No month in NYC provides more debauchery and fun than Pride Month. We do it in a big way with events all over the city. From culinary offerings to the parade, the month-long celebration has plenty to offer locals and visitors. Whether you seek to support an LGBTQ+ business or celebrate yourself and your friends, these are the places with pride month happenings.
Photography courtesy of Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is featuring Pride Shakes for a great cause. When you order a Pride Shake or Pride Cake the restaurant donates 20% of the proceeds to their friends at God’s Love We Deliver. The organization cooks and delivers medically tailored meals to people living with serious and chronic illnesses. When it comes to retro decor and Broadway-style singing the atmosphere at Ellen’s Stardust Diner is unmatchable. We especially love the Miss Subway photographs. Opened since 1987 the Theatre District diner is regarded as one of the best theme restaurants in New York City. While this spot may seem touristy, if you love Broadway and retro diners, we recommend you come here for great fun or a special celebration. Bring someone who loves going to the theater, likes to have high energy fun, and enjoys classic American dishes.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner 1650 Broadway (betw 7th Ave/ Broadway), Theatre District
Photography courtesy of Rockefeller Center.
In their typical celebratory fashion, Rockefeller Center kicked off pride month with free outdoor movies. The series includes all-time favorites like To Wong Foo, And Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar and Fried Green Tomatoes. The movie nights series was created in partnership with NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization, and Universal Pictures. To snag a seat you can RSVP on the Rockefeller Center’s website. Choose a free ticket or donate $10. Better yet, make it a dinner and movie night by reserving a seat at NARO’s or Juniper’s outdoor terrace at The RINK.
Rockefeller Center 45 Rockefeller Plaza, (betw 5th/6th Ave), Midtown
Photography, Hags Instagram.
Foodies looking for a fine-dining restaurant experience can stop their search at Hags. The queer-owned restaurant in the East Village has made a splash on the hospitality scene with affordable prices and welcoming atmosphere. Owners Telly Justice and Camille Lindsley have created a space that puts the spotlight on representation in the fine dining arena. For their menu you are given a choice between an omnivore or vegan 6 course tasting. Wine lovers will find that there is an excellent selection for all tastes, even a section to help you support queer made wine. The plating is beautiful and their dishes are made with ingredients directly from farms. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is more than happy to chat about each course. Besides the food, which speaks for itself, there are little special touches everywhere. You will find pins with your pronouns available on the table and a funhouse mirror in the bathroom. The space might be small, but it is important.
Hags 163 1st Ave (betw 10th/11th St), East Village
For a sophisticated brunch cocktail or a night out make your way to The Beekman. The hotel’s gorgeous glass balcony atrium will be lit up in pride colors all month long. The impressive architecture and specialty cocktails makes this the ideal spot for an elegant celebration. Their pride programming includes drag brunch in The Bar Room on Saturdays, from June 8-29. The hotel is also offering special inclusions for those coming in from out of town. Staying at the Beekman during pride month can get you complimentary upgrades and Pride cocktail vouchers. If you seek elegance and a welcoming atmosphere, The Beekman is one of our top recommendations for cool NYC hotels.
The Beekman Hotel, 123 Nassau St (betw Beekman/Ann St), Financial District
New York’s West Village is the birthplace of the gay liberation movement. There is no better place to be for Pride Month. For a cocktail at a historic bar head to The Stonewall Inn or Julius. Stonewall Inn is a National Historic Landmark and the site of the 1969 riots. While here, make sure to walk across the street to Christopher Park. The park serves as a Stonewall National Monument and includes artwork that teaches visitors about the struggle for civil rights. Everyone celebrating Pride Month should know about the park and bar’s history. In fact, this spot continues to honor the movement with important figures in the community. Last year The Stonewall Inn put up a plaque for Charles Leslie, the co-founder of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art in Soho. The first NYC queer perspective museum features exhibits displaying visual art created by LGBTQ artists.
Julius, also known as the city’s oldest gay bar and landmark, is a laid-back and welcoming bar with a long history. The bar has been in business since 1864 and became a popular gay hangout in the 1960s. While it was not exclusively a gay bar at first, they did join the fight against gay oppression and continue their work to this day. If you seek a relaxing place for a drink that highlights its history, Julius is the perfect spot. They also happen to serve one of the best burgers in the city. Make sure to stop by one of our favorite bookshops across the stress, Three Lives & Co.
The Stonewall Inn 53 Christopher St (betw 7th Ave/Waverly Pl), West Village
Julius 159 W 10th St (betw 7th Ave/Waverly Pl), West Village
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art 26 Wooster St (betw Canal/Grand St), Soho
Photography by Paulina Kajankova.
