The Duplex

Came here to celebrate a friend's birthday and immediately felt the welcoming vibe the moment I…read morewalked in. In a cozy bar like this, the bartenders really set the tone and I must say, they were awesome. As soon as I moseyed up to the bar, I was immediate served. To my delightly surprise, they had 00 beers, which were iced cold too! The DJ spun some lively and eclectic music that the entire room was dancing too, song after song. They had a private party taking over the space at 10pm but if they didn't, we surely would have stayed much longer. I'll be back for sure and will keep this place in mind if I ever throw a private shing ding in the city!

Came here for a birthday celebration, and so glad I was able to check this spot. The music was…read moregreat, the vibes were fun. They had a small dance floor in front of the DJ but it was enough for some fun dancing. It was not packed at all. The decor was really cool and interesting lol they had an even at 10pm so we had to leave by then. I would definitely like to return next time, DJ was great!

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Sign above the bar

The Eagle

3.5(164 reviews)

1.2 mi•Chelsea

What an amazing Bar! situated on 28th street, easily accessible and the staff are phenomenal!…read morethey're kind, fun and honestly make you feel right at home. Loved my time there and would highly recommend anyone to go for a good night out or even a chill drink or three ;P. Love Love Love!!!! Colin xx

Not at all a friendly place, but that's not the business's fault. What is, is the "cash only"…read moreinconvenient policy to avoid paying payroll taxes, sales taxes, etc. If I have to pay taxes (personal and business), THEY should have to.

2.1 mi•Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, Theater District

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VERS

4.6(29 reviews)

I've been to this bar a few times and hosted an event here. The experience is always great! I love…read morethe vibe of this bar. It's a polished bar with a great happy hour. Their happy hour is every day until 8PM and should not be missed! I like to go here to meet up with friends or start the night out here. They have great event programming. I recommend their pop party on Fridays. They have well curated seasonal cocktails like a strawberry negroni and frozen guava margarita. The bartenders are all really nice and welcoming. I hosted my birthday here and the managing staff are very communicative and provide different, well priced packages based on the type of event you want. Everything went really smoothly during the event and the staff were very accommodating.

Vers is a slamming bar with awesome people, strong drinks, and a great atmosphere! We've been on a…read morefew nights and have always found good tunes and entertainment. Be sure to keep a few bucks in your pocket to tip the girls!

Montage of images from VERS

Try a seasonal specialty cocktail with fresh ingredients

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Behind the bar

The Boiler Room

3.6(189 reviews)

0.9 mi•East Village

Dear reader, although it pains me to say it, I have to give this rather dilapidated bar five stars…read more Why? You ask, with a look of horror on your face. Well... because at this place people actually TALK to each other. I stumbled into here after a fancy evening on the Lower East Side and quickly met a number of gentlemen from all walks of life. Really fantastic stuff, it's these sorts of meets that hold society together. So, although this place had a crumbling ceiling, a toilet in desperate need of renovation and a forest of mold erupting on its shutters, I am afraid I have to give it a five. Well done the Boiler Room! Although it would be nice if, next time, you accepted a $100 bill NB: Drinks are very cheap here! Being only $18 for three rum and cokes - a bargain!

I would give a 0 star if it was possible. I went evening yesterday and the bartender was denying…read moreservice and shaming this group of people, for another group's lack of tipping. Despite the place being very nice, the hostility of the employee ruined the vibe, and left the whole atmosphere undoubtedly awkward, even for those not involved. That employee needs to be reprimanded for their unprofessionalism.

1.7 mi•Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen, Theater District

Interior

Montage of images from The Boiler Room

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Red Eye NY

4.4(8 reviews)

Honestly an awful experience. The worst I've had. Bartender was unfriendly. The vibe of the place…read morewas dark (not in a good way) and drinks were mid. We paid $98 for two Malibu Pineapples and two "$10 shots" on their menu. Server handed us our check as soon as we got our drinks. Very empty and uninviting.

Stopped in to get a drink and kill time before our hotel check in. Ended up staying a while because…read morethe bartender was so nice, the drinks were good, and the vibe was chill.

Interior art

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The Cock

3.5(62 reviews)

0.8 mi•East Village

Late night fun place. Always full of surprises and fun! If you're looking for a fuckn fun place,…read morethis is it!

