Gay bars in times square new york

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned scene queen, here's our roundup of the top male lover bars in New York City to check out now!

Everyone knows that the New York City queer bar scene is nothing short of vibrant and the city’s nightlife is unquestionably busy. 

New York is also one of the gayest cities in the United States. The problem is that sometimes it can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city. We certainly felt that way on our first visit here. It can feel like there's just too much to perform and not enough time… where do you even start?

Here is a list of the superior gay bars in NYC, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned scene queen! And the best part…most of them are on the west side, either in the West Village, Chelsea, or Hell’s Kitchen, so really, depending on how drawn-out you are in the city, you can block hop and visit most, if not all of them!

Heads up, the iconic Rebar in Chelsea closed its doors for great in 2020.

1. The Stonewall Inn

This NYC gay landmark is where the modern male lover rights movement started in 1969. Popular with tourists and locals alike, it's no surpris

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On August 2nd, Party Continues at Julius' Bar. Saturday kick off 8pm to 9pm with Happy Hour.
Summer is FLYING by gang! Catch it before it's gone at everyone's favorite West Village hot identify, the HISTORIC Julius bar at 159 West 10th st. Let loose and come enjoy the Greatest DISCO, Rock, and 80’s pop and new wave from my immersive digital archive and vintage vinyl collection. The playlist is never planned in advance! All selections are improvised by -yours truly- as the night thrills on! We’ve got the After Dusky HAPPY HOUR PRICES from 8-9pm during which time I will spin the wild, weird and wonderful songs of the 1950’s and 60’s, then we’ll travel up through the decades, covering 70’s soul, rock and disco, landing in the glorious new wave 1980’s.
Get your ANALOG VIDEO FIX with our famous analog-era VIDEO mixes by Jeff Chiola celebrating gems from the After Dark magazine years! 📺 Arrive DE-stress, dance the pain away, and meet new, brilliant, smart and sexy friends.
Cover: No! Look: GLAM

LGBTQ+ Bars in New York perform a big role in the city and the LGBTQIA+ identity and provide a safe place for everyone. New York has long had an appeal for the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, pansexual, trans, queer plus) community, with lots of historic events as well. You can find a large number of gay bars and clubs.

Eric's Index

LGBTQ+ Bars in New York

All over New York, there is a wide range of bars, clubs, and parties. After a lot of consideration, there are three places that you shouldn’t miss:

Le Bain

On the 18th floor of the Common Hotel, you will find this two-floor club called Le Bain. The name Le Bain comes from the indoor pool located just next to the DJ booth. When the club is open during the summertime, people can even go swimming in it. During the wintertime, it serves as an extra gyrate floor. The entire club has spectacular views of all of Manhattan and the Hudson River. When the weather is friendly outside, you should go to the 19th floor where you can enjoy cocktails on the terrace. On Thursday nights, Le Bain becomes the spot for the young, fashion-forward LGBTQ+ crowd. All genders and sexualities are welcome! Drinks here are luxurious , but the atmosphere is 100% Manha

New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that own been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades. The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. The West Village is a classic destination for queer nightlife, but you’ll find something exciting and welcoming in pretty much any part of the city.

You can check out the best drag shows or cabaret performances, but these gender non-conforming spaces all propose something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the same place on different days! Maybe your interests skew more trendy and urbane, or perhaps you're more of the down-and-dirty hook-up spots, the "what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends" type — we're not here to judge! There are plenty of LGBTQ+ things to do in New York, but if it’s a bar you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

RECOMMENDED: Entire guide to the best bars in NYC

May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.