This place is amazing. I came from out of town and have never felt so relaxed and safe in a club before. A creepy dude came up to me and did the too-drunk, too-close lean-in and made a gross comment about his genitals. I pushed him away and walked back up the bar disgusted but resigned to the fact that this is how bar scenes are after 2am in a city. I didn't even say anything, but the gorgeous bartender (with an awesome bow tie) asked me what was wrong. I told the bartender what he said, still thinking it was just my problem. The bartender then yelled to the bouncer that he needed to leave, and within seconds the creep was gone. I worked security in a city for years and I've never seen anyone care that much about a woman's experience. Aside from that, the drinks were strong, the music was fun, the people were welcoming and friendly, and the staff are hot queer people. Go here! read more

I've lived in New York since 1997 and have seen the tail end of the heyday of the queer club scene come and go. Henrietta's was one of my first pit stops and introduction to the lesbian scene. I stopped going when I moved to Brooklyn but decided on a whim to check it out on Valentine's Day. Wish I stayed home. Very very disappointing. The bartender wasn't even sure how much to charge me for a whiskey soda so after hemming and hawing she arbitrarily said "$10". Oooookay. The pool table cost $2 and not only was the size of a Fisher Price kiddie table but the felt looked 20 years old and I swear the cue ball was...actually...covered...in...mold. The DJ was spinning some deep house tracks so I figured I'd shake some booty. By this point it was around 11:30 pm. Tried for an hour to dance BY MYSELF but it was like being amongst the Walking Dead--despite there being a crowd. All the dykes were way too busy standing around looking too cool for school and detached (read: BORING) so I finally gave up and fled for the gay boy bars on Christopher Street, where between Monster, Stonewall and the Duplex I had me a gay old time! I give Henrietta's 2 stars just for sheer staying power, but I wish it were Clit Club that had stuck around. This sh*t was BANANAS, and NOT in a good way. Never going back. At least the boys still know how to have a good time...wake the f*** up, ladies!!!! Good god, I swear I've never been surrounded by so much apathy (except maybe in Sunday school). Oh, two really gorgeous femmes went in around 11:00 and then ten minutes later walked right out again. I was smoking and they stopped to ask me where there was another lesbian dance club. Poor girls, it was clear from their accents that they were visiting from Europe (Amsterdam? Germany?) and had expected something...more. I pointed them to Sheridan Square and also mentioned Cubbyhole, but I felt bad for them. Other than the smattering of "ladies nights" that take over straight or gay boy bars during the week, truly there is no such thing as a dedicated lesbian dance club any longer. That ship sailed decades ago and it ain't coming back. Henrietta's may flaunt itself as one of the longest running lesbian dance clubs in NYC, but here's the thing: you're supposed to actually dance and be surrounded by other people who want to dance, right? Otherwise you're just an old, crusty pick up joint for women who care way too much about appearances and way too less about having fun. F-U-N. Oh. Please get a bloody regulation size pool table too...or at the very least change the felt and for f***'s sake clean those balls!!!! $2 to shoot on that monstrosity of a table is highway robbery. Been to many a dank, urine-drenched dive bar with far better (and cheaper) pool. read more

This place won't stay open for long. We were on a Friday night (busy night) from 11 to 1am and it was dead. It went downhill after going under new management, the music it's terrible. It was all electro, techno, gay guys music. I swear me and my friends (all lesbians) walked in and there was gay guys vogueing . If we didn't have paid the $10 cover at the door we would of turned around. Nothing like the old Henrietta's, they USED to play a variety of music, from house to reggae to salsa and bachata to hip hop. No more cage, no more dancing pole, no more hot bartenders, no more hot gogo dancer. Bring the old Henrietta's back! read more

You might find it odd that a boy can give a lesbian bar four stars, but since I secretly aspire to be a lesbian it's really not that unusual. Keep in mind, if you're a boy who hasn't been accepted into a tribe of lesbians or you don't know the staff, you might not have a good time here. It's hard to get a drink at the crowded bar if you aren't accepted by the group. If you crave attention you might get your feelings hurt. If you're not used to standing on line to wait for the bathroom, don't drink. However, once you get past all that, HH is a great place. The music is varied and well put together, the staff know what they are doing and who doesn't love a bar with a stripper cage? If I ever get to become a lesbian, Henrietta Hudson might become my go to spot. Until then... Have fun. G read more

