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Best gay bars in nyc

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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. Stonewall Inn: A Historic Landmark for LGBTQ+ Advocacy

The Stonewall Inn holds an iconic place in LGBTQ+ history as the site of the pivotal Stonewall Riots of 1969, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

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. Boxers NYC: America’s Gay Sports Bar

2.

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

Weekends get so crowded (midnight to 3am) that there’s often a cover charge. 

Time Out tip: Stuff your pockets before coming here; it’s cash only.

Address: 93 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10pm–4am

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22. Pink Metal

What is it? If you like your kink with a wink and a drink, think pink.

And don’t be afraid to go inside, where an excellent DJ or drag queen is surely keeping the crowd shrieking and/or dancing. 

Time Out tip: Metro is an all-seasons dive! There are already Western-themed gay bars in the state like Flaming Saddles. They are

5. .

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.

There you will find numerous gay bars and clubs to meet new pals and enjoy the happy hour specials. 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

best gay bars in nyc

Weekends bring a higher out–of–towner quotient, but it’s nothing a Naughty Girl (blue curaçao, coconut rum and pineapple juice) can’t help you overlook. What people love most about Julius’ is its timeless charm and welcoming atmosphere, where patrons can relax and socialize without judgment. Follow their socials for themed nights, viewing parties, barbecues, and more. 

Time Out tip: Upstairs in the cabaret room, you’ll find live piano karaoke, comedy shows, drag performance, and more. 

Address: 563 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 5pm–3am; Sat 3pm–3am; Sun 3pm–2am

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10. Kween

What is it?Named to evoke queer joy—“yasss kween”—this Astoria cocktail lounge and drag brunch spot is pure happiness. 

Why we love it:Sip fun craft cocktails, like a signature drink made with green tea–infused gin (caffeine!

In the decades since, gay bars have remained vital hubs for community organizing, cultural expression, and political mobilization, contributing to the ongoing fight for equality and visibility.

The gay bar scene in NYC has since improved. With its chic decor and sleek ambiance, Rise Bar offers a sophisticated setting for patrons to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and engaging conversations.

The bar’s innovative cocktail menu caters to diverse tastes, while its cozy seating areas provide the perfect backdrop for socializing with friends or meeting new acquaintances.

Patrons flock to Pieces for its electrifying drag shows, where performers dazzle the audience with their talent and flair. Cubbyhole: Best-Known Lesbian Bar With an Intimate Vibe

Cubbyhole is a cherished gem in the landscape of New York City’s LGBTQ+ bars, known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Visit in the colder months for PBRs by the fireplace and in warmer weather for backyard BBQs every Sun between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Address: 559 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 3pm–4am

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16. Nowhere

What is it?A friendly, spacious bar with an intimacy–heightening low ceiling, Nowhere attracts Manhattan’s scruffier crowds—and the place is filled with everyone from dykes to bears, thanks to a fun lineup of theme nights. 

Why we love it: There's no official dance floor, but don't be surprised to find yourself bopping along to disco, rock, new wave and whatever else the DJ feels like spinning.

Time Out tip: Happy hour is all day on Sundays! 

Address: 322 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 3pm–4am, Sun 3pm–2am,

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17. 3 Dollar Bill

What is it? Enjoy drinks in the lovely queer owned and operated Americana bar 3 Dollar Bill, which features shows and events like Sun BBQ parties; then head to the fabulous warehouse space in the back of the venue, for thumping dance parties every night guided by sound systems inherited from venues like the Roseland Ballroom. 

Why we love it: Some of the best drag performers and DJs in the city have begun their takeovers here; get in early and join the community. 

Time Out tip: If you like to dress up, visit for weekend themed parties, like a Charlie XCX underwear party. 

Address: 260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Hours: Daily 5pm–4am

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18. Phoenix

What is it?This local watering hole has been a favorite on the queer East Village circuit ever since it burst onto the scene back in the ’90s.

From historic landmarks to trendy hotspots, the city offers a diverse array of bars and clubs catering to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Whether seeking a cozy neighborhood haunt or a pulsating dance floor, the NYC gay bar scene promises an inclusive and lively atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Community in NYC

Historical Significance of Gay Bars in NYC

Gay bars in New York City hold profound historical significance as safe havens and gathering spaces for the LGBTQ+ community throughout the 20th century.