I've been going to The Monster for years. It used to be such a great place for gay men to drink, dance, sing, and make friends (some with benefits). That all changed after the COVID-19 pandemic. When the bar initially re-opened after the 2020 lockdown, seating was restricted to outdoors, but most of us didn't mind. We were simply glad we as gay men still had a place of our own when so many others closed their doors for good. Once indoor activities resumed, the place suddenly became a haven for young, single, and predominately heterosexual (white) females. It began with a few of them coming with their gay male friends, but then all of a sudden they started showing up in droves; particularly on Friday nights. They're usually super drunk, loud, and rude upon entrance. They spill drinks all over the place, while stumbling around the dance floor with stupid dancing and annoying screaming. They push and shove their way to the bars and upstairs restroom, but then complain to the security staff about "being touched". Some of them even become combative and physical, which sometimes leads to gay men being removed just to pacify them, even though it's a GAY BAR. Many of the regulars aren't happy with them taking over a space that wasn't intended for them, but according to the staff, they need a safe space where they don't have to fear unwanted advances from straight men. That seems a little odd to me because many of them return regularly with their heterosexual male friends and boyfriends in tow. They gather in big groups at the bar and block spaces while they kiss and make out. This is frustrating for the bartenders and other customers wanting to order drinks because they won't move aside. Some of the guys even get mad if another man hits on them, but again, it's a GAY BAR, "Bro"! I've found myself going less frequently because I simply do not enjoy the place any more. It no longer feels like a fun place for gay men, but more like a twisted form of gentrification, except it's the gay customers are being pushed out of spaces we created. I'm looking for other bars and venues that haven't compromised the freedoms we fought so hard to achieve in the West Village. At the end of the day, capitalism rules, so I suppose a dollar is a dollar regardless of the hand it's attached to. I'm not saying these people can't support the business, but we as gay men should not be made to feel like visitors in our own establishment. read more

I used to come to monster pretty regularly when I was 21-23 and it's because it's such a fun place. You can get really strong drinks and enjoy a show of basically instagram models dancing around. However since I have moved and on my recent visit I could not have been more flabbergasted by the dancers. I mean they're all practically on their phones and not paying attention to the people. It just made me really upset going back and visiting and it completely washed off the memories that I have going there. I find it now that the audience of people who go here are older men, but hey it is what it is. Go there for the drinks and stay upstairs so you don't pay the fee of going downstairs where the show is. read more

Really good bar and good vibe at happy hour. Great to go to when Stonewall is too touristy. The only thing is: they don't let people on the stage which I understand. But sometimes. You wanna turnt up. Ask about happy hour specials and please tip on the original price of the drank. read more

Drinks where nice, average NYC prices more than less, the door man was nice, the bar has been around forever and I always support a local landmark considering. Bartender last night was unnecessarily SASSY/rude as I sat down at the bar with a friend who had been waiting for me, he offered me a water, I said I was fine, no thank you " verbatim", then with a unpleasant attitude the man said we "always offer water", and rolled his eyes and walked away " I didn't ask for any water, but thank you ".The crowd was .... left my 24 percent tip and went on my way. Don't know what that was all about, but first impressions are everything. read more

do not come here if you ware gay! the bouncers are horrible! especially tonight!!!!! i have never been disappointed as much going into my gay bar! read more

Monster is an institution that has been around for and just a part of NYC as I remember it. It has always been there. It is usually attracts and older clientele and patrons who like them. The bar and the piano is the center piece of the bar on a regular night. Plenty of Broadway showtunes and everything in between as people sing their hearts out. The club downstairs plays a variety of Latin music and dance for those who want to get their groove on. It is pleasant bar. Relaxed atmosphere and the bartenders are friendly as well as the people. read more

While bar hopping in the village last Sunday we stumbled into this bar, just in time to see a man in a white tux jacket with a gorgeous crystal encrusted sprite clutch with at the piano....we came for one drink but stayed for hours. I was belting out standards and felt right at home. Can't wait to go back! read more

