Gay Watering Holes in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Offering a varied selection of gay bars that serve every taste and aesthetic, Brooklyn is a dynamic center of LGBTQ+ culture. The most hipster borough in NYC, Brooklyn has been a long-standing cultural epicenter within New York City, beckoning nightlife lovers, foodies, and creatives from across the globe. There's constantly something novel and thrilling to uncover throughout this lively, ever-shifting borough, ranging from the energetic art scene featured in Bushwick to the fashionable boutiques (joined by more bougie locales such as Hermes these days) located in Williamsburg.

A bit of a renaissance for gay bars has been happening in Brooklyn. Since the pandemic, no less than four new queer venues have popped up, with one making its debut just a few weeks back. What's more, these are not merely typical gay bars that attract the same sort of gay individual. These are truly varied, intriguing spots, each possessing its own distinct ambiance.

Regardless of whether you happen to be a first-time tourist or a practiced Brooklynite, an abundance of options await LGBTQ+ tourists wanting to discover the vibrant gay scene of the city. The gay bars I've hand-picked below—each of which aids in forging secure and fun spaces where the community can come together so as to connect, celebrate, cut loose, make acquaintances, and even more (wink wink)—range from comfortable hangouts to energetic dance floors, and they also happen to be my personal faves.

The Top Gay Watering Holes throughout Brooklyn

Boasting a varied selection of clubs and bars catering to every preference, Brooklyn possesses a flourishing gay nightlife scene. Here are some of the greatest gay watering holes that Brooklyn offers, according to my definitive guide to Brooklyn's trendiest queer locales. Presented in no specific arrangement:

Macri Park

Macri Park is known for its intimate dive bar vibe, and it provides a laid-back experience that includes Eurovision screenings alongside regular drag evenings. Macri Park is still a well-known location with a recently spruced-up backyard as well as a renowned lavatory ideal for selfies, even though it draws smaller crowds in comparison to pre-pandemic days.

Metropolitan

Celebrated as the ultimate location to dance in Brooklyn, Metropolitan is a gay bar that shouldn't be missed. Celebrities such as Idina Menzel may even be seen dropping in, and crowds are drawn to the regular screenings of Rupaul's Drag Race. It is an ideal spot to forge connections or seek out a great hookup because of the iconic backyard, which receives the ideal amount of sunlight during the day, and the appealing pool table.

The Exley

At The Exley, a somewhat older demographic of thirty-somethings socializes in a compact, busy bar. It is still possible to be delayed when ordering a drink on busy evenings even though a second lavatory was recently introduced so as to deal with the crowd; however, the front patio stands out as the coolest location to be. The Exley's vibrant atmosphere nevertheless ensures patrons keep on coming back.

Mary's Bar

Having opened its doors in May of 2023, Mary's Bar is brought to you by the very same team that created Ginger's Bar, and it serves a vibrant queer community, specifically non-binary individuals, trans people, and lesbians. An appealing ambiance is fashioned by the expansive outdoor patio, whereas the establishment's continuous enhancements carry on to improve the overall experience. It diverges from the conventional pub environment and refrains from offering food presently, in spite of the fact that it advertises itself as a "queer Irish pub."

Rosemont

Rosemont is consistently filled with excitement and fun, attracting a youthful and energetic demographic. Themed evenings such as karaoke, film screenings, and comedy, along with enjoying the chance to score a hookup, are also popular reasons for making acquaintances at the still-well-known destination, even though the backyard might have previously appeared better. Prepare yourself to come alive on the energetic dance floor!

Ginger's Bar

Ginger's Bar, a comfortable lesbian establishment boasting a captivating backyard adorned as a wooden patio, can be found in Park Slope. Forging new friendships and striking up conversations is made simple thanks to the presence of a pool table. It's the ideal location to relax and relish in the inviting ambiance.

Happyfun Hideaway

Happyfun Hideaway, which is located in Bushwick close to Bed-Stuy, possesses an eccentric ambiance accompanied by a wide backyard wherein regular DJs maintain the energy flowing. It is still a wonderful location to mingle and get down, in spite of not possessing an extensive dance floor. Depend on Happyfun Hideaway as the prime location when wanting to encounter the vibrant LGBTQ+ community within Bushwick.

Pink Metal

Pink Metal is nestled in East Williamsburg, presenting a singular experience by way of delightful cocktails and burlesque evenings. The bar is lengthy and narrow, although it hardly ever comes across as overcrowded, except when performers take to the bartop for additional fun dances (even though I'm fairly certain the barbacks don't particularly find pleasure in it when that occurs – oops!). Step out back to the tiny yard so as to take a breather, or enjoy a cigarette within a comfortable setting.

3 Dollar Bill

Attracting a crowd of Hells Kitchen gays and beyond, 3 Dollar Bill is a sizable bar/club that puts on major events. It turns into the quintessential celebration destination during the Ty Tea gatherings throughout the summertime, being recognized for its spacious yard. What's more, the locale puts on darker and sexier club evenings such as Harder or M.E.A.T., thus fashioning a captivating ambiance for any seeking an electrifying experience.

