Gay Bars & LGBTQ+ Venues in New York, NY — Page 7

Open daily from 11am to 8pm (Sundays noon to 7pm), 7 For All Mankind on Bleecker Street is a convenient stop while exploring the West Village. This denim-focused shop offers jeans, hoodies, vests, jackets, and more for men, women, and children. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight clientele. Pricing is moderate, so you can find quality pieces without breaking the bank. The staff is known for being helpful, and the store's location near W 10th Street makes it easy to pop in during a shopping stroll.

The School of American Ballet is open for classes and performances, with no set public hours as it's primarily a training institution. Founded in 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, SAB is the official school of New York City Ballet. It's a cornerstone of the city's dance scene, training generations of professional dancers. All students must audition to attend, from local children to teens from across the U.S. The school's five-week summer program for ages 12-18 is a major draw, and year-round students can stay in on-site dormitories. While not a typical performance venue open to the public, SAB occasionally hosts showings. It's a must-see for ballet enthusiasts visiting the Upper West Side, near the American Museum of Natural History.

What sets Joya apart from other Thai spots in Brooklyn is its upscale yet relaxed vibe, with three roomy areas that make it feel less cramped than typical city restaurants. Open since 2001, this Cobble Hill staple draws a mixed crowd of 20-somethings through 40-somethings with its lively atmosphere and outdoor seating. The menu covers Thai classics, seafood, and vegan options, plus a full bar. Duck spring rolls and specials like salmon in basil sauce are regular hits, according to regulars. It's not a gay scene per se, but the mixed crowd means you'll find a comfortable, inclusive dining room. Best time to go is weekday evenings when the pace is steady but not hectic. Reservations recommended on weekends.

Expect a mixed crowd of families and straight and gay travelers at The Time New York, a boutique hotel perched on the edge of Times Square. It's a calm base for hitting Broadway shows or MoMA, with free wifi included. Rooms here are sleek and modern. The 24-hour front desk means you can check in whenever your flight arrives. If you want a lively lobby bar nearby, YOTEL New York is just a short walk away.

You'll find a mix of theater lovers and tourists at this historic Times Square venue. The Todd Haimes Theatre stuns with its art deco design from the 1920s. It's family-friendly and upscale, welcoming all ages and orientations. Expect performances from top actors in an intimate setting. Plan ahead: box office hours vary, open 10am-8pm most days but closing at 6pm on Sunday and Monday. The theater's central location makes it easy to pair with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) nearby.

This intimate Broadway house is best for theatergoers who want an up-close dramatic experience, not a sprawling musical spectacle. David Belasco designed the 1907 auditorium as a 'living room,' with shallow depth bringing every seat close to the stage. The original Stuyvesant Theatre was renamed Belasco in 1910 and features 18 Everett Shinn murals plus a Gothic-style duplex apartment that once housed the owner's theatrical memorabilia. The ghost of Belasco reportedly haunted the theater until the risqué production Oh! Calcutta! banished it. Free wifi is available. Hours are limited to Sunday late nights from 12:15 to 12:30 a.m., according to Yelp. If you're in Times Square and want more arts, the Museum of Modern Art is nearby.

What sets this theater apart is its history: it's one of only five playhouses that front on Broadway street itself. Opened in 1924 as a film house, it famously premiered Walt Disney's Steamboat Willie (introducing Mickey Mouse to audiences) in 1928, and later Fantasia in 1939. Today it hosts live Broadway productions in an upscale, family-friendly setting that draws travelers and all-ages crowds alike. The theater has switched between movies and live performances multiple times over the decades. It's a mixed-gay-straight crowd here, with a classic Times Square vibe. Free wifi is available. If you're in the neighborhood, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a short walk away, offering another kind of visual spectacle.

Most Broadway theaters aren't named for the performers who inspired them, but the Barrymore Theatre breaks that mold. Built in 1928 for Ethel Barrymore, it's the last surviving Shubert theater named for its star. The exterior was modeled on Roman public baths, with a two-story terra-cotta grillwork screen. Inside, the decor blends Elizabethan, Mediterranean, and Adamsesque styles, with ornate boxes featuring a sunburst pattern over columned porticoes. It's a classic piece of theater history in Times Square. The Barrymore is owned by the Shubert Organization and hosts Broadway productions. It's listed as moderate in price for tickets. If you're exploring Broadway, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is nearby for a different kind of art. Check show schedules in advance; the Yelp-verified hours only show a late Sunday slot (12:15am-12:30am), likely a post-show time. Regulars know to arrive early to admire the lobby's period details.

