There are 30 lesbian bars left in the US today — here's where to find them
| 04/24/24
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For Sapphics visiting a dyke bar is a true right of passage. However with fewer and fewer of these businesses dotting the map it can be harder to do. But not impossible! Say hello to the final 30 surviving lesbian bars in the U.S. today.
Lesbian bars have been slowly disappearing since their high point in the late 1980s (when an estimated 200 lesbian bars were thriving across the country). But as of 2020, only 21 queer women's bars remained when Lea DeLaria (Orange is the New Black) launched The Lesbian Bar Project, a grassroots-fundraising-turned-documentary-film-, to support and celebrate the last lesbian clubs.
Lesbians (and their queer allies) have reason to be optimistic, though, as the number of lesbian bars has bloomed to 30 active establishments.
Keep scrolling to find the final 30 surviving lesbian bars in the U.S. today.
Boycott Bar – Phoenix, Arizona
The Boycott Bar claims to be the hottest club in the Melrose District – and we have no reason to disagree.
4301 N. 7th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
The Ruby Fruit – Los Angeles, California
The Ruby Fruit proudly proclaims to be a "strip mall wine bar for the Sapphically inclined."
3510 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Honey’s at Star Love – Los Angeles, California
You can find Honey's at Star Love Thursday through Saturday nights in East Hollywood.
1532 N. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90027
Gossip Grill – San Diego, California
Drink, dance, eat, and be gossipy at Gossip Grill’s colorful patio bar and restaurant in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood.
1220 University Avenue
San Diego, California 92103
Jolene – San Francisco, California
Jolene’s is the safe haven with libations for lesbians and queers in the heart of the Mission District.
2700 16th Street
San Francisco, California 94103
Scarlet Fox Wine Bar – San Francisco, California
The “women-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and locally-owned wine bar and bottle shop” Scarlet Fox features curated wines, a warm and welcoming environment, and puppies!
1690 Hayes Street
San Francisco, California 94117
Wild Side West – San Francisco, California
Image courtesy The Wild Side West/Facebook @TheWildSideWest
First opened in 1962 by Pat Ramseye and Nancy White before moving to its current Bernal Heights location in 1976, Wild Side West is a San Francisco institution.
424 Cortland Avenue
San Francisco, California 94110
Blush & Blu – Denver, Colorado
All are welcome but intolerance is not at Blush & Blu.
1526 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80218
The Lady’s Room – Largo, Florida
The Lady’s Room features a house DJ and live local artists as well as drag and burlesque shows, NFL games, bingo, and more.
9057 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33771
My Sisters Room – Atlanta, Georgia
My Sister’s Room has been pleasing the ladies in Atlanta since 1996.
1104 Crescent Avenue NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Dorothy Downstairs – Chicago, Illinois
With its intimate downstairs location, Dorothy Downstairs is a lesbian cocktail lounge “for every friend of Dorothy” with parties, fashion shows, and storytelling events.
2500 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Nobody’s Darling – Chicago, Illinois
Nobody’s Darling was named a 2022 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar Program.
1744 W. Balmoral Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60640
The Backdoor – Bloomington, Illinois
Weather permitting, well-behaved pups are always welcome at The Back Door’s dog-friendly patio.
207 S. College Avenue
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
Femme – Worcester, Massachusetts
Femme features great drinks, delicious mains and bar food, and the perfect cozy environment for friends and allies.
62 Green Street, Suite 2
Worcester, Massachusetts 01604
The Bush – Brooklyn, New York
The Bush is a “dyke bar for all queers” in Bushwick.
333 Troutman Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Ginger’s – Brooklyn, New York
This local favorite has a pool table and outdoor patio.
363 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
Cubbyhole – NYC
The Cubbyhole has been serving the local community since 1994.
281 W. 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
Henrietta Hudson – NYC
Henrietta Hudson is currently “adapting and changing” their model from “a crowded nightclub to a spacious, airy lounge for the community to gather safely” and claims to be the longest-running lesbian bar in the country.
438 Hudson Street
New York, New York 10014
Frankie’s – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Frankie’s is a safe space for lesbians and the queer community in the heart of Sooner country
3200 N. May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Slammers – Columbus, Ohio
Slammer’s is a lesbian bar and a pizza joint.
1607 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201
202 E. Long Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Yellow Brick Road Pub YBR – Tulsa, Oklahoma
The YBR Pub is back better than ever.
2630 E 15th Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104
The Sports Bra – Portland, Oregon
The mission of The Sports Bra: To make great food, delicious drinks, and provide a space that supports, empowers, and promotes girls and women in sports and in the community.
2512 NE Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97232
The Lipstick Lounge – Nashville, Tennessee
The Lipstick Lounge is “East Nashville’s bar for everyone who’s human,” but only if you are 21 or older.
1400 Woodland Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37206
Pearl Bar Houston – Houston, Texas
The lesbian/LGBTQ+ Pearl Bar Houston has been a safe and welcoming space with karaoke nights, drag shows, and fundraisers since its founding in 2013 by local entrepreneur Julie Mabry.
4216 Washington Avenue
Houston, Texas 77008
Sue Ellen’s – Dallas, Texas
Founded in 1989, Sue Ellen’s is the oldest lesbian bar in Texas and a local institution.
3014 Throckmorton Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
Babes of Carytown – Richmond, Virginia
This bar for everybody even has a beach volleyball court.
3166 W. Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia 23221
Wildrose – Seattle, Washington
The Wildrose has been an anchor and safe space for the lesbian community since 1984.
1021 E. Pike Street
Seattle, Washington 98122
A League of Her Own – Washington, D.C.
A League of Her Own is a lesbian bar of our own in the heart of our nation’s capital.
2317 18th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
As You Are – Washington, D.C.
Come as you are to As You Are. They also have some pretty sweet swag.
500 8th Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Walker’s Pint – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Walker’s Pint is Milwaukee’s oldest lesbian bar.
828 S. 2nd Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
