NYC Nightlife
From legendary gay bars to cutting-edge dance clubs, experience the electric energy of New York's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene
The World's Greatest Gay Nightlife
New York City's LGBTQ+ nightlife is legendary for good reason. From intimate piano bars where Broadway stars drop in to massive warehouse clubs that party until dawn, NYC offers every kind of gay night out imaginable. Whether you're looking for craft cocktails, drag performances, underground dance parties, or just a place to be yourself, the city that never sleeps has exactly what you need.
House of Yes
Bushwick's legendary performance club featuring immersive experiences, world-class DJs, and unforgettable themed parties.
Hours: Thu-Sat 10pm-4am
Cover: $20-40
Best Night: Saturday "Compound"
Industry Bar
Hell's Kitchen's premier dance destination with massive space, top DJs, and some of NYC's best drag performances.
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Cover: $10-25
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-8pm
3 Dollar Bill
Brooklyn's massive queer club with warehouse vibes, outdoor patio, and legendary dance parties until sunrise.
Hours: Fri-Sat 10pm-6am
Cover: $15-30
Signature: "Homoelectric" parties
Nowadays
Ridgewood's daytime dance destination with incredible sound system, outdoor garden, and world-renowned DJs.
Hours: Sat-Sun 2pm-10pm
Cover: $20-35
Season: April-October
Basement
East Village's intimate underground club featuring cutting-edge electronic music and late-night dancing.
Hours: Thu-Sat 11pm-4am
Cover: $15-25
Vibe: Minimal, dark, intense
Good Room
Greenpoint's premier sound system and intimate dance floor, hosting the city's best underground electronic events.
Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-4am
Cover: $20-30
Known For: Incredible sound quality
The Stonewall Inn
The birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. This National Historic Landmark continues to serve the community.
Hours: Daily 2pm-4am
Address: 53 Christopher St
Must-Do: Pay respects to history
Julius'
NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar (since 1864) with classic atmosphere and legendary regulars.
Hours: Daily 1pm-4am
Address: 159 W 10th St
Vibe: Neighborhood dive
Hardware
Hell's Kitchen drag destination in a converted hardware store, featuring nightly performances and award-winning shows.
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 697 10th Ave
Shows: Multiple daily
VERS
Chic Hell's Kitchen spot with craft cocktails, trendy atmosphere, and beautiful people-watching opportunities.
Hours: Daily 5pm-2am
Address: 5 W 48th St
Happy Hour: 5-8pm daily
Metropolitan
Williamsburg's beloved gay bar with backyard patio, pool table, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
Hours: Daily 5pm-4am
Address: 559 Lorimer St
Best: Summer patio parties
Ginger's Bar
Park Slope's iconic lesbian bar with pool table, outdoor space, and welcoming community atmosphere.
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 363 5th Ave, Brooklyn
Vibe: Friendly neighborhood
Marie's Crisis Café
Legendary West Village piano bar where patrons sing Broadway classics in an intimate basement setting.
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 59 Grove St
Cash Only: No cover, tips appreciated
Lips
Midtown's drag dinner theater featuring fabulous queens serving up entertainment with your meal.
Shows: Wed-Sun evenings
Address: 227 E 56th St
Reservations: Required
Club Cumming
Alan Cumming's East Village venue featuring cabaret, comedy, and eclectic performances in an intimate setting.
Hours: Show nights vary
Address: 505 E 6th St
Tickets: Check calendar
Pieces
Hell's Kitchen drag institution with multiple shows nightly and some of NYC's most talented performers.
Shows: Every night 9pm-2am
Address: 8 Christopher St
Cover: $10 (2 drink minimum)
Therapy
Hell's Kitchen's premier drag destination with two floors of entertainment and legendary weekend shows.
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 348 W 52nd St
Shows: Weekend evenings
The Duplex
West Village's historic cabaret venue featuring intimate performances, comedy, and emerging talent showcase.