If you're looking for a very raunchy fun time with guys going at it everywhere, this is the place…read morefor you. Bartenders were incredibly friendly. The place smells like what you would expect, which can be a turn on or turn off for some. Definitely an experience.

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Outside

Cubbyhole

3.7(456 reviews)

0.3 mi•West Village

Always wanted to go and I had a great time here. Had a first date and I thought the vibes were…read moredope. Small and cozy with nice music playing in the back. Great ambiance and style around the bar. There's just one thing I hated. It's CASH ONLY. They have a ATM but I personally can't stand that shit. I'd love to give them a higher rating but I don't always want to take cash out to pay for every drink one at a time and or getting charged for taking cash out. Other than that. It's a cool once in a blue spot

Came here a couple of times with various groups of friends over the years. I've been told it is 1…read moreof 2 well known lesbian bars in the city. They were generally fun nights out. The bar itself is not a particularly big space and somewhat has dive bar vibes. Aside from one time during Pride, there's usually a decent amount of room to move around within the space. It should be noted that they only take cash, which is a bit of a throwback. Their ceiling is decorated colorfully and ornate.

2.3 mi•Hell's Kitchen, Theater District, Midtown West

Bathroom

Inside

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Flaming Saddles Saloon

3.9(241 reviews)

Most people call this the "gay Coyote Ugly" and honestly... they're not wrong. It's a 5-star vibe…read morefor me, but the onllllyyyyy ding is it's cash only--so come prepared or hit one of the ATMs inside. The bartenders are always friendly. What really makes Flaming Saddles stand out is the crowd late night. Once the other gay bars close, this is where everyone ends up. You'll see the "who's who" of Hell's Kitchen--drag queens, bartenders, nightlife folks--basically their after-work hang (or pregame, depending on your stamina) until 4AM. Jukebox is a cute touch too--just read the room. It's a country music bar after all.

A fun gay bar with cowboy vibes. A group of girls and I came by for a night out. We all had a round…read moreof tequila shots ($10 each) and sang along to the music. There are song requests that get queued into a Spotify playlist, but we couldn't quite figure out how it worked. Every half hour or so, all the bartenders do a little show on the bar, which is entertaining. Note that this bar is cash only and there are ATMs inside. Also recommend getting some singles to tip the dancers.

Bar

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Madame X

3.6(373 reviews)

0.5 mi•Greenwich Village

So we were in the area and I found the spot after looking for lounges. It's sort of like a…read morebasement. Apparently they have 2 floors, but I didn't get to check that out. As soon as we step in, the bar is right there. And the DJ is right by the window side as well. It is a little compact in the front than in the back which has the lounge area. I wasn't sure if those were like reserve. As for drinks, they were good, a little on the pricey side. But the music made up for it, and I like that they had free cold ice water. Because it does get hot in there even though they have AC running. Everybody was bopping, it was a good vibe and they are open till 3. Even the bartenders were dancing and having fun.

Booked the upstairs Bedouin room for my wifes birthday- it was great to work with the team to put…read morethe party together and the decor was awesome. The staff took great care of us, we hope to be back!

2.0 mi•Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen, Theater District

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The Ritz

3.3(324 reviews)

They are just as despicable as they've always been. Charging people for drinks that they didn't…read moreorder. The bartender's exact words were "Your friend should learn how to order a drink". Just because you are too inept to distinguish one order from another doesn't mean others should suffer from your stupidity. If one person orders and then another person orders, why would you assume those two people are on the same tab? And then make the second person pay for a strangers drinks without even an apology? Ritz was closed for taking advantage of innocent people and they should have stayed closed. Also, don't pay attention to these paid 5 star reviews. They are obviously paid to heighten Ritz' star rating. You've been warned!!!

I remember way back when The Ritz first opened. It was the coolest, hippest bar in Hells Kitchen…read more It expanded upstairs. The vibe was fun and we were there several nights every week and especially weekends. RuPaul's Drag Race ruled at least one night a week. The Ritz is not ritzy anymore, and in need of a facelift. The front bar is the only area serving during happy hour, and later during some weeknights. We still managed to have a good time last week as "tourists" but The Ritz is no longer The Place to be. We hope for a shot of botox so it can be true to its neon sign again: F*cking Gorgeous.

