Jamie W and i were about to go to Marie's Crisis Cafe to warble Sondheim in our best Michael Feinstein manner, but we always end up sounding like Michael Bloomberg. Recognizing our severe vocal limitations, we welcomed an opportunity to patronize a gay bar not known to us. It's just around the corner from Marie's and formerly housed an off-Broadway theater. That explains why the dark subterranean space was so huge. They feature live drag entertainment and a dance floor, but we were probably too early for the festivities. When we arrived, there was an enraptured mixed audience watching "RuPaul's Drag Race". The bartenders were young and unfailingly polite (dammit). I went for my usual, the $17 Espresso Martini. Very chilled. However, Jamie took a chance on one of their summer cocktails because of the name, the $15 Chaka Khanvict, a mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, tonic, blue curaçao, and lime (Photo 8). It was kinda like a Blue Hawaii with an extra kick from stiletto heels. Mine was pretty tasty as well. Good to know there's an alternative to singing Broadway tunes since i sound better in the shower. I swear. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...superior libations [[HIGHLIGHT]]AMBIANCE - 4 stars...cavernous space, nice long bar[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] SERVICE - 4 stars...attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...our kind of playhouse RELATED - Looking for gay bars around the world? Here's my collection of bars l've patronized and reviewed: https://yelp.to/EiTvuV4Qh_ read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]There was a Rupaul's Drag Race viewing. Two episodes so it seem to lose interest with the crowd.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the d drag show by the ass Assassins. All 4 were fabulous.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Nice wait service and after the show, it turned into a club. I would definitely be back. People aren't afraid to approach you in NYC! Love it! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Sunday nights are so fun! I love musicals and the DJ was playing a montage of really good numbers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Security was really nice and welcoming, as we descended down the stairs. Warrell is a beautiful bartender, and even a wonderful singer. I enjoyed some Prosecco and watching the performances. Bootsie is beautiful, friendly, and a joy to see. Make sure you tip your drag queens, as well as the bartenders! It seems if you tip the DJ via venmo, he may be more inclined to play your song request given in the description box. Then you can have your moment to shine and perform your fav number, alone or with friends. (In between the Queens of course). I've heard wonderful things about Audrey and can't wait to come back. If you're in West Village, this is the place to be. read more

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Horrible bartender. he has an issue with me asking for a cup of ice. Then proceeds to tell me that I'm ghetto. He then proceeds to tell me it will be a charge, then when I decide to pay cash, he threw the money on the counter and said to keep it I need it more than him.And another thing the owner was also a horrible person. For some who owns a bar both him and his staff are horrible. I guest the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. read more

Love coming here, I've been here many many times! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The drag shows are great and the music is good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bar can be pricey though! read more

Chris at coat check is unfortunately extremely rude and racist. I was told I was aggressive when I couldn't hear him and I reached forward to get closer to talk. The bouncers and manager and front of house staff were very kind, unfortunately the experience was ruined by the coat check person who was throwing micro aggressions and being racist. read more

I got drugged here. I'm also not a girl, so really everyone should be careful! The owner refused the NYPD access and has absolutely no interest in preventing people from being drugged in the bar - only protecting themselves from liability. they scan everyone's ID and take a picture of them when entering, which makes the fact so many people are drugged here ever more ridiculous. see other reviews. read more

The man with the man bun at the door was so rude me and my friends decided not to go inside. Edit: we were all 21+ no fake ID he was just rude.... read more

MONDAYS! A very positive Karaoke! Happy people supporting each other! The Dj can find any Song and the Host is Amazing! Funny and she always has nice things to say ! You are the entertainment! Enjoy ! read more

Playhouse Bar - Stage ! - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We came out here for some dancing and gays. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When we arrived at 3am, the place was packed and poppin'.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's also filled with who knows what on the sticky floor as feets are kicking and dancing around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even though it's a gay bar, there were definitely a lot of straight men and women here the night that I was too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a fun environment, great drag shows, and my friends love the drinks.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] (i don't drink)

