The 5 OFFICIAL Lesbian Bars in NYC + 8 Lesbian-Leaning Bars

Women partying inside a NYC lesbian bar with red lighting.

New York City officially has four lesbian bars, plus a non-stationary one, making it the city with the most lesbian bars in the world! With this in mind, NYC might be the best city in the world for lesbians. Especially if you’re looking to build queer community or dating.  Here are the five official lesbian bars in NYC + other lesbian-leaning bars in the city to explore!

I. The Best Lesbian Bars in New York City 

1. The Bush

Brooklyn’s newest lesbian bar, The Bush, is also the most diverse lesbian bar in NYC. Located in Bushwick, one of the queerest neighborhoods in NYC, you can stop by The Bush after exploring all of the lesbian/queer things to do in Bushwick.

The Bush offers a ton of events, too. They’ve hosted comedy shows, drawing classes, speed dating, karaoke, and bingo nights. The crowd is mixed well both in age and culturally. The drinks are good and moderately priced at around $14 a cocktail.

It is both BIPOC and lesbian-owned. You can really notice the Bush is a queer community space that cares as they also host a wide spectrum of programs that encourage connection, making it one of the best lesbian bars in New York City. 

Other cool events to look out for include DIY jewelry nights, queer book fairs, spoken word events, mental health workshops, and so much more! Follow their Instagram page to stay updated on their upcoming events!

Note: It is part of The Lesbian Bar Project. Check out the episode on them!

  • Cover: Sometimes 
  • Address: 333 Troutman St. Store 4, Bushwick, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (6 PM – 2 AM); Friday, Saturday (6 PM – 4 AM); Sunday (4 PM – 12 AM)

2. Henrietta Hudson ★

This is basically the lesbian club in NYC if you want to go dancing with other sapphic queers under a flashing disco ball. Henrietta Hudson is a self-proclaimed legendary “queer human bar built by dykes” in the West Village, which has been giving the lesbian community a safe space for 33 years now! Known for its vibrant parties, it is one of the longest-standing lesbian bars in the country

There is usually a DJ playing better music and it’s more spacious than Cubby Hole (the next one on the list). However, on weekends after 11:00 PM, the main dancing room can get so packed that you can’t move an inch. And the lines to the bathrooms can feel eternal. I think this means we need another lesbian bar in NYC. Business investors, let’s go?! 

During the pandemic, they also added a stylish outdoor dining area and charcuterie bar and boosted their menu with bottles created by women and POC. You can also get a better assortment of beers and cocktails here than Cubbyhole–(I swear I love Cubby!) If you want to come here to meet and talk to other lesbians, get here when it’s still walkable inside. If you want to meet millennials, get there early, around 8:00 PM, because after 1:00 AM, it’s mostly baby Gen Z’s. 

They also host cool events, so follow their IG page for things like karaoke nights (Wednesdays) and more!

Tip: No door fee on Sundays, and cards are accepted.

  • Cover: Starting at $10 on some nights after 10:00 PM ish
  • Address: 438 Hudson St., West Village, Manhattan
  • Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday (6 PM – 2 AM); Friday, Saturday (6 PM – 4 AM)

3. Cubbyhole ★

This is actually my favorite lesbian bar in NYC. Let me explain why. First, it’s cozy, so you’re forced to interact with the gays around you. Second, it’s quieter than Henriettas so you can actually have a conversation into the wee hours with your new found love (or bestie). Third, it’s got a huge international crowd so the vibes are the friendliest of all the NYC lesbian bars.

Cubbyhole is also just a 10-minute walk from Henrietta’s (listed above) so it’s imperative that you visit both on the same night because why not?! While the drinks aren’t the greatest, and it’s cash only, Cubby will welcome you with an inclusive, unpretentious, and warm ambiance yet will excite you with its jukebox and eclectic decor. 

Cubby is also one of the oldest lesbian bars–30 years old! They have fun events like book swaps, Latinx night, and more. It’s also an easy spot for a lesbian first date if you go around happy hour. Get there around 7:00 PM for seats at the bar. On weekend nights, it gets so packed that there’s a line outside to get in. Seriously, we are so ready for a 5th lesbian bar in NYC! 🙂 

Note: They accept cash only!