I really REALLY dislike this place. I know that this place used to be really good, back in the day, however now it's really really crappy. A crappy bar/club with a crappy cover(ALWAYS, a cover every time i've gone), crappy music (Boring hip hop and no one you'd want to dance with), crappy drinks (watered down and overpriced), crappy girls(see music, but they are older and less attractive women here). Maybe if the women were insanely attractive I'd contemplate coming back but they aren't so why bother. Honestly, I don't know anyone that goes here or can even stand the place. Everyone has a bad HH story, myself included. You would have to pay me to come back. Need I say more? read more

Where there is good music you will find me! We ended up here after the Yelp Hangover cruise and boy oh boy did we have fun! So time for the BREAKDOWN On this particular Saturday night we paid an Entrance 'Donation" of $10 eh who cares? They mixed up some strong drinks all moderately prices so you'll be tipsy without breaking into your piggy bank. There are two bars. There were hired bar girl who danced on the bar....brave souls who navigated the ceiling and wet bar but did it effortlessly. The bar is long so as you walk further in you'll see lots of lots of seating and standing room. The DJ was on fire that night and I think I lost 10 pounds on the dance floor. You've got your 80's 90's throwbacks mixed with some Uptown Funk so needless to say no one was sitting! If you're homophobic this is not the place for you (or city) as it is very clearly listed as a LGBT bar with a heavier leaning towards lesbians. MY RECOMMENDATION: If you're out with your friends and wanna party away without the hassle of overpriced drinks, high heels and bottle service....this is a definite contender for a Saturday night! read more

The more often people go out the more nit-picky they become about the establishments. Personally, when it comes to clubs/bars I think the people make it or break for themselves.Your enjoyment is really dependent upon your mood and no amount of bumpin' music, good drinks and nice people will make you enjoy yourself if you don't want to! You'd be surprised how many people are obstinate towards having a grand time. Having said my peace *ahem*, I must say I had a really good time at Henrietta's. The drinks were decent and the bartender was nice. I can't say how expensive they were because I opened a tab, got really drunk and didn't give a damn...in that order? The music was BAD ASS. They played a great mix of everything and the dance-floor was packed all night long. I go out to dance, baby! So this place gets a lot of points for that and it's the main reason I plan on going back. As someone else said, I fear that the word "ghetto" is being used as a synonym for people of color. There was a very diverse crowd the night I was there( saturday night valentines weekend) but, no one was acting a hot mess(I'd tell you) and everyone was bumpin' and grindin' just fine( i don't see nothing wrong). Oh and there were cuties in there as well. Plus, your supposed to be tipsy so everyone's hotter! I'm giving this place four stars based on the time that I had. I personally don't need a aesthetically pleasing place to have a good time. Or a beautifully dressed crowd. If you do then, no this ain't for you. If you wanna dance and meet some nice gals, come here! read more

The only problem that i have with the place is the amount they charge after midnight. Otherwise, the place has good vibes. Would like to hear more variety of music but overall you'll enjoy your time & the drinks they serve. read more

Any bar that has a COVER can get no more than a 3 in my book. The only reason I gave it a two is because there's room for dancing and the Dalloway is closed and relocating. The Dalloway, Cubby Hole over Henrietta. And it's disappointing, because of the lack of lesbian bars in NYC. If they dropped the cover charge, I would be here all the time!! It's just never worth it to me to pay a cover. EVAH!! at least let me do a walk through and find out if it's worth the 10 bucks. read more

I think I was overly excited to come to this place and my expectations caused me to be a little disappointed. So extra star for Henrietta because that is my fault, not the bars. I came here on a special event night and paid a cover, which I am fine with only for lesbian and gay places. Luckily I consider this kind of thing a donation because if not, I would have been pretty PO-ed. The dance floor was packed (what little of it there was). I tried to squeeze though just to see the place but I was only able to get about half way through. I finally just gave up and took my spot as a wallflower near the bar area. This is the perfect kind of bar to come to, if you area already a part of a couple. The crowd is very cliquish which is the exact opposite of what I am used to in other lesbian bars. But even Henrietta's took it to a new level. I took a seat once, only to get the "stand up" command from some other girl who apparently owned the seat and didn't think I spoke English but understood hang gestures only. (The upside is my dog will be very excited we learned the "stand" hand motion at the same time.) The drinks were decently priced for Manhattan, which I was happy about. In all, I was looking to mingle, but the crowd was mostly couples and cliques so no real reception to that. I'd advise Ginger's or mixed bars if you are looking to be social. I might come back on a regular, non holiday night to see if the crowd is any different. read more

