Pride on the Rocks: Lambda Lounge Serves Community with Every Pour

Opened in 2020, Lambda Lounge carved out more than a nightlife venue; it created a sanctuary in the heart of Harlem, where the music is loud, the cocktails are strong, and every guest can breathe a little easier. In an industry that often centers whiteness and overlooks the full spectrum of queer identity, Lambda Lounge stands as a radical act of joy, ownership, and visibility.

The lounge was born out of resilience. Before Lambda Lounge, married couple Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon launched Lambda Vodka in 2016, a spirits brand that reflected their identities as Black gay men: bold, unapologetic, and made with intention. But entering the spirits market wasn’t easy. Despite having a quality product, they were repeatedly met with closed doors and shelf space politics that underscored deeper biases in the industry.

Rather than wait for access, Hughes and Solomon built their own platform, one where their brand could thrive and their community could gather. Located at 2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Lambda Lounge brings a sleek, modern energy to Harlem’s historic landscape. Inside, the ambiance is chic yet welcoming: exposed brick, moody lighting, plush seating, and sleek VIP sections. It’s the kind of place that feels exclusive yet open-hearted, where the vibe is elevated, but the mission is grounded in inclusivity. But more than its aesthetics, what defines Lambda Lounge is its emotional atmosphere. Patrons often describe it as a space where they can exhale. It’s where queer people of color can dance freely, feel affirmed, and connect with their chosen family.

The success of Lambda Lounge led to the opening of Club Lambda BK in 2022, a Brooklyn expansion featuring multiple floors, outdoor space, and room for large-scale performances and events. With this growth, Hughes and Solomon are realizing a larger vision: to build a national network of Lambda venues that center Black LGBTQ+ communities and offer refuge, celebration, and empowerment in every city they touch.

In a nightlife scene that frequently sidelines intersectional identities, Lambda Lounge isn’t just filling a void; it’s setting a new precedent. It proves that Black queer joy, entrepreneurship, and community can thrive when given the space to flourish. It challenges traditional models of nightlife with something deeper: purpose.

As Hughes and Solomon continue to expand the Lambda brand, they’re not just building bars; they’re building a movement. A movement rooted in pride, powered by love, and destined to leave a lasting legacy.