14 of the best lesbian bars in the USA

Out of roughly 70,000 watering holes across the USA, a mere 40 of them are lesbian bars – down from about 200 in the 1980s. Why the big drop in numbers? Across LGBTQ+ nightlife, online dating hit the bar scene hard, along with social shifts and ever-changing cityscapes. But queer women still want to mix, mingle, flirt and have fun in safe, like-minded company, especially with a tasty libation in hand.

Back in 2020, the Lesbian Bar Project turned a huge spotlight on the endangered lesbian-bar scene. With a short documentary film series (streaming for free on the Roku Channel) and hosted by multitalented performer (and “professional lesbian”) Lea DeLaria, the Lesbian Bar Project showcased several of the treasured, time-tested lesbian bars across the US.

Then something amazing happened. The series and its creators, Erica Rose and Elina Street, helped boost the entire lesbian community by inspiring new and lesser-known lesbian bars to stand up, stand out and drive queer women back into their prized neighborhood hangouts.

Today, the number of lesbian bars and all-around inclusive, safe spaces for queer people is on the rise across the country, from Massachusetts and Virginia, down to North Carolina and Florida, across Ohio and Oklahoma, and all over California and New York. So to all the LGBTQ+ folks and allies: check out your local lesbian bar, spend liberally and enjoy the pride of women-run fun. (And of course, get home safely.)

A League of Her Own and As You Are, Washington, DC

DC’s winning pair of lesbian lounges

Two fabulous lesbian hangouts in two historic DC neighborhoods are like gifts to the nation’s capital. Friendly As You Are serves double duty as a cafe and bar, open all day at its prime indoor-outdoor corner in the Capitol Hill and Eastern Market area, both rich in lesser-known LGBTQ+ culture. Over in the Adams Morgan gayborhood, A League of Her Own is a safe and sporty spot for queer women, with weekly events, drink specials and late-night dancing.

Planning tip: Dig deeper into DC’s incredible LGBTQ+ history and culture with lesbian-run A Tour of Her Own. 

The Sports Bra, Portland, OR

The original women’s-sports bar

Ready to root for your favorite women athletes in keen company? Portland’s queer-owned The Sports Bra welcomes you. Opened in 2022, the bar was an instant smash for its classic sports-bar vibes, good food, sweet happy hours and 100% dedication to broadcasting women’s sports. This bar’s success has sparked a new trend of Sapphic sport bars across the country, with new Sports Bras opening soon in St Louis, Boston, Indianapolis and Las Vegas.

Planning tip: New York City also just got its first women’s-sports bars in Wilka’s on the Bowery and Athena KeKe’s in Brooklyn. 

Dorothy and Nobody's Darling, Chicago

Chi-town’s queer women know where to go

Chicago’s lesbians and other “friends of Dorothy” can sip the goods at the handsome subterranean lounge Dorothy in Ukrainian Village, a neighborhood strong on women-run enterprises. Owned and operated by queer women, Dorothy rocks 1970s-inspired style with chic details, killer cocktails (and mocktails) and intriguing events like queer cabaret, Sapphic gamer night, and tarot and astrology nights. Meanwhile up in Andersonville, queer-women-owned Nobody’s Darling invites a more mixed LGBTQ+ crowd for its outstanding bar programs and fun events.

Henrietta Hudson and Cubbyhole, Manhattan

West Village icons of lesbian culture

Each of these legendary bars have served the lesbians of Manhattan and beyond since the early 1990s, when they were among several other downtown girl bars. They’re owned by two different women and serve different vibes: Cubbyhole is adorably compact, while Henrietta Hudson is roomy, with dancing and karaoke. But they are both beloved lesbian-centric institutions of the West Village, located just a few blocks apart and a lovely walk from the Stonewall National Monument. 

Sue Ellen’s, Dallas

Send the boys to JR’s and invite the women here

Opened in 1989 and occupying its spot on Throckmorton St since 2008, Sue Ellen’s is the longtime ladies’ choice of Oak Lawn in central Dallas. With two stories, an outdoor patio, pool tables and a stage for live shows, it’s an easy place to start early with happy hour drinks and end by kicking up your heels in a late-night dance party. 

Wildrose, Seattle

Serving the best of the Pacific Northwest’s lesbian scene

Anchoring the lesbian contingent of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood since 1984 – making it the oldest lesbian bar in the US – the Wildrose has everything you’ll ever want or need in a corner bar. There’s a pool table, happy hour, karaoke, theme nights, DJs, an inviting bar for singles and plenty of tables for old friends. And you never know who might stop by, perhaps even Washington native Brandi Carlile, who recently stopped in for karaoke. 

Walker’s Pint, Milwaukee

The corner tap for everyday Janes and sports fans

Maintaining a safe, friendly spot for women is the mission of Walker’s Pint, one of the best, most easygoing hangouts for lesbians in the Midwest. It’s occupied its 2nd St corner in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood since 2001, drawing mostly women (and a mix of other folx) for pool, patio time, live music and local Bucks, Brewers and other big games. 

Wild Side West, San Francisco

The West Coast’s oldest lesbian bar still pouring

This San Francisco outpost of lesbian pride has welcomed radically queer flirtations since 1962. It moved from its original Broadway location up to the Bernal Heights neighborhood back in 1976, and today Wild Side West 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. 

Ginger’s Bar, Brooklyn

Proud queer outpost in the heart of Brooklyn

The OG lesbian bar of NYC’s outer boroughs, Ginger’s brings old-school pub vibes to Park Slope. Bartenders and patrons are fun and flirty, making this one of the easiest bars in town to belly up to solo and meet new friends. There’s a pool table, drink specials, karaoke night and a fabulous backyard usually buzzing with a mix of lesbians and the people who love them. 

My Sister’s Room, Atlanta

Hotlanta’s favorite Midtown women’s bar

Celebrity pop ins, live shows, strong drinks and sultry weekend soirees keep Georgians coming back to My Sister’s Room in Midtown Atlanta. This out, proud lesbian-owned club has welcomed women since 1996, amplifying the L in the LGBTQ+ appeal around Piedmont Ave. 

Pearl Bar, Houston

The lesbian hitching post of Houston

Many agree with Pearl Bar’s self-proclamation of being “The best damn lesbian bar in Texas.” This giant, rustic bar where queer folx come to carouse with their community is a quick jaunt from Montrose, Houston’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Women love the big, colorful patio, the crawfish boils and barbecues, the rollicking shows, and Pearl Bar’s great big heart. 

Newer favorites

When the best of the best flows on

The lesbian bar roster keeps on growing in both big cities and smaller towns. In California, you’ll love the ladies’ hot spots in Los Angeles, like Honeys and The Ruby Fruit; in San Francisco, Jolene’s, Mother and Scarlet Fox Wine Bar; and San Diego’s Gossip Grill. New York has welcomed The Bush and Boyfriend Co-Op in Brooklyn; and Unicorn Bar in Kingston, near the Catskills.