I feel like this place has gone downhill in the past two years. The place is always really packed, and the people aren't that nice. It's fun if you go with a large group of friends, but in terms of being on the prowl, this is my least successful venue. I made out with a girl here during pride. I was dancing on one of the poles. However, everyone makes out with everyone during pride, so that's nothing new or special. I think one of the things that makes it not as great as Cattyshack is the crowd is very butch-femme, and I think that's kind of lame. I'm more on the femme side, but I'm not looking to hook up with a butch. I'm looking for a hottie who doesn't wear a sports bra out to the clubs. The drinks are expensive, and because it's so jam packed, you'll wait about 10-15 minutes before you pay 10 bucks for your drink. However, huge plus for not letting in guys unless they're with a woman. Victor, I don't know how you got in, because every guy I know gets turned away until his girl friends show up. read more

I'm transgender, and I rolled into Henrietta's with a crew of t-girl friends on a Saturday night. It was my first time, and it was amazing! Friendly people, banging music, and a fantastic vibe! I order very simple drinks, so I can't comment on the cocktails, but they were served quickly and affordable enough. Henrietta's is my new favorite spot in NYC read more

Literally do not go here, such a disappointing experience. My friends and I went last night and got our wristbands and paid our cover fee just fine. No issues at all, they checked our IDs with their scanner and of course there were no issues. We were let in and no issues were brought up. Then we get in, my friends and I make our way to the dance floor, but one of my friends needed to step outside to catch her breath quickly. She tried to come back in only to be literally screamed at by the woman manning the ID booth even though we had just been let in no less than 5 minutes earlier, again all our IDs had scanned and there was no issue getting our wristbands. She also still had her wristband on and had paid her cover fee herself as well. The woman was still yelling at her accusing her of being underage and wouldn't let her back in, so we ended up having to leave early. It's so disappointing to see this behavior from one of the only lesbian bars in the city, let alone the entire country, but I will not be returning until this issue is reconciled. And please believe when I say I am not being a Karen as I never, ever complain about a businesses behavior, especially ones that specifically serve minority communities, but the way my friend was treated is unreasonable and disrespectful, and awful in general. If you see a middle-aged blonde white woman at the door checking your ID, she is the one who screamed and yelled at my friend last night. read more

Always a disappointment unless youre hammered. But of the NYC lesbian bars this one is the most consistently happening. Weekends are always packed and the crowd is 20's and 30's, a few cute ones mixed.. Last year or two I've noticed the crowds starting to get less classy and a bit more trashy. Space is cramped and the drinks are expensive. The $10 fri/sat cover charge is excessive. The door people are always icy but some of the bartenders are alright. Revolving lesbian nights at other bars are probably a better choice. Key to success: there is a bar across the street on the corner that is always deserted, use the bathroom there and pound a few cheap brews then head back to Hen's to dance. read more

It gets two stars, because it is a girlie bar. However, if it wasn't for a sense of PRIDE (and helping ya'll out), I wouldn't even bother writing a review. I stopped in for a drink one night to scope the place out for a party. The chicks working the door were obviously "too cool for school" elitists and were rude to my friend and I saying that this was a "you know that this is a dyke bar"- duh. Once inside, with my cash in hand, I was IGNORED by the bartender for 5 minutes too long-even after she looked at me, even though the place wasn't busy. The "worth the wait" philosophy just doesn't jive with me. The vibe in the joint was negative. It looked like a cool space, but being glared at doesn't seem like a fun time. Don't waste your money- head to Cattyshack, Cubbyhole or anyplace where they actually believe in the meaning of rainbows! read more