C'mon Everybody

C'mon Everybody, which is positioned in Bed-Stuy, is a delightful location showcasing a back performance area that morphs into a dance floor during weekend late-night celebrations. It is a fantastic spot to unwind and take pleasure in the lively energy of the crowd because the venue offers an inclusive and lively ambiance.

Oddly Enough

Oddly Enough, situated in Bed-Stuy, is actually a lesbian and queer-friendly establishment specializing in incredible cocktails as well as small bites. It makes the perfect sit-down bar for a relaxed evening alongside acquaintances or a romantic date night due to its cozy and intimate setting.

Singers

Singers, having opened throughout the summer of two thousand and twenty-two in Bed-Stuy, is proud of its gorgeous spacious backyard nestled beneath a tree. Occasions like film screenings, karaoke, and trivia evenings are often hosted in this outdoor setting. It makes a fantastic option for a memorable date because of its considerate design and candlelit interior, which provide a great ambiance.

Good Judy

Taking over a former gay bar within Park Slope all through the pandemic, Good Judy has promptly turned into one of the most outstanding gay bars featured in Brooklyn. For drag performances, TV screenings, and special occasions, the venue is equipped with an upstairs performance space. Occasional DJ sets on the weekends, a dance space, and a charming yard can be found in the back room. Connecting and making acquaintances is made simple because Good Judy is recognized for its social ambiance.

Purgatory

Found in Bushwick, Purgatory draws a youthful and varied crowd. The bar comes with an eclectic design that exudes a sensation of being in a house. Gigs and special occasions are put on upstairs in a performance space, thus fashioning an energetic and inclusive ambiance. Purgatory offers a genuine mix of diverse sorts of individuals, therefore embracing the diversity present within the queer community.

All Night Skate

All Night Skate, which is situated on the border of Bed-Stuy and Bushwick, possesses a distinctive interior design suggestive of a roller rink, rounded out by themed décor. There is no skating; however, the bar features a pop-up food vendor within the side room, a labyrinth of lavatories, and a balcony located off the dance floor that features diner-like booths. The bartenders here are well-known for dishing up some of the greatest margaritas that Brooklyn has to offer.

The Deep End

The Deep End, located in Ridgewood, is actually an upstairs bar over the H0L0 basement club. The locale is notable for putting on wild gay and queer gatherings, thus fashioning an unforgettable nightlife experience. The bar provides scrumptious bar fare (accompanied by happy hour deals featured on wings), a weekly trivia night, and a lively ambiance. It's a vibrant and wonderful location to explore within the Ridgewood vicinity.

Looking for more queer, lesbian, or gay locations throughout Brooklyn? Don't worry, loads of queer-adjacent venues exist that may well not come across as explicitly gay in the same manner as the aforementioned gay watering holes, although each one puts on regular queer events

Diane's

Diane's is among the most well-liked watering holes throughout Williamsburg, boasting a charming backyard accompanied by some outdoor seating up front. Stocked solely with music from women artists, the bar is notable because of its accommodating bartenders and a jukebox. Vanderpump Rules screenings, drag bingo on Sundays, and distinctive events for example ikebana flower arranging are all hosted at Diane's.

Boobie Trap

Boobie Trap, positioned in the hip neighborhood of Bushwick, is actually a super queer spot that is adorned with artistic portrayals of boobs featured on the walls. Boasting a compact outdoor seating space situated on their front patio, it's a laid-back dive bar providing board games when wanting entertainment.

Echo Bravo

Echo Bravo is actually a lively location that puts on RuPaul's Drag Race screenings in conjunction with Friday night drag performances. Also, the bar presents a superb burger coupled with a beer food special. Be on the lookout for their fanciful pinwheel that has the ability to win you assorted prizes for instance boozy sno cones or jello shots when spun for one dollar. Echo Bravo is well-known due to its amusing drag performances, delectable fare, and the chance to evaluate your fortune by way of the spinning pinwheel.

Mood Ring

Mood Ring, located in Bushwick, is actually an astrology-themed club and bar that draws the local queer crowd. Showcasing comedy shows, music performances, and Monday night karaoke, the venue comes with a back room that hosts a selection of events. Step foot in Mood Ring to become engrossed within a singular ambiance that blends mysticism alongside vibrant nightlife.

Ideal Days for Exploring Brooklyn's Gay Watering Holes

Brooklyn's gay bar scene is abundant with diversity, inviting each and every member of the LGBTQ+ community to congregate, connect, and celebrate. These bars each present a singular experience coupled with a chance to feel right at home—regardless of how you identify—ranging from comfortable hangouts to energetic dance celebrations.

They're each one of my honest-to-goodness faves. Trust me when I suggest that these watering holes new and old are deserving of your time, being your resident Brooklyn hipster gay while residing in Brooklyn for over five years. I hope that you'll devote some time to explore them, and never forget: be sure to tip the drag queens!