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With its generous happy hour specials and late-night entertainment, including karaoke and themed parties, Barracuda offers an unforgettable experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Address: 275 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011

Phone: (212) 645-8613

4. And don’t be afraid to go inside, where an excellent DJ or drag queen is surely keeping the crowd shrieking and/or dancing. 

Time Out tip: Metro is an all-seasons dive!

With its unique blend of charm and community spirit, Cubbyhole continues to be a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Address: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

Phone: (212) 243-9041

9. Enjoy treats like mochi donuts and potato croquettes from their all–vegan snack menu. 

Address: 253 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri–Sun 5pm–2am

23. Industry Bar

What is it?The men behind longstanding Chelsea haunts Barracuda and Elmo Restaurant bring you this high–energy midtown drinkery. 

Why we love it:Unlike cozy Barracuda, Industry is a sprawling, high–ceilinged space, featuring a long concrete bar (manned by hunky, often shirtless bartenders, naturally), a stage hosting drag and music performances and a sizable dance floor.

Time Out tip: Drinks are buy one, get one until 9pm every night.

Address: 355 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours: Daily 6pm–4am

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NYC's Legendary Gay Bars

From historic Stonewall to the hottest new lounges, discover 50+ LGBTQ+ bars that make New York the world's gayest city

NYC's Most Iconic Gay Bars

These legendary venues have shaped NYC's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene and continue to be must-visit destinations

Historic

The Stonewall Inn

Birthplace of Pride

53 Christopher St, West Village National Monument

The birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Bingo Mondays

East Village (6+ venues)

Club Cumming

505 E 6th St

Celebrity

Alan Cumming's eclectic venue with cabaret, comedy, and legendary dance parties. Yes, these clubs are great alternatives if you want to have another experience aside from Broadway in the city that never sleeps!

1.

One of its best parts is the historic significance it carries, having been awarded landmark status by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission in recognition of its cultural importance.

As one customer expressed, “Julius’ is not just a bar; it’s a piece of LGBTQ+ history. Patrons can enjoy a variety of drinks at affordable prices while mingling with a diverse crowd of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Dance FloorDrag Shows4,000 sq ft

Since 1860s

Julius'

NYC's Oldest Gay Bar

159 W 10th St, West Village Historic Site

NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar and site of the 1966 "Sip-In" that challenged discriminatory policies. Whether you’re seeking dazzling performances or a laid-back evening with friends, Pieces promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of NYC’s LGBTQ+ community.

Address: 8 CHRISTOPHER STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10014

Phone: (212) 929-9291

8.

Pink Metal is a well–kept Bushwick secret that’s one–of–a–kind. 

Why we love it: Drop by for a signature cocktail (or mocktail) and stick around for fetish figure drawing, drag bingo or a burlesque show. From dazzling drag shows to electrifying DJ sets, Industry Bar offers an array of entertainment options to suit every taste.

The bar’s spacious layout, stylish decor, and energetic vibe create the perfect backdrop for mingling with friends or making new connections.

The bar also hosts lively karaoke nights and bingo events, adding to its reputation as a hub of fun and laughter.

As a cocktail bar, Pieces serves up a delightful array of drinks, including crowd favorites like Margs, Mimosas, and Bloodys, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Julius’: The Oldest Gay Bar in NYC

Julius’, the oldest and original gay bar in New York City, holds a special place in LGBTQ+ history as a beloved institution that has stood the test of time. Industry Bar: A Trendsetting Destination for Entertainment and Socializing

Industry Bar in NYC has solidified its reputation as the trendsetting destination for entertainment and socializing, often hailed as the best gay bar in NYC.

Its dynamic atmosphere and cutting-edge performances draw crowds seeking unforgettable nights out. These days, most of the gay bars and clubs are centered around Hell's Kitchen but you'll also find gay scenes in Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and Brooklyn.

New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ 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.

Happy Hour 4-9pm

Colorful neighborhood bar with phallic neon signs and a fun, modern vibe. Why we love it: Visit for drag performances, Broadway trivia nights and more weekly events and parties. 

Time Out tip: Nightly happy hour, until 8pm, offers $12 margaritas and martinis, plus two bar bites (think deviled eggs, tater tots, and chicken tenders) for $16. 

Address: 714 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 4pm–4am; Sat 2pm–4am; Sun 2pm–2am

20. C'mon Everybody

What is it? This Bed–Stuy standby is unique because it feels like several different places at once: a crowded bar on one side, lots of seating in the next room, and an intimate performance space in the back. Expect pop diva–themed dance parties, deeply chaotic drag and friendly vibes in this queer owned and operated bar and performance space.

Why we love it: C’mon Everybody is an LGBTQ+ oasis in a part of Brooklyn that’s not flush with queer spaces, and it’s not to be missed. 

Time Out tip: House cocktails are simple but fun, like the Lavender Menace made with mezcal, lime, and lavender. 

Address: 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Fri, Sat 5pm–4am, Sun: 6pm–2am, Mon: 5pm–1am, Tue–Thu 5pm–2 am

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21. The Cock

What is it? A self–described “rock and sleaze fag bar,” the Cock is just the sort of dark, sketchy dive where you can unleash your inner sexy beast. 

Why we love it: The dearth of uptown attitude (or any apparent concern for cleanliness) pulls artists, musicians, writers, fashionistas, tourists and closeted rebels in stiff polos, all of whom can appreciate a little dirty fun.

gay clubs manhattan

Cash Only

Leather

NYC's premier leather bar.

Best backyard

Ginger's Bar

363 5th Ave, Park Slope

Lesbian

Iconic lesbian bar with pool table, outdoor patio, and events like Dyke Drag and Queeraoke.