Best Gay Bars in Harlem
Harlem is currently home to the only three black-queer-owned bars in New York City, Alibi Lounge, Lambda Lounge, and 4West Lounge.
4West Lounge
4West Lounge is similar to Lambda Lounge and Alibi Lounge. Great ambiance, decoration, service and friendly bartenders. They host diverse curated events for guests “to connect, grow and be entertained”. This is the newest gay bar in Harlem.
Lambda Lounge
Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon, a married couple from Harlem, opened the Lambda Lounge in 2020. The local community rapidly embraced the establishment, which it’s described as a place “where downtown elegance meets uptown swag”.
Alibi Lounge
Since 2016, they have served as a safe space for POC LGBTQ people. Alibi Lounge is a sexy chic bar with shirtless bartenders, drag performances, and a busy dance floor. Their backyard brings an extra charm to the space. The decoration is glamorous, and so is their loyal clientele.
Best Gay Bars in East Village
We listed six gay bars in East Village: Club Cumming, The Cock, Phoenix Bar, Nowhere, The Boiler Room, and Joe’s Pub.
Joe's Pub
Joe's Pub opened on October 16, 1998, with an inaugural concert performed by Carl Hancock Rux. The bar is named after Joseph Papp, the theatrical producer who created the New York Shakespeare Festival, The Public Theater, and the free Shakespeare in the Park program in Central Park.
The Boiler Room
The Boiler Room is a divey bar that has been serving cheap drinks and entertaining different crowds since the 2000s. It's a New York classic, with a pool table, photo booth, jukebox and a lounge area to hang out with your friends. The Boiler Room may not be featured on the fanciest’ gay bars in NYC, but it’s certainly one of the most friendly places in town.
Phoenix Bar
Opened in 1998, The Cock has established its brand as one of the most popular cruising bars in the city. The building has two levels, with the basement serving as a dark room. If you need to know anything else about this bar is that it was once described as "the last filthy gay bar in New York". A place where you can unleash your fantasies in the dark. The main room features theme parties, go-go dancers and DJs.
The Cock
Opened in 1998, The Cock has established its brand as one of the most popular cruising bars in the city. The building has two levels, with the basement serving as a dark room. If you need to know anything else about this bar is that it was once described as "the last filthy gay bar in New York". A place where you can unleash your fantasies in the dark. The main room features theme parties, go-go dancers and DJs.
Club Cumming
Le Bain is the rooftop bar of The Standard High Line Hotel, one of the most popular hotels in New York City. LeBain is a must-go party destination, especially during the Summer. They feature world-famous DJs, a state-of-the-art sound system, a disco bar and a plunge pool. The best part, however, is still the sexiest views of the city. It’s a friendly bar, and very sexy.
Best Gay Bars in Chelsea
Over the past decades, Chelsea was gentrified and the rent prices spiked. Most of the gay bars from the 80s closed their doors or moved to different neighborhoods, such as Hell’s Kitchen. However, there are still three gay bars very popular in Chelsea.
LeBain at The Standard Hotel
Le Bain is the rooftop bar of The Standard High Line Hotel, one of the most popular hotels in New York City. LeBain is a must-go party destination, especially during the Summer. They feature world-famous DJs, a state-of-the-art sound system, a disco bar and a plunge pool. The best part, however, is still the sexiest views of the city. It’s a friendly bar, and very sexy.
Eagle NYC
The Eagle is the most famous cruising and kinky bar in New York City. Leather daddies, puppies, BDSM fans, bears and other tribes get all together to explore the best the night can offer. Things can get really wild after midnight at The Eagle. The bar staff, however, is not necessarily friendly to newcomers or curious patrons.
REBAR Chelsea
REBAR Chelsea feels like a gym class. Hot, sweaty, and surrounded by muscled guys. They have exciting themed parties exploring different types of kink. The best part is the dance floor, always packed and always vibrant. You can expect different themed parties happening almost every night.
12 Gay Bars in Brooklyn
The queer scene in Brooklyn gets stronger and stronger every year with new bars opening in different neighborhoods, glamorous local drag queens getting national recognition, and a new generation of LGBTQIA people creating safe spaces for our community.
House of Yes
House of Yes is a theatre nightclub with creative shows, dirty circus, burlesque, and other artistic performances. Every night is a different immersive experience, with extra surprises, DJs, and themes.
C'mon Everybody
C'mon Everybody has a spacious lounge area and a friendly staff that will make you feel welcome.
Branded Saloon
Branded Saloon is a Western-themed bar serving food and featuring live bands. Great cocktails, great onion rings, and a vibrant atmosphere.