This year’s best gay bars, according to our readers
Where everyone knows your name...
Mark
“Where everybody knows your name / And they’re always glad you came.” What is going out if not trying to find a gay spot that feels like the Cheers theme song?
Of course, between thumping clubs, quirky dives, and sizzling saunas, we know that not every gay venue is created equally, nor can they be compared as such.
That’s why, as part of this year’s Best of GayCities, we turned to the readers to learn about their all-time favorite hang outs and share the lowdown on what makes them so special.
“It’s The Abbey in West Hollywood/L.A. for me. The hot dancers make the vibe perfect!”
– Paul J. Heney, Best of GayCities editorial board
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Whether you’re local or visiting, make sure to add these spots to your itinerary, because they all come highly recommended.
London: Heaven and Old Comptons
With a population of 9 million-plus, there was a lot of love for London amongst our readers. Of course, the legendary Heaven earned a mention for being “a great place with spaces for every type of gay.” The iconic club is a haven for drag, show tunes, and the art of the perfect pop playlist. Comptons of Soho, a great “place to have a pint, people watch, and relax,” also earned a shout-out. The two-floor pub is a great spot for casual (and cruisey) conversations.
DC: Number Nine
A “friendly and relaxed” vibe scored Washington, D.C.‘s Number Nine a nod from a survey respondent. The Logan Circle spot, which has been opened since 2010, has a bit of everything: two floors, indoor-and-outdoor spaces, lounge and a video bar. Bonus: They’ve got over 20 signature cocktails and martinis.
Tokyo: Eagle Tokyo Blue
Yep, even Tokyo has its own leather outpost: Eagle Tokyo Blue, which a reader noted for its “friendly bartenders, great vibe, good music, and nice patrons.” Its website promises “legendary parties” and “unforgettable performances,” but we’d reckon there’s some pretty handsome guys there, too.
Los Angeles: The Abbey
The Abbey is perhaps the most famous gay spot in Los Angeles, and as one of our readers gushed, “It’s a large and very vibrant bar with good food and many great looking guys.” Of course, it’s an institution where notable celebs, from Chappell Roan to Elizabeth Taylor, have been known to make appearances, and the martinis are more than worth writing home about.
Chicago: Steamworks and Sidetrack
The Chicago locals and travelers turned out in our survey, shouting out the sultry Steamworks Baths, a well-visited and decades-old sauna which features “the best hot tub in the world” and Sidetrack, one of the bars that built Boystown. “[It] has always felt like my home bar even though I have not lived in the Midwest in over 20 years,” a reader told us.
Fort Lauderdale: Hunters Nightclub
Fort Lauderdale got some appreciation via Wilton Manors’ Hunters Nightclub, an award-winning gay bar that’s open 7 days a week and has prided itself on its diversity and inclusion since its inception in 1980. Throughout the week, you can expect karaoke nights, line-dancing, open dance floors, DJs, and a classic tea dance every Sunday.
New York: Cubbyhole
Cubbyhole, New York City‘s resident lesbian hang out touts the fact that it’s been a “friendly neighborhood bar since 1994,” which makes sense, considering one of our readers appreciated it as “where I grew up.” With flowers on the windows, rainbow signs hanging from the ceiling, and some of the friendliest queer bartenders in the biz, it might just become your new favorite too.
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