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38 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Joel L.

233

7 years ago

Piano bars have a reputation for being old fashioned and perhaps a bit dull. That reputation springs from too many bad hotel lounges and wannabe jazz clubs. Which is why every time I am in New York City I make certain to visit one of the last great piano bars in the country, The Duplex. I was lucky enough to bring my dad with me for their "Singer Spotlight at The Duplex." Musical Director Darius Frowner leads the packed crowd through a night of amazing music. Part of the magic of the Singer Spotlight at The Duplex is you never know what you are going to hear or from whom. Starting the evening was bartender Maria Gentile with "Walking in Memphis"--yes, it's a karaoke and piano bar standard, but she made it her own with tambourine in hand. Two invited artists for the evening were Sarah Rose Shaiman who brought the house down with "The Girl in 14G" and Ryan McCurdy who sang broadway standards with a twist. Tara O'Donnell is the stunning redhead behind the bar whose numbers powerfully yet gracefully ranged from "Les Miserables" to Alanis Morissette. On the floor bringing folks their drinks and a diva who must be seen and heard is Taylor-Ray MacInnis who goes by T-Rex. Seeing her belt out "Take Me or Leave Me" from "Rent" was a highlight. Make sure to grab a cocktail and listen to the staff sing--yet what is amazing about The Duplex are the singers who drop in for a while and do a number or two. There were tourists who sing, like me and my dad from Texas, and folks from as far away as Australia. The music tends to lean toward showtunes, Elton John, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga and Pop. Darius keeps the singers sounding their best and deftly moves from singer to singer and style to style. I have to say it's a true pleasure to be accompanied by someone so skilled at making you sound your best. If you are too shy to sing by yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to sing along with the crowd. In fact you will find it tough not to join in the fun and sing. One of the regular crooners who dropped by was the dapper and handsome Jay Rivera who sang "For the Longest Time" with a bunch of the guys and the harmonies were spot on. He also sang in a triumphant version of "One Day More," the stunning first act closer from "Les Miserables," with other singers covering all the parts--a seemingly spontaneous interlude that had everyone on their feet. If you can't make it for the singer spotlight on Mondays & Thursdays, make certain to drop in any night of the week. The piano bar is open every night and you never know who might drop in and sing. The intimacy of The Duplex is infectious. You feel like you are someplace really special and you don't want the night to end or the drinks to stop. Speaking of drinks, the bartenders are fast and they make great craft cocktails. Bottom Line: for the level of entertainment and the fact that there is no cover, Singer Spotlight at The Duplex is one of the best entertainment bargains in New York City. My 74-year-old dad is already egging me to go back! read more

Simone P.

5 years ago

Decided to check out the Duplex 2 nights ago. I work in the industry so I never use yelp as I am well aware of how little accuracy actually exists in these reviews, but I feel compelled to post in this instance. I ordered a vodka/soda and sat at the bar. About a quarter way into my drink I found what looked to be a big clump of mold. I'm very aware of how much it takes to run a bar and follow the many health and safety regulations, but this was really upsetting. I want to go out and not worry that by ordering a drink I am putting my health at risk. When I asked the bartender about it he did not seem surprised and offered to pour me another, which I politely turned down. He also seemed annoyed by the situation. I asked him if this has happened before and he said yes, we need to clean our ice bin and that they keep telling the manager about it. Thankfully, I do not work here nor come in as a regular because anyone who does has just been drinking mold this whole time. This is why I felt compelled to let people know. Can they rectify this issue? Sure, easily. But, the fact that something like that was pushed off before is a sign this bar does not care about the health of their customers or their staff. Their staff, who all seemed completely miserable. I felt for them. Again, I truly love my fellow service industry folx, but I want to go out where I'm not drinking mold and worrying about whether the staff are being mistreated. read more

smokey K.

