{"id":774,"date":"2025-01-24T14:57:32","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T06:57:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/10-of-the-best-lesbian-bars-in-the-us\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T09:56:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T01:56:00","slug":"10-of-the-best-lesbian-bars-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/?p=774","title":{"rendered":"10 of the best lesbian bars in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s no exaggeration to say the movement for LGBTIQ+ rights would not exist without lesbian bars.<\/p>\n

Yet even before the challenges of the pandemic, these crucial community spots were becoming an endangered species. Today, of the nearly 69,000 watering holes in the USA, a mere 27 of them are lesbian bars \u2013 down from about 200 in the 1980s. You can chalk up this diminished showing to online dating, or to urban gentrification, or to (largely positive) societal changes. But no matter the reasons, the Lesbian Bar Project is raising funds for and awareness about the small handful of full-time queer-gal hangouts still proudly welcoming patrons from coast to coast.<\/p>\n

After raising more than $260,000 since its 2020 launch, the Lesbian Bar Project has boosted support for these last-standing bars, thanks partly to the support of multi-talented performer (and \u201cprofessional lesbian\u201d) Lea DeLaria. DeLaria executive-produced and served as narrator for the short documentary of the same name (directed by Erica Rose and Elina Street), which was featured in the Tribeca Festival and earned several prestigious awards. The project is also the subject of a three-part TV series currently streaming free on the Roku Channel.<\/p>\n

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Beyond this admirable endeavor, there\u2019s an IRL way to show some love for lesbian bars: visiting them for some in-person patronage (matronage?) in any of the two-dozen US cities where they\u2019re still shaking, stirring, pouring \u2013 and welcoming. While these bars exist, of course, mainly for lesbian and queer folx to feel safe and comfortable, respectful LGBTIQ+ allies are most welcome, too. For \u2013 just as DeLaria does in the short film \u2013 there\u2019s always room to throw back a J\u00e4germeister shot.<\/p>\n

\"The
The jovial scene inside NYC’s Cubbyhole \u00a9 Cubbyhole<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Henrietta Hudson & Cubbyhole, New York City<\/h2>\n

West Village icons of lesbian culture<\/em><\/p>\n

Each of these legendary bars has served the lesbians of New York City and beyond since the early 1990s, when they were among several other downtown girl bars. Only a few blocks apart, they each serve up a different vibe: Cubbyhole is adorably compact, while Henrietta Hudson is roomy, with plenty of dancing and karaoke. Together, they are beloved lesbian-centric institutions of the West Village, each located just a short walk from the Stonewall National Monument.<\/p>\n

Wildrose, Seattle<\/h2>\n

Serving the best of the Pacific Northwest\u2019s lesbian scene<\/em><\/p>\n

Anchoring the lesbian contingent of Seattle\u2019s LGBTIQ+ neighborhood since 1984, the Wildrose has everything you\u2019ll ever want or need in a corner bar. Think a pool table, happy hour, karaoke, theme nights, DJs, a flirty bar for singles and plenty of tables for catching up with old friends.<\/p>\n

\"Walker's
Walker\u2019s Pint in Milwaukee \u00a9 courtesy of Walker\u2019s Pint<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Walker\u2019s Pint, Milwaukee<\/h2>\n

The corner tap for everyday Janes and sports fans<\/em><\/p>\n

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Maintaining a safe, friendly spot for women is the mission of Walker\u2019s Pint, one of the best, most easygoing hangouts for lesbians in the Midwest. A fixture on a 2nd St corner in Milwaukee\u2019s Walker\u2019s Point neighborhood since 2001, it draws mostly women (and a mix of other folx) for pool, patio time, live music and sports events (Bucks and Brewers fans are most welcome).<\/p>\n

Herz, Mobile, Alabama<\/h2>\n

Welcoming southern outpost for sports, hookahs and fancy cocktails<\/em><\/p>\n

In a state that\u2019s politically flaming red, you\u2019ve got to raise a glass in solidarity with Herz for representing and serving the LGBTIQ+ community in Mobile, Alabama. Opened in 2019 by dynamic married duo Sheila and Rachel Smallman, Herz survived the pandemic with support from the Lesbian Bar Project and loyal locals who need a friendly community gathering place like this in the conservative South. A place where they can just be themselves.<\/p>\n

