Nyc gay bars midtown
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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!
Established in 1864, this is New York’s oldest operating gay bar, and the rich sense of history and community here are palpable.
Why we love it:Thanks to a resurgence in popularity in recent years, the crowd has an intergenerational mix; longtime patrons sip their drafts at the long wooden bar, while younger groups tend to gather at tables in the back and wolf down cheap eats from the in–house grill.
Daytime brings gawking tourists, but the evenings are still for partying.
Time Out tip: Visit during the daytime to peruse the Stonewall National Monument visitors’ center next door and learn the history and legacy of the bar and its eponymous social movement.
Address: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 2pm–4 am; Sat, Sun 1pm–4am
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4. Branded Saloon
What is it?A Prospect Heights honky tonk that’s proudly queer, this mainstay offers a low–key option for those who want to share sangria and chill vibes with friends.
Why we love it:It’s an after–work spot where the baked mac and cheese is as good as the queer atmosphere, particularly if you come on country music night.
Time Out tip: Watch parties, open mics, trivia, drag brunch and more are great activities for those who prefer structured activities to socialize.
Address: 603 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat noon–1am, Sun noon–midnight
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5. Suite Bar
What is it?Is the fact that this self–declared “gay pub with a local feel” is attached to a fast–casual Indian restaurant a big draw?
It describes everything we’re trying to create here on 30th Avenue. 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. Whether you're looking for craft cocktails, drag performances, underground dance parties, or just a place to be yourself, the city that never sleeps has exactly what you need.
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.
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
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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?
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. 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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.
Been there, done that? Monthly events include trivia, queeraoke, stoplight parties and more.
Time Out tip: Daily happy hour from 6pm to 8pm offers $7 drinks.
Address: 428 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Opening hours: Wed, Thu 6pm–2am; Fri, Sat 6pm–4am; Sun 6pm–2am
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8. Animal
What is it?This queer bar is all about aesthetics, high–quality cocktails, and grown–up fun that’s more for the LGBTQ+ imbiber who prefers a dirty martini in a chilled glass to house vodka sodas in a flimsy plastic cup.
Why we love it:Don’t be mistaken—there’s plenty of fun to be had here, from boozy brunches to late–night parties, with a bit of a more upscale edge than its sticky floor counterparts.
.
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.
Pink Metal is a well–kept Bushwick secret that’s one–of–a–kind.
Why we love it: Drop by for a signature cocktail (or mocktail) and stick around for fetish figure drawing, drag bingo or a burlesque show. Think again, my friend.
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Yes, it is. You bet. 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.
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LGBTQ+ bars In NYC
1. Cubbyhole
What is it? Cubbyhole is one of the Village’s more festive lesbian bars. The birthplace of gay liberation says “yes!” to empowerment and “hell, yes!” to go–go boys.
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! 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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