I asked for a drink. And I waited for 30 -40 minutes. And NO DRINK. I think that they refused to serve me because I'm Asian. #STOPASIANHATE

Some weird stuff going on here. My friends and I had a very odd night at the monster last weekend and it sounds pretty similar to the review below..weird patrons following us around the bar and then outside, the bouncer not letting us out the door...be careful. I would agree that there are some shady characters preying on drunk people. read more

Terrible bar. Worst it's been since my first visit in 1985, due to very poor quality and overpriced drinks and no Happy Hour despite internet showing HH from 4-9pm! Think of the worst quality wine you've ever had, and a small glass was $10. A crappy well tequila drink was $12. We ordered two of each thinking that it was HH. But no, there was no HH. So some very shitty drinks and tip ended up being over $50. We were wondering why the place was empty - there were only 3 other customers inside and a few outside - but now we know. STAY AWAY! They are just profiting on the few gays left who enjoy going to gay bars. Instead of the Monster I would highly recommend REBAR in Chelsea ($6 HH drinks, $12 for top-shelf after HH) or INDUSTRY in Hell's kitchen ($8 top-shelf during HH and $12 after HH) for a much nicer space, crowd and all-around good time. Or if you like a piano bar, try Marie's crisis around the corner and get better music and drinks at half the price. read more

Current ownership is despicable at the Monster. Once a very nice place. As you can see with 4 consecutive negative reviews beneath mine regarding management and the loser door attendant who loves to play boss and toss folks out without indicating a reason. The price of a well drink is $11 and they switched over to the small glasses which hold 50% as much. All in all, they create situations for their regulars to spend top dollar to dance in a musty basement that hasn't been renovated since 1980. Don't patronize them. I'm certain their doors will soon be closing. The crowds are half the size they were since Chris (current owner) has turned the place into a total drag queen low class mess as they solicitate you for tips to the borderline of harassing you for money which the Owner defending them and having no regard to the long- standing customers who supported this place for the last 30 years. read more

Cash only? - Yes. Overpriced? - Yes. Rude bartenders? - Yes. Piano bar gone bad? - Yes. Basement party after 11 pm? - Yes. Well drink specials before 8 pm? - Yes. Would I go again? - Oh hell no! read more

Two floors of pure fun. The drinks were amazing, and they do not go light in the alcohol, they make that sh.t strong. The dancers were amazing. My favorite was niko, smells amazing, chill, and super hot. read more

.I revisited Monster on 5/21/22. I paid a $10 cover charge and $10-$12 for a _dinky_ rum and coke. Monster was crowded, especially downstairs where the stage, plinths, and dance floor are (and the lap dance area.) The piano player for karaoke was novel and enjoyable. The "Spunk" go-go boys were a diverse group of buff guys. I got a lap dance from the short but amazingly solidly built Latino musculoso ($70 but well worth it.) He was awesome! I will definitely go back next time I am in NYC. read more

I am very upset, on the 27th I got my 2nd vaccine and showed proof they let me inside. But a few days later they said I can't enter until the 2 full weeks. I am upset because I was very honest on may 27th that I just got my 2nd vaccine and they said it's okay to come in, but I am upset that I am being given different information I am very disappointed with the entire situation read more

I used to frequent this bar as it always has fantastic music and hot dancers. Last night, however, was my last night. I arrived with a friend, a trans-man. I flashed my ID and then my friend flashed his (which has a photo from much earlier in his transition) and the bouncer says "This isn't you" My friend responds "I'm trans" Bouncer - "I need to see another form of ID" My friend gave him another form of ID. Bouncer - "No, this isn't you." My friend explained that his pic was from 3 years ago and went to offer ANOTHER piece of identification. I looked at the pictures and they are all clearly him. The bouncer sent us away. I was infuriated! Trans people of color have enough on their plates. Gay clubs and queer spaces should be safe places. Either he was transphobic or racist... And seeing the other reviews here, I'm quite sure it was both. I am both saddened and disappointed by this transpiring. I'm surprised this place is still standing after all the bad reviews. Another racist and transphobic gay bar for the cis white gays to storm. Yay. read more