Came here on a rainy Thursday night just to get out of my house, and the bartender who's name is Bridgette was a complete sweetheart! She's so kind, its refreshing. She gives the kind of service you don't see often in the Big Apple, constantly checking on her guests and taking the time out to get to know a little about them. I honestly had an amazing time and would recommend friends stopping by on any of her shifts. read more

I've been coming to Henrietta Hudson's on/off since the late 90s (even celebrated NYE '98 there), and remember when it was one of *the* lesbian bars to go to...now it's pretty much past its prime. Firstly, it's usually dead as a doornail during weekdays; weekends can be packed, but you pay a bit for the privilege to hang there. It's a $10 cover charge to get in, an extra $3 to put your coat in the coat room, and then you pay through the nose for one of their overpriced cocktails. They're even a bit expensive during happy hours. The bar is not the most upscale place in Manhattan, so I am not sure what's with the nickel and dime tactics. Secondly - The demographic of the crowd is...aging and the music is meh most of the time (though there are moments where the DJ would play a good song). HH used to be really strict about letting males (even gay ones) in, but I've been seeing straight couples in there the last couple of times I've dropped by (No offense, but there's a million places where straight people can hang, why choose a lesbian bar?). Currently, HH is the last standing dyke bar in Manhattan and it's still held up through all the demographic changes and rising rents. I had a blast there during my youth, and it's a bit disappointing to hear that the twenty somethings of today are not having a similar experience. I am not sure what the future holds for HH, but I do hope they stand the test of time and becomes the wonderfully fun place it once was. read more

Is it a bar? Is it a club? Well, this isn't a fair Yelping since I've only been there once and I didn't stay long enough to see how it gets at night. We went there late one evening and paid a $10 per person cover to sit in a near empty bar with ridiculously loud music for it's audience. It was a drink and chat time of the night so they could have brought it down a notch...at least during that hour. The drinks were okay. Fine if they consider themselves a club (since my standards for club cocktails are lower), but shame on them if they consider themselves a bar. Bars should get it right. I'm just saying. We left before we could see a crowd...it wasn't filling up that fast though. Three stars because I like the area and I guess it wasn't a horrible experience. Far from memorable though. read more

Um sorry... I know a lot of lesbians swear by this place but yea I hate it...Everytime I have been here there are girls fighting...cause numbers are given in front of girlfriends and just ridiculous drama... I really can't fault the actual place...it is more so the crowd but I'll give it another go soon and let you know what's up (at least from my perspective...if you care) read more

Wow.....wow....this is it??? I've been to better bars in lamer cities. I was visiting NY and thought I should visit the 'legendary' HH. After everything I'd heard, I suppose I'd built it up to be way more than it was or ever had been. Firstly, the music was garbage. I get the whole love affair between lesbian bars and hip-hop, but there was no 'hip' to this hop. Christ, this was really dated top 40 radio junk. I think what they were playing was actually charting back in 2001. Maybe it was 'oldies' night ;) Secondly, this place was a lot more dumpy/divey than I expected (not that I have anything against dive bars). I guess I was expecting a rich, dark, velvety, loungey place filled with sleek, loungey women. Not so...You broke my heart, HH. I should have just visited you in my fantasies. read more

This place is so tiny but its so much fun!! The bartender is super cool! I forgot her name :( but I know she's from the Bronx. The music was nice. There was a good variety and Karaoke is a plus!! I had never been before but I will definitely go back. read more

Great small hang out spot. Likes: music, friendly bar tender, 2-4-1 drink specials, friendly patrons, clean restrooms. Dislikes: Shortage of hot girls. read more

It is always packed on the weekend and if you just like to dance and get a bit drunk this is a great place. I don't agree with some of the other reviews, I think you can meet women of every nation and every agenda here. Henrietta is just unique in its own way for me. It is a place where I will always feel at home, and I always get filled with excitement walking there from West 4th street. I met beautiful, smart women in this bar as well as dangerously looking butches and ambitious tomboys. I played pool, got drunk, got picked up, made out and danced the night away. I just love Henrietta... UPDATE, 27 August 2008 OK, I have to confess, the music really sucks. I am a musician and I really don't see why any bar in NYC is not able to play good music. They have different djs, but I swear, they all play THE SAME TRACKS over and over and over again, no matter if it is Thursday, Friday or Saturday. So much about party themes.... I wish they would be a bit more objective about the quality of their music, and less elitist about who is spinning the records. read more