  • Address: 281 W 12th St., West Village, Manhattan
  • Hours: Monday – Thursday (4 PM – 2 AM); Friday (4 PM – 4 AM); Saturday (2 PM – 4 AM); Sunday (2PM – 2 AM)

4. Ginger’s Bar

This is an easy spot for local Brooklyn queer femmes (and enbys) to hang out with their friends. So it’s not the easiest for meeting others since people sort of congregate here in groups or couples. But for a chill date or hangout, Ginger’s is the place to be! They have a gorgeous outdoor patio in the back, perfect for summer nights.

They also host some pretty interesting community-building events like queer club bazaars and more. Aside from DJ, dance, and karaoke nights, they host drag shows, too! If you need a break from dancing or a karaoke session, there’s a pool table for your enjoyment or have a chat with a meet-cute at the spacious backyard! 

This is also the most spacious lesbian bar in NYC. The music is great and the drinks are fairly priced! (The affordability makes up for their cash-only policy.) 

Note: The crowd leans more towards the younger side. Plus, there’s an ATM.

  • Address: 363 5th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Weekdays (5 PM – 4 AM); Weekends (2 PM – 4 AM)

5. Dave’s Lesbian Bar ★

This monthly lesbian pop-up bar wants to be the first official lesbian bar in Queens. For now, Dave’s Lesbian Bar travels around Astoria in Queens hosting uniquely special events.

They’re popular hosting community events for mutual aid funds. For instance, they hosted a Queer Bazaar at a beer garden, where you could meet all types of queer clubs in NYC to join from queer tennis to queer cooking book clubs. At another past event, visitors could enjoy a variety of services provided by queer vendors, such as haircuts, tattoos, manicures, make-up, and massages. And during these events, they usually feature queer bands that play a range of genres.

Proceeds alternate monthly for the bar project and various non-profit causes and organizations such as Astoria Food Pantry, Queen’s Center for Gay Seniors, and Queens Community House. 

You can also donate to help fund Dave’s future permanent space.

Note: Every pop-up features different bands and services, so follow them on Instagram for future updates!

  • Location: Dave’s Lesbian Bar usually hosts their monthly events in Astoria, Queens, where they plan to build a permanent space.

II. Other Lesbian-Leaning Bars & Events in NYC

6. MISSTER Wednesdays at The Woods ★

On Wednesday nights, this Williamsburg bar hosts lesbian nights. The Woods venue offers three spaces: an indoor dance floor with a DJ and disco lights, an outdoor patio, and a barn-style outdoor space (with food to order in the back). Drinks are reasonably priced. 

The biggest drawback is that it starts super late around 11:00 PM on a Wednesday weeknight, and because of this the crowd tends to be younger. I’m talking about 23 year olds. Which is great for them, but if you’re 35 and looking to meet others get there early. Or, go with your queer friends and turn it into a fun group outing.

Their back patio has a food truck, where you can grab tacos, burritos, and other Mexican food. The most popular dish is the fish tacos! The Woods is also just an easy walk from Domino Park, so don’t miss it when you’re in the area for gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline!

  • Address: 48 S 4th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  • Hours: WEDNESDAYS around 11:00 PM

7. Mary’s Bar

Many people argue that this is another one of NYC’s lesbian bars. This queer Irish pub also offers entertainment that includes music nights, dance parties, trivia nights, watch parties, and book clubs, which are more enjoyable with their free, unlimited popcorn! The vibes are super chill and welcoming, very warm and inclusive. They have indoor and outdoor seating! Mary’s Bar also offers an affordable and rotating selection of craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Bonus: It is just a 5-minute walk from Brooklyn Steel (one of the best live music venues in the country), so you can visit both places in one night!

  • Address: 134 Kingsland Ave., East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Weekdays (Opens at 5 PM); Weekends (Opens at 2 PM)

8. Maite

Another hidden queer gem in the heart of Bushwick, one of the queerest neighborhoods in NYC, is Maite. This women-owned, farm-to-fork restaurant-bar specializes in an impressive dining experience that blends Colombian, European, and American influences. Their menu changes so they keep it hung up on the wall on a giant chalkboard. 