You'll find the Marquis Theatre inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. Opened in 1986, it's one of the newest Broadway houses. The design prioritizes comfort and intimacy for both audience and performers. It's a spot where you can catch big-name shows in a cozy setting. For queer travelers, Times Square offers a mix of bustling energy and classic NYC grit. The area is packed with other theaters and attractions. If you're making a day of it, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is nearby. Grab dinner beforehand and enjoy a show in a space built for acoustics and sightlines. Check showtimes in advance.

Unlike many clothing stores in Soho, Paul Smith's shop offers a mix of curated fashion and giftable oddities. The British designer, known for his cheeky twists on classics, stocks menswear with playful details alongside an unusually wide selection of books and gifts. It's a place where you might browse cufflinks one minute and a design monograph the next. The store sits near Houston Street, making it a convenient stop if you're exploring the neighborhood's boutiques. Yelp suggests it may be permanently closed, so call ahead if you're hoping to visit. The mixed gay and straight crowd gives it a relaxed, fashion-forward vibe.

This Soho thrift store stands out by funding the largest community-based AIDS service organization in the US. It's also the nation's largest minority-controlled AIDS service organization. Housingworks Soho Thrift Store offers high-end vintage treasures alongside everyday second-hand finds. The crowd is a mix of LGBTQ+ locals and bargain-hunting fashionistas. You'll find clothing, accessories, antiques, and gifts at budget-friendly prices. Housingworks is a known stop for thrifters seeking designer labels without the markup. The store's proceeds directly support HIV/AIDS services. If you're exploring Soho, it's a quick detour between Prince and Houston Streets. No confirmed hours are available, so check ahead. Plan your visit during weekday afternoons for a quieter experience.

Boqueria Soho is a Barcelona-inspired tapas bar that opened in 2012, part of a small collection of restaurants by owner Yann. The space channels a kinetic, communal vibe with Spanish classics, seasonal small plates, and curated cocktails in a contemporary setting. It's trans-friendly and draws a mixed crowd, good for groups or a lively after-work stop. The restaurant offers outdoor seating and happy hour, with a full bar for cocktails. It takes reservations, so you can plan ahead for prime times. Friday and Saturday nights see it open until 11pm, perfect for a late bite.

You walk into Dixon Place and immediately feel the history of experimental theater in New York. What started in 1985 as a literary salon in Artistic Director Ellie Covan's Paris apartment has become a home for emerging LGBT artists in theater, dance, music, and literature. This intimate venue on the Lower East Side hosts the famous HOT! Festival of Queer Performance every summer. It's the longest running queer performance festival in the world. The space is small and unpretentious, with two performance spaces that often sell out. Performances run Monday through Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. The lounge serves beer and wine only. For a true dose of NYC queer arts history, check their calendar for emerging artists on the brink of success. Lily Tomlin once did a surprise show here.

In Harlem near 126th and 127th Streets, you'll find Sylvia's, a soul food institution since 1962. Founded by the late Sylvia Woods, it's a family-run spot with three generations working today. The vibe is lively and mixed, welcoming a diverse LGBTQ and straight crowd. You can enjoy outdoor seating, a full bar, and happy hour specials weekdays. Sylvia's serves Southern comfort food classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are accepted, and it's dog friendly with free WiFi. The place gets busy, so plan accordingly.

Chocolat Restaurant & Bar in Harlem has served Southern soul food with a secret house recipe fried chicken since 2010. The 120-seat venue combines live jazz, art exhibitions, and an upscale, trendy vibe. Its Yelp rating is 2.8/5 from over 1300 reviews, so expectations should be tempered. Reservations are accepted, and you'll find brunch, happy hour, and a full bar. Best nights are Friday through Sunday. It's also just a short walk from Katz's Delicatessen if you want a classic pastrami before or after.

