New York City has been a staple for the LGBTQ+ community from the start of the gay rights movement through to the present, so it’s no surprise the options for queer-friendly spaces are as limitless as the city's skyline.
From the Stonewall Riots in 1969 to the iconic Pride March every June, New York City has long been a hot spot for queer folk across the globe to gather and celebrate.
From quaint and cozy spots in the West Village to iconic dance venues in Hell’s Kitchen, there’s something for everyone. Here, we’ve broken down 14 popular queer-friendly bars to check out in the city.
See also: The 9 Best Ice Cream Shops in NYC
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59 Grove St. / 646.470.6040 / Website
This cozy bar in the heart of the West Village is perfect for Broadway fanatics, or people looking for a casual and fun night out. Every weekend you’ll find people of all walks of life gathered around the piano, singing their hearts out to all sorts of classic and modern Broadway hits while enjoying reasonably-priced drinks and a comforting atmosphere.
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355 W 52nd St. / Website
With a ceiling lined with disco balls of all shapes and sizes, and the back of the bar lit up with colorful mosaics, Industry Bar is the prime spot for a fun night out. This Hell’s Kitchen establishment is known for playing fun pop music, as well as hosting a variety of drag shows and performances each week.
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53 Christopher St. / 212.488.2705 / Website
Be a part of history at this local favorite; the setting of the infamous Stonewall Riots in 1969 that helped spark the national movement for gay rights. This national historic landmark hosts visitors from all over the country and the world who mix and mingle within the tavern's warm and inviting energy.
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281 W 12th St. / 212.234.9041 / Website
This colorful space is one of the last remaining lesbian bars in the city. From the quirky and eclectic ceiling decorations to the famous jukebox and the great happy hour, Cubbyhole is the place to be.
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100A 7th Ave. / 212.427.2567 / Website
Upon entering the unassuming doors on 7th Avenue, you walk down the stairs, open the doors and are met with unbeatable energy. Whether it’s people dancing under the lights of the crystal bar or an entertaining drag show, this queer-friendly bar is sure to be a fun time.
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438 Hudson St. / 212.924.3347 / Website
As the website reads, this spot is “a queer human space built by lesbians.” The establishment has been around for more than 30 years though it's always revamping and adapting to the changing times. Most recently, the space has shifted from a nightclub to a spacious lounge to give guests a comfortable space to mix, mingle and sip on some amazing cocktails.
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61 Christopher St. / 212.255.5438 / Website
This West Village hot spot is the one-stop shop for all kinds of fun and entertainment. On the first floor lies the piano bar which offers live music and an open mic night every night; upstairs is more upbeat with drag shows and dancing by the bar, and the cabaret theater is one of the oldest in the city. There’s something here for everyone, so come and explore.
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3619 24th Ave., Queens / 718.204.9707 / Website
Thanks to endless entertainment in the form of karaoke, drag shows, bingo and TV viewing parties, the fun never ends at Albatross Bar. As the oldest gay bar in Queens, Albatross is known for its upbeat vibes and incredible crowd. Try the summer drink menu with cocktails such as rum punch, an Aperol spritz and a Paloma.
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363 5th Ave., Brooklyn / Website
This queer and Irish-owned lesbian bar has brought great vibes to Park Slope for over twenty years. We highly recommend swinging by for trivia every first Tuesday of the month. This community staple has been thriving for so long that it recently opened a sister business called Mary’s Bar, an Irish pub that has all the same charm as Ginger’s.
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563 5th Ave., Brooklyn / Website
If you’re looking for a late night of good cocktails, plenty of dancing and great company, look no further. Good Judy is constantly hosting fun events, from drag shows to karaoke and piano sing alongs. P.S. The Blue Room will change your life!
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275 W 22nd St. / Website
Home to the longest-running drag competition in NYC, Barracuda Lounge is all about an elevated experience. For 29 years, the gay community has been dressing to impress and heading to Barracuda to dance and enjoy some drag. The lounge’s drag competition, Star Search, is held every Thursday!
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159 W. 10th St. / 877.746.0528 / Website
Known as the city’s oldest gay bar, this cash-only establishment is full of history. The structure opened in 1840 as a grocery store before becoming a bar in 1864. A long and storied past then led the bar to start attracting gay customers in the 1960s. Nowadays, Julius’ is a great spot to grab a good meal and a beer before mixing and mingling.
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2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. / 646.669.8008 / Website
Located in Northern Harlem, this upscale Black-owned nightclub brings the heat. It’s known for its excellent bottle service and hookah in addition to fun events such as karaoke and game nights, which include games such as spades, Play Station and Nintendo Switch.
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447 E 13th St. / 212.477.9979 / Website
Located in the East Village, Phoenix Bar has been a neighborhood mainstay for 25 years. Resident DJs, trivia nights, drag performances, karaoke parties and strong drinks keep patrons coming back for more again and again. We also love taking a breather on their patio when things start getting too hot to handle. Insider tip: follow their Instagram to stay up to date on weekly events!
Whether you opt for a chill hang out in Brooklyn, a sweaty all-nighter in the club or a quick beer with old friends, these LGBTQ+ bars are the very best that NYC has to offer. Enjoy, and happy Pride month!
Photography by: Ladanifer / iStock Images/Getty
