Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
Nov 03, 2022
Ah, lesbian bars! Sacred spaces where you can have fun with your friends, meet new people and perhaps a special someone 😉; or simply show off your new fit.
Whether you’re new to the scene or looking for inspiration on where to go to escape your ex(es), we’ve got you covered!
At HER we LOVE helping queer women, trans and non-binary people connect online, but we also LOVE a gay night out. So, without further ado, here is our list of the best lesbian bars and events in NY.
Don’t be fooled by its trendy, newly-refurbished look. Hen’s been around for 31 years! The “queer human space built by lesbians” is the longest standing lesbian bar in the country.
This iconic lesbian bar in NYC opens Wednesday through Sunday until 2 am (4 am on Fri and Sat).
Ginger’s is the only remaining lesbian bar in Brooklyn: a proud dive bar featuring an unpretentious vibe, a pool table and an outdoor patio.
You will often find the bar is filled with regulars, creating a neighbourly atmosphere. This is the perfect place to socialise with strangers, have an intimate date, or spend a quiet evening with friends.
Ginger’s is open until 1 am on Mondays and 2 am all other days, and can be found at 363 5th Ave.
Featuring a jukebox and kitschy decor, Cubbyhole resides at 281 West 12th St. This cool neighbourhood hangout is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to dance along to fun music until the early hours of the morning.
The bar is open until 4 am Tuesdays through Saturdays, and until midnight on Sundays and Mondays.
Marked by quirky tiki-themed decor, Happyfun Hideaway is located at 1211 Myrtle Ave. The Bushwick dive bar is open daily until 4 am.
Online reviews mention affordable drinks, a fun lively atmosphere, and welcoming vibe from the staff. All in all, a great place to kick off your night.
Pink Metal is characterised by high femme aesthetic, a heated patio and a kink-inspired cocktail menu. As one of the best lesbian bars in NYC, they host weekly and monthly events, including burlesque shows, drag bingo, fetish figure drawing, and variety shows.
Pink Metal can be found at 253 Bushwick Ave, and is open daily ‘till 2 am.
Find your big 3 on their zodiac-inspired cocktail menu and try them in the dimly-lit bar, which also features a photo booth. The music genres played here vary depending on what DJ is playing, ranging from techno to r&b.
Closing times vary between 2 am to 4 am, depending on the day.
Having hit their fundraising target, Dave’s Lesbian bar will soon open a permanent home – the first lesbian bar in Queens. Live music & mutual aid sit at the core of every event, which can take different forms each month, from makers’ markets to block parties.
Timings and locations vary depending on the nature of the event.
Previously voted ‘Party of the Year’ by Out Magazine, Papi Juice celebrates the lives of queer and trans people of color. Papi Juice lives at the intersection of art, music and nightlife and has in the past featured artists such as Princess Nokia.
Most parties are hosted at Elsewhere, 599 Johnson Ave. Check specific event listings for further details.
Hot Rabbit is well-known among New Yorkers for hosting immersive weekly nightlife LGBTQ+ events. Their Hot Honey nights are women-centred but welcoming of the wider community, hosted in partnership with Honey Burlesque.
Specific event details may vary so do check out their website for upcoming events.
Taking place every Wednesday at The Woods, Misster is a mixed queer dance party in Williamsburg. The venue closes at 4 am and is located at 48 South 4th St.
PAT, created by Le Tigre’s own JD Samson, is a party hosted at Union Pool, 484 Union Ave. Closing time is 2 am. PAT is “for anyone from anywhere wearing anything and loving who they want”, attracting local queers with great vibes, cool DJs and video art.
And there you have it, folks!
To misquote Kylie Minogue, “Your local lesbian bar needs you”. Literally! So – the next time you ask yourself “am I really going out a second time this week?” – remember you’re not just doing it for yourself, but for queer venues at risk of closing down.
Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
