Lex's Guide to Queer Philly Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
Welcome to our city manual series! Philadelphia is place to a thriving Gay community and a vibrant lesbian, gay, and lgbtq+ nightlife scene. Whether you're a local or just passing through, here are some of the foremost LGBTQ+ nightlife spots in Philly, the City of Brotherly Love.
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1. The Dolphin
South Philly’s favorite spot for a late hours out dancing, the Dolphin is the perfect merge between a dive, tavern, and a lounge. Hosting queer events on the regular, check out their events calendar or Instagram to plan the flawless night with your unused queer crew from Lex.
The Dolphin
S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
2. Woody’s
Located in the heart of Center Metropolis, Woody's is a celebrated gay bar and nightclub known for its vigorous dance floors, friendly atmosphere, and diverse crowd. With multiple bars and themed nights throughout the week, Woody's promises a joy and unforgettable experience for all.
Woody's
S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA
3. Voyeur Nightclub
For years my friends acquire 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 see, but seemed so inconsequential. So when I got a last minute invitation to visit with my friend Freddy, I jumped at the chance.
The urban area has always had a reputation for being a gay hotspot. Famously, last year their pride corporation even released a recent version of the identity festival flag that incorporated shadowy 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 feral weekend in the gayborhood, I finally got a small taste.
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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
“These spaces were more than just bars. They were society hubs where we felt truly seen and celebrated,” said Jacen Bowman — a local nightlife celebrity who is also vice president of Philadelphia Ebony Pride — about recent announcements made by Cockatoo and Level Up Exclude & Lounge that both bars will be closing soon.
“I will never neglect the vibrant flamboyant performances, the distinct 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 entitle . The sense of family was palpable, and the delight 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 — hold been havens for Black and Brown performers and patrons, opening with specific intention to welcome people of hue 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 fina
At the centre of Philadelphia’s Gay scene is, of course, its Gayborhood, an enclave in Center City 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 Time 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.
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