Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Dance at NYC Pride 2019
WHERE TO EAT
Via Carota
Photo by Cerruti Draime
In March, the James Beard Foundation awarded Via Carota's chefs Rita Sodi and Jody Williams the “Best Chef: New York City” honor, and one visit reveals why. Renowned for I Sodi's traditional Tuscan cuisine and Buvette's French-inspired gastrothèque, the duo now crafts Italian classics at this trattoria using sustainable local ingredients—think grilled artichokes with aioli and Sicilian meatballs.
The rustic charm—reclaimed wood floors, vintage chapel chairs, and eclectic antiques—mirrors their influences. No reservations, so arrive early, add your name, and enjoy a negroni across the street at Bar Pisellino.
Elmo
Photo by Alissa Bourne
Since 2001, Elmo has been Chelsea's go-to spot for LGBTQ+ diners. Its sleek design features Eames-style furniture for intimate chats, floor-to-ceiling glass turning the street into a vibrant catwalk, and an attractive staff adding to the allure.
Open from breakfast to midnight, it's family-friendly early but buzzes during cocktail hour and brunch. Savor hangover cures like huevos rancheros, lobster mac & cheese, or southern fried chicken sandwiches, paired with Sex and the City-era classics like orange cosmopolitans or chocolate martinis.
MeMe’s Diner
Courtesy of MeMe's Diner
This queer-owned Brooklyn gem, run by Bill and Libby (who met at a local bakery), blends classic diner vibes with hipster touches: matte silver chairs, emerald green bar stools, and cakes under glass domes. Named after Bill's grandmother, it feels like home.
The rotating menu evokes family kitchens—chicken pot pie, patty melts, meatloaf sandwiches—with standout fluffy biscuits. Drinks include curated wines, cocktails like the God Save the Queens (dubonnet, gin, martini, red wine sparkling soda), and MeMe’s Punch (dark rum, ginger, lime, passion fruit, cava, bitters).
Big Gay Ice Cream
Photo by Donny Tsang
From a 2009 ice cream truck by Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff, Big Gay Ice Cream has become a national favorite with three Manhattan shops (East Village, West Village, South Street Seaport). Indulge in witty treats like the Dorothy (vanilla soft serve with dulce de leche and Nilla Wafers) or Salty Pimp (chocolate-dipped soft serve with dulce de leche and sea salt).
The duo supports the Ali Forney Center, aiding homeless LGBTQ+ youth, with clothing drives and counter donations.
Vinateria
Courtesy of Vinateria
Harlem's contemporary vibe echoes its 1920s Renaissance, now with a strong LGBTQ+ creative scene. Out chef Mimi Weissenborn's Vinateria is a community hub, even hosting support for female and queer chefs.
Expect Spanish-Italian fare like spicy veal meatballs and steamed mussels, plus aperitivi, vermouth, and draft Italian beers.
Fonda
Chef Roberto Santibañez, openly gay Mexico City native and Le Cordon Bleu alum, launched Fonda in Park Slope a decade ago, now with two Manhattan outposts. Specializing in modern Mexican dishes like braised chicken enchiladas with Oaxacan black mole and hibiscus frozen margaritas.
His three cookbooks, including James Beard-nominated Rosa’s New Mexican Table, are available onsite.
WHERE TO DRINK & DANCE
Julius’
Courtesy of Julius’
Built in 1826, Julius' became a gay haven in the 1950s for bohemians. In 1966, activists staged the “Sip-In” here—a pre-Stonewall LGBTQ+ rights milestone when serving gays was illegal.
Today, it's a beloved spot with straightforward drinks, a disco-to-rock jukebox, prime people-watching windows, and legendary burgers, fries, and onion rings from its tiny kitchen.
The Cubby Hole
Since 1994, The Cubbyhole has anchored NYC's lesbian bar scene while welcoming all, including regular Andy Cohen. Its campy décor—silk flowers, kites, red-and-green accents—honors founder Tanya Saunders' lucky charm.
Play the jukebox, dance to favorites, and enjoy free popcorn.
Flaming Saddles
For country boys in Chelsea, Flaming Saddles delivers: saloon décor with red velvet, bull horns, and bartender dance shows atop the bar. Expect lines post-9PM.
Grab beers, shots, or Frito Pies (chili-topped chips in the bag), and dance with friends Coyote Ugly-style.
Metropolitan Bar
Opened in 2002 Williamsburg, Metropolitan anchored queer nightlife. Enjoy cheap PBRs, Queeraoke Tuesdays, pool, drag shows, trivia, and summer DJ patio parties with Sunday BBQs.
Club Evolution
Jackson Heights' LatinX mega-club since 1998 features neon lights, strobes, and a 500-sq-ft dance floor for hip-hop, salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton. Women-only section, VIP rooms, karaoke, drag, and battles.
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