Queer owned Bars - 26 stops for your Bucket list.
Queer-owned bars have long served as vital lifelines for LGBTQ+ communities, a place to gather, be seen, be safe, and celebrate one another. From historic landmarks that fueled a movement to cozy dive bars that embrace the weird, wild, and wonderful, these establishments are far more than nightlife spots, they are cornerstones of queer culture and community. Across the United States, queer and lesbian-owned bars continue to create spaces where joy, resistance, and identity thrive.
Perhaps the most historic of all is The Stonewall Inn, nestled in New York City’s Greenwich Village. While it's not exclusively queer-owned, no list would be complete without this sacred site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The current co-owners are Kurt Kelly and Stacey Lentz. While Kelly is a straight ally, Lentz is a lesbian and long-time LGBTQ+ activist. The bar is deeply committed to LGBTQ+ advocacy and continues to host queer-centered events, fundraisers, and activism efforts. It's also home to The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, a non-profit organization supporting marginalized LGBTQ+ communities. So while it isn't entirely queer-owned, it remains a vital, actively queer-affirming space with strong LGBTQ+ leadership and legacy.The bar today still pulses with that same revolutionary spirit. Visitors from around the globe flock here to pay homage, dance the night away, or simply be present in a space that changed everything.
Further south, in the heart of Nashville, The Lipstick Lounge radiates warmth, color, and comfort. Owned by queer women, this bar and restaurant offers more than just great food and strong drinks, it offers belonging. It’s a place where karaoke nights are legendary, themed events keep the calendar full, and everyone from locals to tourists can feel embraced exactly as they are. Whether you're queer, straight, or somewhere in between, The Lipstick Lounge lives by its motto: “You’re welcome here.”
In Los Angeles, The Eagle is an institution unto itself. This queer-owned bar is especially beloved by the leather, bear, and kink communities, but it’s also a welcoming home for anyone who wants to dance, explore, and celebrate their identity. Known for its themed nights, from leather to underwear parties, The Eagle plays an important role in preserving subcultures within the larger queer world, reminding us that queerness is vast, layered, and unapologetically bold.
Over in D.C., A League of Her Own is redefining what a sports bar can be. Lesbian-owned and proudly queer-focused, this venue brings together fans of the game, lovers of karaoke, trivia buffs, and drag show regulars. With sports on the screen and community at its heart, it’s a unique and inclusive spot where queer women can root for their team while feeling safe and seen.
On the opposite coast, The Wildrose in Seattle holds a different kind of title: it’s the longest-running lesbian bar in the United States. With over three decades of history, The Wildrose has stood the test of time and gentrification. Drag king performances, karaoke, and open mic nights keep things lively, but it’s the sense of community and continuity that make it truly legendary. It’s not just a bar, it’s a part of lesbian and queer women’s history.
In San Francisco, The Phoenix is a go-to for craft cocktails and cozy, inclusive vibes. This queer-owned bar combines the polished feel of a stylish venue with the welcoming warmth of a neighborhood favorite. Whether you're flying solo or out with friends, it’s a spot where you can count on good conversation, top-shelf drinks, and a community that embraces everyone under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
Meanwhile, Trunks, located in West Hollywood’s rainbow-filled streets, is known for its casual charm, strong happy hour, and mix of longtime regulars and wide-eyed newcomers. Owned by queer folks, this laid-back bar has an open patio perfect for soaking up the SoCal sunshine and mingling with a truly diverse crowd. It’s a fixture in LA’s gay nightlife for good reason.
Heading down to Atlanta, My Sister’s Room, affectionately known as MSR, is a lesbian-owned powerhouse that’s been championing queer nightlife in the South for over 25 years. With two levels of dancing, live shows, drag performances, and a menu that hits the spot, MSR isn’t just a bar, it’s a cornerstone of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s a place where queer women and their allies can gather to let loose and lift each other up.
Over in New Orleans, The Crescent offers a quintessential dive bar feel with a distinctly queer twist. Tucked into the French Quarter, it attracts both locals and tourists seeking an authentic, inclusive experience. Karaoke, live music, and cheap drinks are just the start, it's the kind of place where strangers become chosen family by the end of the night.
In Denver, The Barbie Bar lives up to its playful name. Queer-owned and proudly eccentric, this divey gem features whimsical decor, kitschy memorabilia, and a crowd that truly embodies the spirit of come-as-you-are. It’s the kind of spot where you might walk in on a themed dance party or a spontaneous drag performance, and stay because you never want to leave.
Back in New York, The LGBT Center Bar, run by the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, isn’t your typical bar. It’s a mission-driven space that hosts everything from happy hours to activist events. It’s equal parts celebration and civic engagement, a reminder that queer joy and queer justice go hand in hand.
Then there’s The Abbey, my old college stomping grounds, a legendary West Hollywood queer haven thats been open for over 3 decades. With lavish drag shows, upscale cocktails, and a dance floor that stays packed well into the morning hours. Owned by queer entrepreneurs, it’s a key player in LA’s nightlife scene and a symbol of how big, bold, and beautiful queer celebration can be.
In Charleston, The Cocktail Club stands out with its elegant interiors, rooftop terrace, and expertly crafted drinks. Owned by queer locals, the bar proves that queer spaces can also be chic, refined, and deeply welcoming. Whether you’re on a date or out with friends, the vibe is stylish without being stuffy, exactly what Charleston’s LGBTQ+ scene needed.
Out west in Salt Lake City, The Vault has truly made a name for itself as one of the city’s premier LGBTQ+ dance clubs. Owned and operated by queer folks, The Vault is a fierce beacon of inclusion and celebration in a state where queer spaces can be rare and precious. Its high-energy events, pulsating DJ nights, and vibrant dance floor create a sanctuary where queer individuals from all walks of life can let loose and be themselves. Beyond just a club, The Vault embodies resilience and joy, offering a powerful sense of belonging and freedom in an often conservative environment.
