Gay Bars & LGBTQ+ Venues in New York, NY — Page 21

Brooklyn's newest queer spot is pink from floor to ceiling, with flowers and leather mixing in unexpected ways. This trans-friendly, women-led cocktail lounge doubles as a dance club with regular drag shows. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio when the weather cooperates. The crowd skews 20s-30s, mixed gay and straight, and the full bar keeps things flowing until 2am every night.

Soulo draws a casual, 30-something crowd that's trans-friendly and mixed-LGBTQ+. This gay-owned shop creates scented bath salts and candles for turning your bathroom into a personal spa. You'll find gift-ready items here, plus a custom app with specially crafted relaxation playlists. The vibe is low-key, and prices sit at a standard $$. If you're in Brooklyn, it's a solid stop for self-care or a thoughtful present. You can grab a candle on your way to Chelsea Market, just across the river.

Grind House welcomes everyone from beginners to Olympians, with a multi-level complex and rooftop group classes. This Brooklyn gym offers yoga, spinning, pilates, and a dance studio, plus high-end equipment and friendly trainers. Its lively vibe and inclusive atmosphere make it a standout. The gym opens at 5am on weekdays, perfect for early birds. Saturdays and Sundays start at 7am. While Yelp reviews give it 3.5 stars from 37 reviews, the range of classes and rooftop setting set it apart. For a full spa recovery, consider a nearby stop at Russian & Turkish Baths.

Crowd here spans 20-somethings to daddies and bears, all drawn to the industrial techno vibe. This stark warehouse space harkens back to Berlin's gritty club scene, offering a no-frills alternative to Manhattan's more polished queer venues. It's an after-hours spot where dancing and live entertainment go late. The spartan interior keeps the focus on the music and crowd, not on pretension.

Happyfun Hideaway is an artsy dive bar with a tiki twist, serving cheap tropical drinks and strong margaritas. It draws a mixed crowd of 20-somethings through 40-somethings for drag shows, dancing, and karaoke. The outdoor seating and happy hour make it a solid after-work stop. Check their schedule for live entertainment; it's a lively spot that's casual and fun.

Crowds here are dressed up, ready for a night that blends drag, circus, and opera into something you haven't seen before. Théâtre XIV by Company XIV is the home of Seven Sins and Nutcracker Rouge, shows that fuse choreography, burlesque, ballet, and gender bending in a 360-degree experience. The space is intimate and opulent, with a Champagne Couch that includes a half bottle of bubbly in the ticket price. It's upscale but playful, and the audience skews mixed gay and straight. This theater has been running since 2006, building a loyal following. Book ahead. Saturday is the best night to go. If you want a full evening, consider a stroll along The High Line beforehand. The full bar and free wifi add convenience, but the real draw is the performance itself. Arrive ready to be seduced and enchanted.

Live jazz floats through the doors most nights, a remnant of the building's earlier life as a jazz club. The Rosemont has since become an award-winning queer lounge in Williamsburg, with an ample patio for warm-weather drinks and a sweaty dance floor to keep the energy up as the night goes on. It's also a venue for weekly parties and fierce drag shows. The owner, Troy, originally opened the well-established Metropolitan Bar and Sugarland Club, bringing that sense of community to this spot. It's trans-friendly and draws a mixed crowd of locals from their 20s to 40s. Happy hour runs daily, and the full bar means craft cocktails are on offer. Open until 4am every night — later on weekends.

If you're after a playful night out that blends tropical vibes with drag and board games, Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar in Brooklyn delivers. This LGBTQ-owned spot serves tiki cocktails and hosts drag brunches featuring Emi Grate and Nancy Nogood. It's a mixed crowd, trans-friendly, and good for groups. You can even bring your small dog to the patio. The vibe is fast-casual and energetic, with American brunch fare. The bar is BIPOC-owned and women-led, adding to its inclusive character. No hours are confirmed yet, so check ahead. For a classic New York stop, Katz's Delicatessen is nearby if you crave a pastrami fix afterward.

Step into a Shanghai speakeasy drenched in crimson hues, complete with an enchanting mist and a live jazz ensemble. The Red Pavilion in Brooklyn transforms nights with mesmerizing aerial performances and cabaret shows that evolve into late-night parties fueled by DJ beats. It's trans-friendly, LGBTQ+-owned, and BIPOC-owned. The Dim Sum Divas bring their signature drag brunch on Sundays, blending dim sum with campy entertainment. For a full evening, you can wander over to Please Don't Tell for a nightcap.

The Ripped Bodice sits in Park Slope, Brooklyn, as the first romance-only bookstore run by sisters Leah and Bea Koch. It opened in 2016 after a Kickstarter campaign, and the shop is proudly woman-led and queer-owned. The decor is whimsical and charming, matching the steamy selection inside. You'll find a wide range of romance novels plus gifts from independent women-owned brands. The crowd leans diverse, from 20-somethings to 40-somethings, mixed gay and straight. It's a lively, romantic spot with an upscale feel. If you're browsing nearby, Macy's is worth a stop too.