Shows: Nightly 7pm & 9:30pm
Address: 61 Christopher St
Reservations: Recommended
The Penthouse
Elevated cocktail experience in Midtown with panoramic views and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for date nights.
Hours: Wed-Sat 6pm-2am
Address: 30 W 21st St, 21st Floor
Reservations: Recommended
Westlight
Brooklyn's premier rooftop experience with 360-degree views of NYC skyline and craft cocktails in Williamsburg.
Hours: Daily 5pm-1am
Address: 111 N 12th St, 22nd Floor
Best Time: Sunset
Elmo
Chelsea's stylish restaurant and lounge known for its beautiful crowd, excellent brunch, and sophisticated evening scene.
Hours: Daily 11am-2am
Address: 156 7th Ave
Brunch: Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Gantry Plaza Rooftop
Long Island City's waterfront rooftop with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views and relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
Hours: Seasonal, Apr-Oct
Address: 4-09 47th Rd, LIC
Vibe: Casual, scenic
The Fleur Room
Luxurious rooftop bar atop the Moxy Chelsea with stunning city views and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.
Hours: Thu-Sun 5pm-late
Address: 105 W 28th St, 30th Floor
Dress Code: Upscale
Atlas Social Club
Stylish Hell's Kitchen lounge with craft cocktails, upscale atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe for the community.
Hours: Daily 5pm-2am
Address: 753 9th Ave
Happy Hour: 5-8pm weekdays
Mood Ring
Bushwick's mystical bar with astrology-themed cocktails, queer-friendly atmosphere, and cosmic dance parties.
Hours: Wed-Sun 6pm-4am
Address: 1260 Myrtle Ave
Vibe: Mystical, inclusive
The Boiler Room
East Village's no-frills gay dive bar with pool table, jukebox, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere.
Hours: Daily 2pm-4am
Address: 86 E 4th St
Cash Only: ATM on-site
Nowadays (Underground)
The indoor counterpart to the daytime garden parties, featuring late-night electronic music and underground vibes.
Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-6am
Address: 56-06 Cooper Ave
Season: Year-round indoor
Happyfun Hideaway
Bushwick's intimate queer party space hosting underground events, art shows, and community gatherings.
Hours: Event-based
Address: Check social media
Follow: @happyfunhideaway
Bossa Nova Civic Club
Bushwick's legendary underground venue featuring experimental music, performance art, and boundary-pushing events.
Hours: Event nights only
Address: 1271 Myrtle Ave
Tickets: Check website
Nowadays Loft
Secret warehouse loft parties featuring cutting-edge DJs, intimate dance floors, and underground electronic music.
Hours: Special events
Location: TBA via mailing list
Access: Invitation only
Your Guide to NYC Gay Nightlife
Best Times to Go
- • Happy Hours: 4-8pm weekdays
- • Peak Hours: 10pm-2am Fri/Sat
- • Late Night: 2-4am for die-hards
- • Sunday Funday: Day parties 2-8pm
Budget Planning
- • Dive Bars: $8-12 drinks
- • Mid-tier: $12-18 cocktails
- • Upscale: $18-25+ craft cocktails
- • Cover Charges: $10-40 depending on venue
Getting Around
- • Hell's Kitchen: A/C/E to 42nd St
- • West Village: 1 to Christopher St
- • Brooklyn: L train to various stops
- • Late Night: Use rideshare apps
Safety Tips
- • Stay with friends, especially late night
- • Watch your drinks and don't leave them unattended
- • Keep phone charged for rideshare/emergency
- • Know your limits and pace yourself
Dress Codes
- • Dive Bars: Come as you are
- • Dance Clubs: Stylish casual
- • Rooftops: Smart casual to upscale
- • Special Events: Check requirements
Etiquette
- • Tip bartenders and drag performers well
- • Respect performers during shows
- • Be inclusive and welcoming to all
- • Ask before taking photos of others
Don't Miss Out
NYC's nightlife scene is constantly evolving with new parties, special events, and seasonal celebrations. Stay connected to never miss the hottest gay events in the city.