W tym przewodniku · 6 sekcje
Gay Bars & Nightlife in Moosic and the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre Area
Moosic sits in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metro of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), and while it is a small borough, it holds one of the region's two dedicated gay bars. The wider scene is spread across Moosic, Wilkes-Barre, and the surrounding towns rather than a single "gayborhood," and it is easy to combine several venues in one evening by car.
The 12 Penny Saloon — Moosic's Gay Bar Since 2003
The 12 Penny Saloon (3501 Birney Avenue, Moosic) is the anchor of the local LGBTQ+ scene and has long been billed as the Scranton area's only gay bar. Open since 2003, it is a welcoming, unpretentious spot with a full menu and dinner specials earlier in the evening that shifts into a lively dance club later on. Expect karaoke, trivia, DJ sets, and weekend drag shows, with a mixed crowd of regulars, allies, and visitors from across NEPA. Its laid-back-to-high-energy range makes it a reliable choice whether you want a relaxed drink or a night of dancing.
Heat Bar & Night Club — Wilkes-Barre's Premier LGBTQ+ Club
A short drive south in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Heat Bar & Night Club (69–71 N Main Street) is NEPA's premier LGBTQ+ nightclub. Open since 2014, it offers a full dance floor, drag performances, themed nights, and a summer patio, drawing an energetic weekend crowd. Together with The 12 Penny Saloon, it makes up the metro area's core gay nightlife.
Hillside Campgrounds — A Gay Men's Resort in the Endless Mountains
For a different kind of night out, Hillside Campgrounds (New Milford, about 30 miles north) is a long-running gay men's campground and clothing-optional resort with a seasonal disco, bonfires, and themed weekends from spring through early fall. It is a destination in its own right rather than a city bar, but it is a well-known part of the regional LGBTQ+ landscape.
Best Nights, Vibe, and What to Expect
Weekends — especially Fridays and Saturdays — are the busiest and most vibrant times at both The 12 Penny Saloon and Heat, with drag shows, DJs, and dancing. Earlier in the week you will find quieter evenings better suited to a drink and conversation. Dress is casual, entry is 21-and-over at the bars, and a valid ID is required. As always, check each venue's social media for current event schedules before you go.
Practical Tips
Driving is the most practical way to move between venues, since public transit is limited for late-night travel; plan a sober driver or rideshare if you are drinking. Both bars are known for their welcoming atmosphere, but standard precautions apply — stay aware of your surroundings and reach out to staff if you need help. For community resources beyond nightlife, the Rainbow Alliance and its LGBT Center of NEPA in Wilkes-Barre are the region's main points of contact.