Terrible place!! Not what it used to be. You are given a seat... you are rushed to drink... they dont let you stay past 2 hours... you cannot really relax... bad bad bad read more

If there is a cover I wouldn't know since they didn't charge me one when I visited. I guess us straight boys get all the special treatment with our virginal buttholes and all that good stuff. And unlike the movie by the same name there were no hooker lesbians with a nasty habit of killing johns by the side of the freeway here while a breeze flows through their mullets. What I did find was a cozy neighborhood bar at street level with a downstairs disco complete with an underwear clad dancing boy to greet you upon entrance. The music was gaytastic and the clientele was rainbow-esque in more ways than one. But in case you are afraid that this place might be too over the top, they do have their limits...especially on the dance floor: *clicky* http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/oJcXo54vgIG2YHZM53EJ2Q/l read more

The Monster - no parking on the dancefloor... - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Good atmosphere, strong drinks, friendly bartenders. Just be careful when paying with card since there is a mandatory minimum 20% tip which is not normal for just getting drinks. But you have no choice if using a card, you either pay cash tip or 20% at a minimum if with a card. The screen doesn't allow you to go lower. read more

The Monster has been around almost forever and was the first gay bar my gay uncle took me to when I was a wee lad and I didn't even realize I was a gay wee lad. I guess he knew before me LOL. It certainly hasn't changed too much over the years, with its piano bar on the main floor and disco nightly (with cover) in the basement. My friends and I used to go downstairs to party the nights away before the Hells Kitchen exodus. Now we come here mainly for happy hour for a drink or two. They don't have many HH specials, and they aren't publicized so ask the bartender. The drinks are poured strong or maybe the small glasses make it seem so. The crowd seated around the bar is like a neighborhood Cheers where it appears most regulars know each other. Prepare to make a mad dash once they put out a few hot and cold finger appetizers. The Monster is one of the last remaining gay bars that is cash only, so obviously their target market trends older. Most younger guys rarely carry cash and expect the bars (and everywhere else) to allow cards. Minus a star for covering up their electrical outlets. Unlike other gay bars that have added outlets for their customers to emergency charge their smartphones, the Monster went in the opposite direction. read more

This is great place to party and have a heck of a good time! If you wants drinks that are not to expensive and really made well. You will meet interesting people who have great stories to tell. Time flies there and it's because of the fun you will have. I recommend it to all. read more

I really wanted to like this space and up until recently have been a few times in passing. I was there over the weekend celebrating my friend's birthday and was super taken aback by rude treatment from staff and some patrons. Bartenders routinely snubbed me and took drink orders of other patrons first (who all seemed to be male), regulars cut me in the coat check line, and the coat check attendant ignored me when I asked about it. Despite the bathroom on the top floor being "gender neutral" with a sign indicating that stalls were for female-identifying patrons & urinals for males (with additional stalls for any gender on bottom level), male customers were using the stalls anyway. During one bathroom trip later in the night, I got the nasty surprise of sitting on a toilet seat soaked in urine. While I enjoyed the $5 margs and the piano bar, I did not appreciate the lack of inclusivity, perhaps because of my cisgendered-ness? As a queer-identifying minority with a background in public health and social work, I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, but in this situation there was no doubt I was purposely being Othered. read more

Went last Saturday and the unfriendly (and difficult to understand) doorman asked to see my driver's license. I'm in my early 70s and hardly underage. More significantly, he scanned the barcode on the back of the license, so as to possibly steal my personal information and use it to create a fake ID. Given the overpriced drinks and the treatment at the door, I won't be back. read more

