Visited Hardware last night and had a blast! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather and fantastic drinks. Our server was Philip and he was awesome!! He made sure we had everything g we needed, he chatted with us, and made us feel right at home! So fun! Can't wait to visit again. read more

Bartenders spend most of their time on their phones ignoring customers or chatting only with patrons they personally known. Not welcoming. I work in the liquor promotion industry and if I were managing this bar I would fire all the staff and write new standards for bartending. This is pathetic example of happy hour. Lazy and conceited. Yes you look nice in your acid washed jeans now do your freaking job! read more

Hardware Bar - a glass of whiskey on the bar counter - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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It's always been a fun bar, however recently the "newer" bartenders have been skimping on the liquor, for instance a Vodka Cranberry should NOT be this RED and WEAK. Definitely lacking liquor, his tip will reflect my unhappiness read more

Hardware Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Hardware...you truly won me over. One of the first nights that my husband and I were in NYC, we decided to look for a gay bar in the area that we were staying to have some fun and drink some cocktails. In our search, we decided to check out Hardware, and thankfully we did, as we went back every night that we were in NYC. Hardware has shows with drag queens on a nightly basis, and the drag queens are truly fun, engaging, and polished. On top of lip-syncing and dancing, the drag queens interacted with the audience and made sure that everyone was having a good time. Hardware surely knows how to line up some good talent! As far as the drinks that Hardware provides...do they do handmade cocktails that are out of this world? No. However, if you are looking for your generic cocktails and you are looking to see a fun show, then this is the place to go. Definitely some place we will return to on our next trip to NYC! read more

Bad experience with bartender , ordered 7 shots of tequila... when I tipped by mistake I left less than I thought I was leaving. When returned for more limes he confronted me why I left that little. I did admit mistake and actually changed the bill I thought I had left. Asked for lime I got a # seriously"? At this point I could've escalated..He demanded 20% for pouring 7 shots. I left him 30%. But the people around me were astounded. The place is nice but managers hire good customer service bartenders above nice pecs. It was my birthday read more

Out of the 5 nights spent in NYC, pretty sure at least 4 of these nights included an appearance at Hardware. Not only was it 2 blocks from our place but it was also so much fun! Out of all the gay clubs/bars in the area, I found Hardware to be the most welcoming with a great crowd of people. Everyone here was looking to have a good time and meet new people which was very refreshing. I will say that I have also never been so flattered in my life as at least five times a night I had some random guys tell me how beautiful I was...... I mean who doesn't love compliments! Can't say I hated it. The entertainment here is also great. Just about every night (if not every night) they have a drag performance/show. All the shows/performances that we saw were hilarious, engaging, and very entertaining. A lot of the NYC queens from the current season of RuPaul also perform here which was amazing! All of the staff here is very attentive and kind. The drinks are average price but were strong, so I found it to be worth it. If you are looking to have a great time and make some great people, I highly recommend checking out Hardware. I know for sure that next time I am in the city, I will definitely be coming back! read more

HK staple. I highly recommend any of their drag shows. I've seen some of the funniest, most talented queens perform here. Also one of my favorite places to go dance, DJ 2Face knows what his audience wants to hear read more

I went to about five bars in my last trip to NYC & this one was my absolute favorite. The staff were friendly, the drinks were great and priced well, and the vibes were just *chef kiss. The drag show was everything, the DJ was amazing, and it was just damn good time. Literally will be the first place I hit up when I am back. read more

I was visiting the city on the night after a blizzard and expected it to be completely dead. I still wanted to go out and attempt to experience some gay nightlife at Pixie Aventura's drag show. There were literally 12 people in the audience but we had an absolute BLAST! Pixie was so fantastic, fierce and fun. I also loved the layout of the bar itself with the stage at the back. I will definitely be coming back this summer to see it in full action! read more

Thumbs down! Military is not welcome at this bar. Door guy was nasty and dismissive when I showed my military ID. He wouldn't accept it as my ID. He basically threw it back at me and said I had to show my state issued ID. I took my money to another bar that made me feel welcome. The drag show was great but I refuse to spend money in a place that I'm not welcome. read more

The drinks are watered down. I ordered Bombay Sapphire on the rocks and that was NOT Bombay but I was charged for Bombay. I recommend beer....in a can or bottle. read more

Hmm.. okay, Hardware Bar, not bad. Really, Hardware is your typical Hell's Kitchen gay bar: cute bar area in the front with a lot of blue lighting, almost no lighting elsewhere for optimum NSFW activity, huge dance floor in the back with a crystal ball, and a semi-brightly lit bathroom. All that being said, you're more likely to find me at home. Have I become too antisocial for this scene? read more

