NYC's Best Gay Dance Clubs: A Nightlife Guide
New York City, with its iconic grid system and diverse neighborhoods, is legendary for its dynamic and ever-evolving nightlife. If you're looking for the best gay dance clubs the city has to offer, look no further.
This guide, organized by neighborhood, highlights some of the hottest spots to dance the night away.
Chelsea: Where the Energy is High
1. Gym Sportsbar
Gym Sportsbar is a popular gay bar in Chelsea. It's a great place to catch a game, shoot some pool, and enjoy happy hour with a welcoming local crowd.
2.
Boxers
Boxers is another spacious gay sports bar in Chelsea, boasting a relaxed atmosphere across two levels. You'll find big TVs, pool tables, and a menu featuring delicious brick-oven pizzas and enticing drink specials.
3. [Unnamed Club]
Depending on the night's theme and your personal taste, this Chelsea club is a must-visit.
Expect a diverse crowd of all ages and a night you won't forget.
West Village: Historic and Vibrant
4. The Stonewall Inn
A landmark and a symbol of LGBTQ+ history, The Stonewall Inn is always a must-visit. With 2019 marking the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, expect an electric atmosphere, especially during the summer months.
5.
The Monster
Located directly across from Stonewall Inn, The Monster is a long-standing gay bar known for its piano bar and cabaret performances. A truly unique experience!
6. Pieces
Pieces is a bar at 8 Christopher St.
7. Cubbyhole
Cubbyhole is a bar W 12th St.
East Village: Dive Bars and Hidden Gems
8.
Nowhere
Nowhere is a beloved neighborhood queer dive bar in the East Village. Expect solid music, tasty and affordable food, and strong drinks. Plus, a jukebox and fun events like Macho Mondays.
9. The Cock
With a name like The Cock, you know what to expect: a dark, gritty, and intriguing gay bar catering to the leather-loving crowd.
If you're into daddies and bears, this might be your spot.
Brooklyn: Divey and Dynamic
10. Metropolitan
Metropolitan embodies the spirit of Brooklyn. This gay bar offers a divey yet dynamic atmosphere.
Enjoy the outdoor patio, or participate in weekly themed events like Queeraoke or drag shows.
11. 3 Dollar Bill
Opened in 2018, 3 Dollar Bill is the largest LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub in Brooklyn. Located in an old brewery, it features a massive dance floor for letting loose.
More Notable Mentions
- Flaming Saddles: A country and western gay bar where the bartenders dance on the bar!
- Industry: A chic gay bar with plenty of seating, a stage for drag and live performances, and a bustling after-work crowd.
- Therapy: A bi-level gay bar with a lounge on each floor and a dance floor upstairs.
Expect a younger crowd and a mix of music genres.
A Look Back: The Saint
No discussion of NYC gay nightlife is complete without mentioning The Saint. This legendary club, which opened in the late 1980s, revolutionized the underground dance scene.
Known for its innovative design and sense of community, The Saint was a haven for gay men. While no longer operating, its impact on the city's nightlife remains profound.
Note: Be sure to check event listings and specific opening hours before visiting, as these can change.