Bares gay manhattan
New York Gay Bars
The legendary Stonewall Inn stills stands proudly in Greenwich Village, reminding visitors of the political history that allows so many more new gay bars and clubs to flourish across the city. There are countless places for the homosexual community today to discover their crowd and perceive safe doing so, from the bustling drag scene of East Village to the quirky and alternative parties of Bushwick, from nightclub to karaoke block to dive, every destination is different. You're welcome to explore the spacious range of places on offer, and you're sure to find your matchless night.
New York Hotel Deals
Gay New York City
3 Dollar Bill
Dancing
3 Dollar Bill is proud to welcome all members of the LGBTQ community into a room that represents commitment to inclusion and the celebration of queer identity. This is a space for joy and the largest queer venue in Brooklyn, a unique venue where everyone can express themselves and have a fabulous night. From fun nights at the bar to incredible events with incredible sound and lights, 3 Dollar Bill is always ready for a nice time.
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9th Ave Saloon
Pub Vibes
A neighbourhood fixture and an original He
Bars & Nightlife
overview
While their significance is often underestimated or dismissed by heterosexual society, bars and other establishments played a pivotal role throughout the 20th century — but particularly in the pre-Stonewall era — as centers for LGBT protest and community.
These spaces, whether always gay friendly or only during certain times of the day or week, gave LGBT people the freedom to be themselves in a way they usually could not be in their personal or professional lives.
This curated collection largely reflects the bar and nightlife scene of downtown Manhattan; as we research more sites we encourage you to reach out to us with suggestions in upper Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
Header Photo
Truman Capote (center) with Liza Minnelli and Steve Rubell at Studio 54 in an undated photo. Photographer and origin unknown.
New York has played a major role in Diverse history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades. The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to gyrate clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. The West Village is a classic destination for lgbtq+ nightlife, but you’ll discover 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 present something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the same place on different days! 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! 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. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.
Best Gay Bars in Recent York City
Home to what is arguably the world's most famous gay exclude, The Stonewall Inn, Recent York is a society 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 exaggerate thriving collections of same-sex attracted bars and clubs. Brand-new York’s gay bars lure 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 kingly 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 second to visit the world’s most famous gay prevent. The Stonewall Inn, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, was the site of the known protests that kick-started the gay rights movement in the USA and is still a popular collective hang-out. Finish your bedtime 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.
Check out: New York Lesbian Bars,New York's Queer Dance
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