Cubbyhole is one of the most festive lesbian bars in town. Colored paper lanterns, tissue paper fish and seasonal decorations hang from the ceiling, and the stools are upholstered with glossy vinyl with images of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig. Like the best LGBT spaces, Cubbyhole is one of a kind. Established in 1864, this is the oldest operating gay bar in New York, and the rich sense of history and community here is palpable.
Thanks to the resurgence of popularity in recent years, the public has an intergenerational mix; older customers drink their drafts on the long wooden bar, as younger groups tend to meet at tables in the back and eat cheap food from the hotel grill. Don't miss this West Village classic. The Cock, a bar that calls itself “rock and sleazy”, is just the kind of dark and incomplete dive where you can unleash your inner sexy beast. The lack of uptown attitude (or any apparent concern for cleanliness) attracts artists, musicians, writers, fashion lovers, tourists, and rebels locked in stiff poles, all of whom can appreciate a little dirty fun.
There are so many people on the weekends (from midnight to 3 in the morning) that there is often an additional charge. Fill your pockets before you come here; it's only effective. New York's best queer bars range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic sites like the Stonewall Inn hosting them all. Playhouse is one of the best gay bars in New York for dancing that isn't a circuit party.
They play upbeat pop music and other LGBT favorites. It's also one of the best places for large groups. Located in the heart of Chelsea, Barracuda Lounge is one of the best-known and generally the best gay bars in New York. Known for its cozy backroom sofas, friendly waiters, and cheap happy hours, this place is a must if you're on the West Side.
Plus, with their famous transvestite shows (which they organize apparently every night of the week), you'll be sure to enjoy a dose of entertainment while you're there. In 1969, a squad of plain-clothed New York Police officers entered the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village and began arresting bar staff, as well as customers who were “disguised as members of the opposite sex”. However, unlike previous raids, those gathered at Stonewall Inn fought back. The six nights resulting from riots led by transgender and gender-nonconforming activists such as Silvia Rivera and Marsha P.
Johnson gave new visibility to the fledgling movement for LGBT rights and encouraged queer communities across America to fight for their rights. As one of only 21 lesbian bars left in America and one of three in New York City (the other two being Cubbyhole and Ginger's Bar in Park Slope), Henrietta Hudson is fiercely committed to creating a space that embraces members of the LGBTQ community who are often alienated in queer spaces dominated by cis-gay men. Found in the West Village, Henrietta Hudson proudly bears the title of oldest lesbian bar in America. The bar is open from Wednesday to Sunday and offers cocktails with bold names such as “Two in the Pink” Margarittatas and “Dirty Diana”.
Henrietta Hudson has also recently reopened its dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights for the first time since pandemic began so be sure to bring your dancing shoes! The Rosemont is fairly new to scene but has already established itself as one of Brooklyn's top queer party sites. You can get into its crowded and sweaty dance floor to spend night with DJ sessions or even with live musicians then go out to its spacious outdoor patio when you need some air. The Rosemont is also known for its transvestite artists when bar was forced to close its doors during pandemic it briefly became exclusive transvestite delivery service to help keep business afloat. Owned by actor Alan Cumming this performance-focused bar draws queer crowd from everywhere for night of fun.
New York City has been center of LGBTQ+ pride for years and years so it's no secret that it has some best gay bars and clubs entire country. From fancy clubs to kinky clubs to decades-old queer bastions there are plenty of places for members of LGBTQ+ community to relax have fun or just be themselves without fear judgement or discrimination. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to relax western-themed bar where denim-clad bar keeps “do si-do” on bar between whiskey then Flaming Saddles Hell's Kitchen is your ideal place. New York City has long been known both thriving queer community today rich history source LGBTQ activism whether you're looking happy hours dance clubs dive bars these LGBTQ bars clubs some best New York City.
