BABE Wine Bar Offers a Queer Escape in the Heart of Brooklyn

In a city renowned for its nightlife yet notably short on safe, intentional wellness spaces for LGBTQ+ people, BABE Wine Bar emerges as a bold response—a pop-up wine bar explicitly designed for the queer community, especially those who identify as femme, transgender, non-binary, or people of color. Unlike typical nightlife venues, BABE is a love letter to those seeking not just a drink, but a sanctuary where they can breathe easily and authentically celebrate themselves. “We’re trying to create a very specific space that we haven’t seen for us,” says trent, one of BABE’s co-founders, underscoring the bar’s commitment to centering marginalized queer voices and experiences .

BABE Wine Bar was born from an Instagram direct message between founders Ren and trent, both of whom recognized a glaring absence of queer-centered spaces in New York City’s bustling social scene. Their vision was clear: to cultivate a vibe-driven, low-pressure venue where the queer community could gather, unwind, and feel celebrated. According to Ren and trent, the intent is not just to pour wine but to pour into the community—a mission reflected in every sold-out event and every carefully curated bottle .

The founders’ approach is both radical and restorative. In their words, “You’re off from work, you want a little glass of wine, someplace you can sit down where nobody’s sweating on you, but the music is still vibing.” This ethos—prioritizing comfort, safety, and joy—has made BABE’s events some of the most sought-after in Brooklyn, with tickets selling out in minutes and attendees likening the rush for spots to the frenzy of scoring Beyoncé concert tickets .

BABE Wine Bar stands apart not only because of its queer focus but also its intersectional, BIPOC-centered approach. All wine is curated by expert queer sommeliers, and each event is designed to be a refuge from the microaggressions and exclusions that often pervade mainstream nightlife . The bar’s programming frequently features collaborations with other queer-owned brands, such as a recent partnership with For Them to release limited-edition queer underwear, further reinforcing BABE’s commitment to uplifting the community both inside and outside the wine bar .

A notable statistic on BABE’s website highlights the urgency of their mission: “There are currently only five dedicated queer and FLINTA bars in NYC.” FLINTA—an acronym for Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Trans, and Agender—underscores BABE’s dedication to serving those who are often sidelined, even within queer spaces .

BABE’s pop-up format has found a recurring home in venues like the Ace Hotel Brooklyn’s garden bar, a sunlit, leafy space that perfectly complements the bar’s welcoming, relaxed ethos . Each event features thoughtfully curated wine selections, queer music playlists, temporary tattoos, and a crowd that is as diverse as it is vibrant. The atmosphere is intentionally lively yet laid-back, offering a sharp contrast to the often crowded and heteronormative bar scene.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising BABE for its “top-tier vibes” and affirming environment. Many note that it’s the kind of space they wish had existed sooner, a sentiment that speaks to the ongoing need for more intentional queer spaces in New York and beyond .

As BABE Wine Bar marks its one-year anniversary, its impact extends far beyond the glass. The founders’ vision of a queer wine oasis has resonated deeply, providing both a template and an inspiration for others seeking to foster affirming spaces in their own communities. With every sold-out event and every glass poured, BABE continues to demonstrate that when marginalized people are centered, celebrated, and cared for, the entire community thrives .

For more information about upcoming events or to learn how to get involved, follow BABE Wine Bar on Instagram (@babewinebar) or visit partner venues like Ace Hotel Brooklyn for event listings .