My friends and I had one of the best nights ever here a few weeks back! It was our first time at the bar. Originally, we were going to start here and hop somewhere else after, but we ended up staying for HOURS and ended the night here. -Both the patrons and the bartenders were beyond friendly. The crowd was a little older (we're 24-26), but didn't make us feel ostracized or that we didn't belong. -The drinks were fantastic. They had a special of the day - made with a fresh batch of real pineapples - that was freakin' delicious and that we couldn't stop ordering -The downstairs is for the real show - a lot of INCREDIBLE singing (by the bartenders!!!) and hilarious banter (between pianist and the bartenders, between them and the crowd, etc.) And yes, drunken singing from the crowd, especially the later (and drunker) everyone gets ;P -The upstairs is much more chill, and has some nice window seats that overlook the streets/square outside - good for people watching. This part reminded me a little bit of the Lookout back in SF. All in all, a great space for catching up with friends, some friendly banter with other drunken folks, wonderful music - perfect when you're looking for a non-dancing night out!! read more

Great place! Good atmosphere and the piano guy is awesome. There's a huge range of people there: straight, lesbian, gay, young, middle aged, older but everyone mixes well there because the music is good. Gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it gets super packed to where you can't move because it's small and the door guy has to turn people away. There's only a few waiters and waitresses but they try to get the drinks to you as quickly as possible. read more

Was surprised at how much I enjoyed myself. maybe it was because of the right group of people, maybe it was because the bartender was super sweet or because in the corner where we were located if was not cramped. I will say going into my night, as I was told we would head to this place, I was a bit reluctant, because as others put it, it's possibly not one of the best bars due that it's so weird in color and decor and the crowd is never really defined, wheat her gay or straight or drag or goth... Just such a weird space, that happens a to do very well because on the other hand, it's always packed. I have been here, so I can say this, no matter how packed it is, you can always make your self to the bar and get a drink. I was lucky to have met such a great bartender... I think her name was Alisson and she prepared me a very amazing margarita. Now, I do wish they had a bigger selection of tequila, but as long as I am not stuck with Patrón, I was cool. so I got Hornitos tequila. not my favorite, but far better than Patrón. I can't speak to the price. I thought it was pretty fair for a my drink. The singers are not from broadway people. But they are entertainers for everyone there. Drop a dollar or two, it's always refreshing to get live entertainment, even if sometimes your ear screeches a bit. It's still pretty darn entertaining and helps to create conversation and share your opinions when there is nothing else to talk about. I don't care how open minded, gay or low key you are... this is not a dating place. This is a place for hanging with friends or your partner if bored and want to do something different. You should not bring a first, second or third date here. #HaveSomeClass! ;P read more

I've been to The Duplex a handful of times since my friend turned me on to their "Mostly Sondheim" open mic night--Fridays, starting at 11pm. No cover and decently-priced and potent drinks make for a raunchy and raucous group of theatre dorks, most of whom can really belt it out. read more

Came to NYC from London especially for my fiancé's 30th and he wanted to explore the scene whilst we were here. After two false starts we stumbled across this place purely by accident and we weren't disappointed. Bar tender Adam was the first that evening who didn't look at us like aliens because we weren't clued up on the American bar language. And still not sure what the phrase "Well drink" means or came from, but hey. Adam even gave my fiancé a birthday shot too. Nice touch. And I'm sure there was more vodka in that drink than coke. At the time there was just a handful of people in the bar and it being happy hour drinks were coming in at just $5 each, which was a bargain compared to the first place we were at ($15 a time). Strangely it was quite quiet, there was just a handful of people and we put this down to it being a Tuesday evening... Although even back home Happy Hour offers tend to be well patronised. Still it was nice to be able to have a conversation and relax. Once the piano got going the place filled up and the atmosphere changed. By that point we were over the need to converse and were very much in to the lively cabaret style act. Although I suspect we stuck out a bit as we were referred to as the "Sexy Brits" at the bar... If only I was sexy these days! Guess it was a nice attempt though! Very entertaining and the banter between pianist and bar staff was epic. Couldn't stay too late as we were still reeling a bit with jet lag - Had to call it quits around 11pm as our eyelids started to fail us - it is 4am back in the UK after all. But certainly didn't leave because of the atmosphere and could have stuck it out much more if we were awake enough! Little gem of a place - Well worth a visit if you're passing. read more

What a fun little sunday afternoon, i strolled up with my best boyfriend ryan and we just sat down and enjoyed the outdoor patio on a beautiful 69 degree sunny day and had an excellent time, the place was quaint, the people watching was exceptional and the drinks strong... a great way to catch up with old friends and gossip about the crazy world we live in... i recommend the pride lemonade... delish read more