I love the drag queens shows here it's very entertaining. There's two floors and it's pretty spacious upstairs. The crowd that comes in is pretty diverse. read more

Really not bad. It seems like people have some pretty mixed reviews on this place, but I for one like it. A ten dollar cover is not that bad, I've paid more for less before. The place is a decent size given the location. The drinks are a little bit more expensive than they should be, but not horribly so. Bartenders seem decently attentive. I also managed to break a glass and they did not give me a hard time ... they also didn't ask if I was okay or seem to sweep up any glass I may have missed.... That being said, it took a little while for the dance floor to get going. At approximately 1 am there were only a handful of people dancing in a crowded area near the front bar. In some ways this made it less awkward and it some ways it made it more. Either way I danced. The line for the bathroom was not horribly long either and was pretty clean (no men I guess). Somehow my girlfriend and I wound up dancing against the cage in which 2 girls were grinding. Around 1:45/ 2 am the dance floor got more busy/ fun. The back area has some couches too and a back bar to grab a drink and relax at, which was nice. At about 3 I noticed it was getting late but everybody was still there so we stayed. They played a mix of some awesome music like Baby Got Back, and some not so great music like salsa for 25 minutes which got old fast. We, and most of the women in there stayed until 4am when the place shuts down and we had a good time. Although the bouncers just watching people dance is a little creepy, and a coat check would be appreciated. Lastly, let me just say that yes, there are black people here, and its okay hahahaha (why wouldn't it be). I thought the crowd meshed nicely for the most part and did not feel uncomfortable. If you want a night out, with a lot of fun, and not a lot of money I would recommend this place. read more

It's a Damn shame I get to a lesbian bar that refuses to play Spanish music. Like really? Your in the heart of NYC, with so many different people and different taste. You should cater to all, remember you are a gay bar after all....smh You get one star for the drinks...but that's about it... read more

Small bar/lounge, big fun. If you love a busy bar, good music and friendly ladies then this is it.

Used to go here before it was renovated, and I did love its vibe. Always had fun dancing here, whether with boys or girls or a handsome 'straightish' man - who must be very sharp and smart. Lovely neighborhood, too. (The 'White Horse Tavern' is not far.) I once said 'hi' to Madonna here, after she just finished shooting a video, which was a pretty fun moment. Just don't piss the barmaids off...for some reason they size you up to see if you're 'cool' to be here...whether you're gay or straight. I used to think this was a little secret hideaway, for late night hanging out, (all the super-models raved about it) but apparently it is not anymore. I will check it out, once I am back. It gets four stars for being unique. read more

This place is great for dancing and the music is awesome. It's hip hop and trance all night. There's an additional room in the back for more dancing. There are 3 restrooms that u can see right after u walk in. It's not the cleanest ha! The bartender and other staff are friendly and accommodating. The crowd is mixed. Mostly lesbians. Some bi sexual and bi curious chicks. Every time I come here, I had a good time but the reason for it not being 5 stars is because I don't like the $10 cover charge. read more

Now I wouldn't call it a gem, but I would call it a raunchy good time. There is something rather endearing about Henrietta's - maybe a mix of dirt, tough girls, and booze. After doing the rounds, I still think it is the best place to dance to Top 40 hip-hop. If you go with a couple cutie girls, you'll be sure to be the most popular crew there. Henrietta's is a little quirky with their early evening salsa music (which the butch-femme couples seem to love), and their need to keep the smokers quiet due to a fear of neighborhood disturbance. If you are claustrophobic and not into being a ghetto superstar, this is not your bar. read more

I'm actually surprised this place doesn't have a better rating. I went on a Saturday night and I didn't know that there was a cover, but the gf took care of it. Immediately walking in it felt comfortable, no stuck up people! If your expecting an elegant lesbian bar with bottle service then let me break it down - THIS ISN'T THE PLACE FOR YOU! BUT, if you're looking for good music, great drinks, and a chill crowd then you're home! The dance floor gets crowded pretty easily because it's so small, but that's what made it more fun! The drinks at this place are easily the strongest damn drinks I've ever had, some people are into that and some just aren't, so it all depends on you. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the cover charge and they weren't accepting credit cards the night I went, I guess they were having problems. Either way, I will definitely be returning when I'm in New York! read more