Didn't realized that it was a gay bar. Should've noticed that it was, with Brüno being played on the TVs, and most obviously that my fiancee and her sister were the only females there. Good times though. Good drinks with a long happy hour. Cash only unfortunately (though waived after $20). Will I come back again? Yes, but maybe without my fiancee next time around, so that I can get hit on for once ;) Yes, I'm in desperate need for some self-esteem inflation. read more

The happy hour drinks aren't any better than other places. I did like the fact that at the bar, beneath the counter, they have plug sockets so you can plug in and charge your phone. However, mgmt seems to think it can operate with 1 bar staff only despite being busy. read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. On 12/16/19 between I think 10:30-11pm. I entered this bar to celebrate some shots with my Bestie. My bestie suggested I ask if they had any Bday special or drinks for recommendation for Bday shots. I asked and the Bartender says "I'll give you your shot on me." So he made 2 drinks and obviously charged us for one drink. I had heels on so of course I sat at the bar stool and my Bestie (GUY) stood behind me since there were people on both sides of me. He brought back the tab and I told my friend it was 10.00 plus tax. He asked me to write the tab out because he had his drink and noting to press on. I asked how much do you want to tip (since it wasn't my card)? He said $1.00 so I wrote that and gave the tab back. So then I saw and drink that someone next to me was drinking and asked the bartender if he could make it for me and put my debit card down on the bar. My friend leaned over and said he seems pissed and has a bad attitude. I didn't really get that vibe. I watched him make the drink and noticed he literally put all juice and no alcohol. I immediately saw a complete difference between the drink me made me and the drink he gave the guy next to me. He quickly swipes up my card off the bar and charges my card. I was PISSED. Before writing the tip & signing I figured giving the drink the benefit of the doubt and took sip. It was literally all cranberry juice. The guy next to me with the same drink asks if I like it, I was honest and said "No it taste like juice." The bartender intervenes when I wasn't even talking to him and says "HONEY THAT'S WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU GIVE WEAK TIPS, YOU GET WEAK DRINKS!!!" I immediately get mad and yell back at him telling him he was wrong because the first drink was on my friends card and thats what he told me to tip. Im not going to tip on someone's card without asking since It NOT MY CARD. He says "Well I saw you write the tab." Like DUHHHHH I wrote down what my friend told me to tip on his card. I was pissed because the weak drink he gave me was on MY card and charged my 18.00 for it. And when I asked him the price he was like "Ummm $18" which seemed made up. $18 for a vodka soda and Cranberry Vodka????? I'm not stupid. Now I check my bank statement and it tipped himself on my tab like $1.00 so a total of 19.60. I'm not pressed over a $1.00 however, I am when you didn't deserve it and you basically admit to giving me and watered down drink internationally. Not sure if he was to Bartending school or just learned on the go but I'm sure they didn't teach "Give weak tips, make weak drinks." This is a business you need to remain professional at all times, and your attitude reflects the reputation of the bar and owner. I'm calling to speak with a manager today and ay even physically go there to me the manager. No only was this embarrassing for him to be yelling at me with a packed bar, but it's immature and no good for business. Positive word of mouth is everything and the fact that he let a $1.00 tip take him out of character in an overpacked bar I'm sure wasn't putting a hole in his pocket. read more

Knocked off a star for the snotty message from the owner. 1) You don't offer food, or at least weren't that day. Most bars in NY offer to let you bring in food from the outside if they don't offer food. It's mainly so you don't have sloppy drunken arguments, the likes of which we saw by the end of the show, 2) I'm not disagreeing that there were 150 people. It wasn't your first time hosting it, maybe get a second cocktail waiter next year? 3) There's stern and assertive, the second cocktail waiter, who appeared later, was stern and assertive. The first cocktail waiter was rude. There's a difference. 4) Funnily enough, it was the guy sitting next to us with his (female) friend, who pointed out that the cocktail waiter was only taking orders from gay men. He said he was either too unattractive for him or the waiter thought he was straight. read more

Skip this place. Friend and I went Friday night for happy hour. They had one bartender. Waited 20 minutes and was ignored. He was making a drink and tried to talk to him to get a drink and he walked away. Another bartender was there, but was getting drinks for his friends and left the bar to be with them . Went from there to Posh, where it was. Busy, but git a drink quick. read more

Great drag performance! Will definitely plan on coming back when I return to the city!

Came here to celebrate a birthday on a Friday night and was pleasantly surprised! We had a big group of us and we had a blast. It's on the smaller side of the gay bars in New York, in comparison to Therapy and Industry at least, but that made it all the better. The dance floor is perfectly sized in my opinion, bartenders were super friendly (more so than other places I've been) and the drinks are CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP! Beware though, credit card minimum is $20. My boyfriend actually had left his ID and card at the bar when we left, and we went back the next morning to get it and they were really accommodating (AND didn't charge extra like most places do! Yes this has happened before...) Anyways, if you're looking for a fun gay bar in HK that doesn't have the craziness/club vibe of Therapy/Industry, I definitely recommend this place and will be coming back for sure. read more

I came here on a Sat. night and the music was too fricking loud.... unacceptable. Could not have a conversation without shouting, and that's a huge peeve of mine. What is the point of going out to bar to meet friends if you can't hear each other? Another time I came early and it was a weeknight and the place was empty except for some nutcase who was harassing people at the bar. Hopefully the managers will read this review and take note; didn't get to really experience the place because of the noise level. read more

AWFUL Rude disrespectful bartender-cared more about his friends than paying customers. Yes, management---freebies galore! I cannot believe the arrogance and demeanor of the bar staff the night we were there. I never, ever complain about being served a bad cocktail...but this time-awful. Even a dirty glass to boot! When I brought it to his attention he not only yelled at me, threw the glass in the garbage but also slammed the bottle of vodka on the bar to have me smell it. Not only was it not 'filled' with the correct vodka but the brand hadn't produced that style bottle in a long while. Proved my point. Well---that infuriated him and he began taunting and mocking me with his prissy group in the corner. I'll never frequent this establishment, nor will anyone in my group DONE I SAY...DONE read more

So, I went here last night with my best friend and the night was going pretty smoothly. The bouncer was pretty cool and we were hitting it off so he offered to buy me a beer. Immediately after that beer I got dizzy and light-headed and ran into the bathroom to vomit. My body became weak and I lost consciousness. Safe to say your bouncer slipped something in my drink- I only had 2 beers last night and I am a pretty big woman I can hold my alcohol. I will be contacting the manager ASAP and I recommend that this bouncer be handled in the proper manner. I feel extremely sick today and this is not right by any means. read more

I went there for the first time tonight...thought it was great...bartenders are friendly and fast. I read other reviews but honestly it seems they were written by bitter old queens...I will come back again...Art is an excellent bartender.... read more

Hardware Bar NY: Manhattan: Hells Kitchen 9pm Friday 4th June 2016 Four Stars After dinner at Obao, we hopped on over to Hardware. Its the Westside equivalent to the Toolbox on the UES. The place was pretty filled up but still easy to get a drink. I had a couple Vodka Sodas for a pretty reasonable price. The drink came in a plastic hurricane glass. The bartender called me "sweetie" and "babe." They were playing SNL's Superstar on the flatscreen TV. This was a great stopping off point for the rest of the night. read more

When I want cheap, low-key, laid-back and friendly, their happy hour does the trick. But after 10 PM it's like a different place. Good entertainment and a young, fun crowd. Curtain in "back" opens to reveal a dancefloor, dj booth and stage... it's like the finale of The Wiz. Best part is the guys who work here, though. Nice to look at and nicer to talk to. And they get the job done! Go HK! read more

The bartenders here are unfriendly. A lot of the other reviews mentioned the condescending service here. Came by here and the bartender got frustrated with me because my phone had issues with the QR code. I would understand if they were slammed but I was the only one there. The way businesses are being affected right now with Covid you would think a little courtesy and patience wouldn't be too much to ask for. Yes, you are attractive and young, but you won't stay that way forever. You are replaceable. read more

I normally wouldn't review a random (gay) bar, but we stopped in on a whim after dinner on a Friday night. We were looking for a casual but friendly bar, and the internet pointed us towards Hardware. Everyone from the bouncer to the bar tenders were incredibly nice, welcoming, and easygoing. The bar was populated, but not packed wall-to-wall (granted, it was 9:30...) and the music was the perfect blend of 80s/90s/00s. We saw the schedule for their weekly events and they all seem really fun. A really great find on a whim! read more

I was in the neighborhood and decided to check it out after seeing the happy hour board outside. The $3 well drinks and $4 Stoli specials definitely caught my attention. Since I was solo, I sat at the bar and both bartenders were extremely attentive and helpful. When other places offer cheap happy hour specials, they tend to short change you on the amount of liquor or the overall volume by using those small plastic cups, however that was definitely not the case here at Hardware. The bartenders were very liberal with the poor and the cups they use are something along the lines of a sturdier plastic mug, kind of like the shape of a mug you'd get if your ordered an Irish coffee. It feels a little weird when you initially pick it up because you are expecting the weight of glass, but it's half the mass. Overall, great bar, cheap drinks and nice bartenders. I'll definitely be back! read more

Bartender was friendly, and attentive. Drinks were affordable, and the music was good. Also, in case you missed it, it's a gay bar. No problem for me, that's just how much I like cheap drinks. read more

Went in with friends on Friday, January 4th and ordered a Cosmo and a Draft beer. The Cosmo came in a 3/4 filled plastic cup and the bartender said that will be $25.00 ! I told him I was only paying for beer and drink and he said " I know, do you want them or not ? " My friend got 2 similar sized Vodka soda - $27.00 ! That same night we went to Therapy where same Cosmo was served in Martini glass and much more delicious for less. Then Saloon and Posh where again better drinks at lower prices. Place was packed so good for them, but if their regular patrons would venture over to 9th Ave better drinks and prices await them read more

The attitude of the bartender on Sunday early evenings was shocking. The drinks were pricey but the service was horrendous. If you're gonna overcharge for drinks, hire staff that understands that baseline customer service goes a long way. read more

Went here with a couple of friends last night. Really nice place from the same guys who own Pieces in the West Village. The name evokes images of a rough and tumble crowd but it's not that way at all. Nice decor, good drinks and, even at that late hour, a nice crowd. If I were you, I would definitely add it to the tour! read more

Hardware Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

They now take credit (with only a mildly irritating minimum) and throughout the summer they have really upped the entertainment. They are now getting some of the best established acts and DJs in town. I also noticed they have a really low priced brunch drink special on the weekends. You're winning at this Hardware! read more

Hardware is arguably the best gay bar in Hell's Kitchen. The staff is incredible and always takes care of my friends and myself in a timely manor. Steven Gabriel never disappoints... good looks and great drinks. If you have time for one bar while you visit, this is the place to go. read more

The bartenders are the most friendly staff in nyc. I have been coming here for5 years and the staff just keeps getting better. Stephen is my favorite and you should say hi to everyone who walks in because it such a beautiful welcoming place. read more

It's a cool hole in the wall neighborhood bar that is cool to visit on a Sunday after having Brunch in the area. The drink specials on Sundays are great and the crowd isn't that loud minus the television that no one watches. LOL! Great place to throwback a few drinks with friends and talk for a while. When its summer it should be more pumping as usual. read more

Wow stumbled into this joint and had a fabulous time! The bartender name Steven was able to help me out and make perfect drinks. He was super sweet and easy to talk to. I appreciate him going out of his way to make me feel comfortable and recommend him!... Beside that the drag show was awesome and love the vibe. I will be back ! read more

last night was my first time in. Long, narrow bar with a stage at the very end and limited seating. My first impression was that the place was sticky, humid and a little stinky. From far away the drag show seemed pretty amateurish; like something you'd see in Williamsburg. We moved forward after over paying for our drinks to get a better view of the show. I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MUCH FUN AT A DRAG SHOW. Refreshing to see a drag performer belt out tunes with her own voice. She lip synced some too. And tap danced. And the whole room loved every second of it. Lots of cute boys too. Will definitely return for musical mondays. read more

OMG guys! There are gay bars in New York I haven't reviewed! So... Daniel M. has convinced me to leave my apartment the past several weekends. Each of those times, we've ended up here. I like it. As opposed to Bartini on Friday nights, you can actually find a place to sit down and chill out in the back. And people here aren't so terrible. Someone last Friday literally shoved me while I was walking through the crowd at Bartini. Shove. Literally. There was this amazing DJ who looked like a middle age mom, which you know... apropes since it was Mother's Day weekend. There was a good mix of music here- she played some fun remixes, some 80's stuff, and some top 40. It's good to groove your booty to. I also just really like the gigantic glasses they give you for the booze. I also have to say, out of Bartini, FairyTale, and this place... this is the easiest place to get a drink. It just has a nice vibe. It's worth visiting if you haven't been there before. If someone tells you I broke a glass here, they are a dirty rotten liar. Also, it doesn't count if someone slams into and knocks it out of your hand. So there. read more

First experienced Hardware in January 2017 - a group of friends and I went for my boyfriend's birthday. We had an amazing time - very different than what we're used to; we're from the San Francisco area and we usually go to the Castro. I love that Hardware closes late and I enjoy the drag shows!! read more