5 Gay Bars in Fire Island, NY — LGBTQ+ Nightlife

You'll hear the music before you see the door. The Ice Palace bills itself as the longest running LGBTQ+ club in the world, and it carries that history with a worn-in, anything-goes energy. Drag shows, DJ sets, underwear events, and a clothing-optional swimming pool all share space here. The crowd is mixed across age groups, and the hours run overnight every day from 8am to 4am. Reviews are mixed. Some guests love the performers and the Miss Fire Island Pageant. Others complain about loud drag shows, inattentive bartenders, and maintenance issues. It's a polarizing spot, but for those who want a no-holds-barred party on Fire Island, this is a landmark that delivers at its best.

The crowd here starts trickling in around 11:30 PM, but by midnight the deck is packed and the dance floor is going. Sip·n·Twirl (formerly the Island Club) is a Fire Island Pines mainstay with a back-alley entrance near the harbor. Go-go boys and hot bartenders are part of the scene, and there's a pool table if you need a break from dancing. Happy hour runs 8-10 PM every night, a solid window to grab a drink before things pick up. The outdoor deck catches a good breeze, and the music stays solid until close. If you're looking for a nearby spot to start your night, Low Tea at the Blue Whale is a short walk away.

Cherry's is the first bar you see stepping off the ferry into Cherry Grove, and it sets the tone with bayfront views and a laid-back, playful vibe. Known for its frozen drinks and the famous mudslides made by longtime bartender Johnny Pool, the bar draws an older, mixed crowd that skews predominantly women at certain times. There's a dance stage, a pool table, and live entertainment or drag shows on the schedule. Weekend nights and happy hour are the busiest, with the bar staying open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. If you want a quieter daytime drink, it's open from 9 or 10am daily. The staff is friendly, and the energy is refreshingly low on attitude.

Low Tea at the Blue Whale has a 2.3/5 Yelp rating from 40 reviews. It remains an island must-do for many, with a sunny patio, indoor dance floor, theme nights, and cheap drinks. Hours vary widely: Monday through Thursday it's open only 6pm-9pm, but Friday through Sunday it runs 11am-midnight. Reviewers call it a great place with good music and a spot beside the dock. The crowd can get packed after 6:30pm, so arriving early is suggested.

One 2009 review called it an "empty July 4th" with a "$20 cover" and a cramped layout. This legendary Fire Island Pines nightclub has hosted dancing since the 1960s and also shown film and literature. Currently closed temporarily. Vibe and crowd vary by night; check ahead.