Henrietta Hudson

- 438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

In the vibrant and historically significant West Village of New York City, Henrietta Hudson stands not just as a night club but as a living landmark of queer culture. As the longest-running lesbian bar in the country, it has a rich history that has seen it evolve from its origins as a space "built by lesbians" into a modern "Queer Human Bar" that welcomes and uplifts the entire community. Owned and operated by women who identify as LGBTQ+, Henrietta Hudson—affectionately known as "Hens" by its patrons—is a truly authentic and essential part of the city's nightlife. It is a place that has long served as a safe haven and a celebratory space for generations of New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Henrietta Hudson has consistently reinvented itself to meet the needs of its community while staying true to its roots. Following a recent reinvention, the space now offers a cozy and trendy atmosphere that feels like a cross between a living room and a stylish cafe. The investment in the space is evident, with an updated, sleek decor that features plush seating, stylish design, and multiple areas for different moods. While it is a popular spot for a club-like atmosphere with great dancing, it is also a fantastic place to have a conversation, enjoy live music, or participate in one of its many unique events. The bar’s commitment to providing an inclusive and inviting atmosphere is its most powerful feature and a major reason why it continues to thrive as a centerpiece of New York's fantastic queer scene.

The dual nature of Henrietta Hudson as both a cozy, casual bar and a high-energy nightclub makes it a versatile destination. Patrons can come for a relaxing drink after work, meet with a group of friends, or stay for a full night of dancing and entertainment. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly, accommodating, and attentive, ensuring that every visit is a positive one. Henrietta Hudson is more than just a place to get a drink; it is a community hub and a testament to the enduring power of queer spaces in a constantly changing city.

## Location and Accessibility

Henrietta Hudson is located at 438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, in the historic and iconic West Village. The neighborhood itself is a prime destination for nightlife and is easily accessible from multiple subway lines and public transportation routes, making it a convenient meeting point for groups coming from all over the city. For those who choose to drive, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, which is a useful amenity in this bustling part of Manhattan.

A significant aspect of Henrietta Hudson's commitment to being an inclusive space is its focus on accessibility. The venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can enter with ease. The accessibility extends to the interior, with a wheelchair-accessible restroom and seating available for patrons. This thoughtful design shows a dedication to creating an environment where everyone can feel safe, comfortable, and welcome, which is a core part of its identity as a "Transgender safespace" and an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment.

## Services Offered

• Onsite Services: The bar provides a full range of on-site services, including bartending staff who are attentive and quick to take your order. The setup, with two separate bars and multiple seating areas, ensures that patrons can easily get their drinks and find a comfortable spot to enjoy their night, whether at the bar or at a table.

• Dine-in: While the primary focus is on drinks and entertainment, the venue offers a place to sit and socialize. There is a limited food menu, including a variety of charcuterie and snacks, but the bar also has a unique policy of allowing outside food, which is a major convenience for guests who want to grab a meal from one of the many great eateries nearby before or after their visit.

• Onsite Bar: Henrietta Hudson features a full bar with an impressive range of offerings, including alcohol, beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor. A highlight of the menu is the great beer selection, which includes a locally brewed "Dyke Beer" and other popular choices. The bar also has a dedicated coffee menu with options like Americano and Espresso, catering to a diverse range of preferences throughout the evening.

• Accepts Reservations: While Henrietta Hudson is a popular destination that can get crowded, it accepts reservations, which is a helpful feature for groups or those planning a special night out. It allows you to secure your spot and ensures a smooth start to your evening.

## Features / Highlights

• Diverse Entertainment: Henrietta Hudson offers a broad range of entertainment options that go beyond a typical nightclub. Patrons can enjoy live music and live performances, participate in trivia night and bar games, or sing their hearts out during the popular Karaoke sessions. This variety ensures there is always something fun and engaging happening.

• Great Drinks and Fast Service: The bar is celebrated for its great cocktails and great beer selection. Reviews from customers consistently praise the delicious drinks and the fast service, noting that the bartenders are attentive and get your order in hand quickly, allowing you to get back to enjoying your night with minimal waiting.

• Vibrant Atmosphere and Dancing: The atmosphere is described as a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy, making it more inviting and fun than many other bars in the city. The dance floor is a central part of the experience, with customers raving about the great dancing and the energy from the DJs and themed events that make the nights a "blast."

• Inclusivity and Safety: As an LGBTQ+ owned and women-owned business, Henrietta Hudson is a known Transgender safespace and is incredibly inclusive. Patrons and reviews confirm that it is a place where you "didn't have to wait long to get your order in + drink in hand" and the inclusive atmosphere "made me feel good about being there."

• Community and History: Henrietta Hudson is a storied "mainstay of queer culture." Its longevity and role as an activist space and community hub for over three decades make it a powerful and meaningful place to visit, connecting you to a deep and important part of New York City's history.

## Contact Information

Address: 438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Phone: (212) 924-3347

## What is worth choosing

Choosing Henrietta Hudson is a decision to be a part of a historical and vibrant community. Its most compelling feature is its identity as a queer and lesbian-owned and operated establishment, which has earned it a reputation as a fundamental part of the city's culture. This is a place that has been a safe space for generations, and that commitment to inclusivity is felt the moment you walk through the door. It is a place where people of all identities can feel welcome and celebrated. As one customer beautifully put it, it's a "mainstay of queer culture in our fantastic city."

The bar’s reinvention has successfully combined its legendary status with a fresh, modern appeal. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy and trendy, making it the ideal spot for both a laid-back night and a high-energy dance party. The variety of entertainment options, from Karaoke and Trivia night to live performances and DJs who play a mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, ensures that there is something for everyone. This is a place where you can come for a specific event or simply drop in and know you’ll find a fun time.

The quality of service and offerings also sets it apart. The drinks are not only plentiful, but they are also described as delicious, and the bartenders are praised for being fast and attentive. The unique offering of Dyke Beer is a special touch that highlights the bar's identity. The policy of allowing outside food is a practical and customer-friendly decision that reflects an understanding of its urban patrons, who can grab a slice or a meal from a nearby spot before heading in for a night of fun. This combination of being a welcoming Transgender safespace, offering diverse and engaging entertainment, and providing great drinks with fast, friendly service makes Henrietta Hudson a must-visit destination in the New York nightlife scene. It's more than just a night out; it's an experience that is authentic, inclusive, and genuinely fun.

Henrietta Hudson

438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, USA