Mad Love for the Allies: 7 Straight Bars That Wave Their Rainbow Flags on Pride Sunday

Although the bulk of New York City's Gay Pride revelers are members of the LGBT community, it's important to note that there are scores of straight supporters that not only value and love the gay community, but go out and support it in full force, from friends and family to entire organizations.
Leagues beyond wearing a "Kiss Me" button on St. Patrick's Day, the spirit of NYC Pride is celebrated by so many diverse groups that the day causes for celebration and unity in many places that don't consider themselves to be gay-oriented establishments on a normal day.

We've complied a list of the dopest spots that are putting out rainbow flags for that big day on June 26th, a sign of both the social progress and camaraderie that can be found throughout the city not just on Gay Pride, but throughout the year.


1. The Beatrice Inn (285 West 12th Street)


If you want to be totally surrounded by drag queens on Gay Pride Sunday, head on down to this upscale West Village chophouse to see the Queen Bea Competition, where a slew of unique and deserving queens will all compete for the coveted Miss Beatrice Inn crown.

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Hosted by last year's champion and the reigning Miss Beatrice Inn, Brita Filter, the winner is chosen by audience votes based on each of the girls' performances. The Beatrice also serves up some pretty impressive American cuisine to go with the daytime drag pageant. May the best woman win!


2. Dos Caminos (1567 Broadway)

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If you want to keep the party up, but your Pride crew needs some fuel to keep going throughout the night, head on over to Mexican hotspot Dos Caminos, where they'll be having a Pride party blowout like only this well-known margarita mecca can.

A trio of fabulous queens, Zalika Parsons, Jizzabella and Countess Mascara, are there to help death drop you into the festive spirit, as well as drink the day away. Order up a bowl of their famous grilled pineapple, coconut and serrano guacamole as you sip on unlimited frozen margaritas for brunch.


3. Hudson Terrace (621 West 46th Street)

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This one goes out to all the ladies! The super chic Hudson Terrace is throwing a special "girls-only" Femme Fatale party in their sprawling rooftop venue. It's the official post-Parade afterparty for all the girls of NYC, and we're loving it. An extra plus: there'll be food available all throughout the night. 

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Put together by the team of Stacy of Stonewall, Kate of LovergirlNYC, Cassie of Dreamgyrls and Cynthia Russo, the event draws over 1,000 women from all over the country. It all kicks off at 4 p.m. with a one-hour open bar and music sets by DJ Citizen Jane, DJ Mary Mac and DJ Tatiana.


4. Penthouse 808 (8-08 Queens Plaza South - Queens)

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Nestled atop the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City sits a rooftop bar that can only be described as, well, colorful. Rainbow cushions, chairs and pillows are a decor staple here every day of the year, so 808 is already way ahead of the game when it comes to celebrating NYC Pride.

Unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro bridge accompany a cute crowd and an impressive selection of Asian-fusion fare with great cocktails. Get the party started for you and your crew with their Volcanic Tiki Head, a one-gallon concoction that blurs all the lines you think you knew.

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5. Night of Joy (667 Lorimer Street - Brooklyn) 

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You'll be having yourself a gay ol' time in Williamsburg if you pop into this craft cocktail wonderland, complete with an array of antique decor and a sprawling rooftop patio. The classy digs of the main area make you feel like you're in a Victorian salon, and that's before you get to the drinks.

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The elaborate cocktails you find here are surprisingly not as expensive as you'd think. Drinks here go for a botanical theme with herbal infusions, like a Cilantro Bloody Mary or an Orange Blossom Rum Lemonade. Their garden of a rooftop sets a relaxing backdrop to kick back and sip.   


6. Johnny's Bar (90 Greenwich Avenue) 

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You can't be as close as Johnny's is to the epicenter of Gay Pride and not get caught up in it all. A longtime neighborhood dive bar, Johnny's is exactly what a straight bar supporter on Pride looks like, boasting colorful neon lights that make it look like it jumped out of an Edward Hopper painting.

The bartenders are friendly, the drinks are strong and they have no problem getting swept up in the party, whether you're there for the parade or not. Although classic in its atmosphere, the bar does sport an electronic jukebox, so you can pick the tunes to pair with a few cheap Rolling Rocks and a shot.


7. Mr. Biggs Bar & Grill (596 10th Avenue) 


With the feel of a down-home sports bar and the look of a casual NYC hotspot, Mr. Biggs has been a longtime supporter of the gay community, even so far as having selective gay-geared nights each week to cater to it's local Hells Kitchen clientele. And on Gay Pride, they pull out all the stops. 

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And by "stops," we mean ways to get lit. From $4 drinks, beer and shot specials to all-day $5 frozen margaritas, this watering hole does way more than provide a place to kick up your feet and grab some grub. It's a loving gayborhood staple that accepts everyone who just wants to have a good time. 

Check out 8 Best Gay Bars to Hit Up During Pride in NYC.

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram] 

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