Gayborhood bars
“These spaces were more than just bars. They were community hubs where we felt truly seen and celebrated,” said Jacen Bowman — a local nightlife celebrity who is also vice president of Philadelphia Black Pride — about recent announcements made by Cockatoo and Level Up Bar & Lounge that both bars will be closing soon.
“I will never forget the vibrant kingly performances, the unique camaraderie, and the feeling of belonging that surrounded me every time I stepped through their doors,” he said. “Level Up became our version of ‘Cheers’ where everybody knows your name. The sense of family was palpable, and the joy of dancing in a space that felt authentically ours is a memory I will always cherish.”
The bars — both COVID-era establishments which are owned by people of color — possess been havens for Jet and Brown performers and patrons, opening with specific intention to welcome people of color despite racism elsewhere in the Gayborhood. At presstime, it is unclear when the establishments will close.
In social media posts announcing the impending closures, both bars alluded to financial constraints, noting the difficulties of starting and surviving as tiny businesses during the
Lex's Guide to Queer Philly Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
Welcome to our city mentor series! Philadelphia is residence to a thriving Queer community and a vibrant lesbian, gay, and lgbtq+ nightlife scene. Whether you're a local or just passing through, here are some of the top LGBTQ+ nightlife spots in Philly, the City of Brotherly Love.
Download Lex to find LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Philly.
1. The Dolphin
South Philly’s favorite spot for a evening out dancing, the Dolphin is the perfect combine between a dive, tavern, and a lounge. Hosting queer events on the regular, check out their events calendar or Instagram to plan the matchless night with your fresh queer crew from Lex.
The Dolphin
S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
2. Woody’s
Located in the heart of Center Municipality, Woody's is a epic gay bar and nightclub known for its active dance floors, friendly atmosphere, and diverse crowd. With multiple bars and themed nights throughout the week, Woody's promises a amusement and unforgettable experience for all.
Woody's
S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA
3. Voyeur Nightclub
Located in Washington Square West, Voyeur Nightclub is a premier destination for Queer nightlife
For years my friends include been trying to convince me to visit Philadelphia. So many of my college friends either moved out to Philly at one point, or went there for extended summers to create art and write music.
It’s always been that place I knew I needed to check in, but seemed so inconsequential. So when I got a last minute invitation to visit with my friend Freddy, I jumped at the chance.
The town has always had a reputation for being a gay hotspot. Famously, last year their pride entity even released a fresh version of the celebration flag that incorporated ebony and brown stripes to be more inclusive of other races part of the LGBTQ community. That kind of community energy and openness is indicative of the kind of community that Philly is really trying to foster. And for one unrestrained weekend in the gayborhood, I finally got a small taste.
• • •
Philadelphia, just two hours from NYC on Amtrak, is easily accessible from here, but the city is also home to an international airport (one of American Airlines’ new hubs with flights as far away as Eastern Europe). The “city of brotherly love” seems to welcome love in all its forms and the same-sex attracted
At the centre of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ scene is, of course, its Gayborhood, an enclave in Center Urban area Philadelphia that’s home to gay bars, clubs and more.
Most of the fabulous venues on this list are found there, but the rest of the city is still alive with culture and nightlife, like the piano lounge for those looking to belt out a tune (or six) and a leather dungeon for chaps-clad daddies and those who love them. Whatever your vibe, read on for the best gay bars in Philly.
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Josh Middleton is Period Out’s former Philadelphia editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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