Their selection of cocktails, natural wines, beer, and ciders is yum, too!

Note: They accept walk-ins, but they offer a limited number of seats for reservations. Bar seating is for walk-ins only.

  • Address: 159 Central Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (5 PM – 10 PM); Friday, Saturday (5 PM – 11 PM); Sunday (12 PM – 9 PM)

9. Grotto ★

Grotto is another sapphic cocktail pop-up bar that addresses growing demand for more sapphic bars in NYC. They have previously brought their pop up events to Soho House, Ludlow House, TALEA bar, and Rockefeller Center’s Pebble Bar, where they host various events such as lesbian Halloween soirees and sapphic book swap parties. Check out their website to catch them at their next location! Queer women, transgender, and non-binary folks are welcome! 

10. Purgatory

Purgatory might be a small, hole-in-the-wall bar, but this predominantly women- and queer-owned spot is one of the best if you’re looking for a fun night! Its second floor is a venue for a variety of events, including music shows, game nights, and drag performances. Cocktails, beers, ciders, and seltzers are available. They also have an outdoor patio that’s perfect, especially for good weather nights!

  • Address: 675 Central Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Daily (6 PM – 2 AM)

11. Boobie Trap

This quirky and old school tavern is a Bushwick treasure among locals. Come to the Boobie Trap for very cool interiors, board games and drinks. Sometimes they host drag nights. While it’s not exclusively queer, it is popular for being unofficially a queer bar. I mean, just look at the name and location. 

  • Address: 308 Bleecker St., Bushwick, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday (12 PM – 4 AM); Sunday (12 PM – 12 AM)

12. Pink Metal

Pink Metal is famous for its weekly burlesque and drag shows, figure drawing events, open stages for queer artists, and variety shows that will make your evenings unforgettable. It is a women-owned, LGBTQ-friendly bar that boasts tasty cocktails and edgy, high-femme aesthetics. Also – They host gogo and vinyls spun every first Sunday of the month, too.

  • Address: 253 Bushwick Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Monday – Thursday (6 PM – 2 AM); Friday – Sunday (5 PM – 2 AM)

13. C’mon Everybody

On the border of Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy, C’mon Everybody is spacious gay bar with a back theater, a hangout room, and a bar area. Unlike a lot of other gay bars in NYC, this one has a nice queer femme presence. 

Check out their events schedule for queer comedy shows, drag burlesque shows, queer trivia nights, and more!

  • Address: 325 Franklin Ave., Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday (Opens at 5 PM); Sunday (Opens at 6 PM)

14. Good Judy

Good Judy is just steps from Ginger’s (one of Brooklyn’s official lesbian bars) and thus is one of the more lesbian-leaning gay bars in the city. They have two floors and four spaces, including a backyard patio. They host a variety of events like piano sing-alongs, queer trivia, puppet show karaoke, drag shows, as well as watch, dance, and listening parties. If you just want to chill, you can enjoy their craft cocktails at the bar. 

Fun fact: It is C’mon Everybody’s gay little sister.

  • Address: 563 5th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Hours: Monday – Thursday (5 PM – 2 AM); Friday – Saturday (5 PM – 4 AM); Sunday (3 PM – 2 AM) 

III. First Lesbian Bar New York: Did You Know?

Did you know that the first-ever lesbian bar in the United States was located in New York City? In 1925, Polish-Jewish immigrant Eva Kotchever opened Eve’s Hangout, a lesbian basement bar under her American name “Eve Adams.” It was located in Greenwich Village, where the restaurant La Lanterna di Vittorio currently stands.

Eve’s Hangout quickly became a sanctuary for lesbians and queer folk, offering a rare public space where they could gather and socialize freely. Eva was not only a proprietor but also an outspoken activist and writer. She authored a collection of short stories titled Lesbian Love, one of the first works in the United States to openly discuss lesbian relationships.

