Whether you are looking for a night out, or you are just looking to hang out with other lesbians, there are several gay and lesbian hangouts near you. These places offer an exciting environment that will have you hooked from the moment you arrive.
Cubbyhole
Located in the charming West Village, Cubbyhole is one of New York City’s most famous lesbian hangouts. It has been a staple of the Village for over two decades.
It is a place that serves a wide range of customers, and is open for late night drinkers, karaoke fans, and drag shows. It is also a great place to meet new people.
It has been called the Holy Trinity of lesbian bars in New York City. The other two are Hardware and Therapy.
Henrietta’s
Located in Manhattan’s West Village, Henrietta’s lesbian hangouts is a legendary watering hole in New York City. It’s been open since 1991 and is one of the oldest continuous lesbian bars in the country. The bar has survived the 2008 recession, Hurricane Sandy and more. It’s one of only three remaining lesbian bars in the city.
The owners have multiple plans to keep the business afloat. They are applying for state and federal help, and they’re hosting Zoom events every week. These events include karaoke nights, gay TV watch parties and more.
Pink Metal
Located in the hood, Pink Metal may not be the first place you think of when it comes to booze and babes. However, they will give you a chance to sample some of the city’s best brews and babes in the name of good old fashioned justice. Their cocktail list is not short on surprises. If you’re looking for a cool night out, this is the spot for you. The staff is as friendly as the food.
Stonewall Inn
Located in Greenwich Village, New York, Stonewall Inn was one of the most popular gay bars in the city. It was operated by Mafia, and blackmailed wealthy gay patrons. However, the establishment also drew a diverse crowd, including gay men, lesbians, transgender women of color, homeless youth and cross-dressing patrons.
The bar was raided in the early hours of June 28, 1969. It was the third raid on Greenwich Village gay bars in a matter of months. The police reportedly arrested the owners and staff of the Stonewall Inn for selling alcohol without a license.
Akbar nightclub
Located in Silver Lake, the Akbar is a longtime landmark for the queer community. It is one of the few bars to have stayed afloat during the recent pandemic, and now its owners are asking for help.
The establishment has a history going back more than 20 years. It was opened in 1996 by a gay couple. They purchased a former piano bar and transformed it into a nightclub. It became the hottest gay hangout in Los Angeles, drawing celebrities and business consultants alike.
Mood Ring
Mood Ring is a high-end cocktail and dinner destination that draws a hip crowd of Manhattanites aplenty. While the cocktails are a cut above the standard scotch and tab, the restaurant’s menu isn’t to be sniffed at either. The cocktails are accompanied by a plethora of small plates and a healthy dose of sexiness. It’s also one of the only places in town to boast a fully stocked liquor store for those looking to booze up prior to their evening out.
Dave’s Lesbian Bar
Located in Astoria, Queens, Dave’s Lesbian Bar is a community-oriented venue that serves as a mutual aid facility during the day and a music venue at night. The bar hopes to become a safe, queer space for its neighborhood.
In the last 30 years, the nightlife scene for queer women has been on a downward spiral. During the late 1980s, there were about 200 lesbian bars in the United States. But, by 2013, only about 15 were left in the nation.
Ginger’s
Located at 363 5th Avenue, Ginger’s is one of the borough’s few remaining lesbian hangouts. This Irish-owned bar was opened by Sheila Frayne in 2000. The space is unpretentious, with low lighting and a kitschy ambiance that’s great for a frat party.
The bar has a pool table and is open Wednesday through Sunday, until 2 am on weekends. It’s also a great place to meet a date. If you’re a fan of the bar’s music selection, you’ll be pleased to know it has a DJ on Sundays.
Twin Peaks
Located at 401 Castro Street in San Francisco’s Castro District, Twin Peaks Tavern is a landmark bar with an interesting history. It is one of the first gay bars in the United States. In 1972, the owners of the tavern opened their doors, despite the prohibition on same-sex sexual activity.
Before opening the tavern, Cunha and Forster were in their 30s. The bar had big, plate glass windows facing the street. When the police came to investigate, the owners locked the doors and lowered the lights. They had a “no touch” policy to avoid problems with the Bureau of Alcohol Beverage Control.