Gay clubs in new york city 18 and up
La Escuelita
History
Following the Stonewall uprising of 1969, three members of New York’s lgbtq+ Latino community became interested in opening a nightclub. Unable to obtain a liquor license, c. 1970, they first operated a social club on Broadway across from Lincoln Center. La Escuelita’s name derives from its location in the building’s basement below a language school, escuela in Spanish, coupled with the use of diminutives by Puerto Ricans when giving directions. Patrons told others the club was located under the “little language school.”
The club was closed by the police after a few years and moved further uptown to the Hotel Lucerne at 79th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. The owners acquired a liquor license, and it was here where La Escuelita’s now iconic drag shows began. The club lasted at the Hotel Lucerne for a year before moving to a location on West 48th Street for about six months.
In the late 1970s, La Escuelita moved to 607 Eighth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, near the Port Authority, in a downstairs vacuum that was formerly a bowling passage. The building’s entrance, which originally faced Eighth Avenue, moved around the corner to 301 West 39th Stre
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned scene queen, here's our roundup of the top lgbtq+ bars in New York City to check out now!
Everyone knows that the New York City homosexual 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 undertake and not enough time… where do you even start?
Here is a list of the foremost 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 lengthy you are in the city, you can exclude hop and visit most, if not all of them!
Heads up, the iconic Rebar in Chelsea closed its doors for nice in 2020.
1. The Stonewall Inn
This NYC gay landmark is where the modern homosexual rights movement started in 1969. Popular with tourists and locals alike, it's no surprise
Waterworks Pub is Albany’s premier LGBTQ+ Pub and Darkness club.
Located at the launch of Albany’s gay village, Waterworks is the oldest gay-oriented LGBTQ+ community block in Albany where our motto is Unity. Established in 1981, Waterworks is located in a historic multi-level building that enables us to offer something for everyone.
The Pub, located on the first floor offers a hometown corner Gay Bar atmosphere with a pool table, dart board, Juke Box, nourishment counter with lite exclude faire, 10 flat screen televisions, and a professional sound system, dance area and stage.
The Club, located on the second floor with a separate block & smoking patio, is one of the hottest Nightclubs and busiest Nightlife dance clubs in town.
Featuring Albany Hottest DJs spinning the latest Remixes and pumping out more than 15,000 watts of pure energy from our high-quality professional 3-way sound system, along with an astonishing light show including our professional laser system, Waterworks Club offers an trial rarely found in upstate New York.
Spotted @ The Delancey
Relive the moments. Every week, we capture the best vibes, wildest dance moves, and unforgettable nights across all three floors of The Delancey.
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At The Delancey, delve into a three-tiered nightlife adventure. Our rooftop garden offers a serene retreat, the main floor buzzes with elegance, and the downstairs lounge is a hub of rhythmic escapades. Whether for private parties or spontaneous visits, each evening here crafts a distinct, memorable narrative in the heart of New York City.
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At The Delancey, delve into a three-tiered nightlife adventure. Our rooftop garden offers a peaceful retreat, the main floor buzzes with elegance, and the downstairs lounge is a hub of rhythmic escapades. Whether for secret parties or spontaneous visits, each evening here crafts a distinct, unforgettable narrative in the heart of New York City.
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Unlock Unforgettable
Nights at The
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 lgbtq+ spaces all suggest 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: Packed guide to the best bars in NYC
May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.
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 lgbtq+ spaces all suggest 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: Packed guide to the best bars in NYC
May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.