Hombres Lounge

This long running dive bar in East Village has an absolutely no-frills approach to the gay nightlife scene. It's everything you'd expect from a traditional local bar, offering all the essentials from jukebox to pool table, plus a good old-fashioned beer. Happy hour and comfortable private seating spaces make this bar great for groups and catchups, and everyone is welcomed by friendly staff and a good bit of loud music.

Club Evolution in Jackson Heights is one of the few LGBTQ dance clubs in NYC, having served the community for almost 20 years and adapted to the times to remain at the top of the charts. This gay Latin mega-club offers a lively array of parties, including karaoke, drag shows, talent contests, themed nights and special guest DJs. The main attraction is the two packed dance floors, one of which has Latin music, the other spins pop.

This bear focused but super inclusive bar in the iconic Greenwich Village welcomes everyone of every label, form geeks to queens to leathermen. It's a dive bar that draws a mixed male crowd with lots of very gay events such as a monthly "F*ck Clothes Get Naked" party. There's something going on every night of the week here, with great offers on strong drinks to get you in the mood.

The local LGBTQ community and their allies frequent this "hipster with dive vibes" bar in Brooklyn to enjoy a drink on comfy sofas around one of the fireplaces. If you prefer being outside, Metropolitan Bar boasts one of the best outdoor patio gardens in Brooklyn, and this huge space is open all year round. Drinks are consistently cheap and the perfect addition to karaoke, video games, craft nights, and a legendary Sunday barbecue.

Julius' is the oldest gay bar in New York. It's a friendly neighbourhood bar that's especially popular with locals who regularly stop by for drinks or delicious fried comfort foods after work, but tourists will always be welcomed. Both the staff and the regular crowd are friendly and accepting of the whole community, and everyone who discovers this hidden gem of a bar praises the cheap drinks and amazing quality of the food.

Branded Saloon is a fantastic neighbourhood LGBTQ bar and grill in Brooklyn with a western theme. The bar is a casual neighbourhood hangout with booth seating in the front and a performance space in the back, which hosts open mic nights and drag shows, plus a basement area that's available for private hire. Branded Saloon also serves good decent bar food, like burgers and quesadillas, to go with their range of whiskeys and seasonal cocktails.