New York: A city that has always loved a drink. Every mood can find its elixir in the city’s multitude of gay-friend drinking establishments. Whether cruising on the dance floor at New York’s hottest club or pulling up a stool with friends at a historic haunt, the Big Apple’s bar scene has something for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Cheers, queers!
VERS – Hell’s Kitchen
In the heart of Manhattan, this wonderful club is taking the queer scene of Hell’s Kitchen by storm. Enjoy its innovative cocktails, elevated snacks, and an ever-rotating lineup of incredible performers and themed nights.
The psychedelic lighting and sharp decor are reminiscent of a clean and upscale 80s dance club. I mean, who doesn’t love a good karaoke night where your pianist looks like Freddy Mercury?
Booking some of the most unique and entertaining drag acts in the city, VERS has ensured that every night is jam-packed with talent, laughter, and a tuck or two.
Do yourself a favor and try the ‘Frozen Painkiller’ cocktail. What has been described as a more vivacious Mai Tai, this little baby will have you singing and dancing in no time!
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HUSH – Hell’s Kitchen
With high vaulted ceilings and a dark brick interior, this fabulous space makes us feel like we’re partying in a gothic cathedral. The stunning stained-glass windows only add to this majestic and mysterious effect.
Considered to be one of the safest and friendliest queer clubs in the city, HUSH has built a strong reputation as a welcoming environment to let loose, laugh, and express yourself fully.
An incredibly diverse and wild crowd brings energy and vibrancy to the dance floor and the sexy bartenders will have you getting refills all night long.
Friend’s Tavern – Queens
Friend’s Tavern, the oldest active gay bar in Queens, offers a sense of community and acceptance. It has been an institution since before anyone had heard of a Chelsea boy. This cruise bar is constantly packed with local talent.
Industry Bar – Hell’s Kitchen
Industry Bar is one of the Hell’s Kitchen go-to hotspots for queens. With stiff cocktails, incredible entertainment, and plenty of eye candy, Industry has become a true NYC nightlife landmark.
Ritz Bar and Lounge – Hell’s Kitchen
The premiere queer space in Hell’s Kitchen on Restaurant Row. Ritz is a multi-tiered venue with a street-facing patio, a vibrant dance floor, and a packed bar area. It also hosts drag shows, private parties, and bear nights!
The Lambda Lounge – Harlem
The Lambda Lounge has dance floors, a hookah area and strong drinks. The low-lit ambiance and welcoming crowd create a flirty atmosphere. You are sure to find an abundance of coy smiles across the room.
Drink, dance, and meet some new friends because there is never a shortage of cuties at this club.
Although this is primarily a spot where the Black LGBTQ+ community of Harlem comes to let it down or turn it up, this space is welcoming to all who are kind, loving, and ready to have a crazy good time!
Rockbar NYC – West Village
Christopher Street’s famous bar row in the West Village caters to a mostly scruffy, masculine crowd. Rockbar is no exception, though it’s also becoming the place where younger guys seeking a low-key haunt mingle with the bears and leather lovers. Rockbar features hot bands like Deluka and Reckless Place every Saturday night.
Boxers NYC – Chelsea
With two levels, pool tables, brick oven pizza, beer on tap, full bar, and plasma screens, Boxers NYC offers the longest-running Happy Hour in Chelsea. The perfect spot for an after-work delight.
Barracuda – Chelsea
Barracuda has been a Chelsea institution for years with frequent drag performances and regular guys enjoying the strong drinks at the long bar in the front and just hanging on comfy sofas in back.
Gym Sportsbar – Chelsea
If the real gym’s too crowded, leave your manly Daisy Dukes and tank on and grab a beer with the other gym bunnies. You’ll never miss the game at this Chelsea favorite (in every sense of the word).
Eagle NYC – Chelsea
The Eagle in NYC attracts a wide variety of men for cruising and all around fun. Head to the roof for all kinds of debauchery.
Eagle NYC hosts an annual leather contest Mr. Eagle NYC. It also hosts a variety of themed parties throughout the week. Check its official website for more details.