I've been frequenting Playhouse ever since I moved to NYC. A cute (and spacious) basement bar in the heart of West Village. They have tons of events and drag shows throughout the week that are always a great time. My favorite is The Big Girlz every Wednesday night! They're a four member girl group of plus-sized and POC drag queens who are amazing performers and entertainers! I've seen them jump split and perform heart-wrenching ballads - they even have choreographed group numbers! DJ 2Face is also a great DJ who DJs for them and Play Fridays every Friday night with a different drag queen doing pop-up numbers every week. He plays great music you can dance the night away to. The Wednesday bartenders Lucas and Christian are such sweeties and are amazing as well! The doorman is also cool and easy to talk to. My fav spot in the West Village! read more

This bar is always so empty and now I see why. I stopped into this bar because Pieces was very full. I didn't have any issues with the bouncer, but I've never been treated so badly by bartenders. They seem very entitled. Additionally, this place's set up is so odd. I went for a drag show and all the tables/chairs were hugging the walls and these were small tables so there was so much empty space in the middle. They have a small stage so recessed into the place that it was understandable the drag queen seemed to not know quite what to do. read more

The bouncer was absolutely rude for no reason, and the bartender charge u double for what you ordered. Avoid this bar at all cost. I would give it 0/5 if that's an option read more

OMG ! Came to playhouse for my first time last night & it was so lit for a Wednesday night the place was packed ! The drag show "BIG GIRLZ" was performing & it was impecable! We laughed till we peed our pants !!! My friends and I had a blast & will be back on weds to see our new fav "drag roulette" . The bar service was super quick & the drinks were strong ! read more

Playhouse Bar - Divas !!!! - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I did the annual search of "drag shows near me" in my search bar as I had a friend in town visiting and he wanted to go to a show. It was a Wednesday evening, so I had low expectations heading into Playhouse Bar ... well let me tell you- I was so wrong! I was taken back by the performance of The Big Girlz group!! They are a group of four plus-sized drag queens whos choreography was out of this world. My friend and I had such a great time singing and dancing along to the diverse music The Big Girlz performed and fell in love with Queen Olympia who stole the show. I recommend checking out Playhouse Bar if you are looking for a fun evening filled with great drag and even stronger drinks!!! read more

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

Got drugged. [[HIGHLIGHT]]had some really good music and fun vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] girls beware .. cover your drinks

Great music, but the bartenders were clueless and rude--gave me a shot of Red Bull instead of Rumple and had no idea what a London Mule was. Made it my problem instead of apologizing for the miscommunication. Could have been fixed easily. read more

Jacob the bartender is fantastic and so was the show by Ruby Roo and Petti Cash!! Had a great time :)

Jacob is the greatest bartender! Such a sweet and kind guy! Super helpful with giving you the ins and outs of New York as a visitor! Highly recommend coming for a show! read more

Be careful at this place. The bartenders charge whatever they want. I got a vodka soda double and the bill was $47 plus tip.

came here on a Saturday night. absolutely packed like sardines. they played a mix of bops that everyone knows so it was fun to dance to! when we got there, there was a drag show going on which was amazing! giving 3 stars because it was so packed read more

This is the bar you go when you're already drunk and the other ones are crowded. Bc of the new laws about covid, they have to serve some kind of food. They are serving "veggie dots" Which are like pieces of the veggie burgers you buy in the supermarket. Of course this is symbolic just to follow the rules but they charged $12 for it. So basically it's $12 to be seating there. I guess they wrote it like "3 hot food items" so it seems it's like food for 3 people... but no. It's literally $12 to seat. They are better bars around without this bs. read more

Playhouse Bar - Receipt. $12 for symbolic food. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Visiting from the West Coast. This bar has a club vibe on a Saturday night. No cover, drinks run at about $9. The first bartender's drink was weak, but another bartender's drink was just about right. The music was EDM hits/top 40 and it was CROWDED with great vibes. There is a multi gender bathroom with about 6 or so stalls and no urinals - for some reason it helped move things along faster... The clientele is mostly in their 20s and mid 30s. I will say, out of all the spots my friend and I hit up, all the guys here were GOOD LOOKING. I can't say that about the other bars. The next time I come back to Manhattan, I'll def be back! read more

Asked for three singles and charged me for three doubles. If you're looking to get f****d, skip Grindr and go straight to Playhouse. These bartenders will bend you over backwards and tell you you ordered it. read more

