Gay clubs in new york city

Home / travel tourism / Gay clubs in new york city

Rebar – Newer Gay Bar After G Lounge’s Closure

Rebar, a popular gay bar in Chelsea, invites patrons to dance the night away amidst its energetic atmosphere. 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.

From dazzling drag shows to electrifying DJ sets, Industry Bar offers an array of entertainment options to suit every taste.

The bar’s spacious layout, stylish decor, and energetic vibe create the perfect backdrop for mingling with friends or making new connections. These establishments provided refuge from discrimination and persecution, allowing individuals to express their identities freely and form supportive networks.

Notably, the 1969 Stonewall Riots, sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism and ignited the gay liberation movement.

Like the best LGBTQ+ spaces, Cubbyhole is one of a kind.

Time Out tip: Visit daily from 4 pm – 7pm when happy hour includes great deals like $5 beers. 

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

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm– 2am; Fri 4pm–4am; Sat 2pm –4am; Sun 2pm–2am

Read more

2. Albatross Bar

What is it? This longtime Astoria gay bar is consistently crowded, bringing out residents from across the borough and beyond for drink specials, intimate drag shows, and just a good, gay old time.

Why we love it:  It’s a dive with a vibe, and if you’re lucky enough to become a regular, you’re never leaving.

Time Out tip: Check social media for frequent updates on events, including trivia, bar crawls, and, of course, drag nights. 

Address: 3619 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–4am, Sat, Sun 4pm–4am

Read more

3. The Stonewall Inn

What is it?

Following the closure of G Lounge, Rebar has emerged as a fresh addition to Chelsea’s gay nightlife scene, providing a welcoming space for socializing and celebrating within the community thanks to its spectacular service and friendly bartenders.

Address: 225 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011

Phone: (646) 863-2914

3. Pieces Bar: One of the Noteworthy Gay Bars in the West Village

Pieces is a beloved gay bar in New York City renowned for its eclectic entertainment offerings.

Industry Bar: A Trendsetting Destination for Entertainment and Socializing

Industry Bar in NYC has solidified its reputation as the trendsetting destination for entertainment and socializing, often hailed as the best gay bar in NYC. Its dynamic atmosphere and cutting-edge performances draw crowds seeking unforgettable nights out.

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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.

By embracing inclusivity and diversity, NYC gay bars continue to serve as beacons of acceptance and affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Here’s your New York City gay bar guide to help you navigate the gay bar scene in the Big Apple. 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

Read more

There are already Western-themed gay bars in the state like Flaming Saddles.

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. 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

DIVA

FRI DEC 26

10PM

EGYPT

Music by Dj David Michael

1st flr/no cover

dirty pop

SAT DEC 27

10PM

DIRTY POP

Dj Chauncey D

Main level/Nocover

the kiki

SAT DEC 27

9PM DOORS

Show time with SABELSCITIES @11PM

Pop up performances/Dance Party

Dj TBoy

trading places

SUN DEC 28

9PM

TRADING PLACES

LOLA MICHELE-KIKI TRADES PLACES with Sabel Scities

for a sunday night kiki..

music by Tboy

the invasion

SUN DEC 28

11PM

MISTY MOUNTAINS INVADES

with Amanda Porq & Lena Horne

Music by TBoy

New Years Eve

WED DEC 31

9PM

NEW YEARS EVE

Two floors/Two Dj’s

Dj’s Chauncey D & RiMix

Pop-Up performnaces by Prada G Major

$10.

unholy communion

FRI JAN 2

10PM

THE BODY-THE BLOOD-THE BASS

UNHOLY COMMUNION

DJ SARE

TRAFFIC LIGHT

FRI JAN 9

10PM

DJ RIMIX

TRAFFIC LIGHT

What color will you be?

provoke

FRI JAN 16

10PM

PROVOKE

Dance and be Danced!

THE FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY

Dj Ladyboi

2nd flr/$5


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.

The West Village is a classic destination for queer nightlife, but you’ll find something exciting and welcoming in pretty much any part of the city.

You can check out the best drag shows or cabaret performances, but these queer spaces all offer something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the same place on different days!

From intimate piano bars where Broadway stars drop in to massive warehouse clubs that party until dawn, NYC offers every kind of gay night out imaginable. 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!

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. Colorful paper lanterns, tissue–paper fish and seasonal decorations hang from the ceiling.

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. With its vibrant atmosphere and prime location, Ritz Bar and Lounge continues to be a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike in the dynamic landscape of New York City’s LGBTQ+ scene.

Address: 369 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 333 4177

Wrap Up

In conclusion, the diverse array of gay bars in NYC listed here exemplifies the vibrant and inclusive nature of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Boasting two floors of pulsating beats and lively energy, it’s a hotspot for revelers seeking an unforgettable night out. The bar also hosts lively karaoke nights and bingo events, adding to its reputation as a hub of fun and laughter.

As a cocktail bar, Pieces serves up a delightful array of drinks, including crowd favorites like Margs, Mimosas, and Bloodys, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

gay clubs in new york city

The high–energy dance music draws a mixed, flirty crowd.

Why we love it: Drink at one of two bars, or shake your groove thing on the dance floor upstairs. 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.

Patrons flock to Pieces for its electrifying drag shows, where performers dazzle the audience with their talent and flair. Patrons flock to Barracuda for its dynamic drag shows featuring talented performers and dazzling costumes, adding to its popularity as a must-visit destination in the city’s gay nightlife scene.