On the East Coast in New Jersey’s lively beach town of Asbury Park, The Saint brings together everything that makes a queer bar unforgettable. This venue pulses with good music, great people, and undeniable heart. Known for its spectacular drag shows and regular queer DJ nights, The Saint maintains a buzzing atmosphere where everyone feels invited and included. It’s a cornerstone of Asbury Park’s thriving LGBTQ+ culture, providing not just entertainment but a vital community hub where queer joy and activism coexist seamlessly.
In New York City’s historic Greenwich Village, The Cubbyhole offers a distinctively intimate and welcoming vibe. The bar’s kitschy décor and cozy corners have made it a beloved refuge for queer women who want to escape the city’s fast pace while still feeling deeply connected. The Cubbyhole’s charm lies in its ability to be both a neighborhood hangout and a cultural touchstone, fostering connections across generations and backgrounds. Its warmth and casual magic make it a true gem in the heart of Manhattan’s queer history.
Down in Houston, Pearl Bar is renowned for being a vibrant hub of queer energy and visibility. The bar’s lively drag shows, karaoke nights, and open-hearted community spirit make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a joyful, safe space in the South. Pearl Bar blurs the line between local hangout and cultural landmark, offering a space where queer women and their allies can celebrate identity, music, and friendship with unabashed enthusiasm. It’s a place where everyone knows your name, and where you’re always encouraged to bring your full self.
Nestled in Asheville, North Carolina, The Butchery offers a quieter, soulful take on lesbian nightlife. With its rustic décor featuring reclaimed wood and cozy nooks, The Butchery feels like a welcoming retreat from the world outside. This lesbian-owned bar is cherished for its laid-back vibe, strong cocktails, and the feeling of deep community it fosters. It’s a space where queer women can come together to share stories, support one another, and find solace in a setting that feels grounded and authentic.
In the vibrant and culturally rich French Quarter of New Orleans, The Mermaid Lounge casts its own kind of spell. This lesbian-owned bar is known for its cozy ambiance and a wide range of events, from open mic nights to karaoke and drag performances. The Mermaid Lounge captures the playful yet soulful spirit of New Orleans, offering a space where queer women can relax, express themselves, and revel in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. It’s a place where celebration meets softness, a rare and beautiful balance that feels like home.
On the East Coast in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, The Blue Moon brings together excellent food, lively performances, and a welcoming community spirit. This lesbian-owned bar and restaurant is famous for its festive drag brunches and a steady stream of LGBTQ+ events that keep the energy high year-round. More than a seasonal stop for beachgoers, The Blue Moon has become a beloved gathering place where queer joy, artistry, and friendship flourish regardless of the calendar. It’s a space where everyone is invited to celebrate their true selves over great food and drinks.
In Portland, Oregon, Call Me Mother offers a refreshing blend of low-key cool and community warmth. Known for its inventive craft cocktails and relaxed, inviting environment, this lesbian-owned bar is an ideal spot to unwind, laugh, and connect with fellow queer folks. The atmosphere at Call Me Mother is both casual and vibrant, creating a safe space where being yourself isn’t just accepted, it’s enthusiastically celebrated. It stands out as a beacon for those seeking genuine connection without pretense.
In San Francisco’s iconic Castro District, Red Lantern carves out an important niche as a lesbian-owned space that blends sophistication with cultural diversity. Known for its unique Asian-inspired cocktails and chic yet comfortable setting, Red Lantern is a crucial part of the city’s queer nightlife ecosystem. It honors the legacy of the Castro while carving out new spaces for queer women to gather, celebrate, and support one another. Red Lantern’s commitment to uplifting queer women ensures it remains a cherished destination in a city that’s constantly evolving.
In Long Beach, California, JT’s Bar & Grill combines casual hospitality with a strong sense of queer pride. This lesbian-owned bar offers a welcoming environment for watching sports, enjoying live music, or simply catching up over drinks with friends. JT’s proves that lesbian bars don’t have to be loud or flashy to be powerful, they simply need to be open, affirming spaces where community can thrive. Its laid-back vibe and friendly crowd make it a cherished local gem.
In Chicago, Harlow offers a stylish yet cozy atmosphere that blends sophistication with soul. Known for its curated cocktail menu and warm, inviting vibes, this lesbian-owned bar provides a welcoming refuge for lesbians and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Harlow is the perfect place to gather for a relaxed night out, where conversations flow as easily as the expertly crafted drinks. It’s a space that champions inclusion and connection, embodying the best of Chicago’s diverse queer culture.
Adding to this vibrant tapestry is The Oasis in Tucson, Arizona. This lesbian-owned bar has become a vital social and cultural hub in the Southwest. Known for its lively dance nights, community fundraisers, and warm, inviting atmosphere, The Oasis is a place where queer women can find both celebration and support. Surrounded by desert landscapes, it’s a unique refuge that blends southwestern hospitality with progressive queer spirit, offering a rare and deeply meaningful space in a region with limited queer nightlife.
Lastly, adding to this remarkable list is The Ruby Fruit in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This lesbian-owned bar and community space stands as a vibrant hub in the Midwest, where queer women can gather for events ranging from dance parties to poetry nights. The Ruby Fruit is committed to inclusivity and empowerment, providing not only entertainment but also workshops and activist meetups.
Though these bars span different cities, styles, and stories, they share a deeper purpose, nurturing the heart of queer community. Each one offers more than a good drink or a fun night out, they create spaces where we can simply exist. Confidently, peacefully, free of judging eyes, the ability to just exist somewhere comfortably is underrated to say the least. Im grateful for these spaces, and the people that work so hard to create/protect them.
