Julius’ sits at the corner of West 10th Street and Waverly Place. The watering hole became popular in the 1950s and ’60s with gay men—despite laws that forbade bartenders from serving “known homosexuals.” Today it attracts a younger generation that is out, proud and ready to have fun, but also interested in honoring its LGBTQ+ past.  

“This is my first experience here—it is such a phenomenal trip! I just love the energy. I have met wonderful souls all evening. It is so divine and electric. That’s what I love about New York!”

“I like the eclectic group of people here for the Mattachine party. And also the music—having all types of genres is fun. It’s great that they use actual vinyl. It’s a novelty in a way.”

“There’s no pretension. People are here to have a good time and support each other. It’s a friendly environment and nonintimidating. The regulars come, the young kids come, people who’ve lived here forever come.”

“The first time I came here, it felt like home. The minute I walked in, I knew this place was special and I knew this party was special. There was nothing like it in the City. It was immediate awe and respect. Everything about this is just right.”

“It’s very casual, it’s affordable, it’s easy to feel comfortable here. I think that’s why it’s popular. That’s why I and a lot my friends go here. It’s a place we can come and relax, and it’s not a scene.”

“I’m a big fan of John Cameron Mitchell, and I know he hosts the Mattachine party. I also did a study of the Stonewall Riots and then saw Julius’ is near Stonewall on a map. The music is good, and things are so nice in here. I feel safe in here.”

“An ex brought me here, and I loved that I could get food and drink at the same time. Now I come to Julius’ twice a week. I know most of the staff—Nick, Helen, Jeff, the bouncer. He’s the best. He’s become a good friend of mine.”  

“Everyone who comes here is so friendly, and everyone who works here is amazing. They remember your face. They may not remember your name, but when they see you they’re like, Hey, welcome back!” 

“This is the first time I’ve DJed here, but I’ve been in this town a while: I played at Limelight, Tunnel, Palladium, Pyramid, Save the Robots. And Julius’ is a piece of history, gay history. It’s like a gay Smithsonian.” 

“The challenge is that it’s an old building, so there’s always something that needs repair, but I do my best. I can be caught here drilling the tops of tables or fixing doorstops. I’m very hands-on; I carry my own drill set. I really love this place. And it’s a labor of love, so it’s easy to do.”

“If you’re 25 and broke in New York City and you have an open mind, this is a great place to get yourself a basket of fries and a cheap beer. Every time I’ve come here, I’ve had full-on conversations with absolute strangers that left me with a great story for the night.”

“This is the first time I’ve performed here, but I’ve been coming for years. It’s like a family and a community, a place to meet up and celebrate being alive. It’s where you can be free and be yourself. It’s just so small and quaint—it has that old gay bar feel.”

See our LGBTQ+ and WorldPride guides for much more on nightlife in NYC.