LGBTQ+ bars are back and ready for you hunny
Goose Island has rounded up a list of the best LGBTQ+ bars to wine & dine safely in NYC as we slowly enter Spring. These favorite LGBTQ+ hangouts will make you nostalgic for pre-COVID times as they offer some of the same menus and events you miss but with new safety precautions. Turn a look or come as you are; your LGBTQ+ friends and family miss you dearly.
563 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
facebook.com/goodjudybk
Sister venue to queer favorite C'mon Everybody (which will be open in the Spring) is a beautiful space in South Park Slope featuring a piano bar cabaret room, a large main bar area, roadside and backyard seating. With plenty of places to safely distance yourself, both inside and outside, Good Judy will keep you entertained with seated DJ parties and drag shows. Come for the shows, stay for the frozen drinks and signature jello-shots.
Photo via The Rosemont Facebook
63 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
facebook.com/therosemontnyc
This Williamsburg haven boasts a huge outdoors, taco pop up, outdoor projector, drag delivery service and weekend seated DJ parties. There's no shortage of fun and exciting events happening even in pandemic times. Their weather-resistant heated outdoor seating and limited indoor seating fill up fast so get there early and stay late for a safe night out on the town with your crew.
Photo via Happyfun Hideaway Facebook
1211 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
facebook.com/HappyfunHideaway
Tucked away off of busy Myrtle Ave, this self proclaimed queer tiki disco dive bar has long been a favorite of artsy Bushwick queers. Grab a cold beer and bar snack with friends and snag a spot on their heated outdoor patio or limited indoor seating. Come on Sunday's for their new Sundaze party featuring a different DJ each week, drag shows and food by The Empanada Project BK.
Photo via Heaven or Las Vegas Facebook
4 Irving Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
facebook.com/heavenorlasvegasnyc
Bushwick's only karaoke bar, and sister venue to the currently closed Mood Ring, has restructured into a cool cocktail lounge for the time being. As we wait for Mood Ring and karaoke rooms to reopen you can still enjoy the hot and cool atmosphere of Heaven or Las Vegas with outdoor (weather permitting) and limited indoor seating. Their cocktail menu features "all the hits" like the classic Negroni, a small curated selection of beers and small eats. If you’re on a major budget try a can of Kirin Ichiban, a Japanese malt beer, with a "Fyre festival sandwich" (which is exactly as it sounds-cheese and bread slapped together) for only $6.25.
260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
facebook.com/3dollarbillbk
This 600+ capacity venue has been known to host some of the wildest nights in queer nightlife. Things look a little differently after COVID restructuring but this massive space is able to host a decent amount of people safely and with the proper precautions without sacrificing high quality entertainment. You can still catch the occasional drag shows and DJ nights if you’re lucky! Currently open for special events only so check their social media for upcoming festivities.
Photo via Julius' Bar Facebook
159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
facebook.com/juliusbarnyc
New York’s oldest gay bar has been serving libations to LGBTQ+ clientele since the 50’s and the building dates back to the 1800s and is one of the oldest bars in the Village. This queer slice of history has stood the test of time and is still celebrating Pride every day. They are currently offering limited indoor seating and outdoor tent dining with a selection of delicious and affordable burgers and hand cut fries. They have the standard selection of bar drinks with some specialty hot drinks during the cooler months to keep you warm.
8 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
facebook.com/PiecesBar
Pre-Covid you could catch a drag show here daily and Pieces is back and better than ever. With big names like Marty Cummings and Yuhua Hamasaki (Drag Race) performing here often, it’s a must visit for any drag lover. They have some of the most exciting programing in the city right now with a nice outdoor patio for safe viewing. Make sure to get here early and stay into the night if you want a good seat!
447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009
facebook.com/phoenixbarnyc
A stand alone gay institution in the East Village; Phoenix Bar literally rose from the ashes after a fire decimated the original bar over 20 years ago. It’s now withheld the test of time and made it through a slew of natural disasters, and now a pandemic, without shuttering its doors. This bar is a fighter and you can help support its constant perseverance by frequenting this LGBTQ+ safe haven. Outdoor seating with heaters makes for a comfy place to enjoy a pint and some bar food with friends. Frequent events include karaoke, drag bingo and trivia nights so don’t be surprised if one beer turns into several.
505 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
facebook.com/clubcumming
This intimate contemporary East Village gay bar and venue is owned by actor (and queer icon) Alan Cumming. The space is beloved by many and seen as an inclusive space where all are welcome and celebrated. They host unique shows and DJ nights from their patio with many events dual streaming online so you can catch them from the comfort of your own home. Club Cumming has recently been hosting sidewalk cabana cabarets so keep an eye on their social media for exciting new COVID safe events.
