Restaurants

10 Lesbian Bars in NYC: A Guide to the Best Queer Spaces in the City

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Lesbian bars have long been vibrant and important spaces within the LGBTQ+ community in NYC. These establishments offer a safe and inclusive environment for queer women to socialize, connect, and celebrate their identities.

Over the years, the lesbian bar scene in NYC has evolved, adapting to changing societal attitudes and cultural shifts. While the number of lesbian-specific bars has decreased, many LGBTQ+ venues in the city remain inclusive spaces that cater to diverse identities and experiences. Here are 10 such lesbian bars in NYC.

1. Henrietta Hudson

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Henrietta Hudson is a lesbian bar NYC located in the West Village. It is one of the oldest lesbian bars in the city and has been a staple of the LGBTQ+ community since it first opened its doors in 1991.

The bar is named after the explorer Henry Hudson, who sailed up the river that now bears his name in the early 17th century. It offers a welcoming and inclusive space for lesbians and queer women to socialize, dance, and enjoy a variety of events and entertainment.

2. Cubbyhole

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Cubbyhole is a NYC lesbian bar that has been in operation since 1994. Located in the West Village neighborhood of New York City, it is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

The bar offers a variety of drinks, including a wide selection of beers and cocktails, and also serves bar food. Cubbyhole hosts regular events such as karaoke nights, trivia nights, and dance parties, making it a popular spot for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

3. Ginger's Bar

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Ginger's Bar NYC is a popular LGBTQ+ bar located in Brooklyn. It is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, catering to a diverse crowd of patrons. The bar offers a variety of drinks, including craft cocktails, beers, and spirits.

It also hosts regular events such as drag shows, karaoke nights, and themed parties. Ginger's Bar is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking for a fun and vibrant nightlife experience.

4. Oddly Enough

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Oddly Enough, a cocktail bar in Bed-Stuy was established at a time when queer spaces, and lesbian bars in particular, are sorely needed. The vibe at this lesbian clubs in New York is fun and warmly welcoming. 

The best features of his place are the booth seating, plates of tinned fish, and a cocktail list with drinks with names like New Moon in Leo and Earth Baby. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or looking to try something new and unconventional, Oddly Enough has something for everyone.

5. The Stonewall Inn

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The Stonewall Inn is one of the historic gay bar and lesbian bars in New York City. It gained significant prominence in LGBTQ+ history as the site of the Stonewall riots in June 1969, which marked a major turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.

Today, the Stonewall Inn remains an important symbol of LGBTQ+ activism and is recognized as an iconic landmark in New York City. It continues to operate as a bar and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

6. The Woods

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The Woods is a bar and event space known for its rustic and cozy atmosphere, with a log cabin-inspired interior featuring wood-paneled walls and vintage decor. This LGBTQ+ bar combines punk and EDM to create a unique aesthetic.

It offers a wide range of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits, with a focus on unique and creative concoctions. They also have a selection of bar snacks and small plates to accompany the drinks.

7. Phoenix Bar

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Phoenix Bar is among the best lesbian bars NYC. It has a relaxed and comfortable vibe that makes it a popular spot for everyone. It is a well-regarded community space for LGBTQ+ individuals and a place where people can come together, make new friends, and feel a sense of belonging.

This well-known LGBTQ+ bar located in the East Village neighborhood hosts various events, including karaoke nights, trivia nights, and themed parties. It's a place where you can enjoy a mix of entertainment and socializing.

8. Mary’s Bar

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Mary's Bar is a popular queer Irish pub located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. It is known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and wide selection of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits.

These lesbian bars New York bar also offer a small menu of bar snacks and sandwiches. It has everything from cheap drinks to a wrap-around porch, and substantial outdoor seating. It is a popular spot for locals to gather and socialize.

9. Maite

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Maite is a cozy, Latinx-owned restaurant and bar in Bushwick. It is more of a restaurant than a bar, but there’s a bar you can sit at.  A lesbian and queer crowd frequents the small space. It is eccentrically decorated with lesbian paraphernalia such as vintage “L Word” posters.

It is a proudly lesbian-owned European-style Colombian space known for its creative and delicious cocktails, farm-to-fork food menu, and warm and welcoming atmosphere. It also hosts queer comedy nights, queer vinyl nights, lesbian and drag brunch parties.

10. Metropolitan

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The Metropolitan Bar is an LGBTQ+ bar located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and extensive drink menu. The bar has two levels, with a dance floor, pool table, and outdoor patio. 

This space hosts a variety of events throughout the week, including drag shows, karaoke nights, and comedy shows. It is also a popular spot for watching sporting events and celebrating special occasions.