Gay dance club new york
BY: Jasmine Franklin
Published 11 months ago
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New York City is the city to dream, meal, and dance! When dancing the night away in NYC, the gay club scene delivers some of the best vibes around. NYC’s nightlife caters to every taste, from famous iconic venues that acquire shaped LGBTQIA+ history to intimate hidden gems that offer a more underground feel. Here are the top 10 gay clubs in NYC, perfect for anyone looking to knock the dance floor and let loose in a space that celebrates identity and embraces everyone for who they truly are.
1. The Stonewall Inn
Location: 53 Christopher St
Peak Nights: Fridays and Saturdays
Vibe: As the birthplace of the current LGBTQIA+ rights movement, The Stonewall Inn is more than just a club — it’s a historic landmark. Expect a lively crowd, drag performances, and a mix of old-school and new beats that keep the dance floor packed.
2. Industry
Location: 355 W 52nd St
Peak Nights: Weekends, especially Sundays
Vibe: Known for its urban style and upbeat atmosphere, Industry is a go-to spot for those who love a good DJ se
New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that hold been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades. The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. The West Village is a classic destination for queer nightlife, but you’ll find something exciting and welcoming in pretty much any part of the city.
You can check out the best drag shows or cabaret performances, but these homosexual spaces all present something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the same place on different days! Maybe your interests skew more trendy and urbane, or perhaps you're more of the down-and-dirty hook-up spots, the "what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends" type — we're not here to judge! There are plenty of LGBTQ+ things to do in New York, but if it’s a bar you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
RECOMMENDED: Occupied guide to the best bars in NYC
May 2025: We removed Ginger's and Barracuda Lounge. We added Loafers Cocktail Bar.
The Saint
History
Opened in 1926 as a cinema called the Commodore Theater, the building became the Village Theater in 1963, offering burlesque, Yiddish vaudeville, Off-Broadway productions, and live melody events. From 1968 to 1971, the space was home to the legendary Fillmore East Harmony Hall (often referred to as the Fillmore East), which was considered the best showcase for rock music in New York City.
The space had been vacant for a number of years, when, in the late 1970s, entrepreneur Bruce Mailman partnered with designer Charles Terrel to develop and create The Saint. Mailman purchased the abandoned proscenium theater because it could accommodate his vision of a multi-level extravagant club, including a planetarium, which became The Saint’s registered name. Soon after opening, The Saint became the apotheosis of the underground dance world in Fresh York City, its name, inspired in part, from the nearby New St. Marks Baths, also owned by Mailman.
Working from Mailman’s vision, Terrel designed a futuristic, elevated, 4,800-square-foot circular dance floor topped by an aluminum domed ceiling that
Best Gay Bars in New York City
Home to what is arguably the world's most famous queer bar, The Stonewall Inn, New York is a society leader when it comes to lgbtq+ nightlife. Whilst today's gay scene is concentrated in the Hell’s Kitchen area, the historic districts of Chelsea and Greenwich Village still boast thriving collections of gay bars and clubs. Brand-new York’s gay bars attract a mix of locals and visiting gay travelers, which makes for an incredibly diverse scene. There is something for everyone in the urban area that never sleeps.
Line your stomach and enjoy world-class flamboyant talent at Fortunate Cheng’s; the unique home of the drag dinner. After basking in the dazzling glow of the bar’s iconic acts, it’s moment to visit the world’s most known gay bar. The Stonewall Inn, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, was the site of the renowned protests that kick-started the gay rights movement in the USA and is still a widespread community hang-out. End your night under the pulsing strobe lights of Industry; a mainstay of New York City’s gay scene, this 4000ft sq venue guarantees an indelible gay clubbing experience.
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