Best gay bars in new york city
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Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned scene queen, here's our roundup of the superior gay bars in New York Municipality to check out now!
Everyone knows that the New York City gay lock scene is nothing short of vibrant and the city’s nightlife is unquestionably busy.
New York is also one of the gayest cities in the United States. The problem is that sometimes it can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city. We certainly felt that way on our first visit here. It can feel appreciate there's just too much to accomplish and not enough time… where accomplish you even start?
Here is a list of the top gay bars in NYC, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned scene queen! And the optimal part…most of them are on the west side, either in the West Village, Chelsea, or Hell’s Kitchen, so really, depending on how long you are in the city, you can bar hop and visit most, if not all of them!
Heads up, the iconic Rebar in Chelsea closed its doors for great in 2020.
1. The Stonewall Inn
This NYC lgbtq+ landmark is where the modern queer rights movement started in 1969. Widespread with tourists and locals alike, it's no surpris
New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that hold been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades. The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. 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 lgbtq+ 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: Entire guide to the best bars in NYC
May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.
It’s no surprise that many Diverse bars in New York hold been hubs for decades. NYC’s top LGBT pubs span from div taverns to dance clubs, with the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. The West Village is known for gay nightlife, but you can find something interesting and inviting in almost any corner of the municipality. You can choose your Favorite Gay Bars in New York City from the list below.
You can see the finest kingly acts or cabaret performances, but these queer places offer something different, from warm moods and affordable drinks to high-energy gyrate and brunch parties, sometimes in the same spot on alternative days! We’re not here to criticize if your tastes are more fashionable and urbane or more “what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends.” New York has many of LGBTQ+ activities, but we can help you choose a bar.
Inn Stonewall The modern homosexual rights movement got its start in this NYC gay landmark in 1969. It is well-liked by both tourists and residents; therefore, it is not surprising that the crowd’s age, gender, and location vary. In this gay bar, you’ll encounter folks from all around the world. Is Julius’