ORIGIN STORY
On a rainy night in 1985, Lisa Cannistraci took refuge in a small bar in the West Village. While chatting with the bartenders, she mentioned she was job hunting and was hired on the spot. After five years of working the bar, the original Cubby Hole closed and Lisa, along with Minnie Rivera, opened Henrietta Hudson. The bar was literally built by lesbians with donated boom boxes and labor and materials.
Henrietta Hudson is New York City’s longest-running lesbian bar and an iconic home for queer nightlife in the West Village. Since opening our doors, we have been a place where lesbians, queer women, trans and nonbinary people, and allies come together to dance, connect, and celebrate community.
Since 1991, Hen’s has stood as a pillar in the community, activist space, and safe haven.. Proudly women-owned, trans-owned and rooted in activism, we honor our legacy while continuing to create a welcoming, inclusive future for queer nightlife. Whether you’re a longtime regular or stepping through our doors for the first time, Henrietta Hudson is your home for celebration and connection.
From after-work happy hours to packed dance floors, live performances, and unforgettable Pride celebrations, Henrietta Hudson is where queer joy comes alive. Our nights are fueled by great music, vibrant energy, and the belief that everyone deserves a space where they can show up fully as themselves.
WHO WE ARE
