The Scene

Editors’ picks for the best parties, clubs and bars in NYC

Henrietta Hudson, Seven Days a Week
Henrietta Hudson has always been a go-to destination for lesbian nightlife in NYC; for locals and tourists alike. The iconic bar has undergone some changes over the past few years, all for the better. The all-new HHNY is bringing you something different every night of the week; whether they’re hosting a party for one of the city’s LGBTQ sports teams, or throwing a killer party with famous international DJs and celesbians, you are guaranteed to have a great night. Some of the highlights include; Bodega 438 with DJ Culi on Wednesday; Homotown with DJ Tikka Masala on Thursday (one of the hippest queer crowds in the city); Turnt Up Friday with DJ Nikki Lions and rotating performers, including go-go’s, drag and burlesque; Revolver Saturday (the busiest night of the week) featuring resident mix master DJ Culi; and Sundays flipping between L Word Trivia and Rock Hudson (live music!). There is a reason this place just signed a new fifteen-year lease. Always reinventing; always exciting. 
 
Hot Rabbit/Bad Habit, Fridays & bi-weekly Saturdays
The geniuses behind Hot Rabbit have you covered for the spring in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Hot Rabbit Fridays have returned at an all-new location, Boots and Saddle Drag Lounge. Here, the awesomeness that is Hot Rabbit graces the West Village with its fabulously queer presence every Friday night. From hot go-gos, to killer DJs and performers from NYC and beyond, (not to mention some of the cutest girls in the city), this one delivers, every time. Saturdays are no less delightful, as Hot Rabbit heads to Bushwick for the bi-weekly Bad Habit at Lot 45. Two Saturdays a month, they hit you with their trademark queertastic vibe, with more amazing go-go and vogue realness, DJs and special performers. Also, there is food. And on May 14, make sure you hit up their annual Bad Habit Gay Prom. It promises to be the fabulously queer party you always longed for in high school. 
 
Ginger’s, Seven Days a Week
Times are tough for lesbian bars, but call it the Luck of the Irish, this Brooklyn institution is still going strong after sixteen years. Open seven nights a week, you’re guaranteed to find one of the friendliest and most welcoming crowds in the city on any given one of them. From karaoke to pool, there’s always something exciting happening, and you’re bound to have a great time. Whether you’re looking for a chill night watching the game with the locals, or a wild night out with your girlfriend(s), they’ve got you covered. Bonus: their back garden is open year-round.
 
Cubbyhole, Seven Days a Week
Insider’s tip: when you walk through the door, look up. This West Village staple always has myriad colorful and crazy decorations hanging from the ceiling, immediately cluing you in to the fact that Cubbyhole is no ordinary bar. It’s a small space and a popular one, so it’s usually packed in the evenings. Use this to your advantage; no better excuse for bumping into that pretty lady by the bar. Hosting a mixed crowd every night, you really can’t miss out. Margarita Tuesdays are a personal favorite: $2 for a delightfully refreshing alcoholic beverage? Yes, please. 
 
SPICE NYC Bikini Blast Launch Party, April 30
Nikki Hill’s sexy spring/summer rooftop bash is back, and we couldn’t be more excited. Taking place at the gorgeous Attic Rooftop and Lounge, this location really cannot be beat. Resident DJ Nikki Lions will keep the ladies dancing all night like only she can. Need a break from the dancing? Mix and mingle with the gorgeous crowd on the heated indoor/outdoor rooftop deck until sunset. And who doesn’t want a party where you can socialize with some of NYC’s most eligible women, in or out of bikini attire, at one of the city’s most romantic venues? Featuring delectable drink specials, this party is on, rain or shine.
 
Bum Bum Bar, WednesdaySunday
Under new management, the only lesbian bar in Queens is back and better than ever. Five nights a week, they’re bringing you nightly events that will get you pumped as you head out to the northeast borough. The full lineup consists of Wacky Wednesdays, Throw Back Thursdays, Social Fridays, Rumba Saturdays and Sunday Fun Days. Enjoy the friendly, neighborhood atmosphere as you break it down on the dance floor. For a sexy night out, what better option than a Latina lesbian bar?
 
Lesbo-A-Go-Go, Fridays
Women’s parties in this city typically come and go, but there’s a reason that this one has remained a popular staple for so many years. Fridaynight LGBTQ dance parties don’t get much better than this! Held at the legendary Stonewall Inn and featuring high energy go-go girls working the stage for your viewing pleasure while rotating DJs keep the packed dance floor moving. The drinks are cheap and delicious, providing you with adequate liquid courage to mix and mingle with one of the sexiest crowds in NYC. Free all night. 
 
Anything Goes, Thursdays
Another fabulous offering from The Stonewall Inn, this one provides you with all you need to wind down (or turn up) toward the end of a stressful week. Hosted by Danielle Stanziale, Anything Goes stays true to its name, providing anything you need for a killer night, including karaoke, flip cup, pool and tons of sexy ladies. Dani will challenge anyone in pool or flip cup, so make sure you bring your A game! Mel, Peggy and guest bartenders keep your whistles wet and your inhibitions low. There’s never a cover, and you can win drink specials or a comped bar tab.
 
FUZIONNYC, April 22
This one is a game changer. Brought to you by Kate of Lovergirlnyc, girlNATIONnyc, NYdreamgyrl, Cynthia Russo, Danielle Presents, Shareen and Las Reinas Ent., Fuzion is ushering in a whole new era of nightlife for women at the exclusive XL Nightclub. Each of these promoters has made an impressive name for themselves in NYC, and now that they’ve teamed up, we cannot wait to witness what’s in store. 5 Star General DJ Mary Mac (just returned from touring with MADONNA, heard of her?) and DJ Rocstasy will be killing it on the decks while you enjoy 2-4-1 drinks from 10pm until 11pm and go-go girls working it all night. Hookah is available and VIP sections are attainable with a bottle purchase. Hosted by Crazy Maria and Girly. 
 
girlNATIONnyc at Stonewall, First Fridays
Once a month, girlNATIONnyc makes the upstairs of the Stonewall Inn its home, and things get crazy. While Friday night at the legendary West Village hotspot always promises to be full of beautiful women, they take it to another level with a rotating cast of some of the city’s most talented (and attractive) DJs, as well as gorgeous go-go girls werking and sexy bartenders serving up liquid courage to keep you happy and your inhibitions low. For years, girlNATIONnyc has been providing our community with some of the classiest and sexiest parties around, and this one delivers every time. Known for CD giveaways and classy soirees, girlNATIONnyc does not know how to throw a bad party. Diana will be working the door; she’s been with girlNATIONnyc since the beginning, and the ladies love her. Come say hi and do your Friday right. 
 
SAGE Women’s Dance, April 10
Join the women of SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) at the Copacabana for the spring edition of their wildly popular Women’s Dance. Enjoy a spectacular day of music, dancing and friendship; all for a great cause. SAGE has a knack for bringing everyone together. Whether you’re 21 or 81, you’ll be in good company here. Featuring DJ Stacy.

What Do You Think?