Cubbyhole, sometimes written as Cubby Hole or Cubby,[1] in Manhattan's West Village, is one of New York City's three remaining lesbian bars as of 2022.[2][3]
History
The bar now known as Cubbyhole dates back to 1987 when it was owned and operated by Tanya Saunders and Debbie Fierro as a refuge for all comers under the name DT's Fat Cat.[4][5] It has remained both a lesbian and queer friendly location throughout its history as bar patronage shifted throughout New York City's LGBTQ+ community.[6][7][8] In 1994 Saunders bought the name Cubbyhole from the owner of an already-closed lesbian bar, and the bar has operated under that name since.[9][10] It is owned and operated by Lisa Menichino who had been a bar-tender under Saunders' ownership.[11][12]
Cubbyhole is at 281 W. 12th Street, the same location where Saunders operated DT's Fat Cat. The former Cubby Hole was located in what is now Henrietta Hudson.[13][14][15][16][17]
While there was some concern in early 2022 when the bar closed for renovation, it reopened in spring.[18]
