Best gay bars brooklyn

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Theme nights

Sports

Two-level sports bar where bartenders wear boxer shorts. Or for something a bit more contemporary, plan a night out at Roberta’s Pizzeria in Bushwick—a trendy pizzeria that also feels a lot like a dive bar, but serves one of Brooklyn’s best pizzas.

In Bushwick, don’t miss the budget-friendly Los Hermanos taqueria—a BYOB (bring your own beer) establishment that’s crowded all day and night.

Go early for space!

Respect Space

Each bar has its own vibe and community.

Show tunes

Shows

Fun bar with stage perfect for drag performances, bingo nights, and events. It describes everything we’re trying to create here on 30th Avenue. Cozy backroom couches and cheap happy hours.

There’s a spacious patio in the back and often drag shows and other events taking place on the tiny dance floor.

For clubs, Bushwick’s House of Yes is a perennial favorite.

Dance FloorDrag Shows4,000 sq ft

Since 1860s

Julius'

NYC's Oldest Gay Bar

159 W 10th St, West Village Historic Site

NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar and site of the 1966 "Sip-In" that challenged discriminatory policies.

Cheap drinks

Notorious for being NYC's filthiest gay bar. Be respectful and have fun!

Ready to Experience NYC's Gay Nightlife?

From historic dives to cutting-edge dance clubs, NYC's LGBTQ+ bars offer something for everyone.

Open until 4am

Rise Bar & Lounge

859 9th Ave

New

Modern lounge with drag brunches, RuPaul viewing parties, and packed Saturday nights.

Drag Brunch Sun

Dance

Two-floor dance club with Latin nights, disco ball, and 80s-2000s music.

best gay bars brooklyn

Not for the faint of heart

Brooklyn: The Creative Frontier

3 Dollar Bill

260 Meserole St, East Williamsburg

Largest

Brooklyn's largest queer venue with warehouse dance space, outdoor patio, and incredible parties. From The Tillary, you’re only a 15-minute subway ride into Manhattan as well.

For another option, the BKLYN House Hotel offers comfortable guest rooms in a sleek, modern setting.

Community focus

Daily Happy Hour Guide

After-Work Specials

  • Industry Bar: 4-9pm daily
  • Hardware: 2-8pm Mon-Fri
  • Rise Bar: 5-9pm daily
  • The Ritz: 4-9pm daily

Weekly Events

  • Sunday: Drag Brunch @ Rise
  • Monday: Bingo @ Pieces
  • Thursday: Star Search @ Barracuda
  • Saturday: Peak party night everywhere

Budget-Friendly

  • The Boiler Room: Always cheap
  • Julius': Historic prices
  • Dive Bar Lounge: $3 beers
  • Cash Only: Many bars are cash only!

Popular Bar Hopping Routes

Hell's Kitchen Circuit

  1. 1

    Start: Rise Bar

    Happy hour drinks & apps

  2. 2

    Next: Flaming Saddles

    Dancing bartenders & shots

  3. 3

    End: Industry Bar

    Dance until 4am

West Village Historic Tour

  1. 1

    Start: Julius'

    Historic bar & cheap drinks

  2. 2

    Next: Stonewall Inn

    Pay homage & see drag show

  3. 3

    End: Marie's Crisis

    Sing Broadway classics

Essential Bar Tips

Always Bring ID

NYC is strict!

Open only in the summer, the Brooklyn Barge Bar serves cheap eats and cold drinks on a barge floating in the East River.

Bingo Mondays

East Village (6+ venues)

Club Cumming

505 E 6th St

Celebrity

Alan Cumming's eclectic venue with cabaret, comedy, and legendary dance parties.

Home to many artists and musicians (and their subsequent studios and cheap-but-cool coffee shops), the area is great for urban exploration. Expect costumes, glitter, and disco balls no matter when you visit.