2024: Manhattan Voted Julius’ Best LGBTQ Bar!
Julius’
159 W 10th St
(877) 746-0528 – juliusbarnyc.com
Since its origins as a grocery store in 1826, Julius’ has evolved into a storied bar at the corner of Waverly Place and West 10th Street. Opened as a bar in 1864, Julius’ became a notable cultural landmark by the 1930s, attracting sports figures and celebrities. In the 1960s, it gained prominence within the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant chapter in its history. On April 21, 1966, Julius’ was the site of the “Sip-In,” a pivotal protest organized by the Mattachine Society to challenge discriminatory liquor laws that barred service to gay patrons. This landmark event catalyzed changes in city policies and contributed to the emergence of a more open gay bar culture. Julius’ is now recognized for its historical importance, earning landmark designations from the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.
2023: Manhattan Voted Barracuda Bar Best LGBTQ Bar!
Barracuda Bar
275 W. 22nd St
The legendary Barracuda Bar, or simply Barracuda, is a relaxed Chelsea venue with a small stage that is known for its star-studded nightly drag shows. The Barracuda Bar is known as a casual hangout that is a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves in a space with good vibes. The decor is funky, the bartenders are friendly and the drinks are reasonable but strong. This bar is perfectly suited for singles looking to meet new people, or groups looking to kick back and gab. It features a daily happy hour and regularly hosts DJs with great taste.
2022: Manhattan Voted Barracuda Bar Best LGBTQ Bar!
Barracuda Bar
275 W. 22nd St
One of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the city, Barracuda Bar provides a relaxed space for everyone to be themselves right in the heart of Chelsea! Always populated, but never overcrowded, this watering hole makes everyone feel safe, honored, loved and celebrated. With reasonably priced drinks, funky decor, this spot is perfect for singles looking to mingle, or groups looking to kick back with a fun night out! The bartenders are super friendly, there’s a daily happy hour, and DJs playing the best tunes you can think of. Come on down, and you’ll be sipping on a terrific drink selection while dancing away the night in no time!
2021: Manhattan Voted Cubbyhole Best LGBTQ Bar!
Cubbyhole
281 West 12th Street
(212) 243-9041 – www.cubbyholebar.com
One of only two lesbian bars left standing in New York City, Cubbyhole in the West Village is more than a bar: it’s an institution. It’s a place where the LGBTQ community feels safe, honored, loved and celebrated. When the bar shuttered for long stretches in 2020 due to the CIVID-19 pandemic, patrons held on to the hope and the knowledge that one Spring day it would reopen and welcome bar-goers into its open arms once again. Cubbyhole is now in full swing, taking into account all CDC guidelines and COVID restrictions and serving up frozen cocktails like margaritas and frose to those who enjoy. With an outdoor space for tables and room inside, Cubbyhole is ready for its fans to come back home!
2020: Manhattan Voted Uncle Charlie’s Piano Lounge Best LGBTQ Bar!
Uncle Charlie’s Piano Lounge
139 E 45th St
(646) 476-9532 – unclecharliesnyc.com
Spend an evening at Uncle Charlie’s Piano Lounge with great cocktails, food, live music and singing. The piano bar hosts amazing guest singers and pianists are talented as well. The bartenders are super friendly and daily happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. And if you’re a smoker, there’s an outdoor smoking patio open until 11 p.m. while you relax and chat with a friend. Overall, it’s a great fun place to kick back and relax or bring a date. At Uncle Charlie’s, the atmosphere is fun, friendly and warm with plenty of bar seating, plus several banquettes with table service on selected nights.