went out last weekend when my friend from dc was up in town. we decided to go here because we had never been before, and didn't feel like trekking all the way downtown. when we arrived, it was tres crowded, so we immediately went upstairs to the bar/lounge area. realized that it was kind of boring up there - there were guys sitting by themselves in recliners just staring at other people, and one of my friends had gone downstairs to the bathroom. when he didn't come back, we went down to look for him, and came upon the fire hazard known as the dancefloor. we stayed there for a little bit, but it was really redonkulous - how can anyone seriously dance when you're up against everyone? plus, my friend and bf are not dancers, so they were just frustrated the whole time. i dunno, i guess it could be a fun place to go with the right people, and if it were less crowded, and like half naked, but i don't think we were really prepared for that. the crowd seemed fairly cruisey - more so than other hk bars. i thought it was also fairly diverse - saw a range of ages and ethnicities, which is always a good thing in my book. read more

This place could be cool but it sucks. Visiting from out of town and wanting to go to third floor but wasn't allowed. Not open yet but was to certain people. Which is ok since I have lots of money and can spend it elsewhere. Too many other great bars in Hell's Kitchen to waste your time here!!!!! read more

gay. sweaty. hard to breathe. pretty people but very white. like a sauna with actually more kinetic sexual energy than you thought possible. expect to be on top of someone whether you like it or not. usually i go for not, so i hardly go here. cheap and no cover. read more

Cheap happy hour in the heart of restaurant row. My only complaint is that the dance floor music is always WAY TOO LOUD even when no one is there. PLEASE TURN IT DOWN! read more

Love love the DJ. Their DJ's are better than industry, therapy and all other bars. You will find me every Saturdays here even lol

This has to be one of the worst gay bars I've ever been to in my life you spend good money to buy top shelf liquor and they pour you generic cheap liquor from the name brand bottle this is happened multiple times. I politely pointed it out to the managers and then blame the bartenders hey then ordered a Jagermeister Shannon and was poured Jager mixed with coke out of a Jager bottle what a disgrace if this happens to anybody you should call the New York City liquor board on them read more

This place has seen better days, and it is quickly becoming what it was five or six years ago: fights, drama, nonsense, more fights, and fights. It's too bad, too, because the door staff is super friendly, and much props to them for putting up with all the shit. The bartender stuff up and down is also really good. The music, also really good. Where they lose major stars is the crowd, often filled with ghetto gays with lots of extra baggage and drama to add to a crowd of several hundred drunk and probably high bar-goers. Last caveat: be prepared to sweat your ass off. This place was notorious for lack of air conditioning years ago, and then they finally got it but only on the dance floor. It's awful, you'll walk out drenched. read more

I used to go here almost every Saturday. It was always crowded and full of sexy men, but over the months, it started getting more and more crowded, extremely hot (even when it's -15 degrees outside), and the guys are extremely bitchy and dramatic. The bartenders will sing and dance while you're standing, waiting to get a drink. Music is good, and if it sucks on one level, just head on downstairs and vice versa. Definitely watch out for the tongue down throat, gyrating gays on the dance floor, who will give you looks as you bump into them. read more

Post renovation The Ritz is nice. Two dance floors make it nice to pick your music with pop upstairs with videos and house downstairs. This is a staple in the theatre district and has a long standing in the community. Come here after 11 for a good time. Unlike other places in NY that have dancing, there is no cover here. Downsides: Bathrooms, limited access to bars and crowding on weekends. Pluses: No cover, dual dance areas, young crowd, and easy to get to. read more

I cannot agree more with Sam P's review. Horrible bar. And the kitschy faux-Cuba decor and awkard layout are just a fraction of the problems. Moreover, the crowds are just plain awful--mostly older, and largely rude or unfriendly. I think this is a result of owner Tommy Greco, who has been nothing but arrogant and unpleasant in every interaction I've had with him. I literally saw him yell at a customer for pointing out an incorrect drink order! My friends and I vow to stay away from this bar and its owner. HK is full of fun, friendly locales. Why ruin a good night with a bad bar? read more

Had a blast here with my ladies! Even tho a gay couple thought we were trying to touch their butts and they Got all offensive lol the gay bartender vouched for them and we got sent down to the first floor which was way more poppin then the 2nd floor anyways. Def would go again! The vibe was just fun and everyone wanted to just dance ! Loved it read more

I can't even explain the circumstances under which I wound up here on Halloween, but I do know there were some post-2am heartfelt (and admittedly alcohol-fueled) discussions with the bouncer outside about making relationships work. In my state, I didn't even know whose relationship we were talking about, but there were hugs all around and lots of Oprah-y advice like, "You gotta do what you need to do to live your best life!" So...three stars for the Ritz, an establishment that believes in personal growth. read more

I love this place. The drinks are amazing and the people are always so friendly. Theres always more men then women tho. Not that thts a big deal to me. read more

i was just told that The Ritz has moved. I am trying to get the new address and contact information for you guys.

