While nearly every city in the US is home to at least a few gay and lesbian bars, there are relatively few bars that cater primarily to a lesbian crowd, even in major cities. In fact, you can only find one in Washington DC and Baltimore and no lesbian specific bars at all in Boston. Look for lesbian nights in cities without lesbian bars to find the nightlife you’re looking for, but if you’re near or visiting an area with one of the best, stop in for drinks and dancing.

Girl Bar in Los Angeles has inspired the L-Word and remains one of the most happening lesbian hot spots on the West Coast. Girl Bar now runs lesbian nights in Chicago, Las Vegas and Phoenix as well as LA. The dance floor is active and energetic and drinks flow freely. While this bar has a reputation for a lipstick lesbian crowd, the actual mix is much more varied.

Henrietta Hudson Bar and Girl in New York City offers a variety of music, with live music twice a week. Drink specials, dancing and pool make Henrietta Hudson’s a good bet for both West Village locals and tourists. Henrietta’s is open 7 days and nights a week.

Chances in Houston, Texas offers something for nearly every lesbian, with four distinct bars and clubs under one roof. You can dance the night away at G-Spot, hang out with friends in the neighborhood bar Chances, lounge in the ChiChi Martini lounge or two step in The New Barn.

Phase 1 on Capitol Hill in Washington DC is the oldest lesbian bar in the country, opened in 1970. Music at Phase 1 ranges from hip hop to queer punk, with drag king nights, pool and drinks located near everything in the city.

Sue Ellen’s in Dallas, Texas is situated in the old Throckmorton Mining Company. Since the reopening in the spring of 2008, it is one of the largest lesbian bars in the country and one of the best gay or lesbian bars in the country.  Sue Ellen’s includes a lounge, dance floor and space for live music.

While these are some of the best lesbian nightclubs in the US, you may find lesbian nights at great gay clubs throughout the country or find that your local gay and lesbian club is the right fit for your community.  You might want to check out each bar or clubs website and see their calendar of events for live bands and Pride activities.