Best gay clubs in manhattan
Best Gay Bars in Brand-new York City
Home to what is arguably the world's most famous gay block, The Stonewall Inn, Fresh 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 queer bars and clubs. Recent York’s gay bars entice 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 flamboyant 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 second to visit the world’s most famous gay exclude. The Stonewall Inn, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, was the site of the known protests that kick-started the gay rights movement in the USA and is still a popular collective hang-out. Finish your nighttime 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
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Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned scene queen, here's our roundup of the highest gay bars in New York City to check out now!
Everyone knows that the New York City gay bar 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 stop by here. It can feel love there's just too much to do and not enough time… where do 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 best 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 prevent hop and visit most, if not all of them!
Heads up, the iconic Rebar in Chelsea closed its doors for excellent in 2020.
1. The Stonewall Inn
This NYC gay landmark is where the modern gay rights movement started in 1969. Popular 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 contain 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 gender non-conforming 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: Occupied guide to the best bars in NYC
May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.