Housingworks Tribeca Thrift Shop is open daily (hours not confirmed) for browsing. This shop sells high-end vintage treasures to bargain hunters and fashionistas alike. It's part of Housing Works, the largest community-based AIDS service organization in the US and the nation's largest minority-controlled AIDS service organization. Every purchase helps fight AIDS. The store sits in Tribeca near West Broadway. You'll find clothing, accessories, antiques, and gifts. It's a mix of budget-friendly finds and pricier designer pieces. Locals stop by regularly for the rotating inventory. If you're exploring the area, Chelsea Market is nearby for a quick bite.

Budget-conscious fashionistas and vintage lovers will find their spot at Housingworks Upper East Thrift Shop. It's the city's top-rated thrift store where you can score high-end treasures, from vintage clothing to antiques. All purchases support Housing Works, the nation's largest community-based AIDS service organization, also the largest minority-controlled AIDS service provider. The shop's Upper East Side location near 90th Street draws a mixed crowd of locals and bargain hunters. You'll find a constantly changing selection of second-hand goods at reasonable prices. It's small and curated, so regulars check back often for new arrivals. Pop into Chelsea Market nearby for a bite after your thrifting run.

This place is best for anyone craving a dose of New York nostalgia with their dessert. Serendipity 3, the city's first coffee house boutique, has been a sweet spot since the 1950s, attracting everyone from Andy Warhol to everyday visitors. The frozen hot chocolate is the star, but the long spoom and ice cream are also worth your time. Expect a line out the door; it's part of the experience. The vibe is casual and lively, fitting the Upper East Side setting. Hours run late, especially on weekends. For a savory detour, nearby Katz's Delicatessen offers a classic pastrami sandwich. Serendipity 3 remains a singular gem in a city full of dessert options.

Piano bars where the audience sings along are rare in New York, and Uncle Charlie's keeps that tradition alive seven nights a week. Open from 4pm until 4am daily, this East Side lounge draws a mixed gay and straight crowd in their 30s through 50s. There's outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. The happy hour is a solid deal, and the full bar turns out excellent cocktails. Regulars know it's a low-key spot where you're likely to find pianists and other musicians playing spontaneously. The crowd splits between singers up front and shy listeners hanging back.

Between 9th & 10th Avenues in Midtown, The New Group is an artist-driven theater company founded by Scott Elliott. It's LGBTQ+-owned and known for daring contemporary work, including 'Avenue Q' on Broadway. Productions often feature New York actors like Cynthia Nixon, Ethan Hawke, and Chloë Sevigny. The theater maintains a commitment to relevant, adventurous work. Reviews highlight its bold programming. With a 3.5-star Yelp rating from limited reviews, it's best to check casting and show schedules ahead of time.

Wind whips across the open-air platform seventy floors above Midtown. Top of the Rock opened as part of Rockefeller Center in 1939, offering 360-degree crystal-clear views of Manhattan. You'll see the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty from its outdoor decks. The high-speed elevator rockets you to the sky in under a minute. Multimedia exhibits tracing Rockefeller Center's history line the indoor queue. It's a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd here, part of the city's standard tourist draw. Night visits reward you with glittering city lights reflecting off the glass. Go at sunset to catch both daylight and night panoramas. The deck's location between 49th and 50th Streets puts you steps from Fifth Avenue shopping and the Museum of Modern Art. For an insider tip, the quieter afternoon hours on weekdays let you soak in the view without the rush. You'll find free wifi throughout and outdoor seating for the best photo ops.

A Salt & Battery draws a mixed gay and straight crowd, all here for the same thing: traditional British fish and chips in the West Village. The vibe is casual and dog-friendly, with outdoor seating available. The owner opened it out of a love for British food and its scarcity in New York, keeping the menu focused on high-quality classics. You'll order at the counter and grab a seat. Beer and wine only, so plan accordingly. It's open daily from 11am to 9pm. For a different kind of New York institution nearby, check out Katz's Delicatessen.