This is an upscale cocktail-lounge theater in Brooklyn where the crowd ranges from 20-somethings to 50-somethings, mixed gay and straight. The show blends magic, mysticism, and burlesque with expertly crafted cocktails. It's a lively, cabaret-style performance venue that welcomes travelers and locals alike. You'll find a range of ages here, from 20s to 50s. The vibe is upscale but not stuffy. Grab a bottle of bubbly and settle in for a wild ride. The High Line is nearby if you want to extend your evening with a stroll.

National Queer Theater is a Brooklyn-based theater company that produces plays and musicals focused on the LGBTQ+ community. It puts queer stories front and center, creating a trans-friendly and mixed-LGBTQ+ environment where everyone can feel welcome. The vibe is casual and live-entertainment-focused, drawing in a local crowd. You'll find shows that celebrate queer narratives in an intimate setting. It's a standard-priced venue, so you can enjoy quality theater without breaking the bank. For a full day of arts, consider a visit to the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Pasta Night is best for queer food lovers seeking an unpretentious Italian meal in Brooklyn. This LGBTQ-owned spot trades white tablecloths for a relaxed, trattoria vibe with art on the walls and good music. Weekend brunch even lets you have carbonara for breakfast. On weekends, stop by for an afternoon aperitivo from 3 to 5pm, featuring Italian beers and cocktails. You can also shop their small alimentari for imported goods and fresh pasta to take home.

Not every queer bar in New York prioritizes being a genuine community space. This one does, blending a moody cocktail lounge vibe with an unpretentious, friendly feel that draws a regular crowd of 30- and 40-somethings. Hours run until 4am every night, making it a reliable late option in Brooklyn. The outdoor seating is a plus in warmer months, and happy hour specials are confirmed by Yelp. It's more of a laid-back hangout than a high-energy club.

In Queens near 21st St, Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar is a neighborhood spot with a tagline of 'Little Italy in Astoria.' It's inspired by Italy and the local green market, committed to a menu without boundaries. You might spot writer/performer Michael Cyril Creighton here. It's fine dining but not stuffy, drawing a mixed crowd. Brunch is popular on Sundays. Nearby, Peter Luger Steak House is a classic stop for steak lovers.

Four Points by Sheraton Long Island City stands out as a reliable chain hotel offering quiet comforts with a direct Queensboro Bridge location, making it a practical base for exploring both Queens and Manhattan. The vibe is casual and unfussy, designed for travelers who value convenience over frills. The hotel serves business and leisure guests alike, with easy access to the 27th Street subway station. If you're heading into Manhattan, you'll find it's a short ride to the New York Marriott Marquis, but here you get more space for your money. It's an affordable alternative to pricier Manhattan options, with consistent Four Points standards.

This hotel in Flushing, Queens is more about practicality than polish. The Parc Hotel offers contemporary rooms with free wifi and 24-hour desk service, catering to business and leisure travelers. Its Yelp rating sits at 2.7 out of 5 from 124 reviews, so expectations should be managed. The hotel's rooftop and outdoor seating areas are a plus, though details are scarce. You're in Flushing, a neighborhood known for its food scene and proximity to Citi Field. If you're looking for a more central stay, consider the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

In Jackson Heights, Ricky's Cafe is a local, laid-back diner that has been family-owned since 1988. Run by mother-daughter duo Layla and Ursula, it serves classic American fare with Argentine and Latin touches, all made from scratch. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, drawing a mixed crowd from the neighborhood. You'll find a little bit of everything here, from avocado toast to chicken francese to coconut curry. They serve beer and wine only, and reservations are accepted. The diner is open daily from 8am to 8pm, making it a solid spot for breakfast or weekend brunch. It's a place where regulars feel at home, and you'll see why it's always packed.

A lively crowd of 20- and 30-somethings fills this Queens nightclub most nights. Viva La Heights is trans-friendly, mixed-LGBTQ+, and owned by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks. The drinks are smooth, the bartenders friendly. You can smoke hookah and lounge, or move to the dance floor. A solid choice for a night out in Queens.

Queens is home to this fabulously queer cocktail bar with bright pink decor and a nightclub energy. Kween offers hand-crafted cocktails and Latin fusion cuisine, drawing a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd in their 20s and 30s. The space is trans-friendly and designed to feel safe and lively. They're open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, and the outdoor seating is a bonus when weather permits. Thursday tends to be the busiest night here.

Espresso 77 is a BIPOC-owned and women-led cafe in Queens that doubles as a creative space for LGBTQ+ locals. It's trans-friendly and hosts gallery shows with live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with outdoor seating available. The menu focuses on coffee, beer and wine, plus light eats like sandwiches, pastries, and salads. It's not a spot for long work sessions—they explicitly ask guests not to park at tables with laptops for hours. Mixed gay and straight crowd, welcoming to all. If you're craving a classic NYC deli, you're not far from Katz's Delicatessen.

