Suite

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.

Fairytale Lounge is located in the Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood and is known for its gogo boys on stage every weekend. It has a unique interior with kitschy and glittery fairy tale inspired decor, creating the perfect backdrop to a night of camp karaoke and dance parties. The largely local crowd is friendly and fun to party with, and you can even drink you cocktail while sitting on a centaur so what more could you really wish for?

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.

Albatross Bar is the oldest Gay Bar in Queens, with a local pub vibe and a loyal crowd. It was originally a lesbian bar but has changed over the years and is now proud to welcome everyone. Albatross hosts nightly entertainment including themed events and drag shows, plus a popular 2-for-1 happy hour. For a more relaxed but still sociable time, you can visit on a night with karaoke or a TV viewing party.

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.

New York's neighbourhood fusion bar is welcoming to everyone of all identities, but it particularly popular with the lesbian community. The small but busy bar is tucked away in a corner of West Village, so it's surrounded by the history of the pride movement and the empowerment of its community. It continues to provide a safe space with a homely atmosphere and a diverse crowd. For new friends, queer conversations, and of course a few drinks, this is the place to go.