These bars are the vibrant heart of 🏳️🌈queer history🏳️🌈. Lesbian bars are vital for FLINTA* folks: they have been fostering connections for over a century. Good news: In 2023, our list is expanding, not shrinking!
LessHenrietta Hudson, AKA Hen's, nestled in NYC's West Village, stands as the city's oldest lesbian bar. This lesbian-run hotspot is renowned for its lively atmosphere, offering drinks, dancing, and pool. Owner Lisa Cannistraci ensures that it remains a vibrant cornerstone of the city's LGBTQ+ community, promising an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Absolutely, here's a revised version: Stepping up after the closure of Phase One, D.C.'s oldest lesbian bar, A League of Her Own (ALOHO) has become a beacon in the city's LGBTQ+ scene. This welcoming space, dedicated to lesbians and the wider queer community, is known for its lively events and friendly atmosphere. From speed-dating nights to relaxed hangouts, ALOHO is the perfect spot for queer women to connect and enjoy themselves.
A beloved fixture in Nashville's LGBTQ+ community for nearly two decades, The Lipstick Lounge is celebrated for its creative theme nights and eclectic drinks. From pajama parties to the signature grape-filled cocktail, F$!k-a-Fanta, there's always something exciting happening. Owners Christa Suppan and Jonda Valentine have crafted a space where everyone in the LGBTQ+ spectrum feels welcomed and loved. Their motto: "Come as you are, no matter what you are. This is your home."
Blush & Blu in Denver, a bar "where all humans are welcome," offers a relaxed environment for coffee enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. This buzzing hub features everything from drag king nights and burlesque to queer yoga and arcade games. Don't miss their signature "Dirty Fax Chai" or the "Mugmosas" from their unbeatable Sunday brunch menu. With a happy hour running from 3-6pm throughout the week, Blush & Blu serves a diverse community in the heart of Denver.
This Midtown spot is the bomb.com when it comes to entertainment options. From drag shows to karaoke nights and dance parties, this place has got it all. It’s a great spot to meet other LGBTQIA+ folks and let your hair down for a night of wild fun. Plus, it has been known as Atlanta’s #1 lesbian bar for more than 25 years, and for a good reason! It is owned and operated by two awesome lesbians, Jami Atlanta and Jennifer Maguire, who made it basically a sapphic Cheers.
Julie Mabry was inspired to open Pearl Bar after watching her sister, who is also queer, grow in confidence after they visited a gay bar together. Julie's commitment to giving back is evident, with the bar regularly funding local groups fighting for civil and equal rights. They're feeling the squeeze of anti-trans & anti-drag laws in TX right now, so show them as much support as you can!
At the heart of San Diego's LGBTQ+ scene is Gossip Grill, a bar that embodies the spirit of community. Owner Moe Girton has created a space that's both safe and wildly fun, hosting diverse events from "Blackout Bingo" to "Dinner & Drag" nights. Don't miss their lavender-infused Inspect-her Gadget cocktail or the decadent truffle mac and cheese. You can even bring a piece of Gossip Grill home with their at-home cocktail kits or stylish merch.
Slammers in Columbus, Ohio, is more than just a lesbian bar - it's a home for easy-going fun, great drinks, and some of the best pizza in town. Whether you're a sports fan eager to catch a basketball game or USWNT match, or you're simply looking for a relaxed hangout, Slammers has you covered. Their gorgeous patio space and outdoor bar provide a safe and enjoyable environment to support the venue and connect with the community.
Sue Ellen's, the last standing lesbian bar in Dallas, is a testament to resilience and community. Owner Kathy Jack, one of the city's first female bar managers, has steered Sue Ellen's through numerous challenges, from the AIDS pandemic to economic downturns. Known for its thriving "Chick Happy Hour," Sue Ellen's is a beacon of hope and celebration in the LGBTQ+ community. Kathy's optimism shines through, promising that Sue Ellen's will "live on forever."
As Milwaukee's oldest lesbian bar, Walker's Pint is more than just a friendly spot—it's a community cornerstone. Welcoming to all, this primarily women's bar prides itself on creating a space where everyone can be their true self. Beyond serving drinks, Walker's Pint collaborates with neighborhood bars to fundraise for nonprofits, including LGBTQ+ charities, and sponsors local sports teams. Come in any day of the week and feel at home.
Cubbyhole, a cherished NYC lesbian bar, is a home away from home for its regulars. With a 27-year streak of being open every night, Cubbyhole has become a symbol of resilience and celebration of lesbian identities. Owner Lisa Menichino emphasizes the importance of lesbian bars in celebrating our identities. Support them by purchasing their unique merch and join the community that calls Cubbyhole their second home.
Nestled in Seattle's "gayborhood," Capitol Hill, Wildrose stands as the city's only lesbian bar. Women-owned and operated since 1984, it's a vibrant hub hosting a range of events from DJ nights to live music. Visit their charming patio area for a drink and don't miss their homemade chicken enchiladas. Support Wildrose by purchasing their merch and join in the legacy of this enduring community space.