15 years ago

Duplex: This is my first criticism of a comedy club in over a decade of performing stand up, and yes- I am one of the few comics that actually support the bartender heavily. If there were ever such a case of attention deprivation for a so called comedian to try his hand at stand up, this is it. The host literally is dying for attention to the degree that he actually holds a mic in the back the room talking over the comedian as they perform. What's even worse is the fact that he truly believes he is the first at doing this old trick....it's been done for decades but since comedy has been making a come back this old hack is trying to reclaim it with the disguise of being "original". If you wish to enjoy a room of local new comics, enjoy. But if you truly enjoy the art of comedy, please avoid!! The host is disgusting! Just to give you insight with an ego of this host I am pretty sure he will come back with either a retaliation within a few minutes of this post or paying this site to have it removed due to his constant obsession with checking on potential criticisms of himself such as this...dude, when the Broadway career never took off that doesn't imply to take a go at stand up - respect the stage and get off!! read more

André S.

10 years ago

My wife and I come occasionally from Quebec to NY for shows, and to hear jazz late at night. We both sing and I play piano. One of those week end, walking from Blue Note to Vanguard, we crossed the Duplex Bar and were attracted and surprised to hear "live" music. The surprise was just starting. A unique and unreal experience of a family team, hosting guests, serving and driving the music and singing to a professional level. We had that feeling of a private show with unknown "friends". And permanent smiles all around. And then the show was opened to guests, brightly sustained by the pianist - that obviously knows every songs on earth. Still, the quality of the performance was amazing. How could we resist, Linda and I decided to dive into the show and presented two French songs that made our first Tour in New York... We are very lucky to have discovered the Duplex in that huge city of NY, and be sure we will come back. read more

Liam W.

10 years ago

DARIUS FROWNER ON THE KEYS!!!! This guy is absolutely dynamite! I went to the Duplex this past Thursday with a few friends and this guy Darius put on a hell of show at the piano. Darius runs the Singer's Spotlight on Mondays and Thursdays from 9pm - 4am. This man is super funny and so kind. He somehow gets these amazingly talented singers to show up every time. We heard rock, gospel and even some show tunes. The highlight of the evening was when Darius had us do this massive group sing along straight out of Sister Act. There are no bystanders at this joint. Everybody sings, from NYC locals who just sing for fun to tourists. The mic is wide open! You may even run into a broadway vet. The bartenders are wonderful as well, especially Maria. She gets up and sings when she isn't pouring drinks and blows it out of the park every time! Check out Singer's Spotlight at the Duplex! read more

Snapper R.

16 years ago

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE! Went there with some pals on Thursday night. We went to hear the piano player doing the showtunes as advertised. It was supposed to start at nine. About half past, we started to wonder if there would indeed be a show. We were simply asking amongst ourselves if we had gotten the info wrong or what. The piano player took issue with that, and when he did finally start to play, he inserted insults into his songs (not showtunes by the way) aimed at us..."la la la, you dicks, la la la"...and so on. He then proceeded to stop playing to argue with one member of our party and continued to insult us. What an @sshole. On top of all of this, the bar was not even 1/4 full yet the bartender was hard to find, acted like he didn't want to get anyone a beer and it seemed to pain him to do it when he finally got around to it. We will never spend our money there again. read more

Isabella A.

2 months ago

A man was filming me and my three girl friends and the bartender kicked us out and not the man. As we were talking to the bouncer and being neglected a man came out and said he witnessed the entire thing and said the man filming was in the wrong. The bouncer did not agree and told us to leave for being annoying. If this doesn't scream misogyny and homophobia than I don't know what does. I want to feel safe when I go to the bar. For something that prides themselves on being inclusive, I didn't feel included. Don't go to this place if you're a woman or gay. It's all for show. This place is a fucking shithole fraud. BTW I put a one star but I would put a -5 if I could. read more

Ryan M.

12 years ago

I've been visiting The Duplex regularly for about three months but it feels like I've been going there forever. The staff are exceptional, the drinks are unique, and the piano bar atmosphere always feels exciting - with the added bonus of never knowing who you're going to hear/meet next. Musical director Darius Frowner puts together an exceptional Singers' Spotlight every Monday and Thursday with guest singers and instrumentalists (including - full disclosure - this reviewer). You can tell he loves his job and he shares that joy with the crowd. Special shout-out to Maria and her blackberry Manhattans. I've found a new weekly haunt and I couldn't be happier. read more

Sophia S.

