Underground gay parties nyc
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And don’t be afraid to go inside, where an excellent DJ or drag queen is surely keeping the crowd shrieking and/or dancing.
Time Out tip: Metro is an all-seasons dive! We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.
Been there, done that? Phoenix isn’t fussy, and that’s why it feels like home.
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Follow SCUM NYC on Twitter and Soundcloud! 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!
Time Out tip:The bar shares a door with the neighboring Indian restaurant, Roti Roll, so you can fuel up with samosas and chana masala until 4am while the party rages.
Address: 992 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5pm–2am; Wed–Sun 5pm–4am
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6. The Rosemont
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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7. Henrietta Hudson
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.
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
20. C'mon Everybody
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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21. The Cock
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.
Don’t miss this West Village staple.
Time Out tip: In addition to a bar, Julius’ is also a restaurant serving solid grilled hamburgers plus fries, onion rings and more.
Address: 159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat–Sun noon–midnight
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12. The Bush
What is it? This fun Bushwick lesbian bar opened in April 2023, serving playful cocktails, DykeBeer, wine, and non–alcoholic beverages.
Why we love it:Visit for nightly specials, DJ dance parties under the disco balls, and overall chill but very fun vibes.
Time Out tip: The Bush is a great spot to socialize even if you’re not into dancing—look out for WNBA and WNSL watch parties, figure drawing nights, and more.
Address: 333 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 6pm–4am; Sun 4pm–midnight
13. Club Cumming
What is it?
House of Yes
Bushwick's legendary performance club featuring immersive experiences, world-class DJs, and unforgettable themed parties.
WarehousePerformance ArtCreative Dress Code
Hours: Thu-Sat 10pm-4am
Cover: $20-40
Best Night: Saturday "Compound"
Industry Bar
Hell's Kitchen's premier dance destination with massive space, top DJs, and some of NYC's best drag performances.
3 LevelsLate NightDrag Shows
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Cover: $10-25
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-8pm
3 Dollar Bill
Brooklyn's massive queer club with warehouse vibes, outdoor patio, and legendary dance parties until sunrise.
WarehouseOutdoor SpaceAll Night
Hours: Fri-Sat 10pm-6am
Cover: $15-30
Signature: "Homoelectric" parties
Nowadays
Ridgewood's daytime dance destination with incredible sound system, outdoor garden, and world-renowned DJs.
Day PartiesGardenHouse/Techno
Hours: Sat-Sun 2pm-10pm
Cover: $20-35
Season: April-October
Basement
East Village's intimate underground club featuring cutting-edge electronic music and late-night dancing.
UndergroundLate NightElectronic
Hours: Thu-Sat 11pm-4am
Cover: $15-25
Vibe: Minimal, dark, intense
Good Room
Greenpoint's premier sound system and intimate dance floor, hosting the city's best underground electronic events.
AudiophileIntimateUnderground
Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-4am
Cover: $20-30
Known For: Incredible sound quality
The Stonewall Inn
The birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Like the best LGBTQ+ spaces, Cubbyhole is one of a kind.
Time Out tip: Visit daily from 4 pm – 7pm when happy hour includes great deals like $5 beers.
Address: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm– 2am; Fri 4pm–4am; Sat 2pm –4am; Sun 2pm–2am
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2. Albatross Bar
What is it? This longtime Astoria gay bar is consistently crowded, bringing out residents from across the borough and beyond for drink specials, intimate drag shows, and just a good, gay old time.
Why we love it: It’s a dive with a vibe, and if you’re lucky enough to become a regular, you’re never leaving.
Time Out tip: Check social media for frequent updates on events, including trivia, bar crawls, and, of course, drag nights.
Address: 3619 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–4am, Sat, Sun 4pm–4am
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3. The Stonewall Inn
What is it?
Think again, my friend.
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HistoricIconicWest Village
Hours: Daily 2pm-4am
Address: 53 Christopher St
Must-Do: Pay respects to history
Julius'
NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar (since 1864) with classic atmosphere and legendary regulars.
HistoricClassicOldest
Hours: Daily 1pm-4am
Address: 159 W 10th St
Vibe: Neighborhood dive
Hardware
Hell's Kitchen drag destination in a converted hardware store, featuring nightly performances and award-winning shows.
Drag ShowsDaily ShowsAward-winning
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 697 10th Ave
Shows: Multiple daily
VERS
Chic Hell's Kitchen spot with craft cocktails, trendy atmosphere, and beautiful people-watching opportunities.
CocktailsTrendyStylish
Hours: Daily 5pm-2am
Address: 5 W 48th St
Happy Hour: 5-8pm daily
Metropolitan
Williamsburg's beloved gay bar with backyard patio, pool table, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
BackyardPool TableNeighborhood
Hours: Daily 5pm-4am
Address: 559 Lorimer St
Best: Summer patio parties
Ginger's Bar
Park Slope's iconic lesbian bar with pool table, outdoor space, and welcoming community atmosphere.
Lesbian BarPoolCommunity
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 363 5th Ave, Brooklyn
Vibe: Friendly neighborhood
Marie's Crisis Café
Legendary West Village piano bar where patrons sing Broadway classics in an intimate basement setting.
Piano BarBroadwaySing-along
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 59 Grove St
Cash Only: No cover, tips appreciated
Lips
Midtown's drag dinner theater featuring fabulous queens serving up entertainment with your meal.
