Nyc gay strip club

What is it?Bushwick's queer renaissance thrives at this laid–back spot, where drag is available without a high ticket price, and dirty dance parties and backyard hangs are the order of the day. 

Why we love it: Grab a cheap happy hour special and relax into a cozy couch; you're certain to make new friends. 

Time Out tip: Daily happy hour until 9pm offers $5 well drinks and beer, and $8 classic cocktails. 

Address: 63 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–4am; Sat, Sun 3pm–4am

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What is it?A can’t–miss combo of a Chappel Roan–heavy jukebox and strong drinks poured by hot bartenders has kept this lesbian spot busy since 1991.

Why we love it:Reggae and hip–hop spin most nights, inspiring a good bit of booty–shaking among the young, flirty patrons.

You bet. Stay connected to never miss the hottest gay events in the city. Alan Cumming took over the former Eastern Bloc bar in 2017 and reimagined it as a cabaret, comedy and party hub evocative of NYC's golden era of downtown nightlife. 

Why we love it:Count on Broadway singers belting out favorites by the piano, nostalgia–fueled ’90s dance parties and stellar cabaret and comedy nights just about any time you drop in.

Time Out tip: Check the calendar for free events and other unique offerings, such as “queerlesque.” 

Address: 505 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Fri 6pm–4am; Sat 4pm–4am; Sun 5pm–midnight; Mon 6pm–4am; Tue–Thu 6pm–2am

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What is it?One of the very few Black–owned gay bars in the entire city, this Harlem nightclub run by a local couple promises a good time any night of the week. 

Why we love it:Named for the Lambda vodka also started by the founders, Lambda is a place to drink, dance and just unwind on the dance floor or backyard.

Time Out tip: Reservations are accepted so you don’t have to fight for a place to sit on busy nights.

Address: 2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8pm–2am; Fri, Sat 8pm–4am; Sun 6–11pm

What is it?With so many exciting queer spaces to choose from, how is a New York gay supposed to stand out?

Living costs have skyrocketed in New York, making it an unviable option for many financially. But the bar itself is also very much worth visiting, for nightly cocktail specials, karaoke and drag performances.

Why we love it: It’s casual but very fun, and karaoke happens every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a fabulous drag queen host.

Daytime brings gawking tourists, but the evenings are still for partying.

Time Out tip: Visit during the daytime to peruse the Stonewall National Monument visitors’ center next door and learn the history and legacy of the bar and its eponymous social movement.

Address: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 2pm–4 am; Sat, Sun 1pm–4am

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What is it?A Prospect Heights honky tonk that’s proudly queer, this mainstay offers a low–key option for those who want to share sangria and chill vibes with friends. 

Why we love it:It’s an after–work spot where the baked mac and cheese is as good as the queer atmosphere, particularly if you come on country music night. 

Time Out tip: Watch parties, open mics, trivia, drag brunch and more are great activities for those who prefer structured activities to socialize. 

Address: 603 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat noon–1am,  Sun noon–midnight

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What is it?Is the fact that this self–declared “gay pub with a local feel” is attached to a fast–casual Indian restaurant a big draw?

Expect theme nights, drink specials and a straight–up good time. 

Why we love it: Recent renovations have made the OG space a bit more upscale, but still comfortable and unpretentious for all types of hangs. 

Time Out tip: Wednesday bring karaoke and happy hour starting at 10pm and every Saturday at 10pm drag queens and a DJ get the party going. 

Address: 447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Daily 3pm–4am

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19. VERS

What is it?A Hell’s Kitchen gay bar primed for the 2020s, VERS is all about chic interiors (yes, that means jewel–toned banquettes and a marble bar top), plus craft cocktails, mocktails, and party food.

The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. 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! Whether you're looking for craft cocktails, drag performances, underground dance parties, or just a place to be yourself, the city that never sleeps has exactly what you need.

You do you.

Time Out tip: Animal is dedicated to being a judgement–free community space: Everyone is welcome as well as they uphold a code of conduct that bans any type of discrimination or harassment—it’s great for a birthday party, and cakes are welcome (as long as you bring the plates and silverware, too). 

Address: 307 Meeker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–4am;,  Sat, Sun 4pm–2am

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What is it?This trendy Park Slope gay bar is totally where the cool queers hang out and for good reason.

Why we love it:It’s unpretentious yet stylish and offers top–notch drinks, space to chat and plenty of dance floor to groove, a true crowd–pleaser for all.

From intimate piano bars where Broadway stars drop in to massive warehouse clubs that party until dawn, NYC offers every kind of gay night out imaginable. Why we love it: Visit for drag performances, Broadway trivia nights and more weekly events and parties. 

Time Out tip: Nightly happy hour, until 8pm, offers $12 margaritas and martinis, plus two bar bites (think deviled eggs, tater tots, and chicken tenders) for $16. 

Address: 714 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 4pm–4am; Sat 2pm–4am; Sun 2pm–2am

What is it? This Bed–Stuy standby is unique because it feels like several different places at once: a crowded bar on one side, lots of seating in the next room, and an intimate performance space in the back. Expect pop diva–themed dance parties, deeply chaotic drag and friendly vibes in this queer owned and operated bar and performance space.

Why we love it: C’mon Everybody is an LGBTQ+ oasis in a part of Brooklyn that’s not flush with queer spaces, and it’s not to be missed. 

Time Out tip: House cocktails are simple but fun, like the Lavender Menace made with mezcal, lime, and lavender. 

Address: 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Fri, Sat 5pm–4am, Sun: 6pm–2am, Mon: 5pm–1am, Tue–Thu 5pm–2 am

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What is it? A self–described “rock and sleaze fag bar,” the Cock is just the sort of dark, sketchy dive where you can unleash your inner sexy beast. 

Why we love it: The dearth of uptown attitude (or any apparent concern for cleanliness) pulls artists, musicians, writers, fashionistas, tourists and closeted rebels in stiff polos, all of whom can appreciate a little dirty fun.

Metropolitan has the answer: their backyard is the best place in town to relax with a drink and a few pals crowded around a picnic table. 

Why we love it:You’re sure to run into friends (or just friends of Dorothy). Think again, my friend.

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