You can check out the best drag shows or cabaret performances, but these queer spaces all offer something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the same place on different days! 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! There are plenty of LGBTQ+ things to do in New York, but if it’s a bar you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
The West Village is a classic destination for queer nightlife, but you’ll find something exciting and welcoming in pretty much any part of the city. Activism & Politics Bars & Nightlife Manhattan Chelsea 1950s 1960s Lesbian Bars, Clubs & Restaurants. After the Stonewall uprising of June 1969, Kooky’s was the site of lesbian-led. The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. Kooky’s, also known as Kooky’s Cocktail Lounge, was a lesbian bar that operated from 1965 to 1973. New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades.