My friend arrives tomorrow from Australia and he wants me to take him to some gay bars in New York. Any recommendations? Not really dance clubs but bars. And isn't there one or two near the theatre district? We're watching Constellations and will go to the gay bars after (and hopefully take Jake Gyllenhaal with us he he)
I was recently introduced to The Townhouse by an actor 13 years my junior. It was wonderful. There was singing. There were entrepreneurs. There was friendliness. There was the occasional Very Large Beard. And a friendly wait staff. What, I ask, more could you ask?
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
New to the city, so I haven't done much exploring, but a co-worker was recently telling me that I should go to The Townhouse- glad to see her recommendation echoed here!
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
Here is a list of items that may inhibit your entrance to the club: Hats or baseball caps Gym or workout gear Sleeveless shirts or tank tops Ripped or torn clothing Oversized jeans or t-shirts Head bandanas or do-rags Cut off shorts Lycra spandex
Whaaaa?? Guess I'm going to have to pack some different threads for my next NYC visit.
As a quick answer, go into any gay bar and pick up a NEXT magazine. The centerfold is a map of all gay bars in manhattan.
As far as midtown / Hell's Kitchen.
Hardware (48/10) is great, especially for their $3 happy hour. Bring cash, as they have a $20 card minimum. Barrage (47/9) is always pleasant and has a crowd of all ages. 9th ave Saloon (46/9) is a good bet. I love Flaming Saddles (53/9). It is cash only though, so be aware.
Ritz (46/9 bar-like at happy hour, but turns more club-like as the night wears on. Posh (51/9) has an all ages bar crowd and a nice happy hour, though it can get crazy late at night.
Industry (52/9) is alright at happy hour, and cash only, but can be a bit much later on and the door / bar staff can quite rude, though the cocktail staff is nice. Therapy (52/9) is a nice bar / lounge and has tasty food.
Boxers HK (50/9) is okay for the rooftop in the summer, but otherwise, I have never had a good time... An often rude door staff, often rude bar staff, a crowd you can never anticipate and it can smell like wet socks. Fairy tale Lounge (48/10) is another questionable and often up enjoyable spot.
On Saturdays, Mr. Biggs (44/10) has a party called Size Queen. Definite bar, crowd covered the range of ages when I have been there.