Great sizable space with solid actual dance floor. Came here on a Saturday night a few weeks ago and had the best time with my boys. Usual nyc prices for drinks and a good time. read more

Staff was super nice and respectful of the current pandemic. When we sat down at our table there were brown bag lunch style packs for us! We had a couple rounds, got to watch drag, and just have a great night again. All things considered it felt pretty normal. read more

I ordered a Long Island and some drunk bumped into our table right after getting it and I didn't even get to take one sip. Bartender charged me and said he was going to charge for another:( did nothing about the rude guy waddling all over the place either...we left read more

After being very excited to visit this bar, we were extremely disappointed to be greeted so terribly by the bouncer. As two white visitors showed our IDs and vaccination cards, we were welcomed into the bar but our friend of color received hostility, hate, and aggressive mistreatment when trying to show her ID and vaccination card. After trying to enter the bar and enjoy the performance, we let the bartender know about the mistreatment to which they responded "weird, he's our favorite bouncer so that doesn't make sense" and offered us free shots as our friend was CRYING. As we were leaving, the bartender shouted "I won't apologize for something I didn't do!" Safe to say, we won't be returning as there are many more welcoming bars in this city. Very disappointing. read more

I've never been treated so poorly at a bar/ by a bouncer in my life. The bouncer (who was A POC) tried to embarrassed me (also a POC) in front of my white friends. It was so bizarre how he made me show my ID and vaccine card in a different light and manner than my white friends. He later said he was not sorry for what he did because he didn't do anything wrong. I'm honestly horrified by my experience and by this man. Fuck this bar. One of the servers said that this bouncer was one of the "more inclusive" bouncers so they didn't initially believe my complaint. Never fucking going back here read more

Playhouse is such a refreshing addition to the West Village. They have done an amazing job with the space-- plenty of seating for shows, and lots of room for dancing when the queens are off for the night--something that's hard to find in this area. read more

This place raises their cash cover while you are waiting in line and the bouncer jokes about it to patrons who complain they've been waiting in line with the assumption the cover charge wouldn't change. After more people started complaining, they bouncer, who is walking down the line outside jokes about it saying "that's how the club owner makes money." The experience was worsened when a transgender woman who was waiting in line jokingly asked to go to the front of the line to make the case for the original cover charge and that same bouncer said "I know *what* you are." The woman got upset (but wasn't rude; she actually tried to use humor to deescalate) and highlighted his erasure of her identity with that comment. He defended himself by saying "I dated a trans before." I immediately left. This place has lost its center when it is charging people $40 per person to get in the club while also insulting them and throwing out transphobic comments. This isn't a bar for LGBTQ individuals--it is a bar that's against them. read more

- [ ] I was very excited to go to my first gay bar after covid calmed down a bit, unfortunately our Halloween night I had a man with bright blonde hair that was extremely rude, they had told me this exact quote "do you know how many of us are ready to walk out right now because of how busy it is with you people, So maybe get your sh*t together yeah" after I asked if it was okay my open tab had my id with a credit card that didn't have my name it was my friends. It made me feel like I was not being served by a bartender who actually did their job and could remain professional at work but instead I had someone who was annoyed with my presence and felt perfectly fine speaking to me like that. Then proceeded to laugh at me and roll his eyes when I asked to close my tab after their rude remark and attitude. I was shocked at how they felt so okay to speak to me that way. I understand how busy it was I completely understand customer service and the stress it comes with but I also understand you should never speak to a customer in this way it's rude and disrespectful. as much as I wanted to enjoy this night he definitely killed the fun a bit for me and my friend group.. its unfortunate that that happened I hope in the future with this review you don't treat other people like this because it's very hurtful and definitely ruins your night. I had only been in the bar for at least 10 minutes before I walked out. read more

Visiting from Texas and came for STUN which is on Monday nights. So fun. I LOVED. The staff was super nice and friendly. The show was absolutely phenomenal. Can't wait to come back next time I am in town! read more

Came for the Thursday drag show and loved it. The bar and bathrooms are clean and the staff was nice.

Someone pick pocketed my wallet last night and the bartenders were helpful and located my wallet in a matter of minutes! Forever grateful as everyone knows what a hassle it is to cancel and renew cards and identification documents. read more