Oh The Duplex. Nothing but gratitude on my end by always providing a fun time and hilarious stories to tell. The bar is two levels, first floor has the piano bar and the second floor has another bar that sometimes houses shows (and also has the bathrooms.) The piano bar is absolutely so much fun. The pianists we have seen are all talented and know about any song you throw at them. If you are going to sing, be prepared to know the whole song (this aint karaoke so dont expect the lyrics provided for you.) The only tip Id give you is to keep an eye on what you're ordering.The drinks here will add up quickly while you're having fun (Titos Vodka Soda ~10$ and beer on tap ~8-9$.) Last time we were a group of 5 and gratuity was automatically included. The staff is fabulous and will sing songs during the piano show. Also! Bring cash to tip the amazing pianist that day. Def recommend for a fun time! read more

After an ugly experience at Marie's Crisis, we were in search of another piano bar when we ran across The Duplex. It,too, caters to the gay community, but all in my party were made to feel welcome. Although it was not sing along this particular evening , we were treated to a singer/comedian and his accompanist who both were a real scream. There are large windows to view the Village scene, and the atmosphere is very friendly. Unfortunately on this Friday evening we were packed in like sardines as the venue is rather small. I wouldn't mind returning on a weeknight maybe. read more

This place is so awesome, the outdoor area is amazing even in the cold. The service is awesome especially Lucas he is so so amazing :)

Always open late. Expect a crowd full of actors/waiters who know how to hit the high notes/have a good time. Also, though they have no food for purchase, the pizza across the corner is delish, and if you ask nice and offer some to the staff, a collective pig out at the bar is welcome. Piano downstairs, upstais is a bit more comfortable for lounging. (I might have a friend who might have gotten fingered whilst "lounging" on the corner bench at the end of a very late night while the sounds of mediocre cabaret filtered through from the back room.) I run into all the gays from my past here. A classic. read more

I don't get to the Duplex that much but I always enjoy myself. People are very friendly and I will never forget the Christmas show 2012. One of the most memorable cabaret experiences of my life. BUT: Please note that when you go to a cabaret there and are not a "guest," you will be given far lower priority than the people getting comped or friends of the performers. This isn't bad, necessarily, but it's a bit perplexing that a business gives priority to people who aren't strangers paying money. The bartender last night upstairs was spectacular, though. Terrific Ketel One martini with a twist. read more

Not bad yet not great. The cabaret room is nice though cramped and overpriced like every other cabaret room in nyc, although Duplex has slightly more reasonable drink prices than some of the other major cabaret players. The bar section itself leaves much to be desired, in my opinion. So does the music played in the bar area. My only negative experience was by proxy. I was booked to perform in a cabaret here a while back and it had to be canceled because management tried to pull all sorts of non-contracted bs and then tried to charge exorbitant cancellation fees even though they were the contract breechers. That was a shame. So, while I won't be looking to spearhead cabaret work with them in the near future, I won't shy away from being a cabaret patron. read more

Summer: sitting outside, people watching while sipping a martini or a glass of wine? No better place. Especially if you spend a lot of time in the area, you'll find that your table is filled by friends passing by who wanna join you for a drink. This is my favorite part of the Duplex. The rest of the year it is a great place to stop in and have a drink with friends, or to stop and chat with the awesome bartenders. Talented guest performers downstairs and a cabaret theater upstairs means that there's always something going on. The crowd is all ages, mostly men and straight women, but a few lesbians too, so its an all inclusive atmosphere. I love this place. read more

We came here to see a Cabaret show. The viewing area is partioned away from the rest of the restaurant. When you enter you have to walk through a narrow hallway and immediately feel transported. The space itself is small and intimate. We realized halfway through that the singers were not mic'd up-- you were hearing their raw voices. Same for the pianist and the cellist. The drinks were okay, but the pours were generous. read more

The Duplex occupies a coveted location, but it wasn't a standout place for us on our trip. Maybe it was an off-evening (we were there early), but the piano player wasn't up to the caliber we ran across at other bars in the neighborhood. We walked up to the small second-floor bar and sat down for a drink. The bartender was pretty friendly, but the drink prices were among the steepest we found in the West Village. read more

Strong, tasty mojitos served by an attentive cute waiter on a busy weekday evening...with music streaming from inside. Way to wind down....bring a friend or friends...bring your dog, they are more than happy to give your puppy a drink too! Tip-bits: Bathroom on the 2nd floor to right right of stairs when you come up Bathroom lock doesn't work. Theater entrance on 2nd floor Piano man inside Outdoors seating perfect for people watching Located right beside the infamous Stonewall Inn, corner of West 4th and Ave of Americas Gratuity included in bill read more

I came here on Tuesday night to see a friend's show in the cabaret space upstairs. The staff was fine and the space was cozy - a bit too cozy though when all seats were filled. As several reviewers below have stated, they try to trick you into paying two tips which I think is pretty shady. The bill includes gratuity in every check and then leaves space for you to add a tip. I understand it's ultimately up to the customer to read the check thoroughly, but when I order two glasses of house wine, I'm not expecting a tip to be included and easily could have missed this and paid a total of $7 for tip alone. Ick. read more

