Are you on the lookout for the most fun Gay Bars in New York?
Then we have you covered!
Keep in mind, this article is in ascending order. We’ve saved the best Gay Bars for last. Enjoy the list!
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The Stonewall Inn This NYC gay landmark is where the modern gay rights movement started in 1969 it’s popular with tourists and locals alike, it’s no surprise that the crowd varies in age, gender, and geography. You’ll meet people from everywhere in this gay bar. Julius’ is considered the oldest continuously operating gay bar in New York City? Julius serves not only cocktails but some of the best burgers on an old-school grill. Pieces Bar is one of the best gay bars to go to in New York City to create great memories. The crowd is very diverse, and it is no surprise that weekends are the most popular time to go. Rebar is well known for its gay Latin parties and “Caliente” atmosphere, this bar’s crowd tends to be between the ages of 25 and 45. The best day to hang out is on Saturdays from midnight until 4 AM.
10. Club Cumming New York
A great place for the community! A fun, friendly lesbian bar – the oldest in NYC I believe. Good vibes all around. Henrietta Hudson is a queer human space built by Lesbians. Henrietta Hudson has not only survived but thrived for 30 years and is embarking upon a massive reinvention of its legendary space. It will be a while before packed dance clubs are back in full swing, so we’re adapting and changing our model from a crowded nightclub to a spacious, airy lounge for the community to gather safely. On a rainy night in 1985, Lisa Cannistraci took refuge in a small bar in the west village. While chatting with the bartenders, she mentioned she was job hunting and was hired on the spot. After 5 years of working the bar, the original Cubby Hole closed and Lisa, along with Minnie Rivera, opened Henrietta Hudson. The bar was literally built by lesbians with donated boom boxes and labor and materials.
9. The Cock New York
This may seem like a dive bar, but its atmosphere is part of its charm. The bar serves good drinks that are reasonably priced, and everyone is treated with respect here. This bar is the definition of convenience when you’re drunk and horny at the end of the night. The Cock, once described as “the last filthy gay bar in New York” moved to No. 93 in late 2015.
8. Cubbyhole Bar New York
What a cute, classic, and welcoming lesbian bar with a good happy hour! Cubbyhole Bar has been serving NYC’S LBGTQ + Community and their friends since 1994. The Cubbyhole is a lively gathering space for the LBGTQ, welcoming all to have fun, and meet new people, or old friends while enjoying a drink, and tunes on their famous jukebox. Very good vibe and some great bartenders. Most people have a good time here. And it’s a good mix, mostly lesbians, a few gay men, and sure, an occasional straight person, and a small but fabulously cool trans clientele Cubbyhole Bar has specials in happy hour from Monday – Friday 4 PM – 7 PM and Saturday 2 PM – 6 PM. Amazing staff, great jukebox, the unique, new outdoor seating concept, funky ceiling décor, and some of the best drink specials and happy hour in the city keep people coming in again and again. There is always a fun and comfortable atmosphere at Cubby, New York’s West Village fusion bar! Beautiful space with super kind bartenders, cheap drinks, and a great crowd. This place is arguably a favorite place in the entirety of New York City. This all-cash bar, specifically catered toward LGBT women, is a vivacious epicenter for networking and culture. The interior decor is eclectic but playful, yet offers a comfortable surrounding to sip, savor and enjoy. The drinks are reasonably priced and the bartenders are on top of everything!
7. Industry Bar
The industry has been a staple in HK for so many years, and its reopening has proven why. The staff is great, the music is amazing, the drinks are strong, and they adhere closely to all the covid guidelines. If you and your friends are looking for a fun night out, Industry should be on the top of your list. Industry Bar is a very cute restaurant-style setup but still feels like good old industry entertainment nights, with a beautiful queen at the door, and all the videos. Not crowded at all but they check temps and it feels very safe.
