Expect shows to transition into packed-to-the-gills dance parties, going strong late into the night. Pieces, West Village: Established in 1993, this longstanding bar hosts some of the best drag shows in the city. Go there for a strong drink, a game of pool, and late night dancing. Phoenix, East Village: For 22 years, Phoenix has been an East Village mainstay. Strong drinks, a top-notch juke box, and vibrant mixed crowd, have kept this beloved dive bar around since 2003. Nowhere, East Village: This lively bar on East 14th Street may just have the lowest ceiling of any queer bar - or bar, for that matter - in the five boroughs. The Monster, West Village: One of the West Village classics, the multi-level Monster offers a piano bar, and a basement level dance floor. Warm up your vocals and join in on a sing-along performance. Today, Marie's Crisis is a cozy piano bar. Marie's Crisis, West Village: Little Marie's Crisis dates all the way back to the 1850s when it was used as a den for prostitution. Today, the welcoming neighborhood bar grills up burgers and fries, and offers strong pours.
This historic event spurred the many legal, political, and social changes for LGBTQIA+ people. Julius', West Village: Another West Village institution, in 1966, a "sip in" was held by activists at the bar to challenge the New York State Liquor Authority's regulation that barred the serving of homosexuals. Industry Bar, Hell's Kitchen: The most spacious of the Hell's Kitchen bars, this industrial-chic bar draws a bustling after-work scene and boisterous late night dancing. Henrietta Hudson, West Village: One of the few remaining lesbian bars in the country, and one of only two in New York City (see Cubbyhole above), Henrietta Hudson has a storied 30-year history serving as a crucial community and activist space - and safe haven.
Hardware Bar, Hell's Kitchen: On the western outskirts of Hell's Kitchen you'll find Hardware Bar, a hole-in-the-wall with big drag shows, an incredibly long Monday - Friday happy hour lasting from 2pm - 8pm, and Sunday and Saturday brunch-inspired cocktails. The Hangar Bar, West Village: A diverse crowd of masculine gay men frequent this West Village dive. Gym Sportsbar, Chelsea: As the name implies, this is a gay sports bar, popular for post-game team drinks.
The Eagle NYC, Chelsea: Perhaps the second-most cruise-y of New York's gay bars, the multi-level Eagle caters almost exclusively to gay men, and gets more debaucherous on each floor.Įvolve Lounge, Midtown East: This chic neighborhood bar has an outdoor garden patio, a billiards room, and lively happy hour.įlaming Saddles, Hell's Kitchen: Wild-west themed, Flaming Saddles is famous for its Coyote Ugly-inspired bar-top dancers, clad in cowboy boots. Here, choose from drinking at the piano bar, at a live show on the smallest stage in the West Village, at the city's oldest cabaret, or outside. The Duplex, West Village: Established in 1950, The Duplex is another of the West Village's classic queer bars. Head to the dark back room if you're feeling extra frisky.Ĭubbyhole, West Village: One of only two remaining predominantly lesbian bars in the city, Cubbyhole is on a charming corner of West 12th Street, and features a wildly eclectic array of decor and trinkets hanging from its ceiling. The Cock, East Village: This gay-men-only bar is the most cruise-y of all the gay bars in the city. Pretty much any after-work evening, expect the bar to steadily become jam packed.Ĭlub Cumming, East Village: Nodding to its part-owner, Alan Cumming, the former Eastern Bloc dive bar hosts regular cabaret events, Broadway-style shows, drag performances, and dance parties. The Boiler Room, East Village: This dive bar features a packed juke box, a well-priced happy hour, and late night dance parties.īoxers NYC, Chelsea: Buff, shirtless bartenders pour up 2-for-1 happy hour drinks in a sports bar setting.
Stay late for the top-notch drag shows and dancing. Atlas Social Club, Hell's Kitchen: Of the many queer bars in Hell's Kitchen, Atlas Social Club has more of an alternative vibe you'd expect from an East Village or Williamsburg bar.īarracuda Lounge, Chelsea: This divey-feeling bar is a Chelsea mainstay, brought to you by the owners of Elmo Restaurant and Industry Bar.