Gay bars have long been an important part of the LGBTQIA+ community: safe, welcoming places where people can come to meet, party, dance and drink, free from the transphobia and homophobia that is found in so many other social spaces. According to a recent study, the number of gay bars in the US has been steadily declining; from 2017 to 2019, the numbers dwindled by 15% and, then fell by another 15% between 2019 and 2021.
While some in Pennsylvania have shuttered their doors over the last decade, there are still plenty of gay bars and queer spaces in the Commonwealth, including these 16:
Harrisburg
View this post on Instagram
704 Lounge: This cocktail bar cultivates a vibrant atmosphere, with frequent DJ sets, movie screenings, drag shows and copious drink specials. Don’t miss the Cielo rooftop space, with great views and even more dancing. 704 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 234-4226
Brownstone Lounge: Folks of all stripes gather at this fun spot, self-proclaimed to be “Harrisburg’s crazy gay hangout.” The LGBTQIA+ community, plus friends and allies, are all welcome here! Check out the special Pride drinks menu, with bevvies in every color of the rainbow, and sassy food specials, like the “Cheesy B*tch” cheese pizza. Check out the packed calendar of events, including game nights, DJ nights, underwear parties and more. 412 Forster St., Harrisburg; (717) 234-7009.
Stallions Club: This multi-level club goes big and bold with entertainment options, from the Underground Lounge with skill games, pool tables and a jukebox, to the second-level dance floor with laser lights, to the VIP Sterling Lounge. Weekly events include karaoke, drag bingo, Latin nights and RuPaul’s All Stars watch parties. 706 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 232-3060.
Philadelphia
View this post on Instagram
Frankie Bradley’s: Lots of LGBTQIA+ and allied bars host drag brunches and drag nights, but no one does it quite like Frankie Bradley’s. Part bar, part venue, there is some kind of fabulous performance happening almost every night here: burlesque, cabarets, drag performers and DJs crowd the events schedule. A great happy hour, tasty food and beverage menu and vibe-y, eclectic decor make this a fun place to hang out even if there’s no show that night. 1320 Chancellor St., Philadelphia; (215) 735-0735.
Knock: Yes, you can go to Knock just to party, but then you’d be missing out on its stellar New American food menu, which is rocking from Sunday brunch through dinner. The Knock flat breads and burgers pair perfectly with the bar’s crafted “Knocktinis” in an array of fun flavors, like Tropical Peach, Chocolate Raspberry and Hawaiian Crush. Events include piano bar night, trivia night, show tune request night and movie night. 225 S. 12th St., Philadelphia; (215) 925-1166.
Tabu: This bustling queer sports bar has a little something for everyone, with games on big screen TVs, a game room upstairs with pool and shuffleboard, and an incredible array of performing arts, like weekly drag shows, burlesque shows, comedy shows, dance parties and more. Tabu is also fiercely committed to its community, hosting frequent fundraisers and community events. On the menu, find a well-rounded draft and cocktail list, as well as classic pub fare. 254 S. 12th St., Philadelphia; (215) 964-9675.
Tavern on Camac: Indulge the theater kid in you with the amazing nightly live piano performances at this historic queer haunt! If the Piano Room isn’t your thing, try dinner and drinks at The Tavern (in the same building), with a globally inspired menu of dishes like veggie tempura and Bulgogi beef. Or, head upstairs to the Ascend Lounge, where the weekend dance parties go late. Or, check out country line dancing nights every Friday and show tune nights every Sunday! 243 S. Camac St., Philadelphia; (215) 545-0900.
Woody’s: Perhaps the best known gay bar/club in Philadelphia, Woody’s has been a hub for the LGBTQIA+ community for over 40 years. Right in the heart of the Gayborhood, this multi-floor nightlife spot features events almost every night, a draft list of 30+ beers, huge Pride block parties and so much more. 202 S. 13th St., Philadelphia; (215) 545-1893.
NEPA
View this post on Instagram
12 Penny Saloon: Since 2003, this inclusive spot offers fun across three bars, including a main bar with solid food and drink menus, a pool table and video games, a piano bar and a dance club, where DJs often spin on Saturday nights. 3501 Birney Ave., Moosic; (570) 941-0444.
HEAT Bar and Night Club: At this award-winning “alternative bar,” locals meet to dance, watch or perform in drag shows, often around themes, like Hot Mess Express and Night of 1000 Gagas. HEAT is also home to a well-known American Dragiatiors drag showcase and audience-judged competition, which is open to all kings and queens who wish to compete for cash prizes. 69-71 N Main St., Wilkes-Barre; (570) 266-8952.
The Cub Room at New Hope Lodge: New Hope is well established as a welcoming place for the LGBTQIA+ community and is popular tourist destination. However, after The Raven closed in 2019, there weren’t many (if any) clearly identified gay bars in the area. The newly re-opened Cub Room at the New Hope Lodge has changed that. Find a stunning cocktail menu, late-night happy hours, live music and more in an intimate, comfortable space. 400 W Bridge St., New Hope; (908) 255-5164.
Vogue Lounge: Located in the former Stonewall Lehigh Valley (named after the famous NYC gay bar where 1969 riots sparked the modern gay liberation movement), Vogue is continuing the tradition of providing the LGBTQ+ community with tons of parties and events, including drag performances and dance nights. 28 N. 10th St, Allentown; (484) 966-8879.
Pittsburgh
View this post on Instagram
The Blue Room Bar: At this legendary Pittsburgh gay bar, you’ll find “drinks, drag and more drag.” You’ll also find friendly regulars crowding the bar during karaoke, trivia night, lesbian nights, open stage nights and creatively themed drag nights, like Shania Twain night! 5115 Butler St., Pittsburgh; (412) 781-1119.
Brewers Bar & Hotel: The oldest standing gay bar in Pittsburgh, Brewers offers a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. The cozy bar is a popular place for after work drinks and dates, and the weekly events, like karaoke, an open stage night, bingo, comedy shows, DJs and Friday and Saturday night drag shows, means there’s always a reason to stay into the evening. 3315 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh; (412) 904-2821.
Harold’s Haunt: Founded by a group of queer witches who own Maude’s Paperwing Gallery, this spot identifies more as a “They-bar” versus a “gay-bar,” meaning a space that is “inclusive to the entire LGBTQIA+ community, especially those who are non-binary, trans, or BIPOC.” There is also a focus here on sober and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as imaginative events, like Pride Prom, skill share events, ritual nights, Dungeons and Dragons meet-ups and more! Try the astrology-themed special cocktails and snacks from the vegetarian-friendly menu, like sandwiches, pizza and nachos. For a chill, relaxing vibe, check out the outdoor patio. 142 Grant Ave., Millvale; (412) 283-6023.
P Town: Located in Pittsburgh’s North Oakland neighborhood, this meeting place has been going strong since 2007. The name is a reference to “Pittsburgh Town,” the small-town feel in a large city, not the other famous P-Town! A diverse swath of people come here to enjoy the amenities, like a pool table, pinball machine and jukebox, as well as the dance parties, drag shows, open stage nights, karaoke and more. 4740 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh; (412) 621-0111.