I popped in on Friday night because a friend need to get her ya-yas out and wanted to meet some ladies. I went as support. Here's my night: [Door guys] Rummaged through bags like they were looking to find bad things. Don't bring your bad things to this bar. Not a friendly vibe to start. [Cover] I knew the password, because my friends told me, so the $10 fee was waived instantly. [Drinks] Small cocktail glasses, $8 for a jack and diet. Kind of pricey. Service was fine. [Upstairs] The guys around the piano upstairs were painfully annoying while waiting in the longest line ever for the 1 bathroom available. [Downstairs] Bar downstairs runs alongside the dance floor. Great music at first, hits from all over the place, now, 80s, 90s, pop, hip hop, funk - fun stuff for a while, and then it turned too techno. Ladies loving on ladies, mans loving on mans, and the rest of us boppin our heads, except for the.. [Creepers] I saw so many creepy with a capital C Creepsters in that basement watching girls dance with each other. Trying to blend in, and literally grabbing butts right and left. It was too much for me, I had to go. I don't know if the girls noticed, because they were mostly into looking for other girls - but it totally creeped me out. I got my butt smacked by creeper dudes a few too many times. G-ross! read more

I keep putting it off but here it goes. Everytime we've gone here it smells like sewer inside (With Covid and outdoor seating obviously this is not an issue). But when things reopen avoid this place. They're cheap and won't fix obvious things. Using Pine Sol to cover it up just makes it worse. Someone will get sick and die one day from the black mold Legionaires type air! AVOID. read more

From my early days. But still a good place to sing, have drinks and meet friends in a fun public setting. Worth a visit. The people are always friendly here...Like the "Cheers" of the West Village. read more

Who doesn't love a piano bar? Um, I guess only me and few gay men. lol. This place is known for their Monster margaritas and older gay men comfortable in their own skin...What more could you want for happy hour during a thunderstorm? There's plenty of seats at the bar, it wraps around the entire bar, so you can get a clear view of everyone in the joint, if that's what you're looking for. If you're a gay man in your 30s and 40's, this is a nice place to hang your glass for a while. Great happy hour deals, the kind of place where everyone knows each other by name, the music is not too loud and there's a glass case that floats above the bar filled with a collection of fine collection of figurines. I think they also have men's burlesque downstairs, although I didn't get to wander down there on this dark and stormy evening.... Cheers, Monsters. read more

The Monster - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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The bartender, who thinks he's God's gift with a decent chest, a heap of attitude and the intellect of a dead flashlight battery, returned the wrong change, keeping a $5.00 for himself. When I asked, the ageist insults started to fly. It's a cold day in hell when the "help" talks back to me. Never again at this dump. read more

Warning: cash only! Entrance fee of $8 & coat check is $2 per article. Upstairs is more of a pub/bar atmosphere & they have a piano and people were singing Xmas songs. Downstairs was the club and had a stage on which gogo boys danced and had a drag performer (who danced rather than did a comical performance). Wasn't a fan of the music and seemed like an older crowd in general. read more

The Monster - Drag performance - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Awesome spot this review is based soley on the bottom floor. There is a 5 cover to get downstairs and it is worth it. Sexy men half naked w/ nice worked out bodies. What more could I ask for? If you want a lap dance you get taken to the back. Sadly, I did not get a lap dance, times are hard and looking is free. It is nice to go into a place and not have to worry about getting picked up. There are mirrors everywhere and a cute little stage with a gold poll. Some men were walking around showing their tight muscular booties. Seriously this place is a gay mans dream, not to mention it was a Wednesday night. Too bad there wasn't any frontal nudity . :::Bathroom Alert::: Well this is where the 1 star gets taken out. The bathroom is all the way upstairs. I wasn't too pleased about that. Inside the bathroom which wasn't too big was a little messy. I noticed that the toliet paper was about to finish if 6 more girls went to the bathroom. Right before we left one of the bartenders were very helpful and told us another spot to hit up. We thanked him and was on our way. BTW CASH ONLY BAR! read more

In here now. A bit loud but it's LGBT Pride Month. Strong drinks. Relatively quick and courteous service from the bartenders. Good conversation with the other customers. read more

The Monster - inside bar - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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People danced here and I mean danced - well downstairs anyway. I only gave this place 3 stars, because if I was to use the restroom here - I would be frightened. From what I saw, the restroom really need to be clean for a girl like me. YIKES! I prefer other gay bars, with cleaner restrooms. There aren't many, but I remember the Ritz was actually clean. read more