I'm so over this place (sighing) But there is not many places for us to go. This place is small but still has two bars, one in the front the other towards the back. Three bathrooms that could be better maintained. The bartenders are usually cool and so are the shot girls but the so called bouncers are annoying and rude. They suck when it comes to welcoming you into this establishment. They need to learn a thing or two on customer service! $10 cover charge is annoying because it's more of a $5 joint but we are in the city so we deal with it. Finding parking is usually horrendous so good luck with that. Drinks are pretty okay depending on who makes them. The crowd is well.....a little bit of everything from the oldest dike looking for a lay to the young popped collar dikes trying to act hard. lol what can you do?. Just go with a group of friends and make your own atmosphere. I can't say I won't be back here because I probably will but not any time soon. Enjoy!! read more

Great music and crowd .. Beautiful ladies !! It does get very crowded and difficult to move but good place to meet women read more

The place has gone downhill from what I've heard. Obviously with friends, you'll have a good time regardless of the place so I guess that sums up my night there. It doesn't look like a dance club at all, there are two small rooms and a DJ booth and bar. What I liked was the diversity of the crowd, from biker chics to gangsta chics, everyone represented. There were some guys there too, but you mostly felt that this was a place exclusively for the gals. The music was ok, they mixed in some 80s, pop, hip hop and rock. Drinks weren't anything special. The place lacked a charm about it. read more

Finally! I've wanted to go to this place for years! I was in NYC MLK weekend, and went with a couple of friends. We got there around 9 on a Saturday, and didn't have to pay cover. Before the DJ comes on (around 11pm), it feels like any other hole in the wall bar. Once the DJ comes on, the vibe transforms. The space is tiny, and it gets really packed! It's awesome though.. great music, friendly people and overall a good time. Oh and I'm basically straight and still had a great time. Recommended for all.. though I didn't see any boys. read more

My home in NYC! I love it here!!! Locals, newbies and fav's come here Drinks are always great, Dot is making sure everything is safe and serves drinks w a smile and you cant go wrong here for NYC pride read more

I came here on a Friday night with 2 friends and we had a good time! The place is smaller than i expected, so it can get crowded pretty fast. I paid $10 to get in, not happy about that, was worth $5. 1) Great music, the DJ was pretty good played a mix of everything. I was happy with my techno, reggea and dance music.. 2) Its definitely a nice place to come with a group, because most girls in there are coupled. The lounge gets crowded around 12-1AM. 3) Ok, I am a femme so to all femmes out there interested in femmes its not the place to go. There are more aggressive girls who are not really good looking. 4) in terms of attractiveness, on a scale of 1 to 5, the crowd is a 2. Another good thing, racially it was a mixed crowd. 5) there is a small sitting area in the back that gets filled quickly, so chances to sit are none if you come after 12AM. In general, its an ok place and overrated....Its pretty average but guarantee gd time with good company, just don't come alone. read more

I don't care about good/bad reviews..... this is a super great bar to pick up chicks. Yes it gets packed, yes the music can get all lame hip-hoppy, yes there is a long line for the bathroom at all times However, the girls are always super cute and there to party. NOTE: This is based on being there four times in the past two years. I may not be the best to judge, but I stand by my review. read more

Henrietta Hudson. went there for my first time last night. Pros & Cons Cons- 1) $10 cover charge... 2) No fitteds/baseball caps allowed inside. You can wear fedoras though. (I wear fedoras. My friend was mad she had to give her fitted cap up to the bouncer, received it back when we left). 3) We got there probably around 11pm or 12am...Super crowded. It was super packed around both bars...hard to get through to ask for drinks. (besides going buzzed & not wanting to pay...I settled for 3 shots from the sexy waitresses walking around. Pros- 1) Many Many Many ladies!!!! Mostly 20's, 30's. Very diverse women. No real attitudes...Cool vibes, chatting.... 2) Small dance floor, but it was very poppin!!! Many ladies....dancing all over. I danced w/ my friends...& other women!! 3) DJ is very good. Diverse, mix of genres...good! 4) bathrooms were okay. I enjoyed my night, stayed till close. I would love to go again to dance, & bug out. I do also wanna go on a not so live night to mingle a bit more w/ some of the ladies. Overall I will definitely go back. If you wanna be in the company of many women, this is one of the krazy lesbian bars to be @ !!!!! read more