Queens sets this cocktail lounge apart from Manhattan's usual scene. Diamond Dogs is a casual yet upscale spot where you can bring your own food from nearby spots, since the bar focuses on drinks: rotating draught beers, classic cocktails, and a small wine list. The crowd is mixed LGBTQ+ and trans-friendly, with a 20s-30s vibe. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday 4-7pm. The owners don't answer the phone, so leave a message if you need to reach them. Plan to grab takeout from a local restaurant before you arrive, because this place is all about the drinks and the company.

In Queens, Fresco’s Grand Cantina stands out as a drag brunch spot owned by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC entrepreneurs. The Ménage à Brunch is the main draw: $34 gets you a carafe of sangria or mimosas, an entree, and drag performances. The menu blends American and Mexican comfort food, with guac and tacos alongside more traditional brunch fare. The vibe is fast-casual but lively, with queens taking the stage during weekend bookings. It's a place where you can ease into the day with mocktails or go full fiesta mode. If you're looking for more NYC dining options, nearby Ippudo offers a very different experience with its ramen-focused menu. Either way, Fresco's delivers a distinctly queer-hosted brunch that combines food and drag without pretension.

Think a gay bar means dark leather and sticky floors? The Highwater trades that for a breezy tropical escape right on Broadway in Astoria. This LGBTQ-owned hotspot serves the iciest frozen drinks and creative cocktails, plus a full menu to curb your cravings. Avant Garbage, the trash queen, hosts drag shows on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. The vibe is playful and energetic, with a crowd that's trans-friendly and ready to unwind. It's a great stop before heading to nearby venues like The Delancey for more nightlife. Prices are moderate for the area, and the patio-like atmosphere keeps things light.

Expect this to feel more like a secret club than a typical bar. Upstairs Cocktail Bar is a craft cocktail lounge hidden on the second floor of a Jackson Heights restaurant, run by a veteran bartender with two decades in New York's hospitality world. The space is cozy, quiet, and upscale, attracting a 30s-40s crowd. Full bar, free wifi, and happy hour specials Wed-Fri from 5pm to 7pm. Thursday and Saturday are the busiest nights per Yelp. If you're in the neighborhood, another speakeasy worth checking out is Please Don't Tell, but Upstairs has its own distinct low-key charm.

What sets Sushi Yu 2 apart is that it operates inside Q Mart in Washington Heights, offering takeout and delivery only for now. This casual sushi spot serves affordable Japanese cuisine and beer and wine, with a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight clientele. Hours are limited: closed Tuesdays and open 11am-10pm most days, with a Sunday noon start. The Yelp rating is 3.4 stars from 255 reviews. Given the owner notes it may be permanently closed, call ahead before visiting. Nearby, Clinton St. Baking Company is a popular brunch stop if you're in the area, but Sushi Yu is all about straightforward sushi takeout.

Radio Hotel isn't your typical Manhattan boutique stay. It's in Washington Heights, a neighborhood with a local pulse far from the Midtown crowds. The vibe is creative and modern, with a casual yet upscale feel. It's mixed gay and straight, so you won't find a dedicated queer scene here, but the outdoor seating offers a social space to unwind. The Yelp rating sits at 3 stars from 41 reviews, suggesting a decent but not exceptional experience. If you're looking for consistency, nearby options like the YOTEL New York might have more review data to go on. For a stay that trades tourist density for local character, Radio Hotel fits the bill.

With a 3.3-star Yelp rating from 54 reviews, Comfort Inn Times Square offers affordable rooms just steps from Broadway and Madison Square Garden. The free hot breakfast includes eggs, meat, yogurt, and waffles, while guest rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and pillow-top mattresses. The hotel is within walking distance of Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. Rooms are small but comfy, and staff get good marks for helpfulness. It's a convenient base for seeing shows or sightseeing before checking out nearby spots like YOTEL New York or the Marriott Marquis.

Hotel Mela draws a mixed crowd of gay and straight guests, families, and theatergoers. It's a boutique hotel in Times Square that balances Italian aesthetics with New York energy, offering spacious rooms and attentive service. The vibe is lively yet welcoming for all. You'll find yourself steps from Broadway shows, which makes this spot a favorite for theater lovers. Room amenities are solid for the price, though hours aren't listed. For another option nearby, check YOTEL New York.

This Courtyard by Marriott sits in Times Square, just two blocks from Port Authority and within walking distance to the Met. It's a chain hotel catering to business travelers and tourists, with a mixed LGBT-friendly and family-friendly vibe. The 24/7 access means you can come and go at any hour. You'll find comfortable beds and a fitness center with Peloton bikes. The hotel is also near the New York Marriott Marquis if you're exploring other options in the area. Check hours and reviews for the latest.