10 of the best Lesbian Bars in New York City

10 of the best Lesbian Bars in New York

New York has always been a beacon for LGBTQ+ communities, with welcoming bars leading the way and club nights and roving parties bringing the fun. However, for a while now, it seemed like the city’s lesbian scene has been going extinct.

The lesbian bars are closing down left and center. While the few that are still standing are not maintaining their identity as lesbian bars, but as welcoming places for all LGBTQ+ and straight people.

Below we explore the wide-ranging array of events that have popped up all over New York, and the remaining lesbian bars in the 10 of the best lesbian bars in New York;

1. Henrietta Hudson Bar & Girl

Henrietta Hudson – Wikipedia

Henrietta Hudson Bar & Girl, originally known as Henrietta Hudson, is the longest running lesbian bar in the country and one of three remaining lesbian bars in New York City. It is located in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood, where the original cubbyhole once stood.

Lisa Cannistraci and bar owner Minnie Rivera opened Henrietta Hudson, in 1991 as a lesbian-centric bar. The bar was literally built by lesbians with donated boom boxes and labor and materials. In recent years, the spot has updated their language to identify as a ‘Queer Human Bar.’

When visiting Henrietta Hudson Bar & Girl, be prepared for a line at the door and a packed dance floor with nary a man in sight.

2. Cubbyhole

Cubbyhole – Wikipedia

The bar now known as Cubbyhole dates back to 1987 when it was owned and operated by Tanya Saunders and Debbie Fierro as a refuge for all comers. It is located in Manhattan’s West Village.

Originally the bar was known as DT’s Fat Cat however in 1994 Saunders bought the name Cubbyhole from the owner of an already-closed lesbian bar, and the bar has operated under that name since. The former Cubbyhole was located in what is now Henrietta Hudson.

This venerable, joyous corner watering hole is like being inside a piñata; the interior is bedecked with flags, streamers, beads, and multicolored flocking. Also, take note that it’s cash only here.

3. Ginger’s Bar

Ginger Bar – Flickr

Ginger’s Bar also known as G-spot is the only remaining lesbian bar in Brooklyn. It is owned by Sheila Frayne and opened in 2000 when Park Slope was a lesbian mecca. This bar is seen as both a lesbian bar and a woman-friendly neighborhood bar.

This lesbian-centric dive bar offers Sunday Bingo with Luscious Lola, happy hour Monday to Friday from 5 to 8, as well as Friday dance parties to keep this place lively.

Ginger’s Bar is a cash only, thus make sure to bring cash before you head over for a round of billiards and booze-fueled deep conversation in the backyard.

4. Misster at the Woods

Misster at the Woods – Facebook

On most nights, the Woods, located at 48 S. 4th St., Brooklyn, for all intents and purposes is a straight bar. However, every Wednesday night, the venue is turned over to the queer community for Misster, an all-night-long lesbian dance party with sounds by DJ Amber Valentine.

DJ Amber Valentine is on until midnight; after that a guest typically takes over until the wee hours. Sure, it’s a weeknight, but this soirée is a great way to get you to the weekend.

Landhaus’ full menu is available at the indoor bar, but it’s equally easy to order a late-night snack at the food counter out back.

5. Hot Honey at Boots & Saddle

Boots & Saddle – TripAdvisor

This roving dance party has been putting on killer events since 2011, and continues to draw in a wide range of lesbian New Yorkers to their regularly scheduled nights of debauchery.

Boots & Saddle is a location in the West Village. The venue allows for a wonderful mix of ages and genders, from old-school Boots & Saddle regulars to NYU students to Sunset Park dykes to Hot Rabbit devotees.

Hot Rabbit typically puts on 2-3 LGBTQIA+ events per month—one always being a dedicated womxn’s party. Called “Hot Honey,” these monthly affairs take place at Baby’s All Right and include everything from dancing to craft cocktails, burlesque performances by Honey Burlesque, and free tarot card readings.

6. Pat at Union Pool

Union Pool – TripAdvisor

J.D. Samson has created a queer monthly party “for anyone from anywhere wearing anything and loving who they want.” The party focus on good vibes, good sound, video projection by local video artists and DJ’s that aren’t afraid to go deep.

The monthly Thursday night party in Union Pool in Williamsburg is welcoming to a creative crowd of both queers and straights, particularly a fun-loving set of fashion-forward ladies. Union Pool’s big space allows for DJs in the front and back room.

7. Blue Star, a party for Girls who like girls

Blue Star, a party for Girls who like girls flyer – Yelp

Blue Star, a party for Girls who like girls, is a party that dates back to 2010. The original mission for Blue Star was to provide another option in the nightlife scene for women who like women.

The name Blue Star comes from the historical fact that some lesbians in the 1950s would tattoo a blue star on a part of the body, commonly the arm, that could be covered during the day and revealed at night in clubs.

Today, the parties are every Thursday in Manhattan. Each party is now a fundraiser. There is really no reason that having a great night out should be completely disconnected from your other interests. Also, there’s nothing wrong with fun for fun’s sake.

8. Be Cute at Littlefield

Littlefield, Brooklyn, NY – Flickr

Littlefield is an independent performance & art space in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Housed in a former printing press, its state-of-the-art sound system and versatile setup are designed to host comedy, music, art, film, podcasts, dance and private parties.

Be Cute is a monthly get-together fun dance night hosted by drag performer Matty Horrorchata, who sprinkles her positive vibes over the night. Young drag queens like Tyler Ashley, Miz Jade and Patti Spliff also entertain the audience with high-energy acts.

Empanadas and brownies are for sale, and drinks are cheap.

9. Dave’s Lesbian Bar

Dave’s Lesbian Bar – Facebook

Dave’s Lesbian Bar is a monthly pop-up event started by Kristin Dausch, also known as “Dave” in the neighborhood of Astoria in Queens, N.Y., with live music and mutual aid at its core.

With a borrowed sound system and a kiddie pool doubling as a cooler, the first Dave’s Lesbian Bar event launched in earnest on 31st Avenue, July 21, 2021, showcasing queer bands, offering haircuts and tattoos, and collecting food and clothes for the Astoria Food Pantry.

10. Bum Bum Bar

Bum Bum Bar – TripAdvisor

As an honorable mention on this list, we would like to remember Bum Bum Bar. From the early 1990s until its closure at the end of 2018, the Bum Bum Bar catered to a predominately Latina lesbian clientele in Queens. The crowd would dance to salsa, merengue, and Selena.

This down-to-earth joint was located under the elevated track on the busy, commercial thoroughfare of Roosevelt Avenue. Bum Bum was a place where Queens residents could feel the beat, celebrate diversity, and let loose to classic Latin tunes mixed in with the latest Latin hits.

The bar also supported and hosted groups promoting LGBT visibility and equality.