However, the pervasive homophobia of the time meant that Eve’s Hangout was short-lived, lasting only about a year. The bar became a target for law enforcement following complaints from neighbors. In 1926, the police raided Eve’s Hangout, leading to Eva’s arrest. She was convicted and spent 18 months in jail before being deported back to Europe.

Eva Kotchever’s pioneering efforts and her bar, Eve’s Hangout, hold a significant place in LGBTQ+ history, symbolizing the early struggle for safe spaces and rights for the community. Sadly, after her deportation, Eva perished in Auschwitz in 1943 during the Holocaust.

Despite the tragic end of her life, Eva Kotchever’s pioneering spirit and courage laid the groundwork for future generations of queer women. Thank you, Eva.

IV. Lesbian Bars NY: Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How many lesbian bars are in NYC?

There are four stationary NYC lesbian bars, plus one transient lesbian bar!

Q2. What are the 5 official lesbian bars in NYC?

The five official New York lesbian bars are:

  • Henrietta Hudson (West Village, Manhattan)
  • Cubbyhole (West Village, Manhattan)
  • Ginger’s Bar (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
  • The Bush (Bushwick, Brooklyn)
  • Dave’s Lesbian Bar (transient around Astoria, Queens) 

The first four are part of The Lesbian Bar Project’s list of 33 bars.  Many argue that Mary’s Bar is also a lesbian bar (self-described as a queer Irish pub), and there’s also Grotto which is a pop-up sapphic cocktail experience that moves around the city.

Q3. Why are there so few lesbian bars in NYC or the USA?

New York City has four lesbian bars, making it the city with the most number of lesbian bars… IN THE WORLD. BUT yes, it’s still a small percentage compared to the number of bars in the city. The demand however, has been exploding with long lines and tight crowds to these bars on weekend nights. Especially with a lot of women coming out as gay after 2020. They’re even calling it the millennial mid-life crisis. So we’ll see how the number of lesbian bars grows here!

Here’s why we don’t have more… yet:

  • Economic Challenges: Running a bar, particularly one catering to a niche community, comes with substantial financial risks. Due to compulsory heterosexuality and patriarchal conditioning, lesbian bars struggle with lower patronage compared to their gay male counterparts, leading to less revenue. Additionally, women, on average, have lower incomes than men, affecting their spending power and ability to support nightlife venues regularly.
  • Social Shifts and Online Communities: The rise of online dating and social media has changed how people connect, date, and form communities. Many lesbians and queer women now meet through apps, reducing the reliance on physical spaces like bars.
  • Gentrification and Rising Costs: Urban gentrification and rising real estate costs have also played a significant role. The biggest gay communities are in cities. Where the gays go = educated places = become expenses places to rent, sadly. So traditionally LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, especially in NYC, have seen rents skyrocket, making it financially untenable for small, independent bars to operate. 

Q4. What is the oldest lesbian bar in NYC?

Henrietta Hudson is the oldest lesbian bar in NYC. Co-owners Lisa Cannistraci and Minnie Rivera opened it in 1991, making it the city’s longest-surviving lesbian bar! 

Q5. What state has the most lesbian bars?

With four lesbian bars in NYC, the state of New York beats Oklahoma, which has three. Surprise! I know. Read more on Why Oklahoma has so “many” lesbian bars here.

Q6. Are men allowed in Henrietta Hudson and other lesbian bars?

Of course they are allowed. But should straight cis-men visit lesbian bars? Depends on the intention. Is it to objectify and gawk at women? Is it to find a “third” for their dying relationship?

Also, they can enter ALL other bars in NYC. Why crash our safe space? To see a straight man in a lesbian bar is simply suss. Unless of course, they’re with their lesbian friends celebrating their birthday or something. 

V. More NYC Lesbian Spots

1 thoughts on “The 5 OFFICIAL Lesbian Bars in NYC + 8 Lesbian-Leaning Bars

  1. ina says:

    a majority of people are non-monosexual. Lesbians and queer and sapphic are not interchangeable terms though they have large overlap. it gets tough to deal with the bi erasure and biphobia. I am not looking for men at all but “lesbian” is not accurate and so overused. terms like WLW are preferable I think. Thanks for considering not attacking

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