Best gay bars in nyc

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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.

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

1. 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.

Metropolitan has the answer: their backyard is the best place in town to relax with a drink and a few pals crowded around a picnic table.
Why we love it:You’re sure to run into friends (or just friends of Dorothy). There are plenty of LGBTQ+ things to do in New York, but if it’s a bar you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC
May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge.

Don’t miss this West Village staple.
Time Out tip: In addition to a bar, Julius’ is also a restaurant serving solid grilled hamburgers plus fries, onion rings and more.
Address: 159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat–Sun noon–midnight

12. The Bush

What is it? This fun Bushwick lesbian bar opened in April 2023, serving playful cocktails, DykeBeer, wine, and non–alcoholic beverages.

Why we love it:Visit for nightly specials, DJ dance parties under the disco balls, and overall chill but very fun vibes.

Time Out tip: The Bush is a great spot to socialize even if you’re not into dancing—look out for WNBA and WNSL watch parties, figure drawing nights, and more.

Address: 333 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 6pm–4am; Sun 4pm–midnight

13. Club Cumming

What is it?

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.

Phoenix isn’t fussy, and that’s why it feels like home. 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. 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.

We include the 10 best bars that you should visit in the state.

Top Gay Bars in Chelsea and Brooklyn

Chelsea, a vibrant neighborhood in New York City, boasts a thriving gay bar scene that attracts locals and visitors alike. 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.

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. But the bar itself is also very much worth visiting, for nightly cocktail specials, karaoke and drag performances.

Why we love it: It’s casual but very fun, and karaoke happens every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a fabulous drag queen host.

Known for its eclectic array of bars in the city, the East Village is often hailed as home to some of NYC’s best LGBTQ+ establishments.

Time Out tip:The bar shares a door with the neighboring Indian restaurant, Roti Roll, so you can fuel up with samosas and chana masala until 4am while the party rages.

Address: 992 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5pm–2am; Wed–Sun 5pm–4am

6. The Rosemont

What is it?Bushwick's queer renaissance thrives at this laid–back spot, where drag is available without a high ticket price, and dirty dance parties and backyard hangs are the order of the day.

Why we love it: Grab a cheap happy hour special and relax into a cozy couch; you're certain to make new friends.

Time Out tip: Daily happy hour until 9pm offers $5 well drinks and beer, and $8 classic cocktails.

Address: 63 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–4am; Sat, Sun 3pm–4am

7. Henrietta Hudson

What is it?A can’t–miss combo of a Chappel Roan–heavy jukebox and strong drinks poured by hot bartenders has kept this lesbian spot busy since 1991.

Why we love it:Reggae and hip–hop spin most nights, inspiring a good bit of booty–shaking among the young, flirty patrons.

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

11 Best Gay Bars in New York City: 2025 NYC Ultimate Guide

Overview of the NYC Gay Bar Scene

New York City’s gay bar scene stands as a vibrant testament to the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history and culture.

This versatile venue features two bars, offering a variety of drink options and settings to suit different moods. With its innovative events and top-notch hospitality, Industry Bar continues to set the standard for a vibrant and inclusive nightlife experience in the heart of New York City’s LGBTQ+ community.

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

Phone: ((646) 476-2747

East Village’s Lively Gay Bar Scene

The East Village in New York City boasts a vibrant and diverse gay bar scene, attracting patrons from near and far.