Best Gay Bars in East Village

During the day, you'll find a young crowd filling up the boutique shops, vintage stores, and tattoo parlors of East Village. When the night starts, the neighborhood will show you why it has been the favorite bohemian destination of New York City since the 60s. 

East Village, more specifically on Lower East Side, is the neighborhood where legendary gay bars once made history. Places like the 181 Club and Club 82, which opened their doors to drag shows, and cabarets over the 40s and 70s, and Pyramid Club, which hosted drag performers such as Lypsinka, Lady Bunny, and RuPaul during the 80s.  

It was in Tompkins Square Park, right in the heart of East Village, where the first Wigstock Festival happened in 1984. At the Webster Hall, which opened in 1886 at E 11th St, the gay community hosted drag balls and political meetings for local residents. 

We listed six gay bars in East Village: Club Cumming, The Cock, Phoenix Bar, Nowhere, The Boiler Room, and Joe’s Pub.

What to expect from gay bars in East Village?

East Village has some of the oldest and most classic gay bars in New York City, such as Phoenix Bar and The Boiler Room. It’s the perfect neighborhood for unpretentious fun, amicable crowds, and retro music. You can also find cruising spots at The Cock, and watch incredible cabaret performances at Club Cummings. 

What is the best gay bar to hang out in East Village?

The bars in the East Village are very different from each other. We personally recommend Club Cummings if you’re looking for something different or more artistic. However, Phoenix Bar is a good spot for drinks and new friends.

Gay Pub Crawl in East Village

Check out our map with gay bars in East Village and plan your night!

East Village Gay Bars Information: 

To avoid creating an endless page and getting you exhausted, we gathered only the main information of each bar. So, if you want to know more about their history, vibe, dress code, and watch videos so you can have an idea of where you’re going, please click on their names, and you will find everything you need! 

Club Cumming

Location: 505 E 6th St, New York
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Opening Hours: Everyday 6PM-4AM
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Menu Price: $$$

Founded by Broadway icon Alan Cumming, Club Cumming is a nightclub that features cabaret shows, burlesque performances, knitting circles, book clubs, piano nights, comedy sets and, of course, dance parties. 

Club Cumming is the place to go for drinks, shows, talented DJs, and art. They have a diverse and exciting mix of entertainment. A little quirky queer space in the middle of East Village. Read more!

The Cock

Location: 93 2nd Ave, New York
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Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10PM-4AM
Website
Menu Price: $$

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. Read more!

Phoenix Bar

Location: 447 E 13th St, New York 
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Opening Hours: Everyday 3PM-4AM
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Menu Price: $ 

Phoenix Bar has been around for over 25 years, and it’s considered a gay institution in East Village. The bar has a relaxing atmosphere, with a rock-and-roll aesthetic and one of the most friendly staff in town. 

Phoenix Bar often hosts trivia nights and drag queen shows. Or you can always choose your song on their famous jukebox. Their bartenders are a separate attraction. Pricing is ridiculously low considering most bars in Manhattan. Read more!

Nowhere

Location: 322 E 14th St, New York
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Opening Hours: Sunday- Thursday 4PM-2AM, Friday and Saturday 3PM-4AM
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Menu Price: $

Nowhere is a tavern where queer art is celebrated. A place where the DJ is offering more than trending songs, and the crowd knows a few things about contemporary fashion. They have themed parties and trivia events on certain nights. Most of all Nowhere is a place that wants to remain unique. The place to go for a cheap happy hour beer, and meet new friends. Yes, there’s a seating area in case you don’t feel like dancing! Read more!

The Boiler Room

Location: 86 E 4th St, New York 
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Opening Hours: Everyday 2PM-4AM
Menu Price: $

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. Read more!

Joe's Pub

Location: 425 Lafayette St, New York 
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Opening Hours: Everyday 7PM-11PM 
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Menu Price: $$$

Joe's Pub is one of the six performance spaces within The Public Theater, that hosts musical and theatrical performances and also serves as a bar and restaurant. A cozy and nice place for intimate shows and great acoustics. Read more!