Blush & Blu, Denver<\/h2>\n

Drag kings and burlesque are only the beginning<\/em><\/p>\n

Just down from Denver\u2019s LGBTIQ+ Center on Colfax \u2013 and a mainstay of the city\u2019s queer scene \u2013 is another community space, this one with all manner of lesbian-centric fun. Three-story Blush & Blu offers strong cocktails, arcade games, a library lounge and a busy calendar of events spanning burlesque shows, poker nights, live comedy, lesbian speed dating and more.<\/p>\n

Wild Side West, San Francisco<\/h2>\n

The West Coast\u2019s oldest lesbian bar that\u2019s still pouring<\/em><\/p>\n

This San Francisco outpost of lesbian pride has encouraged radically queer flirtation since 1962. Wild Side Wes moved from its original Broadway location up to Bernal Heights back in 1976; today, it still feels the love of devoted queer women (and their pals) who flock here for weird-but-true trivia nights, stiff drinks and an eclectic beer garden.<\/p>\n

\"Sue
Sue Ellen\u2019s lesbian bar in Dallas \u00a9 courtesy of Sue Ellen\u2019s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sue Ellen\u2019s, Dallas<\/h2>\n

Send the boys to JR\u2019s and invite the women here<\/em><\/p>\n

Opened in 1989 and occupying its spot on Throckmorton St since 2008, Sue Ellen\u2019s is the longtime ladies\u2019 choice in central Dallas. The space features two stories, an outdoor patio, pool tables and stage for live shows; it\u2019s easy to start early with happy-hour drinks at the bar, and end by kicking up your heels with late-night dance parties.<\/p>\n

My Sister\u2019s Room, Atlanta<\/h2>\n

Hotlanta\u2019s favorite Midtown women\u2019s bar<\/em><\/p>\n

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Celebrity pop-ins, live shows, strong drinks and sultry weekend soirees keep Georgians coming back to My Sister\u2019s Room in Midtown Atlanta. This out-and-proud, lesbian-owned club has welcomed women since 1996, amplifying the \u201cL\u201d in the LGBTIQ+ appeal on and around Piedmont Ave.<\/p>\n

Ginger\u2019s Bar, Brooklyn<\/h2>\n

Proud queer outpost in the heart of Brooklyn<\/em><\/p>\n

The last strictly lesbian bar in the outer boroughs of New York City, Ginger\u2019s brings cool old-school pub vibes to Park Slope. Bartenders and patrons here are equally sociable, making this one of the easiest bars in town for bellying up solo and meeting new friends. There\u2019s a pool table, drink specials, karaoke nights and a fabulous backyard usually buzzing with a mix of lesbians and the people who love them.<\/p>\n

Pearl Bar, Houston<\/h2>\n

The lesbian hitching post of Houston<\/em><\/p>\n

Many agree with what the Pearl Bar team says about this spot: it\u2019s \u201cthe best damn lesbian bar in Texas.\u201d This giant, rustic-style bar is a quick jaunt from Montrose, Houston\u2019s LGBTIQ+ neighborhood. Women love the big and colorful patio, crawfish boils and barbecues, rollicking shows and the spot\u2019s great big heart. Stop in to enjoy a place where queer folx come to carouse with their community.<\/p>\n

New Favorites<\/h2>\n

When the best of the best includes a few bonus contenders<\/em><\/p>\n

On a note of optimism, several bold entrepreneurs have added even more pride to the lesbian bar roster of late. Standouts among these newer queer-gal hangouts include Nobody\u2019s Darling, a refined cocktail lounge in Chicago\u2019s Andersonville; As You Are in Washington, DC, a cafe and bar that warmly welcomes lesbian, trans and non-binary folx; and The Sports Bra in Portland, which specializes in all things regarding ladies\u2019 athletics.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out more fabulous hangouts for queer women in Nashville; Phoenix; San Diego; Richmond; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Worcester, Massachusetts; Bloomington, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; and beyond. They\u2019re all listed at LesbianBarProject.com.<\/p>\n

The site also lets you contribute to the comeback with a donation \u2013 and see what the project is doing to support lesbian bars in Germany in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s no exaggeration to s<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-usa-travel-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/774","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=774"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/774\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1012,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/774\/revisions\/1012"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=774"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=774"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}