I visited the 3 lesbian bars left in New York City, and it was the most enjoyable nightlife experience I've ever had

Jenny SilberJan 15, 2022, 02:06 IST

A neon sign in front of Cubbyhole in the West Village.Emma Miller

There are only 21 lesbian bars in the entire US, and three are in New York City, where I live.
I went to the bars — Henrietta Hudson, Cubbyhole, and Ginger's Bar — to see what they were like.

I've been to gay bars before, but none that specifically catered to lesbians.

The author (right) and her friend trying the WAP shot at Henrietta Hudson.Emma Miller

My first stop was Henrietta Hudson in the West Village.

The location of Henrietta Hudson in New York City.Google Maps

Henrietta Hudson, which opened 30 years ago, brands itself as a "queer human space built by lesbians."

The front Henrietta Hudson.Jenny Silber/Insider

I was surprised by how nervous I felt — and by how quickly that feeling went away.

The bar at Henrietta Hudson decked out in Christmas decorationsEmma Miller

I thought Henrietta Hudson had the most unique drinks of the three bars.

The drink list above the bar at Henrietta Hudson.Emma Miller

I probably had the most fun dancing that I've had in a while.

Photo taken from the dance floor at Henrietta Hudson.Emma Miller

Two hours later, we went to Cubbyhole, which is also located in the West Village.

Cubbyhole is also in the West Village.Google Maps

Cubbyhole is a tiny bar that opened in 1987 under the name DT's Fat Cat, and it has been a popular safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community since then.

Cubbyhole in the West Village.Jenny Silber/Insider

If you're looking to meet someone, I think you'll probably have the best luck at Cubbyhole.

The interior of Cubbyhole.Emma Miller

Lesbian bar aside, anybody would have a good time here.

Ornaments hang all year long on the ceiling at Cubbyhole.Emma Miller

The next night I went to Ginger's Bar, Brooklyn's only lesbian bar. It's located in Park Slope.

Ginger's Bar is in Brooklyn.Google Maps

Ginger's Bar only recently reopened after closing during the pandemic.

Ginger's Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn.Jenny Silber/Insider

If you're looking to make more queer friends, this is the place.

There was a pool table in the back room of Ginger's Bar.Jenny Silber/Insider

If I lived closer to Ginger's Bar, I would probably come a lot more regularly.

A sign on the bar read "Beware Pickpockets and Loose Women."Jenny Silber/Insider

Each bar was different, but I truly enjoyed myself and felt comfortable at all of them.

The front of Cubbyhole, Henrietta Hudson, and Ginger's BarJenny Silber/Insider

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