Unfortunately had a very disappointing end to my evening at The Monster. I tried to exit the club and a club worker called Ebie grabbed me viciously with his long sharp nails and wouldn't let me leave the regular exit of the club. The way he grabbed me was aggressive and completely out of order. I told Ebie to be a gentle and not to handle me that way. His response was to call the bouncer and asked for me to be removed from the club. Have always had an amazing time at The Monster - the staff are usually incredibly friendly and professional. This behavior from Ebie was abusive and is unacceptable read more

Wandered in here looking for a gay bar. As two ladies, we were the only two ladies In there on a Friday night. The bar tender Was friendly and nice. We got 2 $5 liquor drinks which were really strong and rather gross. But way cheaper than the $7 bud lights down the blocks at Marie's Crisis. read more

The Monster - Strong and gross - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This was one of my favorite gay bars I visited when I was in town visiting from Chicago over Presidents Day weekend. The whole Greenwich Village area had a nice Lincoln Park / college town vibe compared to most of the rest of Manhattan. While I liked the history of Stonewall across the street, that more iconic bar was super crowded, to the point where I literally couldn't even order a drink after an hour. At Monster, there was space to breathe! Was initially a little annoyed there was a cover charge, but it was worth it. The whole ground level has a laid-back piano bar vibe. My friend and I camped out on one of the areas near the actual piano, and listened to some people belt out crowd-pleasing Broadway staples. There was room to walk around without getting crushed, and the chance to actually talk and be able to hear your conversation. Later in the evening we went down to the basement, and whoah, completely different world! There you had a dark, more crowded space, loud dance club music, and go-go boys wearing jocks or underwear working platforms for cash. It actually made me laugh at the contrast. Upstairs was like a place a 40 or 50-something gay guy would go to hang out and have a whiskey sour. Downstairs was a thirsty club scene with dudes stuffing dollars into dancers' jock straps. YMMV. Anyhow, thought it was cool you could get either experience. Was definitely a fun place to drop by and visit. read more

My fiend and I wandered in here for beer (we decided on a Village Beer Crawl), needless to say, we were the only gals in the place. It is a nice space with room to dance, we were too eaarly for that. Two for one beers and good service at the bar. Enjoy it, men! read more

The Monster - View - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Happy Gay Pride...To Everyone. New York City I'm very impressed with you yet again for bringing life back into your city...and that is because the people in NYC took the pandemic serious and not only shut down the city but worked on and still working on shutting down covid. That being said it was a magical weekend and it was full of life. We walked from Hell's Kitchen, into Chelsea and right on into the Gay Mother Land of Our Gay History...The West Village where it all began and the Bars are stronger than ever. Yes, we popped in at Stonewall and made our way to The Monster New York City's Oldest Gay Dance Club and I'm so happy I can still say that YAY Monster Love You Guy's. The Owner is still the same from when I was last in New York City and that was a number of years ago. I would make it a point to hit Happy Hour get a bite and come back to dance it all off...what fun. I was telling friends who were never in NYC let alone know what good customer service is...I was thinking back and now home I was able to recall some of the people I met there wow amazing. Charlie, Miguel, Frankie, a DJ names Tony, Freddy, and some Drag Queens who I still remember Jesse Volt a class act she had a few guests Morgan Royal and the third Drag Queen I can't remember...even Bunny was there she ran in and ran out. They say she's known to make an appearance and it was great would have been nice to see someone of them faces. And the new team is nice as well and we had a good time and always pleasurable and fun. Monster I'll be back in September Fingers crossed. Best Regards, Bobby read more

The crowd was and friendly. The frozen margarita is good as stated by other reviewers only$9. Friday's special was $5 vodka breezes. Music was good, mostly pop, house, old school r&b, hip hop; wish they played reggea though. Overall I met some cool ppl and had a good time. read more

The Monster - One the cool $ sexy females I met. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Literally the worst music I've ever heard in my life. Please get a new DJ! Basically it was lame af

stoped in few times i dont drink i do tip the bartdender very safe place for nyc big roomy 2 floors to walk around 2 bathrooms i like weekdays best friendly people even the door man is nice planing another visit read more