NYC's East Village neighborhood has long been a haven for creativity, alternative culture, and New York's gay and lesbian community. With its mix of artsy cafes, trendy spots, and nightlife scene that’s both diverse and vibrant, it’s no surprise that this neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic gay bars and clubs. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back drink at a cozy dive bar, an all-night dance party, or a drag show that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, the East Village offers something for everyone. Conveniently accessible by subway, the East Village’s queer-friendly venues are a must-visit on any NYC itinerary.
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The Best Queer, Lesbian, and Gay Bars and Clubs in the East Village
From dive bars to high-energy dance floors that pulse until sunrise, the East Village neighborhood is home to an eclectic range of queer-friendly bars and clubs that capture the essence of NYC’s nightlife. Whether you're seeking great drinks, killer music, or just want to hang with your fellow gays and theys, these 7 spots have got you covered!
1. Club Cumming
Address: 505 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009 | (917) 819-2486
Co-owned by actor Alan Cumming, Club Cumming is a beloved dive bar in East Village where drag shows, karaoke, and spontaneous performances light up the night. This iconic spot is known for its welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a night of dancing dancing (on chairs, if you’re feeling adventurous!), spending your dollars in their nightly drag shows or belting your favorite song at karaoke. A true cornerstone of queer nightlife, Club Cumming is the place to be for those seeking a fun, lively, and unapologetic gay scene. Don't miss it!
2. The Boiler Room
Address: 45 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | (212) 254-7536
The Boiler Room is a hidden gem nestled in the East Village on Second Ave. Known for its intimate, underground vibe, this dimly-lit cash-only gay bar with affordable drinks and a signature jukebox recently reopened. You’ll find a laid-back crowd enjoying an unpretentious atmosphere, but still turning up for killer drag performances, dance parties in the basement, and a heavy dose of queer energy. Whether you’re here to catch a show or just to hang with friends, The Boiler Room delivers an unforgettable night out full of personality and pulse-pounding beats. Expect to leave sweaty, happy, and already planning your next visit.
3. The Phoenix
Address: 447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009 | (212) 477-9979
The Phoenix has been around for over 20 years, evolving and changing with the neighborhood that it calls home. One thing has never changed, it is one of the best gay bars in the East Village. At The Phoeniex you'll find pool tables, drag shows, trivia nights and some good old fashioned dancing. The daily happy hours start at 10pm (a rarity in NYC!) and they have weekly trivia on Thursday nights.
4. Nowhere
Address: 322 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 | (917) 409-1442
Nowhere is an East Village bar with a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed night of drinks and fun. With karaoke, drag performances, and plenty of dancing, it offers a variety of entertainment options for everyone. Nowhere is open from 4pm - 4am, streams Ru Paul's Drag Race every Friday, and has happy hour and free pool all day on Sunday.
5. The Cock
Address: 93 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10009
If you're looking for an unapologetic, high-energy bar, The Cock is an East Village staple that delivers. Known for its dive bar atmosphere and diverse crowd, including everyone from leather daddies to twinks, The Cock is where you go when you want a wild night of dancing and mingling. With its dark lighting, intimate spaces, and music that keeps the vibes high and the gays dancing, this spot doesn’t disappoint. It is open 10pm - 4am Wednesday through Sunday with events and DJs every night of the week.
6. The Slipper Room
Address: 167 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Located just a few blocks south of the East Village in the Lower East Side, The Slipper Room is where nightlife and performance art collide. Known for its drag shows, burlesque performances, and eccentric acts, this East Village lounge offers a variety of queer entertainment in an intimate, candle-lit setting. It’s an inviting space where the performance world meets the LGBT community in one fantastic space. If you’re into quirky performances and creative art, The Slipper Room is a must-visit.
7. The Box
Address: 189 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002 | (212) 982-4031
For an evening of opulent decadence and thrilling entertainment, The Box in the Lower East Side is where NYC's elite come to be dazzled. Known for its burlesque shows, circus acts, and avant-garde performances, this exclusive venue offers more than just a night out - it’s a full-on experience. While not strictly a queer bar, The Box has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, attracting a chic, eclectic crowd looking to enjoy high-concept performances, cheeky humor, and unrestrained spectacle. With its lavish décor, dimly lit ambiance, and a roster of world-class performers, The Box is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable night of jaw-dropping entertainment, glamour, and stories to recount with their friends for months to come.
The Heartbeat of East Village’s Queer Culture
Manhattan's East Village remains a cultural epicenter for the LGBT community, with each bar, club, and lounge offering something unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a night of live performances, an all-night dance party, or a relaxing drink with friends at a dive bar, the East Village’s queer nightlife scene is diverse, inclusive, and full of energy. It’s the perfect neighborhood for anyone who wants to have fun, meet new people, and party the night away. From dive bars to dance clubs, the East Village is where your little gay heart will feel right at home.
Find your perfect plans on Lex
There’s always something queer happening on Lex. Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see everything happening in your area. Nothing speaking to you? Take charge and make your own! Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new queer friends here) together to check out a queer bar in your city. Queer cuties in your neighborhood are right at your fingertips - go meet them!
Looking for something a little less nightlife-related? We’ve got tips for sober activities, too. And check out our other city guides here.
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