Being that I have been coming to Henriettas for about 8 years now, and I have also worked for them, I am finding some of these reviews a little ridiculous. What sucks is people really may take these reviews into consideration and never give Hens a chance, which would be unfortunate because its really a great place. Did I give it 5 stars because Im biased because Ive worked there? No. Im giving it 5 stars because its the longest running lesbian bar in the COUNTRY. If its so HORRIBLE would it be open this long? I doubt it. I see a lot of complaints about the cover charge, lets be real people, its NEW YORK CITY, there are going to be cover charges, especially on the weekends. People are really getting crazy over $5? If you dont have money to go out then keep your ass in, when Im low on cash I stay home; its simple. You are probably the same people who dont tip your bartenders or leave change as a tip on the bar. Places charge cover so they can pay the Dj so you can have music to dance to, bouncers to keep you safe, not to mention the drink specials make up for the $5. Most places I go on the weekend charge a cover and I pay it, I dont have a hissy fit at the door over $5. There is no excuse for poor customer service, or rudeness towards patrons, I cant say that ive experienced that, and I doubt anyone can say I was ever rude to them while I was working there. I cant say its never happened. Maybe there was a reason the bouncers were grouchy; can you imagine dealing with slop-a-pot-amus drunk ass women all night long; puking, screaming, falling, fighting etc.? That would make you a bit grouchy right? Telling people the same thing 50 times over and over with no results. Again, the staff should NOT be rude to customers but try to understand why they may have been a little grouchy. Like I mentioned before I have been coming to Hens close to a decade, I wouldnt say they have horrible fat ugly girls there. I have met many beautiful women there, models etc. (seriously). Thats not to say that maybe you came on a rough night when the girls werent the best looking lol, it happens, but, for the most part there is always pretty girls. As for the crowd being "ghetto" I wouldnt say that at all, they try and make it a safe, comfortable enviroment, I have never seen it ghetto in there. The dress code is casual, you can pretty much wear what you want, you can dress in drag, wear a bird in your hair (yes ive seen it), wear a costume, wear little or nothing, jeans, shorts, freaking just about ANYTHING, they are very laidback, they just dont allow baseball hats/fitteds, (dont get me wrong i LOVE my fitteds). Its just one tiny rule thats all. Most places have a dress code, especially weekends. Some people are complaining that the bar is "loud", well....maybe I'm wrong but....its a BAR isnt it supposed to be somewhat loud? If you want a quiet enviroment go the library ....or a lounge (Mondays and Tuesdays at Hens are more quiet and laidback if thats what you want). I love the djs there, DJ culi plays great Latin on Wednesdays, I also love her house music, Kim is my favorite DJ her house music on Fridays is off the hook, nice and loud just how I like it! The DJs do a good job trying to accomodate people, its hard because you cant always please everyone, I think they do a good job playing to the crowd. Ive had plenty of drunkin nights at good ol Hens so I wouldnt say the drinks suck, maybe you didnt tip and they decided to be less heavy handed the next time around. If your drink sucked or it didnt taste good the bartenders almost always try and accomodate you, make it better, or fix it. I have been all over the country, I have been to tons of gay bars, so I do have other places to compare Hens to. Even when I went to Dinah Shore this past spring, the owner of Dinah came up to me and said how much she loved going to Henriettas, so Hens has happy customers everywhere. No place is going to be perfect all of the time, sometimes it may be slow, sometimes the bar isnt filled with Americas top Model all the damn time, it happens, but to say its horrible and you want to inform people not to come here; thats just wrong, The bottom line is, Hens is a great place to party, get drunk, meet people, get your dance on....I had a couple walk by not to long ago, they were in there 60's, they met at Henriettas 20 years ago and they are still together, I have seen situations like this all of the time.....people call it "home" because its been around for so long, how many lesbian bars have come and gone? MANY... But Hens is still here right.....dont let a few bad reviews discourage you from coming, that would be a shame because you would be missing out on a good time... Give Hens a chance, more than likely you will have a blast..... read more