I have been to Duplex about 4 or 5 times. Each time I go the exact same thing happens. Being a completely out of place lesbian who knows nothing of broadway or Sondheim(!): I get completely obliterated, heckle the singers, knock things over, eat ALL of the complimentary preztals and demand more and then wake up with no less than 10 new numbers in my phone. Duplex for the win for putting up with my drunk shenanigans! read more

The staff was amazing! The drinks were strong and the music was good. This was my first time at this establishment. Me and some friends stumbled upon it after dinner. Maria Gentile works here and she sang like an angel. Also she's one funny broad. You will have a great time here for sure. read more

I don't usually writing bad reviews unless a place is really deserving of it. We went to the Duplex and never thought once to check out the yelp reviews. We were wrong and should have looked before going. Reading the reviews I can totally see the negative ones are true. I can honestly say that we will ever go back nor will we recommend this to anyone we meet. The bar tenders are pushy and insist on pushing drinks even before you have finished one. They told us that we had to always have a drink in hand. When we questioned this we were told there was a drink minimum which is no where published online or in the bar (unless you use a credit card.) If that's really a rule have the bouncer(s) should make that known at enter. Looking at the comments by the owner/manger/pusher to those who post negative on yelp, I can see why his staff acts the way they do. I understand this is a business which relies on sales to operate, but business also rely on customers to remain open too. Treating your customers badly is not a good way of doing business and there are plenty of other places in NYC to go that aren't pushy or rude to their customers. Never again. read more

Not sure what's happened with the place but I used to have so much fun here. Came w a friend and felt a lot of tension and hostility /: Mad expensive for a beer and just not the same vibe it used to be. Best I start looking for a new place to hang ): also miss the old staff idk what happened to them /: read more

Been going to Duplex for years, and it gets better every time. The staff are great, but the management really know what they're doing, and that shows through every time we're there with their professionalism. Love you guys!!! read more

First time I came here was about a year ago. Not THAT memorable, but nothing terrible. I returned with my gay bestie (visiting from California) the night after NYE, and it was DEAD. We shared some beer, some great piano sounds and singers and good company....until....DUn DUN DUN.... My bestie decides to pick a fight with one of the other drunk boys there. It was kind of serious, but kind of hilarious at the same time. I was definitely in high stress mode, because the last thing I wanted to happen was for my best friend to get arrested in NYC for assaulting a gay man at Duplex. Talk about a good souvenir. So I guess my second time around was far more memorable, but not because of the establishment itself. And for that reason, Duplex is just A-OK in my opinion. read more

A staple for me.. music.. fun.. outdoor seating for people watching.. Best time to go is in the summer.. get a nice table under an umbrella.. read more

Yas YASS! Great cozy warm friendly relaxed accepting atmosphere filled with loud happy sing a long and conversation to the best oldies tunes for the gay soul. Piano player and performer Michael was quite gifted on the keys! Bar staff charming and all passionate talented performers too. Easy to strike up great conversation and relationships with people. Good crowd. Amazing go-to local nightlife gem. Dress up dress down don't matter. Will be back whenever I'm in NYC. Drinks are pricey fyi. read more

It is surprising how this place has 4 stars. Last night my boyfriend and I trusted the reviews and decided to check this place out. The place is smaller than a smallest bar. The bathroom line was 15 people at least and the whole place smelled like bleech. Then we realized there was a "secret" door to the other part of the place which was packed and had no place to sit, we still decided to check it out and was standing and watching the show. We found the show very boring it was basically some lip syncing and was $15 per person to stand in an extremely hot and small room. I much prefer going to the Slipper Room and watch a real show. read more

The Duplex - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

I went here with my girlfriends. We had a lot of fun here. We thoroughly enjoyed being left alone, maybe because it's a "gay bar". We had a great time. The bartender was very friendly and the service was quick. read more

There is nothing better than this piano bar. The staff is amazing. One of the best places to go out any night of the week. If the two drink minimum bothers people, it shouldn't - you'll have so much fun you'll stay for more than two. As a straight woman, there isn't a more positive place to go and just have fun. read more

went to see Gay Camp at the Cabaret. Haven't laughed so much and for so long in ages. Very clever witty (& totally camp) show. Very small intimate cabaret lounge. Great value entertainment at $7 cover charge and two drink minimum came to $70 for two with tip - for some blow your head off Manhattens. Loved it, so did our straight friends who laughed right along with us at the smart clever and often off colour jokes read more

Staff was super nice and prompt. The performers that night (a comedic singing duo) were hilarious, and wonderful to hear. The drinks were very tasty, and a bit on the strong side. You've been warned! read more