Dinner TheaterDrag QueensFull Shows
Shows: Wed-Sun evenings
Address: 227 E 56th St
Reservations: Required
Club Cumming
Alan Cumming's East Village venue featuring cabaret, comedy, and eclectic performances in an intimate setting.
CabaretComedyCelebrity
Hours: Show nights vary
Address: 505 E 6th St
Tickets: Check calendar
Pieces
Hell's Kitchen drag institution with multiple shows nightly and some of NYC's most talented performers.
Multiple ShowsDragNightly
Shows: Every night 9pm-2am
Address: 8 Christopher St
Cover: $10 (2 drink minimum)
Therapy
Hell's Kitchen's premier drag destination with two floors of entertainment and legendary weekend shows.
Two FloorsWeekend ShowsPopular
Hours: Daily 4pm-4am
Address: 348 W 52nd St
Shows: Weekend evenings
The Duplex
West Village's historic cabaret venue featuring intimate performances, comedy, and emerging talent showcase.
HistoricCabaretIntimate
Shows: Nightly 7pm & 9:30pm
Address: 61 Christopher St
Reservations: Recommended
The Penthouse
Elevated cocktail experience in Midtown with panoramic views and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for date nights.
Date NightViewsSophisticated
Hours: Wed-Sat 6pm-2am
Address: 30 W 21st St, 21st Floor
Reservations: Recommended
Westlight
Brooklyn's premier rooftop experience with 360-degree views of NYC skyline and craft cocktails in Williamsburg.
360° ViewsBrooklynCraft Cocktails
Hours: Daily 5pm-1am
Address: 111 N 12th St, 22nd Floor
Best Time: Sunset
Elmo
Chelsea's stylish restaurant and lounge known for its beautiful crowd, excellent brunch, and sophisticated evening scene.
RestaurantBrunchStylish
Hours: Daily 11am-2am
Address: 156 7th Ave
Brunch: Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Gantry Plaza Rooftop
Long Island City's waterfront rooftop with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views and relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
WaterfrontOutdoorQueens
Hours: Seasonal, Apr-Oct
Address: 4-09 47th Rd, LIC
Vibe: Casual, scenic
The Fleur Room
Luxurious rooftop bar atop the Moxy Chelsea with stunning city views and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.
RooftopLuxuryCity Views
Hours: Thu-Sun 5pm-late
Address: 105 W 28th St, 30th Floor
Dress Code: Upscale
Atlas Social Club
Stylish Hell's Kitchen lounge with craft cocktails, upscale atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe for the community.
CocktailsUpscaleLounge
Hours: Daily 5pm-2am
Address: 753 9th Ave
Happy Hour: 5-8pm weekdays
Mood Ring
Bushwick's mystical bar with astrology-themed cocktails, queer-friendly atmosphere, and cosmic dance parties.
AstrologyQueer-FriendlyDance Parties
Hours: Wed-Sun 6pm-4am
Address: 1260 Myrtle Ave
Vibe: Mystical, inclusive
The Boiler Room
East Village's no-frills gay dive bar with pool table, jukebox, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere.
Dive BarNo FrillsPool Table
Hours: Daily 2pm-4am
Address: 86 E 4th St
Cash Only: ATM on-site
Nowadays (Underground)
The indoor counterpart to the daytime garden parties, featuring late-night electronic music and underground vibes.
ElectronicUndergroundLate Night
Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-6am
Address: 56-06 Cooper Ave
Season: Year-round indoor
Happyfun Hideaway
Bushwick's intimate queer party space hosting underground events, art shows, and community gatherings.
CommunityArt ShowsUnderground
Hours: Event-based
Address: Check social media
Follow: @happyfunhideaway
Bossa Nova Civic Club
Bushwick's legendary underground venue featuring experimental music, performance art, and boundary-pushing events.
ExperimentalPerformanceUnderground
Hours: Event nights only
Address: 1271 Myrtle Ave
Tickets: Check website
Nowadays Loft
Secret warehouse loft parties featuring cutting-edge DJs, intimate dance floors, and underground electronic music.
SecretElectronicIntimate
Hours: Special events
Location: TBA via mailing list
Access: Invitation only
Your Guide to NYC Gay Nightlife
Best Times to Go
- • Happy Hours: 4-8pm weekdays
- • Peak Hours: 10pm-2am Fri/Sat
- • Late Night: 2-4am for die-hards
- • Sunday Funday: Day parties 2-8pm
Budget Planning
- • Dive Bars: $8-12 drinks
- • Mid-tier: $12-18 cocktails
- • Upscale: $18-25+ craft cocktails
- • Cover Charges: $10-40 depending on venue
Getting Around
- • Hell's Kitchen: A/C/E to 42nd St
- • West Village: 1 to Christopher St
- • Brooklyn: L train to various stops
- • Late Night: Use rideshare apps
Safety Tips
- • Stay with friends, especially late night
- • Watch your drinks and don't leave them unattended
- • Keep phone charged for rideshare/emergency
- • Know your limits and pace yourself
Dress Codes
- • Dive Bars: Come as you are
- • Dance Clubs: Stylish casual
- • Rooftops: Smart casual to upscale
- • Special Events: Check requirements
Etiquette
- • Tip bartenders and drag performers well
- • Respect performers during shows
- • Be inclusive and welcoming to all
- • Ask before taking photos of others
Don't Miss Out
NYC's nightlife scene is constantly evolving with new parties, special events, and seasonal celebrations.
Enjoy treats like mochi donuts and potato croquettes from their all–vegan snack menu.
Address: 253 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri–Sun 5pm–2am