Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in Fire Island, NY — 18 LGBTQ+ Spots

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.

The Belvedere's white towers catch your eye as the ferry approaches Cherry Grove. This men-only guesthouse offers clothing-optional pool and sundecks, plus a roof deck and patio. Reviews note friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere for men seeking male company. The place feels unique and majestic, per one guest. The pool area is the main social hub, but the jacuzzi has drawn complaints about heavy chlorine and cleanliness. Rooms are comfortable, and the vibe is relaxed. It's a short walk to the beach and nearby spots like the Grove Hotel. Plan your trip in summer for the best weather.

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.

The crowd at Island Breeze is mixed, but the real draw is the gorgeous South Bay view. This American and seafood cafe serves up dishes that some locals find hit-or-miss, with mentions of heavy Old Bay seasoning and high prices. The vibe is low-key, and the open mic nights with live piano add a touch of local color. If you're staying in Cherry Grove, you might also grab a slice from Cherry Grove Pizza instead. Just be aware that some reviews allege the owners have made homophobic comments, so it's worth going in with your eyes open. The deck seating is prime real estate for sun and water views, especially around sunset. Hours vary by season, so check before you head over. The food quality and service get mixed feedback, but the setting is what keeps people coming back.

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.

Walk into Cherry Grove Pizza and you'll find the only pizza spot on this part of Fire Island. It sits right in the Ice Palace / Grove Hotel complex, close to the other gay bars and restaurants. The pizza itself is solid, and regulars swear by the garlic bread with cheese as a must-order. It's a casual spot where you can grab a quick bite before heading out or a late-night slice after the bars let out. Service is efficient and the staff gets high marks for being friendly. The menu extends beyond pizza to salads and sandwiches, and the chicken parmigiana has its fans. Weekend hours run late, with Friday open until 12:30am and Saturday until 1:30am. It's a reliable stop for a cheap meal without fuss. If you're staying in Cherry Grove, you'll probably end up here more than once.

Dune Point Guesthouse is open 24/7 for overnight stays, offering 19 rental apartments with full kitchens for guests who prefer to cook their own meals. It's rated 4.6/5 on Yelp, though some reviews note the trade-off between price and space: accommodations are clean and comfortable but can feel small and cramped. The property welcomes pets and has outdoor seating. You'll find the reservation system requires a deposit to hold a spot, and the guesthouse enforces a no-guest policy citing New York occupancy laws. Fire Island overall runs pricey, and Dune Point fits that pattern. If you're looking for alternatives, the nearby Belvedere is another option in Cherry Grove.

This isn't a quiet retreat; it's a party hub. The Grove Hotel sits right next to the Ice Palace, putting you at the center of Cherry Grove's nightlife. Rooms are basic, walls are thin, and there's no TV. The pool area is lively, but noise carries. Backside rooms are quieter than those facing the pool, according to one reviewer. The hotel only operates Friday through Sunday, 11am to 4am, so you're here to be out. If you want sleep, consider the Belvedere instead.

The salt air hits you as you step off the ferry onto the harbor. The Hotel (formerly Hotel Ciel) sits right there in Fire Island Pines, the only true hotel in town. It's a simple beach hotel with a swimming pool and outdoor seating area. But recent reviews paint a disappointing picture. Guests reported that promised amenities like the third-floor lounge and complimentary breakfast coffee were never available. One review called it a dump, noting a room with just a bed and no dresser or TV. At $$ price tier, it's basic but overpromised. If you're looking for reliable accommodation in the Pines, you might consider the nearby Belvedere instead.

Step off the ferry and you're practically at the front door of this beach house turned guesthouse. The Madison Fire Island Pines offers a swimming pool and a hot tub, a nice bonus after a dip in the cold ocean. The beach is just a few steps down the boardwalk, making everything convenient. Rooms are comfortable, but note that housekeeping only happens if you request it. Breakfast is served, though it can run out during the week. For another option nearby, check out the Belvedere.

Pines Bistro & Martini Bar is a Fire Island Pines dinner spot where the menu leans Italian-American and the evening hours run from 6pm to 11pm, six days a week. It's a splurge-worthy choice for visitors who want a sit-down meal with a full martini bar, though recent reviews suggest the food quality has been inconsistent. You'll find a mix of locals and tourists here, dressed up for a night out on the island. The bistro is closed Tuesdays, so plan accordingly if you're staying midweek. With a Yelp average of 3.9 stars from 18 reviews, it's a solid option when you want a proper dinner after a day at the beach.

On the Pines Harbor in Fire Island Pines, this restaurant serves fusion cuisine in a casual beach setting. Weekend Low Tea shifts dinner reservations to 9pm, so plan ahead. The food gets high marks, but service can be slow during busy times. Nighttime brings a party vibe with regular and surprise guests.

You'll find Canteen by the pool in Fire Island Pines, with a view of the incoming ferry. It offers American fare and Sunday brunch in an outdoor setting with a smoking area. The space is LGBTQ-owned and relaxed, perfect for a quick bite or a drink by the water. A single review warns that some items are overpriced and not well-executed, specifically the barbecue chicken wings. Still, the harbor location and poolside seating make it a convenient spot to wait for your ferry or cool off on a hot day.

Unlike the hassle of lugging bottles on the ferry, Pines Liquor Shop is right around the corner from the grocery store, making a weekend stock-up effortless. It's a simple beer-and-wine shop with standard pricing, serving the Fire Island Pines community since at least 2011. The shop moved back to its original spot that year, where the hardware store used to be. Locals know it's the smart stop to grab your supplies before settling in for the weekend.

Froot Falls sits on the edge of Fire Island Pines, its rooftop patio catching the ocean breeze above a crystal clear pool. The crowd here skews 20s through 50s, a mix of nomads, beach bums, and burners looking for an adults-only, men-only stay. The guesthouse has been LGBTQ-owned for over 45 years, and the tagline 'Landmark gay stay' leans into that legacy. But one recent guest, a seasoned Pines vacationer, described arriving to a rundown property with stained upholstery, mildewy smells, and a dirty pool far colder than advertised. The photos online, they said, bore no resemblance to the current state. Low rating and a single review paint a picture that contradicts the description; any booking should come with cautious expectations. The pool is listed as heated, though that guest found it otherwise. If you opt to stay, nearby Belvedere offers another option in the same category.

Whyte Hall is temporarily closed, but when open it's the cultural mecca in Fire Island Pines. Formerly the Fire Island Pines Community House, it hosts art, dance, and theater. You'll find it at Coastguard Walk, central to the Pines village.