Val's Lesbian Bar Secures Lease in Philadelphia, Set to Open as City's First in Five Years

Philadelphia's lesbian community is poised to gain a dedicated space with the announcement that Val's Lesbian Bar has secured a lease for its location in Queen Village. The bar, spearheaded by owners Julia Harris and Clover Gilfor, will open this spring at 605 S. Third Street, taking over the former site of Reef Restaurant & Lounge, which operated there for 22 years before closing.

The news broke on Instagram on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after more than two years of effort by Harris and Gilfor, who began pursuing the project in early 2024. Community support played a pivotal role, with fundraisers and crowdfunding raising $15, 000 to cover the first month's rent and security deposit. "The costs of starting a new bar are huge, and this is an important chunk, "Val's management stated on Instagram. "Val's is opening because of you. "

This development addresses a significant gap in Philadelphia's queer nightlife landscape. The city has lacked a lesbian bar since Toasted Walnut, its previous dedicated venue, closed in Center City in 2021. Upon opening, Val's will be the only lesbian bar in Pennsylvania, highlighting the scarcity of such spaces nationwide. According to The Lesbian Bar Project documentary, only 36 lesbian bars remain across the United States, with none in neighboring New Jersey.

Val's location enhances its potential as a community hub. Situated just two blocks from Marsha's, a queer-owned women's sports bar that opened in June 2025 and has gained popularity, the site positions Val's within an emerging "lezborhood. " Both venues are about a half-mile from Philadelphia's Gayborhood, the city's primary cluster of queer establishments. Val's expressed enthusiasm about the proximity, posting on Instagram: "We're so psyched to be neighbors with Marsha's. Lezborhood 2026, let’s go. "

The closure of Reef Restaurant & Lounge underscores transitions in the local dining and nightlife scene. After 22 years, its staff bid farewell on Instagram, stating: "As the time comes for us to close our doors, we do so with full hearts and deep gratitude. Every visit, every conversation and every shared moment has meant more to us than we can express. "

For lesbian and queer women in Philadelphia, Val's represents more than a bar; it offers a vital space for connection amid declining numbers of dedicated venues. Harris and Gilfor's persistence followed previous location setbacks, demonstrating resilience in creating affirming environments. An exact opening date remains unannounced, but the lease signing signals imminent progress. This event bolsters Philadelphia's reputation as a supportive city for LGBTQ+ communities, providing a dedicated gathering place for lesbian people and allies.