Home to what is arguably the world’s most famous gay bar, The Stonewall Inn, New York is a world leader when it comes to gay nightlife. Whilst today’s gay scene is concentrated in the Hell’s Kitchen area, the historic districts of Chelsea and Greenwich Village still boast thriving collections of gay bars and clubs. New York’s gay bars attract a mix of locals and visiting gay travelers, which makes for an incredibly diverse scene. There is something for everyone in the city that never sleeps.
Line your stomach and enjoy world-class drag talent at Lucky Cheng’s; the original home of the drag dinner. After basking in the dazzling glow of the bar’s iconic acts, it’s time to visit the world’s most famous gay bar. The Stonewall Inn, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, was the site of the famous protests that kick-started the gay rights movement in the USA and is still a popular community hang-out. Finish your night under the pulsing strobe lights of Industry; a mainstay of New York City’s gay scene, this 4000ft sq venue guarantees an unforgettable gay clubbing experience.
New York gay bars by area: Hell’s Kitchen | East Village | Greenwich Village | Chelsea | Midtown | Washington Heights | Brooklyn | Queens
Also check out: New York Lesbian Bars, New York’s Gay Dance Clubs and Gay Cruise Clubs.
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is a supremely cool district near Broadway that is home to many of NYC’s best gay bars, including Therapy and Industry.
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Industry is one of Hell’s Kitchen’s hottest gay venues. With nightly shows, this bar is cash only though there are 2 ATM’s onsite. Industry has a busy after-work scene as well as a nightly happy hour. Particularly busy at the weekends, this 4,000 ft² gay bar is usually full of handsome gay men.
nearest station : 50th Street
Features bar
Updated: 25-May-2022
355 West 52nd Street, New York
Weekday: 5:00pm - 4:00am
Weekend: 5:00pm - 4:00am
3.2
Audience Rating From 18 votes Vote
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Gay-owned & managed bar & lounge in Hell’s Kitchen. HARDWARE features some of the best DJ’s in NYC and entertaining drag queens, both local and guests.
Located in midtown Manhattan. Open 7 days a week. Happy hour, 2pm-8pm (Monday-Friday).
Features bar, music, dancing, drag shows
Updated: 25-May-2022
697 10th Avenue, New York
Weekday: 2 PM - 4 AM
Weekend: 2 PM - 4 AM
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
This classy gay cocktail bar that has been at the heart of New York’s gay scene for 25+ years.
The Townhouse has 3 bars and features nightly piano shows by New York’s best performers. There is regular live music and events, often centred around Broadway tunes.
The bar attracts maturer mixed crowd and the ‘Men At Work’ type – so don’t show up in leather shorts and a vintage Madonna vest. Dress smart casual, though a jacket is not required.
nearest station : Lexington Ave / 59th Street
Features bar, live music
Updated: 25-May-2022
236 E 58th Street, New York
3.2
Audience Rating From 25 votes Vote
A much loved gay bar in New York since 1995. Back then, Barracuda was known as a den of Bohemia – the kind of place where you’d see Eartha Kitt or Nathan Lane and where Broadway celebs would jump onstage and sing a cappella.
Today, Barracuda is still going strong, with very friendly and welcoming atmosphere, hosted by some New York’s drag luminaries like Sherry Vine and actress Candis Cayne.
Note: The place is small, but that’s part of its charm.
nearest station : 23rd Street
Features bar, music, drag shows
Updated: 25-May-2022
275 W 22nd Street, New York
Weekday: 4pm-4am
Weekend: 4pm-4am
4.5
Audience Rating From 2 votes Vote
Lucky Cheng’s is the original home of the drag dinner. It’s been going since 1993 and it’s something of an establishment on New York’s gay scene. Enjoy a three-course meal as top drag queens lip-synch for their lives.
You can also try their famous high heel shoe desert, the world’s campest sweet. There’s nothing quite like a pink chocolate shoe filled with strawberries and cream.
Lucky Cheng’s is only open at weekends in the evenings.
nearest station : 50 Street Subway
Features bar, music, drag, dancing, restaurant
Updated: 25-May-2022
605 W 48th St, New York
Weekend: Friday and Saturday nights only
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
The 9th Avenue Saloon is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bars in New York City and has been serving the LGBTQ+ community for over 40 years. A Hell’s Kitchen landmark, it’s the perfect spot to grab a cocktail before heading on to your next venue.
Updated: 28-Sep-2022 656 9th Ave, New York City
A fun gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. This cowboy-themed bar was designed to look like a Wild West saloon – think “Coyote Ugly” but with male bartenders.