I have been to the Duplex both times that I visited New York. It's a gay bar in West Village. The downstairs is a piano bar. It's a chill place to hang out. Of course, they have a full bar. There is an upstairs that I never really saw. Apparently, they have had performances from very talented people in the past. My final comments are about the drinks. The first time I went they were average New York prices. The second time I went they were astronomical. Perhaps I got premium vs well drinks. Anyway, I would go here again. I would be careful about how many drinks I had based upon the prices, though. I really do like the atmosphere. read more

Fantastic!!! We had a great time at Duplex. The crowd was great and the drinks were plentiful. The entertainment, however, made the evening. I'm not sure of the piano/singer's name (Brian?), but he was wonderful...and really funny too! The two bartenders also helped with the entertainment by singer a few duets. Interesting note, I guess one of the bartenders was on America's Biggest Loser...and won!!! I'll have to check it out. read more

OMG! LOVE this place! I go with my girls friend and straight friends all the time. The Cabaret is so funny and the people are very cool. We went in the first time because a friend lived upstairs, and kept going back. If you are looking for a funny fun experience in the village it's a must. read more

I went with some friends to check out Marie's Crisis, Monster, and The Duplex - this one was our favorite! It was pretty full but we managed to get bar seating and the bartender, Maria, was very sweet to us. Try her sangria! There were also significantly more girls at this place than the other two. The pianist and audience performers were amazing - my friend even got up to sing! The whole audience was very encouraging, and everyone seemed focused on the performances. Excellent vibe - I would definitely come back again. read more

Probably the worst experience I have ever had a bar and I have been to some TERRIBLE bars. I went to see friends perform in a show and had two drinks in the show (service in the show was wonderful!). I wanted to mingle after the show, but not drink anymore, as it's Monday and I have to work in the morning and my friend, who performed, didn't want to drink either. Here is a was my interaction with the bartender: Me: "Can I have two club soda's with lemon, please?" *bartender gets drinks* Bartender: "$10" Me: "Sorry, I didn't hear you. $10?" Bartender: "I didn't stutter. $10." Me: "Just club soda, right?" Bartender: "I didn't stutter. $10." Not only was the bartender rude, but the bar was NOT crowded so there was no excuse to be nasty. Not to mention it's absolutely absurd to pay $5 for a club soda, so even if I *HAD* heard him it would have been a valid response to ask for the price again. There are so many other great gay bars in the area with better atmospheres and service. Life's hard enough as a gay man so you'd be better off going somewhere you won't be treated like garbage, like Monster, Stonewall, or Pieces. Do better, Duplex! read more

The duplex is a bar. CT is a great DJ (he plays GOOD music). [last spotted bartending here and DJing at stonewall] I walked in one monday night... went up stairs... got a few drinks.. (okay a lot of drinks...) and got really drunk.. the bartender was wearing a V-neck shirt and had a fuzzy chest. I asked him nicely, and he let me touch it. It felt like hmm.. the fur of a chinchilla. yeah. that's right. this was way back earlier this year. my most recent attempts have ended in failure. he is nowhere to be found. read more

My girlfriend and I love this place. It's one of the best piano bars in town, with real people singing real music. Don't go for the beer menu (nothing special). Don't go for the spacious seating (it's small, crowded, and sometimes hard to get inside). Instead, go for the real New Yorkers singing live music, show tunes, and pop hits in a small Village gay-friendly bar. Watch and listen as the waiters and waitresses sing their hearts out for the crowd. It's raw, real singing, with little more than a piano for backup. We've been going for years and almost the same waiters/performers have been there the entire time. If you're thinking this sounds like the touristy Ellen's Stardust Diner in midtown, you're wrong - completely different atmosphere, so much more real New York, (and not particularly family-friendly). I was once here with about 15 other people for a friend's birthday party. I have no idea how we managed to find enough tables and chairs together, but we managed to pull it off. Warning: The humor is adults-only and can be raunchy at times. Don't go if you're easily offended. read more

The music and the environment were fantastic but the bar tender was absolutely rude and demanding while we were trying to pick a drink. So we. Left. What a joke. read more

Had the best time here the other night. Both Judy and Kayla were so kind and fun, made our time there exceptional. Drinks were good but definitely will be returning because of the service!! read more

OK, I'm a punk-rock lovin asshole who usually has trouble spending 2 min. in a gay bar, even though I'm into guys. Can't believe I would spend the entirety of my last night in NYC at a piano bar. Cause it's a Friggin' BLAST! CT (waiter, bartender, singer, HOTTIE), Greg (pianist, singer, comic relief), and Kelli (hope that's her name, bartender, singer) all made me feel welcome and even got me to the mic. Then they wondered why. Duplex on a Tues night is the shit! Don't mess w/ CT, though, he's mine! read more

The Duplex - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York