I recently learned about a unique spot in Brooklyn, New York, called The Bush. It opened in April 2023 and is designed specifically as a social space for women who love other women. The idea came from two friends, Justine LaViolette and Nikke Alleyne, who felt there weren’t enough places like this available, especially in their part of Brooklyn. They wanted a place where people could enjoy cocktails, dance, and feel comfortable socializing without pressure.
Finding a Space in Brooklyn
Justine and Nikke’s journey to opening The Bush had some challenges. They found a space in Bushwick in 2021 that seemed perfect. They invested a lot of money into it, only to discover that their landlord was showing it to someone else. He was a Christian man who, they felt, was uncomfortable with their project and didn’t want to be honest about it. He was even showing the space to a church group.
This setback turned out to be a good thing. Their broker then showed them another location on Troutman Street. This spot was close to other businesses like coffee shops and other queer-friendly bars. It was also just two blocks from Maria Hernandez Park, making it a great, central location for their project.
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
The Vision for The Bush
For several months, Justine and Nikke worked hard to create their vision for The Bush. They wanted it to be a bar with excellent cocktails, but more importantly, a place where queer women could have the kind of natural, engaging social experiences that seemed readily available to others. LaViolette mentioned wanting to bring a “hook up energy,” similar to some gay male spaces, and that their goal was literally for people to “come and make out.”
When they opened in April 2023, they were surprised by the turnout. I saw rumors about a new lesbian bar in Bushwick, and there was a lot of excitement. On opening night, the line stretched down the block, showing how much people wanted a space like this. Justine and Nikke were so unprepared and understaffed that they ended up working the bar themselves.
What to Expect Inside
When you visit The Bush on a weekend night, you’ll notice it’s dimly lit with music playing. People are often dancing in the large, open space. Right now, it feels more like an open gallery with lots of room for dancing, and less like a traditional bar. The owners are aware that the layout can sometimes feel impersonal when it’s not busy.
To make it cozier, they plan to add booths in the future. This will create a space where friends can chat after work or where people on a first date can feel more comfortable getting closer.
The Importance of Community Support
Challenges and Hopes
It’s been nearly two years since The Bush opened, and it’s considered a success. However, Justine and Nikke need more support beyond just the weekends. Across the entire United States, there are only about 32 lesbian bars, a big drop from the roughly 200 that existed in the 1980s. Even for The Bush, keeping the business going is tough.
Alleyne explained that for the business to last, they need people to support them from Tuesday through Thursday, not just on Fridays and Saturdays. Now, almost two years after opening, The Bush is at a point where its newness has faded. Its future depends on the patrons deciding whether it will be a brief success or the start of something more lasting. It’s up to all of us to decide which it will be.
Future Aspirations
Justine and Nikke have big dreams. They want to expand into a larger space and eventually open more bars. They hope The Bush will inspire others to open their own sapphic bars. There’s a feeling of abundance and possibility, which I find is rare in nightlife. They seem to understand that the success of other queer bars is connected to their own. LaViolette even said, “Selfishly, I want to cruise at a bar that I don’t work at.”
How to Plan Your Visit
I’m looking into visiting The Bush soon, and here’s the visitor information I found to help you plan your own trip. It’s important to remember that details like hours and specific events can change, so it is always a good idea to check their website or social media before you go, especially when planning for 2026.
Location and Hours
The Bush is located at 333 Troutman St Store 4, Brooklyn. For planning your visit, here are their general operating hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 6 PM to 2 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 6 PM to 4 AM
- Sunday: 4 PM to 12 AM
What is the Vibe Like
On weekdays, you can expect more of a community feel, a relaxed atmosphere for chatting and drinks. On the weekends, the vibe shifts to a more energetic party atmosphere. If you’re curious about upcoming events or parties, I recommend checking their Instagram page. It’s wise to consider the time of year and day of the week for the experience you’re hoping for. For families looking for a more relaxed outing, visiting earlier in the week might be more suitable. My daughter Sofia, who is 13, would probably enjoy the weekend energy, while my younger daughter Emma, who is 6, might prefer a quieter weekday visit if we were in the area, though this is clearly an adult-focused venue.
Thinking about how to navigate around Brooklyn, I find that using public transportation is often the easiest way to get to places like this, especially if you plan to enjoy a drink. Many visitors find that the subway system is quite comprehensive. Planning your route ahead of time using a transit app can really make getting around smoother. I always check transit apps before we leave our accommodation to make sure we know the best options for a smooth journey, which is key to a good family outing even when I’m exploring places for my writing.
For those interested in exploring the wider area after a visit, Brooklyn offers many other attractions. If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to know more about general activities and sights, you can find helpful information on things to do in Brooklyn and beyond. My research for articles often involves looking at the broader context of a neighborhood, and I’ve found that checking (/destination/NYC/) is a great way to get ideas for exploration. This is especially useful for understanding how different neighborhoods connect and what kind of visitor experiences are available throughout the city.