6. Rise Bar New York
Rise is an amazing gay bar with awesome drag shows, live musical nights, lively classy DJs, a fun-filled and relaxed atmosphere, amazingly attentive and quick service by great friendly staff, pub games, reasonably priced tasty drinks, friendly bartenders, a large wine list, chic decor, stylish interior, comfy seating, big TVs, fun crowd, fabulous drag shows with stunning drag queens, late-night menu, free WI-FI, freshly served delicious food, free buffet, live sports, creative cocktails and great happy hour.
5. Nowhere New York
If you say you’re going “nowhere” this weekend, you better be referencing the bar. Despite its unassuming name, Nowhere makes dark and dingy environs something to long for. It has affordable drink prices, unbeatable music, and a newly replaced pool table, this is somewhere you need to experience. A friendly, spacious bar with an intimacy-heightening low ceiling, Nowhere attracts attitude-free crowds—and the place is filled with gay men, women, genderqueers, and anyone who doesn’t care for a label. Video screens play artsy videos and offbeat porn while DJs get the crowd moving on an unofficial dance floor to a range of disco, rock, new wave, and whatever else they feel like spinning.
4. The Toolbox Bar New York
The Toolbox Bar is a wonderful local and fun, neighborhood Upper East Side gay bar. The Toolbox is a neighborhood gay bar offering happy hour specials catering to the local crowd but is welcoming to all. If diversity, no-attitude, and a clique-free environment are what you’re looking for, you will find the Tool Box to be right up your alley. The Toolbox hosts a range of popular events, including drag performances, karaoke, bingo, and other live entertainment. The Tool Box is your local gay bar offering happy hour specials and various types of live entertainment. The bar area has soft lighting and features video games and 6 TVs, one of which is a big screen. They usually play sports but can show whatever you request and even show music videos and adult movies.
3. Hardware New York
Hardware is arguably the best gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen. Hardware Bar is located in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, HARDWARE is a buzzy bar and lounge with an award-winning bespoke design inspired by the old hardware store that it now occupies. A good gay bar. They have good happy hour specials and I’ve never had a rude bartender. The place can get pretty packed on weekend nights. The space is pretty narrow at the bar and it can be tough to get through to the back or find a spot to get in and order a drink. They have TVs and will put on some fun movies and videos.
2. Phoenix Bar New York
Phoenix Bar is divey, casual, and classy! The Phoenix, originally established as The Bar in 1999, rose from the ashes after a fire devastated the mainstay dive watering hole. The Phoenix has a strong tradition of catering to a diverse and trendy crowd and has become a gay institution in the east village. Change is a constant in life, and The Phoenix has not shied from its own evolution. Receiving accolades including having the best jukebox in the city, being a fashion insiders party, and even as a grade performance venue, The Phoenix has never closed its mind after opening its door. With new management and a renovated interior, the bar has transformed from “go-to dive” to “be seen at destination”. Surviving blackouts, hurricanes, and crises in between, the bar has never shuttered, striving to serve a community and neighborhood it holds more dear than the strong drinks poured every night.
1. The Townhouse of New York
The Townhouse Bar is the classist gay bar in New York! It’s one of the most NYC things you could possibly experience. Here you’ll find the finest performers playing nighty! The Townhouse of New York is an elegant gay men’s bar with great music, live entertainment, and tasty cheap drinks. While much of the after-work crowd is in suits and blazers, a jacket is not required, but please dress to impress! This classy gay cocktail bar has been at the heart of New York’s gay scene for 25+ years.
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In Conclusion
Rise bar welcomes everyone with its relaxing and modern atmosphere. You can truly stop by any day of the week and have a great time, especially with their event nights. Flaming Saddles is one of the most unique spots, this wild-west-themed gay bar is where country music meets gay dance party – the bartenders often hop onto the bar top and dance to a variety of country and top 40 songs. Ritz Bar and Lounge upstairs and you will discover a packed dance floor. The crowd tends to be more mixed but the vibe is super relaxed and welcoming.