9 years ago

Excellent neighborhood hangout. Keeping piano bar alive, fresh, and always new. I love hearing new music and new voices, and the staff delivers. Forget Sweet Caroline and Journey, you can hear everything from Beyoncé to Spring Awakening to Scissor Sisters and it is all live! The drag shows upstairs are also exceptional, I highly recommend them for anyone interested in seeing true New York City drag at its very best. They were even at DragCon! This bar is still open after almost 60 years because it stays true to its core and evolves with time, it never feels stale or out of date. Don't miss it! #NotYourDaddysPianoBar read more

Allison G.

107

8 years ago

What a special place! I've been frequenting the Duplex for 11 years now. It's been a place that holds more memories that I can even recall, including meeting amazing people and friends, meeting my boyfriend and celebrating countless events including charity fundraisers, proposals and bdays and having an overall incredible time. The staff is no short of perfect, whether enjoying a show in the famous cabaret theater, downstairs listening to singers belt out tunes or upstairs chatting with the charming and handsome bartenders. Do yourself a favor and head on over to the Duplex. It's truly a NYC gem. read more

Suzy S.

7 years ago

Oh my goodness, the Duplex! We spent a day and a half in NYC, and thought about seeing a show on Friday night, but we decided to go here instead. Best decision ever! We spent the evening (and into the wee hours of the night) downstairs in the piano bar. The customers were super friendly, the staff was amazing, and they were such talented singers, too! Adam was hilarious, and with Michael on piano, you couldn't go wrong! It was truly the highlight of our trip, and in some small way, it restored my faith in humanity. Who'd have thought?!? Just go! You won't regret it! read more

Robert S.

10 years ago

I have been going to The Duplex for 25 years. The atmosphere is welcoming to everyone regardless of their sexual identity or skin color. I was there last night...at the same time a party was happening upstairs in the bar with Michael Dionne. The people throwing the party were offering the food to the ENTIRE BAR!!! Strangers of every skin color and sexual preference were celebrating life together last night. A huge THANK YOU to The Duplex for being such a wonderful place in the West Village. read more

Barbara B.

7 years ago

Thursday evening Aron Bederson brought the house down with his beautiful baritone voice. Aron entered from the rear walking through the tables surprising us all. Mr Bederson sang Broadway--from Les Cage Aux Folle--Song on the Sand, If We Only Have Love, Rainbow Sleeves and many more. The Pianist was wonderful and everything flowed so well. The Duplex is a great place for Aron to perform. Make it a point to attend one of Aron Bederson's shows--I know you will thank me. read more

Caitlin M.

227

7 years ago

I love coming to the Duplex for their "Singer Spotlight" nights! They're just such a uniquely West Village experience. Darius is great on the keys and always makes sure to get the whole room involved. (Yes, he takes requests!) Pair that with Sally Anne behind the bar, T-Rex serving the floor, and both of them killing it on the occasional song, and it's a night that's hard to beat! read more

Jennifer M.

13 years ago

Fun time had by all on Karaoke night! The bartender we had was a hoot! Theeeen we went upstairs for a change of scenery and the bartender was not so great...I felt ignored..guess I didn't have the right anatomy ;) Still I'll give Duplex another try because my over all experience was good! read more

Silv D.

8 years ago

Some of my friends and i were enjoying the parade, we stop by the duplex and my fav bartender was there. ..he was just so welcoming with a huge smile and very attentive, i love the duplex for everything they offer but not doubt john is the best. Thumbs up guys, i love your place. read more

Dan M.

8 years ago

This is an awful and discriminatory place. I came with 3 friends and not only did the bouncer not pet us in for no reason, he also manhandled and inappropriately grabbed us. We will be filing charges and I hope to see Duplex disappear forever read more

Mischa H.

Elite 22

162

257

133

10 months ago

a bar must clearly disclose any mandatory fees upfront on the menu or signage. They cannot apply a surcharge or mandatory gratuity to a two-person party unless it is explicitly disclosed to the customer before they order. read more

Rey C.

5 years ago

A scam work of art if you are under the influence. Not cool for being billed for 4 rounds when you and your party only has two rounds. Its a scam and our waitress sara is a scam artist . Skip if necessary. read more

Mark W.