Aside from the hot barmen dancing on the bar top, Flaming Saddles also serves great cocktails with regular drink deals – Happy Hour 3pm-9pm. Only cash is accepted.
If you’re in Los Angeles, check out its sister branch – Flaming Saddles WeHo.
nearest station : 50th Street
Features bar, music
Updated: 25-May-2022
793 9th Avenue, New York
Weekday: 3pm – 4am
Weekend: 2pm - 4am
3.2
Audience Rating From 6 votes Vote
Hell’s Kitchen’s longest-running gay bar. POSH Bar & Lounge is more intimate affair than some of its rowdier counterparts in New York.
The bar hosts weekly themed events, including Frisky Fridays to Sexy Saturdays, with nightly DJ’s and regular drag shows. If you’re hungry, the pizza is pretty good, too. Happy hour 2pm-9pm.
Features bar, music, dancing, dj, drag shows
Updated: 25-May-2022
405 W 51st Street, New York
3.8
Audience Rating From 5 votes Vote
The Toolbox Bar is a long-standing gay dive bar, located in the Upper East Side.
The Toolbox hosts a range of popular events, including drag performances, karaoke, bingo, and other live entertainment. Check out their website for more information.
Updated: 25-May-2022
1742 2nd Ave, New York
Weekday: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 2am Thurs: 4pm - 4am
Weekend: Sat: 2pm - 4am Sun: 2pm - 2am
Rise is a laid back gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen a few blocks away from Flaming Saddles and Industry. The space is fairly small and the decor is understated. A swirling glitterball does, however, add rather a dash of camp.
Rise Bar is proof that you can’t have enough gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s usually busy and the crowd is mixed though mostly gay men.
There are regular events such as karaoke nights, Drag Race screenings and late night dancing at weekends. If you’re feeling thirsty head to Thirsty Thursdays for an evening of hot men and hot music.
nearest station : 50 Street Subway
Features bar, music, karaoke, dancing
Updated: 25-May-2022
859 9th Ave, New York
Weekday: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-2am
Weekend: Fri-Sat: 3pm-4pm Sun: 3pm-2am
2.5
Audience Rating From 2 votes Vote
Ritz Bar and Lounge is a swanky gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen with a nautical theme. It has two bars, a backyard patio and a street-facing patio. It’s been one of the best hotspots in Hell’s Kitchen since 2006.
There are nightly DJs and regular drag shows. The lineup changes night by night so check their website for more info.
Features bar
Updated: 25-May-2022
369 W 46th St, New York
Weekday: Mon-Fri: 4pm-4am
Weekend: Sat-Sun: 4pm-4am
East Village
Adjacent to Greenwich Village, East Village is known for its nightlife and trendy restaurants. It’s the former stomping ground of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
A gay institution of New York’s East Village for two decades. The Phoenix bar & nightclub (formerly called “The Bar”) attracts a youthful, trendy crowd.
The Phoenix hosts regular events, themed nights, live music, dance parties with DJ’s and go-go dancers. The bar’s jukebox is packed with banging pop hits. Check their Facebook for event details.
nearest station : 1st Avenue
Features bar, music, dancing, live music
Updated: 25-May-2022
447 E 13th Street, New York
Weekday: 3pm-4am
Weekend: 3pm-4am
3.5
Audience Rating From 4 votes Vote
Gay-popular bar & entertainment venue, Club Cumming, owned by actor Alan Cumming, features a range of disreputable performance artists every night of the week.
This former gay dive bar has been refashioned as a Weimar cabaret joint for the 21st-century, and still still attracts a large ‘alternative’ queer crowd.
As quirky venues in New York begin to disappear, it’s nice to see some remnants of Bohemia. The bar gets busiest around midnight. Check their website for event details.
nearest station : Broadway-Lafayette
Features bar, music, dancing, cabaret shows, live music
Updated: 25-May-2022
505 E 6th Street, New York
Weekday: 6pm-4am
Weekend: Sat: 4pm-4am Sun: 5pm-4am
2.8
Audience Rating From 5 votes Vote
NO BAR is a gay bar in the East Village with snazzy decor and artworks by Dachi Cole. The cocktails are pretty impressive. NYC has long been in need to of a gay bar that specialises in cocktails!
It was opened by Angela Dimayuga, an influential figure in NYC’s restaurant scene.
There are regular drag shows and club nights. You can eat, wine and dine, watch Drag Race… what more could you need?
nearest station : Astor Pl
Features bar, music, cocktails
Updated: 25-May-2022
The Standard, 25 Cooper Sq, New York
Weekday: Mon-Weds: 17:00-02:00 Thurs-Fri: 17:00-03:00
Weekend: Sat: 17:00-03:00 Sun: 17:00-02:00
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
Laid-back basement gay bar in NYC’s East Village. Nowhere has an unpretentious vibe and serves reasonably priced drinks.
