The U.S. had an estimated 200 lesbian bars in the 1980s. That number has gradually decreased, with the Lesbian Bar Project reporting there were only 21 left in 2020.
The number of “lesbian bars” has grown to 27 since 2020, which is fantastic. But the word “lesbian” has unfortunately become a heavily appropriated word for anyone who wishes to identify as one, even if they don’t fit the definition: female homosexual.
Exclusive spaces for women and lesbians are rarely left alone. While the remaining 27 bars are forced into absolute inclusivity, we continue to refer to them as lesbian bars because, at their core, they are lesbian-focused. They simply would not survive if they only marketed to lesbians, however.
*Any bar that does not have a profile beyond its name and location provides no more than being a lesbian bar in its website’s “about” section.
A League of Her Own (Washington, DC)
“We pride ourselves on offering a safe space for our community. With our fantastic manager Barbi Larue and more than amazing staff, you’re sure to have a great time.”
Alibi’s (Oklahoma City, OK)
“Alibis is OKC’s most diverse neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome!.”
As You Are (Washington, D.C.).
“As You Are exists to hold and cultivate a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Café by day, bar and dance lounge by night.”
Babes of Carytown (Richmond, VA)
“Richmonds Oldest LGBTQ Establishment and Neighborhood Bar.”
The Backdoor (Bloomington, IN)
Even your beloved, well-behaved dogs are welcome until 11pm!
Blush & Blu (Denver, CO)
“Since 2013 our goal has been to deliver drinks through a painstaking, time-consuming process, using only the finest ingredients to yield the most delicious and unique flavor profiles available.”
Boycott Bar (Pheonix, AZ)
Cubbyhole (Manhattan, NY)
“The Cubbyhole is a lively gathering space for the LBGTQ+, welcoming all to have fun, meet new people, or old friends while enjoying a drink, and the tunes on our famous jukebox!”
Dave’s Lesbian Bar (New York, NY)
“A community space, live music venue, and mutual aid fund, Dave’s is so much more than an average gay bar. Come join our community: where everybody’s cute, and everybody’s nice.”
Doc Marie’s (Portland, OR)
Named after Dr. Marie Equi, “who went by ‘Doc’, was a physician, out lesbian, abortion rights activist, and all-around badass who lived in Portland in the early 1900s.”
Dorothy Downstairs (Chicago, IL)
“A neighborhood lesbian cocktail lounge for every friend of Dorothy.”
Frankie’s (Oklahoma City, OK)
Ginger’s Bar (Brooklyn, NY)
“All the peeps 365 gay days a year!”
Gossip Grill (San Diego, CA)
“The perfect combination of ambiance and colorful people will have you feeling freer than ever before. Pair that with modern American Comfort Food and you’ve got yourself a one of a kind five star Women’s LGBTQ+ Bar.”
Henrietta Hudson (Manhattan, NY)
“Henrietta Hudson has not only survived but thrived for 30 years and is embarking upon a massive reinvention of its legendary space. It will be a while before packed dance clubs are back in full swing, so we’re adapting and changing our model from a crowded nightclub to a spacious, airy lounge for the community to gather safely.”
Herz (Mobile (AL)
“We are the only lesbian-focused atmosphere in Mobile, AL.”
The Lipstick Lounge (Nashville, TN)
“Whether you’re here to enjoy one of our signature cocktails, listen to our staggeringly talented live music, sing karaoke, flex your brain at trivia, relax on the patio, dance, hang out with friends, celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a meal or just to walk on the wild side… We’re sure you’ll have a great experience with our Lipstick Lounge Family!”
My Sister’s Room (Atlanta, GA)
“Atlanta’s number one lesbian bar for more than 25 years, My Sister’s Room is the favorite destination for lesbians…Lesbian owned – now and always – My Sister’s Room is renowned across the South and the world for it’s fun, friendly atmosphere and all around good vibes!”
Nobody’s Darling (Chicago, IL)
“Angela and Renauda are two women on a delicious mission. Angela imagined a laid-back, Sunday morning, Nina Simone-styled lounge. Renauda dreamed of a space infused with a classy, sexy vibe where great cocktails are delivered on demand. Their dreams and imagination came together to create Nobody’s Darling. So, relax and kick up your heels. Cheers!”
Pearl Bar (Houston, TX)
An “LGBTQ bar that specializes in lesbians.”
Slammers (Columbus, OH)
The Sports Bra (Portland, OR)
“The sports bar that’s dedicated to women’s sports.”
Sue Ellen’s (Dallas, TX)
“Welcome to the oldest lesbian bar in Texas! Founded in 1989, Sue Ellen’s has been a mainstay destination for visitors from all over the world. The iconic two-story nightclub is home to music lovers and hosts various live bands and DJs, weekly karaoke, and frequent social mixers. The venue features two covered patios, full-service bars on both levels, and the largest game room on the strip! Whether you’re looking for a chill night out, or want to dance all night long, Sue Ellen’s is your perfect spot. “
Walker’s Pint (Milwaukee, WI)
Milwaukee’s oldest lesbian bar! “Elizabeth A. “Bet-z” Boenning has owned Walker’s Pint since July 2001. Around that time there were numerous other Lesbian bars in the city, including Dish [1998-2000], Fannie’s [1982-2000], Kathy’s Nut Hut [1980-2014] and Mona’s/Out ‘n About [1998-2012]. Today the neighborhood tavern in Walker’s Point, where “Every Night is Ladies Night,” is the last one remaining. This echoes a national trend in which gay bars — particularly Lesbian ones — have closed at a time when public acceptance of gays has grown.”
Wildrose (Seattle, WA)
Seattle’s lesbian bar for 37 years!
Wildside West (San Francisco, CA)
Opened in 1962 by out and proud lesbians Pat Ramseyer and Nancy White! Now THAT is an old lesbian bar!
Yellow Brick Road Pub (Tulsa, OK)
YBR was destroyed in a fire earlier this year but they are planning to reopen ASAP!
