LGBTQ+ Bars in New York

LGBTQ+ Bars in New York play a big role in the city and the LGBTQIA+ culture and provide a safe place for everyone. New York has long had an appeal for the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer plus) community, with lots of historic events as well. You can find a large number of gay bars and clubs.

LGBTQ+ Bars in New York

All over New York, there is a wide range of bars, clubs and parties. After a lot of consideration, there are a few places that you shouldn’t miss:

1. The Boiler Room

   The Boiler Room is one of New York’s iconic gay bars. It’s located in the East Village and has been operating for over 30 years. Here, you can enjoy a drink with the locals while listening to music from their famous jukebox. You pay with cash only, but there’s an ATM on site.

   🏳️‍🌈 Go here for: community spirit and welcoming atmosphere
   📍 Location: 45 Second Avenue, East Village

2. Julius’ Bar

   Julius’ Bar is the oldest gay bar in NYC. The bar serves classic American fare, including their popular grilled hamburgers. With its rich history, Julius attracts an eclectic crowd. It’s a great spot to stop for drinks and good vibes during a night out in New York.

   🏳️‍🌈 Go here for: drinks and burgers from the grill
   📍 Location: 159 West 10th Street, Greenwich Village

3. The Monster

   Chandeliers, a piano bar and a mirrored staircase: that’s the vibe you can expect at The Monster. The combination of live piano music upstairs and the dance floor downstairs creates a nice blend of entertainment, perfect for everyone who is looking for a fun night out in New York.

   🏳️‍🌈 Go here for: nightclub and cabaret
   📍 Location: 80 Grove Street, Greenwich Village

4. Le Bain

   On the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel, you will find this two-floor club called Le Bain. The name Le Bain comes from the indoor pool located just next to the DJ booth. When the club is open during the summertime, people can even go swimming in it. During the wintertime, it serves as an extra dance floor.

   The entire club has spectacular views of all of Manhattan and the Hudson River. When the weather is nice outside, you should go to the 19th floor where you can enjoy cocktails on the terrace.

   On Thursday nights, Le Bain becomes the spot for the young, fashion-forward LGBTQ+ crowd. All genders and sexualities are welcome! Drinks here are expensive, but the atmosphere is 100% Manhattan: stunning views from every angle, beautiful people and skilled DJs.

   🏳️‍🌈 Go here for: great views and good DJs
   📍 Location: 848 Washington Street, Meatpacking District

    

5. Industry Bar

   As the name suggests, Industry Bar was originally an industrial warehouse. It has since been renovated into a stylish bar. Almost seven nights a week, Industry Bar has a theme night. This can include drag shows, pool tournaments, or American activities (like screening TV shows, such as Desperate Housewives or RuPaul’s Drag Race).

   The crowd ranges from mid-twenties to mid-forties. On weekends, Industry Bar becomes really packed, and the crowd is almost exclusively all men. Brace yourself for when the club becomes alive with pop music.

   Industry Bar is made up of two bars, private booths, a pool table and a podium where people can dance. Drinks are reasonably priced, but the bathrooms are a disaster! I strongly advise peeing before you leave home. However, despite this, the atmosphere is always great.

   🏳️‍🌈 Go here for: theme nights and pop music
   📍 Location: 355 West 52nd Street, Hell’s Kitchen

Drag Shows in New York

New York is also home to a thriving drag scene. Many gay bars in New York host weekly drag shows, but you can also find famous drag brunches. There are even venues dedicated entirely to drag. So, sip on your drink and enjoy the show!

Book tickets for a Drag Night in New York here

New York Pride

Every year, the New York Pride takes place. This parade festively closes the Pride month in New York. The march runs from Fifth Avenue to Greenwich Village, passing the Stonewall Inn. The NYC Pride is a cheerful parade with all kinds of cars, and it starts around noon.

LGBTQIA+ Community in New York

New York has long been considered the place where the gay rights movement began. Shortly after WWII, many gay men, lesbians, transgender people and those of all genders found refuge in the neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side and Harlem.

During this time, there were no rights for these individuals. In fact, homosexual practices were considered punishable by law. Many public establishments were not welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, and there were laws against serving alcohol to gay people.

Anti-LGBTQ+ laws, along with police raids of gay bars in 1969, led to a series of violent uprisings against the police by the LGBTQ+ community: the Stonewall Riots.

Stonewall Inn in New York

Stonewall Inn, where the uprising originated, has since reopened on 53 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. Following this revolt for gay rights, uprisings spread throughout the world for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2011, gay marriage was legalised in New York.

LGBTQIA+ Area in New York: Chelsea

The most popular LGBTQIA+ area of New York is Chelsea, located between 14th Street and Hudson Yards on the west side of Manhattan. Due to the increasing LGBTQIA+ acceptance, after the Stonewall Riots, many people wanted to live in Greenwich Village, but the prices of the housing were very high.

Chelsea was a cheaper option where everyone was warmly welcomed. This can still be seen today. In Chelsea, you will find many gay bars and other establishments. Upscale dining, high-end shops and world-class art galleries can also be found here.