The crowd is mixed though mostly gay. If you describe yourself as “non-scene” on Grindr, you’ll do well here. It’s a no attitude, no ageism bar.
Nowhere hosts regular themed nights with DJ’s, go-go dancers and cruisey dark room. Not really a place for dancing, but great for socialising.
nearest station : 1st Avenue
Features bar, music, dancing
Updated: 25-May-2022
322 E 14th Street, New York
Weekday: 4pm-2am
Weekend: 3pm-4am
3.8
Audience Rating From 4 votes Vote
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village was once the Bohemian and artistic hub of New York. Soaring property prices now have made it far more upmarket. Home to ‘The Stonewall Inn’, possibly the most famous gay bar on earth, the area remains a favorite hangout for the local LGBT community.
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Iconic gay bar in the heart of Greenwich Village. The Stonewall Inn was raided by police in June 1969, but the patrons that night fought back, kickstarting the gay liberation movement.
As the birthplace of gay Pride, The Stonewall remains the most famous LGBT bar in America. The venue hosts themed parties, karaoke nights, drag shows and various weekly/monthly events – check their Facebook page for details.
nearest station : Christopher Street Station
Features bar, music, live music, drag shows, karaoke
Updated: 25-May-2022
53 Christopher Street , New York
Weekday: 2pm-4am
Weekend: 1pm-4am
2.3
Audience Rating From 3 votes Vote
The Hangar Bar is located on Christopher Street of the West Village in New York City. It’s a popular gay dive bar in the same district as the famous Stonewall Inn. They have frequent two for one drink offers.
Features bar
Updated: 25-May-2022
115 Christopher St #1, New York
Weekday: 5pm-12am
Weekend: 5pm-2am
5.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
The gay liberation movement may have begun at The Stonewall Inn but Julius’ is the oldest gay bar in New York. The bar has been open since the mid-19th century. It became gay-popular in the 1960s.
The Mattachine Society hosted a “sip-in” in 1966. Inspired by the civil rights movement, it was a protest against the State Liquor Authority’s policy of removing licenses from bars that served LGBT people. It was one of the events that led to gay liberation.
You can attend a Mattachine Night every Thursday at Julius’ and experience a taste of New York’s gay history.
nearest station : 9th Street
Features bar, music, dancing
Updated: 25-May-2022
159 W 10th St, New York
Weekday: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-2am Friday: 4:00pm - 2am.
Weekend: Saturday: 12 noon - 2 am Sunday: 12 noon - 12 am.
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
One of Greenwich Village’s legendary gay venues. Marie’s Crisis is known for its fun laid-back vibe where customers sing along to classic Broadway show tunes, accompanied by a live pianist.
Frequented by musical theatre students and the occasional celebrities like Jimmy Fallon. Great place to enjoy music from Mary Poppins, The Lion King, West Side Story, Mamma Mia, Aladdin, etc.
The space is limited inside, so expect a queue.
nearest station : Christopher Street
Features bar, music, live music
Updated: 25-May-2022
59 Grove Street, New York
Weekday: 4pm-4am
Weekend: 4pm-4am
5.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
Today: Frisky FridaysTomorrow: Sinful Saturday
Gay bar in Greenwich Village (since 1993). Pieces Bar features drag shows, competitions, games, sexy bartenders, party nights with DJ.
Open daily 2pm-4am. Happy hour Monday-Friday (2pm-8pm). 21+ only.
nearest station : Christopher Street / Sheridan Square
Features bar, music, dancing, drag shows
Updated: 25-May-2022
8 Christopher Street, New York
Weekday: 2pm-4am
Weekend: 2pm-4am
3.3
Audience Rating From 7 votes Vote
Chelsea
Chelsea was New York’s biggest ‘gayborhood’until it was usurped by Hell’s Kitchen. It’s still, however, home to many of NYC’s gay inhabitants, with fewer exclusively gay venues than it did in the past.
Today: DJsTomorrow: 2-for-1 Happy Hour from 1pm to 9pm
Chelsea branch of New York’s favorite gay sports bar. BOXERS features large TV screens, pool tables and a rooftop terrace (open in the summer).