7 years ago

Our favorite (solo) piano bar in town! Always a hoot. Colorful characters, riotous entertainment and Maria makes a killer drink. Ask Brian for his one-man ONE DAY MORE. (It's worth the $20!!!) read more

The Duplex - gaybars - Updated September 2026

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We had fun. It was kind of empty. We played pool, and darts! Had four drinks. $8 drinks not bad at…read moreall. Bartender was very nice and so was Queen of drag... telenovela! We will be back.

Well-priced haven from the straights on a Friday night. It's dive-like, not divey: The ceiling…read moreheight is good and the place is decent-sized. There's a pool table which adds class even if you have no interest in playing. Yes it's male-dominated, but no one's obnoxious about it. My aperol spritz tasted good and was filling with just one. The bartender couldn't hear that I didn't want a straw but that's cool, he was attentive otherwise like giving us the Wi-Fi passcode (a clever one) without missing a beat.

Dive Bar Lounge

(86 reviews)

This was a fun find for me and Jamie W. as we were looking to wet our whistles before a Broadway…read moreshow. It's in the heart of Hell's Kitchen on the corner of 10th Avenue and 47th Street, so it was far enough away from the teeming masses at Times Square. Except for the rainbow paraphernalia, it looked relatively nondescript, but then its name should be a dead giveaway. That's not to say it wasn't pleasant in an early seventies "Boys in the Band" kind of way. The interior was relatively compact, and the thumping house music was a bit much for us. Fortunately they've set up a lot of outdoor seating where the music was muted. I assume that was at the behest of the residential neighborhood. Locals walked by without incident. The weather was quite balmy when we visited NYC. So the big draw for us was the $11 Frozen Margarita which came in a variety of flavors like it was a shave ice stand in Honolulu (photo: https://yelp.to/wdvmbXh7IM). We went with Mango first but switched to Pineapple and Raspberry for our seconds (photo: https://yelp.to/DDzgLaVX86). Loved the chill vibe so much we came back a couple of days later for more men...I mean margaritas. Yum. DRINKS - 4 stars...the margaritas really hit the spot AMBIANCE - 4 stars...the patio seating was relaxing far away from the Times Square insanity SERVICE - 3.5 stars...not as curt as I heard TOTAL - 4 stars...a gay dive bar worth the walk RELATED - Exploring NYC's dining and drinking scene? Here's a collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2YS9ELs

One of the few places left in NYC that has a kitchen open past 11 pm. Not sure what happened to the…read morecity that never sleeps. Food was good and nice IPA draft list. Good service

No Bar

3.0

(21 reviews)

Came to this establishment for a date, and I fell in love from the moment I saw this place from the…read morestreet! The bar manager was really welcoming (I needed to use the bathroom when I got there, instead of just directing me, he walked me over) and laid everything out that I'd have needed to know really clearly. Seating is first come first served, and you order from the bar; the kitchen and bar both had fast service. I got the burger to eat, which was actually really substantial and delicious. Everything was cooked well. The drinks were strong, and delicious! You can also grab a deck of playing or uno cards for the table in case you want to do let your competitive side out a little bit. There was a live DJ playing who was AMAZING, and helped to set the perfect vibe for a Thursday night. I'll absolutely be back!

What a wonderful experience we had at NO BAR, located at the entrance of the Standard Hotel. As…read moresoon as you enter, a wonderful aroma fills your nostrils, commonly found in fancy hotel lobbies. The concierge (Lee Kim) was able to kindly share with us the name of this captivating smell. Grateful! We shared oysters and delicious bites. The latter delicacies surprised us with how tasty they were for bar food in New York, which we are used to consuming with a fatty and tasteless overtone; these were the total opposite! Delicate presentation, delicious taste. The modern, yet elegant decor was nice on the eyes, the lighting was sexy, and the music was entrancing. No negative point here, we are definitely coming back!

Ty's

3.8

(76 reviews)

The best place in the Village and favorite Bar from day one when I stepped into the bar some 40…read moreyears ago.

