The best lesbian bars in NYC

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What is it? For over 30 years, the lesbian-owned and operated Henrietta Hudson has been a West Village staple, slinging drinks for a large and eclectic crowd. DJs keep the party going until 4 am on weekends, and there’s sidewalk seating for when the weather is nice. Expect to pay a cover, but it’s well worth it. 

Why we love it: Nightly events, including queer jazz, screenings, women’s sports watch parties, karaoke, and more keep the agenda at Henrietta’s fresh. Now identifying as a “queer human bar” powered by lesbians, Henrietta’s is intentionally inclusive to all 

Time Out tip: Visit daily from 6pm to 8pm when happy hour includes draft beer, house wine and mixed drinks for $7. Beer pitchers also go for $21. 

Address: 438 Hudson StNew York, NY 10014

Expect to pay: $13 cocktails, $9 drafts

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 6pm–2am; Fri,Sat 6pm–4am

What is it? In a neighborhood with no shortage of LGBTQ+ venues, Cubbyhole stands out as the only lesbian dive bar. Tiny and perpetually packed. 

Why we love it: Cubbyhole charms us out of the water with its flying polka-dotted fish motif. While the kitschy decorations are certainly welcoming—paper Chinese lanterns, ornaments and the aforementioned fish hang from the ceiling and the stools are covered with cartoon characters—the bar’s main draw is the friendly queer customers singing along to the top-notch jukebox tunes. 

Time Out tip: Cash only, but there’s an ATM inside.

Address: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

Expect to pay: Beer starts at $5

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

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What is it? Women, trans and nonbinary folks rule this Kings County lesbian-owned establishment, but the full rainbow of gender and sexual identities are welcome to brighten the door of Brooklyn’s oldest lesbian bar. 

Why we love it: During warm months, visitors strolling over from Prospect Park (perhaps after a women’s softball game) continue to enjoy the weather in the beautiful back garden of the Park Slope bar, while indoor kids can shoot pool in the back room or play DJ at the jukebox. 

Time Out tip: Check the events calendar for monthly Dyke Drag, watch parties, trivia and curated opportunities for singles to mingle.

Address: 363 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Expect to pay: Beers start at $5

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–until late; Sat, Sun 2pm–until late

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What is it? A grassroots project created and funded by two local besties and lesbian bar enthusiasts in 2023, The Bush is Bushwick’s go-to lesbian bar, and it’s a vibe! Come to sip “guess star” passionfruit martinis and more tropical cocktails at the bar or head in a little later in the evening to dance to a DJ playing under the many disco balls. 

Why we love it: Martini Tuesdays offer $12 martinis and cosmos, Slutty Punch Wednesdays bring $8 cups of a seasonal punch, and Sundays offer $6 mimosas and $20 mimosa carafes.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for frequent events geared toward the earlier crowd more comfortable at a paint and sip, figure drawing class, or other creative (and very queer) venture than shaking it on the dance floor. That said, the Salty Ex-Pesso is only sold until 10pm, and the riff on an espresso martini may take you places you’d never expect!

Address: 333 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Expect to pay: $13 cocktails 

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 6pm–1am; Thu 6pm–2am; Fri, Sat 6pm–4am; Sun 4pm–midnight 

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What is it? New to Bushwick in 2025, Boyfriend Co-Op is a years-in-the-making coffee and cocktail cooperative for gay gals and their pals. In the daytime, Boyfriend serves coffee, tea, and pastries, and by night, the lights dim, and the space becomes a chic cocktail bar. 

Why we love it: Boyfriend is an all-day and all-night space offering a wide range of activities (think book clubs, comedy nights, dance performances) for all personality types. The food menu is limited, but visit for homemade Palestinian hummus with Egyptian bread. 

Time Out tip: While the co-op is open to anyone, fans and supporters of Boyfriend can join for $200 a year, which earns them a free coffee each month and a vote in annual meetings. 

Address: 1157 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Expect to pay: Cocktails start at $10 

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–midnight; Fri 8am–2am; Sat 10am–2am; Sun 10am–midnight

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What is it? New to the Lower East Side in 2025, Ligaw is a collab between a local lesbian couple eager to celebrate and build community through craft cocktails, mocktails, Filipino-inspired small bites, and a chic speakeasy vibe. 

Why we love it: If you’re looking to chat more than shake it, Ligaw offers a great atmosphere for catching up and mingling. It’s popular with the 30+ crowd and hosts mixers, speed friending, themed nights, and, of course, parties. 

Time Out tip: Ligaw takes reservations, excellent for gays who won’t want to wait in line for a sapphic space on a Saturday Night

Address: 87 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Craft cocktails start at $17, bites range from $6 - $28

What is it? Named after owner Tiffany Dockery’s grandmother, Gladys is a stylish yet cozy bookstore and wine bar in Bed-Stuy dedicated to literature by Black and queer women authors. The space is open during the day for readers and browsers to enjoy the cafe, and often hosts events in the evening.

Why we love it: Gladys is currently the only space of its kind in the five boroughs. It’s the ideal space to curl up with a new read and a glass of Pinot or join a dinner party and meet new like-minded friends. It’s a lesbian bar with a much calmer atmosphere than the usual contenders, with plenty of non-alcoholic options as well. 

Time Out tip: Gladys is a bilevel space, with the upstairs hosting a quiet space for reading or writing (WiFi is available) and the lower level offering a more convivial bar atmosphere 

Address: 306 Malcolm X Blvd., Brooklyn

Expect to pay: Cafe drinks start at $5 and include gratuity, as part of the space’s no tipping policy and ethos of community care 

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 10am–10pm; Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am-8pm