The hot bartenders (often shirtless) serve up drinks and pizzas in their boxers (as the name might suggest). The other BOXERS bar is located in Hell’s Kitchen.
nearest station : 14th Street
Features bar, music
Updated: 25-May-2022
37 W 20th Street, New York
Weekday: 4pm-2am
Weekend: 1pm-4am
4.5
Audience Rating From 2 votes Vote
Popular gay bar & nightclub in Chelsea. REBAR (formerly called “G Lounge”) is a great place to drink, chat and dance the night away. There are two bars with plenty of seating areas.
REBAR hosts various themed events, featuring drag shows, diva theatrics every weekend, Showtune Sundays, live DJ’s and dance parties including the popular “BOYS” night.
Features bar, music, dancing, events
Updated: 25-May-2022
225 W 19th Street, New York
Weekday: 4pm-1am
Weekend: 4pm-1am
3.3
Audience Rating From 15 votes Vote
Midtown
Midtown is the epicentre of Manhatten. Here you’ll find many of New York’s major hotels and top tourist attractions like The Rockefellers Centre and The Museum Of Modern Art.
Tomorrow: Glitz & Glam: La Cage Drag Show
If you’re looking for a drag show in New York, you can’t do better than Lips. There are nightly shows and dining experiences. The show changes every night. You can tuck into lobster ravioli while being served and entertained by the fiercest queens in town.
You’ll get a bit of everything, from Bitchy Bingo to Dinner with the Divas and celebrity impersonators. There’s also an everything you can drink Broadway boozy brunch.
It’s located in Midtown East five blocks away from the Rockefeller Center.
nearest station : Lexington Av
Features bar, music, drag,
Updated: 25-May-2022
227 East 56th Street, New York City
2.5
Audience Rating From 2 votes Vote
Brooklyn
Brooklyn has lots of amazing gay bars. Being NYC’s most populous borough, you’d expect nothing less!
New and exciting bar in Brooklyn, New York. Previously known as Club Langston, Wu Lou Lounge offer a full drinks and cocktail menu, as well as a full food menu with bar snacks.
Happy Hour is between 4pm and 8pm, Beer is half price, and every day you’ll find $5 drinks specials. Great music as well as numerous weekly and special themed events.
nearest station : Franklin Avenue Subway station
Updated: 25-May-2022
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1073 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York City
Weekday: 16:00-00:00
Weekend: 16:00-00:00
3 Dollar Bill is the largest gay bar in Brooklyn, New York. It’s a great place to spend the night and it’s as queer as springtime. It’s in a huge warehouse so there’s plenty of space to sashay.
This is a great place to end your gay night out in Brooklyn after bar hopping from Excelsior to Metropolitan.
There are regular drag shows and banging DJ sets.
You’ll even find Del Sur Cocina, a Mexican kitchen in the back with a patio.
nearest station : Montrose Avenue
Features bar, music, dancing, drag
Updated: 25-May-2022
260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, New York
Weekday: 14:00 - 04:00
Weekend: 14:00 - 04:00
4.0
Audience Rating From 4 votes Vote
Good Judy is a popular gay bar in Brooklyn. Built in the former Excelsior bar space (it was the oldest gay bar in south Brooklyn), they honor the legacy and importance of queer identity in Brooklyn.
Events held here range from cabaret to drag, that will be sure to entertain. It has a cozy garden – The Backyard – perfect for sipping on cocktails in the evenings.
Good Judy is known for the fantastic drinks, great music and attentive staff. It is much loved by locals and newcomers alike.
nearest station : 9 Street Station
Features bar, garden, merch, piano, lounge
Updated: 25-May-2022
563 5th Ave, New York City
Weekday: 17:00 - 22:00 pm
Weekend: 17:00 - 22:00 pm
Metropolitan is a lively gay bar in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood. This popular hangout welcomes gay and straight locals to enjoy affordable drinks and indie music.
Inside, you’ll find a pool table and 2 fireplaces; outside you can take advantage of the lush outdoor space. Happy hours daily between 15:00 and 20:00.
Features bar, music, karaoke, dancing
Updated: 25-May-2022
559 Lorimer St, Brooklyn
Weekday: 15:00-04:00
Weekend: 15:00-04:00
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
The Rosemont is the most recent addition to New York’s gay bar scene. It’s located in the trendy Williamsburg district of Brooklyn, an area with a large gay population. As this is Brooklyn you can expect a lot of hipsters and people who work in digital.
Happy hour usually has good deals – rather helpful in a city as pricey as New York.
The Rosemont is part lounge bar part club. There’s a seating area outside where you can mingle with well-dressed locals. They also host regular drag shows and DJs at night.
nearest station : Broadway
Features bar, music, dancing, drag shows
Updated: 25-May-2022
63 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, New York City
Weekday: 17:00-04:00
Weekend: 15:00-04:00
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
The Deep End is a bar and eatery serving hearty tacos and burgers. On some nights The Deep End becomes a gay bar with drag shows and occasional themed nights, such as otter parties for the hirsute gentlemen adventurer.
The food is very American, so think Aunt Missy’s Famous Mashed Potatoes, cheesecake and curly fries. It’s served with a hipster twist so expect honey and sriracha with your bacon.
There are drag brunches most weekends.
Closed for winter.
Features bar, restaurant, music, karaoke
Updated: 25-May-2022
1080 Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood, New York
Weekday: Monday: Closed Tuesday - Friday: 18:00 - 04:00
Weekend: 12:00 - 04:00
1.0
Audience Rating From 53 votes Vote
Popular gay bar and one the newer gay venues in Brooklyn. Macri Park offers a casual atmosphere, cosy interior, and spacious outdoor area.
The bar attracts all types of clientele with its lively drag shows, hot bartenders and stiff drinks. Located in the borough’s lively Williamsburg neighbourhood.
Features bar, music, drag, karaoke
Updated: 25-May-2022
462 Union Ave, Brooklyn
Weekday: 15:00-04:00
Weekend: 15:00-04:00
5.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
Mood Ring is a quirky, astrology-styled bar in Brooklyn, describing itself as woman-led and LGBTQ friendly. The bar has a dark and aptly moody atmosphere, utilising neon lights and fair lights to create a cool and safe environment. Mood Ring serves astrological cocktails and feature DJs regularly. Mood Ring is a great drinking spot for the younger or astrology-inclined shes, theys and gays.
Updated: 25-May-2022
1260 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn
Weekday: 6pm - 2am (Monday - Wednesday) 6pm - 3am (Thursday) 6pm - 4am (Friday)
Weekend: 6pm - 4am (Saturday) 6pm - 2am (Sunday)
Happyfun Hideaway is a unique tiki-themed bar featuring tropically themed cocktails, decor and snacks. The bar is LGBTQ+ friendly and has a small-town bar atmosphere.
Updated: 25-May-2022
1211 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn
Weekday: 4pm - 4am
Weekend: 4pm - 4am (Saturday) 2pm - 4am (Sunday)
Queens
Queens is located on Long Island, and is a more residential area than Manhattan. You’ll find some of NYC’s most exciting gay bars.
Friend’s Tavern is a relaxed gay bar in Queens’ Jackson Heights neighbourhood.
Known as the oldest gay bar in Queens, Friend’s Tavern prides itself on its low-key atmosphere and humble attitude.
Welcoming diverse neighbourhood crowds, this local gay bar offers strong cocktails and good music.
Come here to make some new friends and enjoy an authentic Queens night out.
Features bar, music
Updated: 25-May-2022
78-11 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights
Weekday: 16:00-04:00
Weekend: 16:00-04:00
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
Lively gay bar & nightclub in Jackson Heights. Hombres Lounge offers a Manhattan vibe in Queens with regular happy hours, karaoke nights and themed dance parties.
Hombres Lounge works with local LGBT+ and Latin organisations to promote awareness and equality.
Features bar, music, dancing, karaoke, restaurant
Updated: 25-May-2022
85-28 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, New York
Weekday: 17:00 - 04:00
Weekend: 17:00 - 04:00
4.3
Audience Rating From 3 votes Vote
Today: Karaoke
Albatross Bar is a friendly Queens gay bar in the heart of Astoria.
Inside the cosy venue you’ll find pool tables, dartboards, and a jukebox, as well as a full-service bar.
Locals flock to Albatross Bar for its tasty cocktails, warm interior, and welcoming crowds.
Throughout the week this neighbourhood gay bar plays host to karaoke nights and drag bingo.
On occasion Albatross offers open mic nights, stand-up comedy, and trivia.
Features bar, music, karaoke, live music, dancing
Updated: 25-May-2022
36-19 24th Ave, Astoria
Weekday: 17:00-04:00
Weekend: 17:00-04:00
5.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
True Colors is a lively gay bar in Queens’ Jackson Heights neighbourhood, just moments from the borough’s best gay nightlife.
This no-attitude bar is home to friendly bartenders, good drinks, and fun music.
Diverse crowds gather at True Colors throughout the week for its hosted event nights, including hot dancers, DJ nights, and dance parties.
Features bar, music, dancing
Updated: 25-May-2022
79-15 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights
Weekday: 16:00-04:00
Weekend: 16:00-04:00
4.0
Audience Rating From 1 votes Vote
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