Branded Saloon Facebook
603 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
facebook.com/BrandedSaloon
Branded Saloon is Prospect Heights very own gay cowboy bar. Yes you heard that right, this inclusive space is full of antique trappings reminiscent of an old saloon. In pre-COVID times they’re the home of Switch N’ Play (Brooklyn’s beloved queer burlesque troupe), a queer monthly country music series, drag shows and more. They’re currently open for outdoor heated cabana dining with a tasty menu of salads, sandwiches and snacks plus an extensive brunch menu on the weekends.
Friends Tavern Facebook
78-11 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
facebook.com/friendstavern
The oldest gay bar in queens with a Latin flair, Friend’s Tavern is a fresh breath of air coming from the typical Manhattan gay bars. This gem is nestled in the super diverse neighborhood Jackson Heights and boasts a friendly and warm atmosphere. They’re currently serving drinks, food and cute staff out in their backyard with limited indoor seating as well. Look out on their instagram for hot happy hour deals and socially distant seated events
Rockbar Facebook
185 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
facebook.com/rockbarnyc
This West Village bar has turned from rowdy weekend haunt to fun COVID-safe anytime go-to bar. Currently offering a range of seated drag events with delicious food and drinks available. They’re back with limited indoor seating so get there early and grab a good seat for the show. Check their instagram or facebook for up to date show information.
1 Jackson St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
facebook.com/ExleyNYC
Williamsburg’s best kept secret; this queer cocktail bar is full of surprises. They’re currently offering outdoor service only but with one of the most beautiful outdoor lodges featuring colorful windows and a wooden interior you won’t want it any other way! The cocktails are to die for and as they’ve consistently proved to be a cut above the rest their motto currently sits at; “you already know”, mic drop.
Pink Metal Facebook
253 Bushwick Avenue New York, NY 11206
facebook.com/pinkmetalbk
Bushwick based Pink Metal is the bar equivalent of a hard femme and they’re serving up more than tacos. Featuring three options for seating; limited indoor capacity, outdoor roadside seating and a heated backyard. You’ll have plenty of places to enjoy sipping on a signature cocktail (or mocktail) while enjoying drag and burlesque shows. Don’t forget to hit this place on a weekend to fill up with brunch specials like Nutella french toast and vegetarian biscuits and gravy.
Icon Facebook
31-84 33rd St Astoria, NY 11106
facebook.com/Iconastoria
Holding down a fierce LGBTQ+ space in Astoria, Icon is still turning out 7 days a week of programming. It’s-dare we say it-ICONIC. With weeklong entertainment, snacks and plenty of drink selections Icon is a prime spot for queers from all boroughs to enjoy a drink with friends. With a fully vaccinated staff and newly reopened 50% indoor capacity icon is helping us feel a little more like pre-pandemic times in the safest way possible.
Hardware Facebook
697 10th Ave New York, NY 10036
facebook.com/hardwarebarnyc
The owners of beloved Village bar - Pieces also own this Hell’s Kitchen gay bar in an old hardware store from which it gets it’s name. Just like their sister bar they feature award winning drag entertainment most nights of the week. Hit the bar for a fantastically lengthy happy hour and “skinny brunch” aka cheap drinks all day Saturday and Sunday.
Cubbyhole Facebook
281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
Call to make a reservation: 212-243-9041
facebook.com/cubbyholebarnyc
Everyone’s favorite West Village hole in the cubby lesbian bar is finally back! One of the last remaining Lesbian bars in not just NYC but the US-this institution needs our love and support more than ever. Luckily it’s hard to stay away from the laid back vibes of Cubbyhole. They are currently hosting outdoor seating only but when you walk through the empty bar to use the bathroom do a double take; the bar has never looked that big without cute queers filling all the tables and spaces. For now you can enjoy the outdoor ambience of that perfect Village corner to cruise and people watch while we await the re-opening of NYC’s cutest kitschy neighborhood queer bar.
Mood Ring Facebook
1260 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
facebook.com/moodringnyc
The stars have finally aligned and Bushwick queer bar Mood Ring is back in action with limited indoor and outdoor seating. The inside boasts plenty of large round tables and a big wrap around bar leaving plenty of room to safely social distance and spread out. Their astrology themed cocktail menu is just as tasty as ever so if you’re thirsty-quench it.
Albatross Bar Facebook
3619 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
facebook.com/albatrossastoria
The oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Queens is constantly entertaining and impressing a crowd. They are open with indoor and outdoor seating with TVs in both areas (perfect for catching Drag Race screenings). There are plenty of rotating events-drink and drags, piano bar, Bingo nights and more! Check their socials for upcoming events and bring a cute date for a night out.
Be COVID safe while enjoying a refreshing Goose Island beer as you watch a drag show or attend a socially distant seated DJ party. Make sure you're washing your hands frequently, keeping your distance and wearing your mask when not seated to ensure the safety of your queer family. Get tested frequently and often-here are some free COVID testing resources.
Please check the venue's social media or website to confirm their current hours.
Missed your favorite LGBTQ+ bar or venue on this list? Email us at [email protected]