You'll find a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd here, along with families, creating a relaxed yet upscale vibe. Market Table has been serving seasonal American cuisine since 2007, with a seafood focus. The chefs, Mikey Price and Joey Campanaro, offer nightly specials. It's a fine-dining spot that also hosts karaoke, which adds a playful twist. Reservations are accepted, and the full bar includes happy hour specials. Outdoor seating is available when the weather's nice. The menu changes with the seasons, so you'll always find something fresh. For a classic New York experience nearby, stop by Katz's Delicatessen.

It offers an exquisite blend of French, American, and Asian cuisines, earning three Michelin stars and four stars from the New York Times. The crowd here is mixed gay-straight, mostly 30-somethings up to 50-somethings, making it a welcoming spot for a special occasion without being a specifically gay venue. The service is impeccable, and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Central Park and Columbus Circle. For the best value, go for the two-course lunch menu at $58. Dinner offers a three-course prix-fixe for $138 or six-course tasting menus for $218. Reservations are expected, and dressy attire is recommended.

You'll find a mix of budget-conscious shoppers and vintage enthusiasts browsing the racks at Housing Works Upper West Side Thrift Shop. It's a place where high-end vintage treasures meet bargain hunters and fashionistas alike. This location is part of the Housing Works network, the largest community-based AIDS service organization in the United States. Profits from your purchase directly support their mission. Look for clothing, accessories, gifts, and antiques. The store sits between 74th and 75th Street, making it an easy stop while exploring the neighborhood. If you're making a day of it, Chelsea Market is nearby for a post-shopping bite.

Walking into Miss Mamie's Spoonbread Too feels like stepping into a family gathering. This soul food spot on the Upper West Side has been serving home-style cooking since 1997, using recipes from the sisters' cookbook Spoonbread and Strawberry Wine. Owner Norma Jean Darden, a former Wilhelmina model, and her sister Carole created a place where Columbia students, church ladies, and even President Clinton feel at home. The menu includes fried chicken, Louisiana catfish, and peach cobbler, all baked fresh in-house. It's casual, dog friendly, and has a full bar. Reservations are accepted, which is handy given the limited hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 2:30pm to 8:30pm. The place gets lively, especially on weekends. If you're in the mood for classic Southern comfort, this is a solid bet.

The crowd at Century 21 Department Store is a mix of bargain hunters and fashion-conscious shoppers on a budget. This off-price retailer in the Upper West Side offers deep discounts on designer clothing, accessories, and gifts. It's a place where you can find deals, deals, and more deals. Keep in mind that Yelp reviews suggest this location may have permanently closed, though it's not confirmed. If you're nearby, you could check out Chelsea Market for a different shopping experience. The store is open daily from 10am to 9pm (8pm on Sundays).

Peter Luger Steak House is for anyone seeking legendary steak in a lively, upscale setting. This Brooklyn institution has been serving superior cuts of meat since 1887. The mixed gay-straight crowd adds to the welcoming vibe. You'll find a full bar and it's dog friendly too. Reservations are recommended. Regulars know the porterhouse is a standout. For a classic New York meal, pair your visit with a stop at Katz's Delicatessen nearby.

Concrete courtyards and industrial galleries set the stage at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City. It's one of the oldest and largest non-profit contemporary art spaces in the U.S., focused solely on experimental exhibitions rather than building a permanent collection. The vibe is raw and unpolished, matched by Saturday afternoon dance parties where hot DJs spin for a mixed queer and straight crowd. The outdoor setting makes it a rare spot to dance under open sky. You'll want to check the "Warm Up" series on their website for the full schedule. The crowd leans young and artsy, arriving early to explore the galleries before the music starts. It's a budget-friendly option with pay-what-you-wish admission. If you're museum-hopping, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is just a subway ride away and partners with P.S.1 on programming.

In the heart of Times Square near 8th and Broadway, Carmine's has been serving up Southern Italian comfort food since 1990. It's a family-style operation; portions are huge, designed for groups to share. The vibe is casual and mixed, drawing both gay and straight crowds. It's a reliable spot for pasta, seafood, and homemade desserts. Yelp reviewers give it 3.7 out of 5 stars. You'll find a full bar and happy hour deals. Reservations are accepted, which helps with the constant crowd. If you're in the mood for a nearby classic, Katz's Delicatessen is another iconic New York stop worth checking out.