for drag performances, and celebrate the place where history was made.
5. Albatross Bar
The Albatross Bar is a hidden gem in New York. It’s tucked away in Astoria, Queens but is worth the trip to check out one of the best gay bars in NYC. It may not be in a trendy locale like West Village or Park Slope, but it still draws a decent crowd every night of the week. That’s due to its laid back charm and no-frills vibe.
Albatross is a laid back bar, but don’t get it twisted. The stage inside comes to life with events like Mardi Gras celebrations and drag bingo. Of course, the karaoke is not to be missed.
6. The Dickens
The Dickens is a premier cocktail bar located in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a welcome addition to the city’s vibrant lineup of gay bars and lesbian bars. It is a unique space with four stories with plenty of room for special events, watch parties, or just hanging out for a night of fun. This literary themed bar would be the ideal spot for a lesbian book club.
The Dickens curates an upscale cocktail experience, but don’t sleep on the food. They’ve got a full menu that is sure to give you the calories you need to keep going all night. It’s easy to see why queer folks from Brooklyn and beyond to enjoy a good mix of upscale and accessibility.
7. Eagle NYC
The history of the Eagle NYC goes back nearly 100 years. This spot started out as a longshoreman’s bar until the Stonewall uprising in 1969. After that, the owners and patrons decided it was time to be out and proud. Eventually, the space was made into a leather and Levis bar, and it’s been the stuff of legends ever since.
Located just a mile from East Village in the Chelsea neighborhood, the Eagle attracts leather lovers, tourists, and the kink curious for long nights of drinking and debauchery. There are plenty of events here to appeal to the party crowd. There’s even a Mr. Eagle pageant.
If you’re out exploring bars in NYC that honor gay culture of all types, check out the Eagle. It may not be as polished or sophisticated as other bars, but there’s something special about spending a night with gritty, sweaty, leather clad men.
8. Good Judy
Good Judy is one of the most beloved queer spaces with an inclusive vibe that makes everyone feel welcome. Their slogan is, “if you’re here, you’re queer”. You can find this iconic bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn in the very spot that used to be home to the legendary Excelsior. While it isn’t strictly a gay bar or a lesbian bar, this watering hole is 100% queer. It’s the ideal spot for a party night, live music, or just spending time with friends.
The main level of Judy’s features a welcoming bar. Upstairs, visitors will find a performance lounge that is ideal for dancing to the DJ playing tunes or live music. Events include drag shows, live music, theme nights, and more. If you are gay, lesbian, bi, trans, ace, aro, or pan – You are always welcome to come party at Judy’s.
9. Flaming Saddles Saloon
The cleverly named Flaming Saddles Saloon brings the wild wild west to NYC’s gay night life. It’s located in Hell’s Kitchen and curates a unique bar experience that you won’t experience anywhere else. Think queer cowboys serving drinks, line dancing, and looking amazing in a way that only a man in cowboy hat can. If you are looking for more than a night of drinking at the neighborhood bar, Faming Saddles has tons of potential.
When it comes to events, there’s always something going on here. Come for line dancing lessons. Stay for drag shows and live music. Flaming Saddles leans gay, but lesbians and others are welcome to come drink and dance too!
10. The Cock
The Cock brings a raw, raunchy energy to queer nightlife in NYC. This veritable dive bar is a no-frills spot, and one of the city’s wildest gay bars. This is a place where you check your inhibitions at the door and embrace the vibe. This is not a spot for timid tourists to see what’s up on a random Wednesday night. The folks here are deep into cruising culture and this queer bar has some serious popper energy. Simply put, this is not a bar where you go to sip mimosas on the outdoor patio.
If you visit this East Village nightspot, be aware. The main floor is the spot for drinking, dancing, and being seen in as few clothes as possible. There are also events scheduled that feature some of the hottest guys on the scene.
Then, there’s the infamous yet alluring basement. This darkroom is only open a few nights a week, but is famous among NYC residents who embrace the sex club and kind scenes.
Interested in Queer Experiences Without The Drinking?
You don’t have to go to the nearest bar to spend time with gays, lesbians, and other queer friends. The Gay Center in NYC is a hub of queer arts and culture where you can experience visual art, dance, and even listen to short stories from expert storytellers.
NYC is also home to an incomparable selection of LGBTQ+ coffee shops and bookstores. For example, Hivemind books in Brooklyn. There’s also Soft Butch, a Brooklyn coffee shop owned and staffed by lesbians and other queer folks.
Keep an eye out for queer-friendly events too. Many gays, lesbians, and other LGBTQ folks get together in local meet up groups that focus on activities over alcohol. Additionally, there are Pride events throughout NYC that have plenty of options for gays, lesbians, and others who want to celebrate with friends without the bar scene.
Take Taimi Along to Explore The Queer Bar Scene in New York City
If you’re in New York, we encourage you to visit at least a few of these iconic bars with your friends. The queer bar scene in NYC sets the tone for the rest of the country. There’s more to patronizing these spots than nights of indulging, dance, and debauchery. These places represent and important part of NYC culture and history. This is also a particularly important time to support the remaining NYC lesbian bars in Brooklyn and other boroughs. There are only a few NYC lesbian bars and nightclubs left. The community has already lost the well known lesbian bar, Mary’s bar.
No matter if you go to bars in NYC to drink and dance, or pay homage to the queer community, be sure to take Taimi along for the ride. We’re here to help you find local friends to enjoy queer events, hanging out at the hottest dyke bar, or just enjoying a night of partying. Queer folks are waiting to meet up from Greenwich Village in Manhattan to DUMBO in Brooklyn. Let’s help you get connected.
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