Opened in 1972, Ty's isn't as old as Julius' nearby (review: https://yelp.to/KjKqALij-A). It's…read moreabout six years younger, but it felt more centrally located on Christopher Street. Coincidentally Jamie W. and I came by right after a visit to Julius', and both bars share the same casual neighborhood hangout vibe. Ty's felt smaller, but that was mostly because there was no pool table here. Unless you plan to nurse a few at the bar, I think this was more a place to drop by for one and then move onto the next place. Or maybe that was just us. Drinks were dirt cheap, $6 each for a Tequila Sunrise and a Gin & Tonic, and they came in beer mugs (photo: https://yelp.to/FHkY4uqcY1). They were pretty stiff from what I recall. We knew if we had another, we'd be under the floorboards. DRINKS - 4 stars...big and stiff AMBIANCE - 4 stars...about as casual as you'd expect SERVICE - 3.5 stars...the glass mugs were a nice touch TOTAL - 4 stars...not the oldest gay bar in town but definitely among the friendliest RELATED - Looking for gay bars...around the world? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3LJO7fd

Juke Bar

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I had my birthday party here and we had a great time! Shoutout to the staff for helping me with…read moreeverything! They named a drink after me and helped me with the catering and music.

This place has such a fun vibe! Good music. Cool people. Good drinks. Exactly what I expect from a…read moregood East Village bar. I had my birthday in the VIP room and Rory couldn't have been kinder and more accommodating when scheduling and the room was perfect. And shockingly, there was no minimum to reserve whereas other places charge an arm and a leg. Jackson was our bartender and made the perfect drinks and was just a lovely human overall. And when I told him LCD Soundsystem was my favorite band, he put on a bunch of songs which made my birthday PERFECT. 5 stars for this place. Highly recommend.

Zinc Bar

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(253 reviews)

I came here on a last minute whim when a friend invited me to see a Jazz Show. I didn't know what…read moreto expect, but was pleasantly surprised despite the $40 cover charge. There are live shows daily from 7 and 8:30pm with lines forming half an hour beforehand, so come early. Once inside, you're welcomed to this sexy and dark bar leading into the back room. There isn't really any bad seats in the house as it felt intimate. Before the show started, a waitress came around to take your drink orders and they were great about refilling drinks even throughout without disturbing anyone. The Jazz show was so impressive and such a vibe. It really brought you to another decade in New York. The cocktails were $20 each with mocktails being $16, which is pretty average for Manhattan. There's lots of Frank Sinatra inspiration on the menu, which fits the atmosphere here.

It's absolutely gorgeous inside, the velvet upholstered seats and mirrored walls along with that…read moreclassic zinc bar top make you feel like you've stepped back in time to another New York. Of course the one time I went with my friend they didn't have any live jazz, but I'm wondering if that's the reason we were able to get a table as I've read other reviews saying this place often had a long line. Their cocktails are expensive, but strong and very creative. I got the Birth of the Cool, which had citrus vodka, grapefruit noice, elderflower liqueur and fresh lime juice. It was so tart and refreshing... but priced at a whopping $20 for that small glass. Whatever. We also got two Nutty Irishmen ($23), which had espresso, brandy, Bailey's, and hazelnut liqueur- super rich and very boozy indeed. Although cocktail prices are steep I would absolutely go back. It's a really cool spot.

Playhouse Bar

3.1

(37 reviews)

Jamie W and i were about to go to Marie's Crisis Cafe to warble Sondheim in our best Michael…read moreFeinstein 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 AMBIANCE - 4 stars...cavernous space, nice long bar 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_

There was a Rupaul's Drag Race viewing. Two episodes so it seem to lose interest with the crowd…read more Loved the d drag show by the ass Assassins. All 4 were fabulous. 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!

Cafe Wha?

(489 reviews)

Absolutely loved this place. Amazing house band and such a fun atmosphere. Drinks were also pretty…read moregood and the fries were actually pretty good too. Service was also pretty good and bathroom was clean considering how busy it was.

Music was great Christian and the security staff were…read moreoutstanding. However, server didn't deliver the hospitality for the popular spot. Would suggest better customer service.

Outer Heaven

(27 reviews)

I got to meet this "big boss", he's a pretty cool guy. I definitely would recommend the burgers…read morethey have made by chef miller. I'd definitely come back again.

Love the vibe of this hidden gem and great sound quality! There is a bar counter with some tables…read moreand also a Dj booth and chairs. I love the cocktails and the music flow on the floor was getting crowded. So chill and was a nice Thursday evening!

Gym Sportsbar

(129 reviews)