Nikke Alleyne and Justine LaViolette created the Bush, a dyke bar for queers, in New York. With no hospitality experience, they relied on friends and their network for guidance and hands-on help, debunking the myth that opening a bar requires a million dollars. The DIY project resulted in a sick space with a curated DJ lineup, unique décor, and a drink menu featuring original cocktails and mocktails.
The Back Door, Bloomington, Indiana's only queer bar, is a radical feminist, queer space that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. Recognized by the Lesbian Bar Project, this bar is known for its themed nights and playful drinks. Founded by Nicci and Smoove, The Back Door has become a beacon of inclusivity, welcoming all members of the community. Accessible literally through the back door of the building, this bar offers a unique charm and a welcoming atmosphere.
Honey's is a clubby new queer bar at Star Love (a colorful cocktail spot in East Hollywood) where there’s something different happening on any given night: karaoke Wednesdays, upbeat house DJ sets, comedy nights, even queer night markets. There's a wraparound bar up front and a dance room in the back, so even if you come out on a weekday, it’ll feel like a Friday night. While this place is lesbian-focused, it’s also very inclusive of everyone.
Welcome to The Ruby Fruit, Silver Lake's lesbian-owned queer bar. Enjoy natural wines, light bites, and a sparkling atmosphere. Inclusivity is their priority—everyone is welcome, including nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and trans individuals. Unlike many lesbian bars, the folks behind this concept have a rich background in hospitality, so expect a quality night out.
The Lady’s Room offers a regular schedule of events, including brunch, drag kings and burlesque performances, live music, brunch, bingo, and a house DJ. The Underground, a poetry and spoken word open mic series with Project No Labels, will launch at the bar soon, as well. It's struggling to stay open, so support Florida's lesbian scene yearround!
The cozy cocktail bar opened in February 2020. You can guess what happened next. A two year COVID pause. Dorothy sports retro 70s vibes and a vintage bar top. It's just another neighborhood spot, though, not buried in Chicago's gayborhood. “We’re creating a space where people are comfortable, people can settle in, hang out, have a drink and not feel like they have to scream to be heard, or jump onto a dance floor.”
Femme was opened after the owners watched The Lesbian Bar Project go viral on Tiktok, of all places. They realized New England was a lesbian bar desert, and set about fixing it. Femme has hot pink and black ambience with features from local artists and makers. A queer book club, drag shows, live music, and game nights, all featuring LGBTIA+ performers and hosts are planned in the future.
The Black-woman-owned bar, which caters to FLINTA/LGBTQ women, opened in May 2021, taking over a space that once held one of the city’s last remaining lesbian bars, Joie De Vine. Their cocktails are no joke: Nobody’s Darling was named one of five finalists for best bar program in the country by the James Beard Foundation, considered the Oscars of the food and drink industry.
Opened in 1962, this pieced of lesbian history is worth the trek up to Bernal Heights out of downtown SF. It's got all the marks of a great local watering hole, from live music to TVs for the sports lovers, to a friendly backyard for catching the bay's intermittent rays. Pop a few bucks into the jukebox and feel the warmth of the neighborhood wash over you.
Boycott Bar, owned by Audrey Corley, sits in the middle of the Phoenix’s Melrose District, which has long been known as the city’s gay district. It’s home to a variety of bars, but only one that’s specifically for lesbians. Boycott has called Melrose its home since 2017, but it began as a community touchstone before that. Street said it's also the only Latin-owned lesbian bar in the country.
Dirty bingo, karaoke, drinking games, costume parties, and fundraisers are often on the calendar here. Of all the bars on this list, it probably has the cheapest beer too: $2 domestics every day of the week. . One thing is guaranteed: you will feel welcome here, no matter what. Off of booze or cigs? They offer mocktails and free candy, because Alibi's is one of the only OK bars that doesn't have indoor smoking.
Frankie's can be hard to track down, but we've pinned the local taco truck for you! (Lesbians love tacos) Once the music is going at night, you'll be 100% sure you're in the right spot. Don't forget, smoking indoors is allowed in OKC!
Yellow Brick Road Pub is Tulsa’s only lesbian bar and one of three lesbian bars in the state of Oklahoma. The other two, Frankie’s and Alibis, are in Oklahoma City. YBR's owner says her patrons come from across the LGBTQ community and include straight allies.
Don't be tricked by the exterior, this is a lesbian space, not a strip club. Babes is full of bar games, drag, and even have a rocking brunch menu. Sometimes you'll spot a volleyball game going on the back deck, or you might be pulled onto the dance floor by a hot sapphic siren.
AYA is an inclusive space for identity exploration, fostering a model of progress not yet scene in the DC lesbian scene. Whether you want to attend a queer prom, dress up as a gay-ass flower, or just watch Survivor, AYA is the spot for you. Watch their Instagram for nightly events
Mother is a "women and femme centered queer bar" in the Mission. They're the newest spot on our list, and they're already coming in hot with trivia nights, photography exhibitions, disco happy hours, and a queer prom. It's brave new spots like this that keep our lesbian bar list growing!
Fair warning - more of a queer bar than an explicitly lesbian bar! But still fun for all FLINTA*. They're best known for hosting UHAUL SF, San Francisco's "party for girls who love girls". Don't miss Thursday night karaoke or the Sunday drag and burlesque variety shows!