Gay night clubs manhattan

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 Homosexual (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transitioned, 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 Modern York, there is a wide range of bars, clubs, and parties. After a lot of consideration, there are three places that you shouldn’t miss:

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 immature, fashion-forward LGBTQ+ crowd. All genders and sexualities are welcome! Drinks here are expensive, but the atmosphere is 100% Manha

Best Gay Bars in Novel York City

Home to what is arguably the world's most famous gay prevent, The Stonewall Inn, Recent York is a earth 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 display thriving collections of lgbtq+ bars and clubs. Recent 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 queenly 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 occasion to visit the world’s most famous gay lock. The Stonewall Inn, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, was the site of the legendary protests that kick-started the gay rights movement in the USA and is still a popular group 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 Homosexual Dance

New York has played a major role in Queer 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 gender non-conforming nightlife, but you’ll detect 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 extend 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. 

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 cause unknown.

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