When it comes to finding a no-frills gay bar that serves stiff drinks without the 'tude but has awesome music to shake your bon bon too....the search can be daunting. But it's now over. The Ritz is a good place to let loose and boogie to stereotypical top 40 "beats" as I call them. The drinks are kind of pricey (around 6-7) for a cocktail and served in a small cup but they always do the trick. There are two dance rooms and while it gets packed I've never felt like I was in a sardine can. My advice...preparty somewhere early in the night and then head to the Ritz around 12 when the party really gets started (ish). See you in Hell's Kitchen! read more

Love this place. The staff is always friendly, the DJ's rock and its so fun to dance here! Totally recommend it if you are looking for a new place to call "home." read more

FUN, FUN, FUN!! This place felt like a house party with 3 floors, different rooms, and great music. Lots of sweaty, half naked guys but definitely eye candy. I know my gay buddies did not go home alone last night! There were business men, older, younger hipsters. Great scene. Would def go back. read more

Oh every time I stroll in this place I always have a blast. Granted I'm a tad bias since my friend and I host a weekly party.... But whether I'm hosting or not, the staff at the Ritz are excellent. Ego knew in a gay oasis that is Hells Kitchen, a fella can walk into a bar and they all call him by name.... good times... now off to make a cameo at a party, where you ask? The Ritz. read more

This was a nice place to dance but one of the bartenders was such a dk to me for no reason. I don't think I would ever come back or recommend this place to anyone solely because of this guy. He has no regard for the people he is supposed to be serving, and will ignore you, roll his eyes, "take your order" while in convo with someone else, which means he will make your drink wrong and charge you double for the wrong drink. Seriously, a fkn dk. This place is small, humid, and a bit smelly, but can be fun once you've had a few drinks. Drinks are tiny and weak for what you pay, in my opinion. read more

This place is good late on Saturday nights, the crowd gets dancing and the place is very lively. That's the only time I've been really so I can't comment on the rest of the stuff. I was surprised reading the reviews here to hear the place even had a patio, hehe. read more

Went here for a cousins birthday. The crowd was nice the drinks were good, albeit expensive ($9 for mixed). DJ was solid with the mix. Has an outdoor patio you could go out on on the second floor. Andd the best part is after you leave here you can go to 5 napkin burger. read more

Good music. No Cover. Moderately priced drinks. (gin and tonic was 6 or 7 if i remember correctly). Crowd is pretty good too. Pretty packed on the weekends but still a good crowd on weekdays. read more

The Ritz is definitely five stars....I love going to the ritz...its always a drunken fun mess.... Definitely good times, especially the third floor when its open ;) read more

I was looking for a place with fun pop-music dancing. And this was perfect! Small, but sometimes that's great for dancing.

Could be enjoyed with the music down a thousand decibels or so. It makes it difficult to converse or be heard The place is narrow so sound bounces off walls. Staff is varied; some are totally disinterested and of course uninteresting themselves. read more

If your looking for a fun thing to do on a Sunday night... This us the place. Hosted by Marty w guest singers, dancing, dj all night. It was totally fun! read more

First of all the space is perfect in my opinion, the staff so far has been very friendly and is always on top of of covering the entire bar which is a MUST for me. I get very irritated if I see a bartender who is slow and has no control over the bar and its patrons which has currently happened at NO PARKING. Happy Hour is fun, I love their friday nights with DJ XAVIER who spins a lot of hot tracks and the crowd is friendly and approachable. Overall its currently my favorite bar in Hells Kitchen. Check out Mondays with Bianca DelRio with Dj Xavier, its hilarious and fun to do with friends. read more

The Ritz is one of the best bars in the Hells Kitchen area, friendly and warm staff, drink specials, and fun events to keep people coming in. Always look forward to going there. read more

Great staff, inexpensive drinks and a lot of fun. I'm a happy hour guy and I love it! More of a club after 10.

Love this place its my regular bar and i love everyone that works here, and happy hour is amazing and the dancing at night and th is awsome

Decent spot that was a typical case of awesome company making a place seem better than it really is! I did have a great time here, the crowd was awesome on a Thursday night, and the drinks were fine. The combination of the outdoors and the inside made it a very confusing maze though...where the hell was I, anyway?? read more

This was the first gay bar I went to when I initially moved to NY. The bartenders were always nice and usually fast. The music is a mix of pop, hip hop, R&B and techno and they may or may not do a throwback everyone once and a while. The staff is usually friendly as well. My only complaint is the space, it can get rather crowded on weekends, but that's any popular club in NY though. Overall great bar and great nightclub for 20-somethings. May be my new regular spot in the city! read more

This was a very happening spot. Not just a gay bar... plenty of beautiful women there to just have fun. The bartender in the front bar made some amazing drinks when I told him to just "surprise me." The music was great for dancing and a gay friend of mine frequented this bar/club often... full of talent! I had a great time with a lady friend... dont let your personal biases get in the way of having fun! read more

Small little gay bar with good happy hour specials.

Cute guys, friendly bartenders, good (although a bit pricey) drinks, and a dancefloor? Check, check, check and check! I love this little spot as a place to shake my butt (typical white-girl dance moves here) without worrying about some creepster grinding on me. Usually by the time I make it here, I'm the creepster! j/k... kinda. Anyway, The Ritz is a fun spot close to my apartment and my friends and I always have a good time whenever we stop in. Gay or straight, it's a fun time at The Ritz. read more

It's not their fault but some nights here can really be a bust. Good thing there's no cover charge and always a happy hour!

If you like Beyonce and Lady Gaga and a bunch of disco fog...come here. It is a fun place to dance and mostly for gays to hang but straight women with gay friends come here too. Don't wear good shoes bc you will get stepped on. It's packed to the brim with boys who will push you out of their way to break it down on the dance floor. Have fun! read more

an interesting addition to hell's kitchen not something i would expect the bar itself is beautiful wood for days the upstairs area is super comfortable not somewhere i would go to party but a nice place to chat i would say it is perfect for 1st dates on restaurant row which is a little strange check it out sometimes it is hot sometimes it is not all the bartenders are beautiful and clearly straight don't tease me it's mean you could skip it but it is good for certain occasions read more

No cover, 2 dance floors and 3 bars... not as glamorous as some other clubs but i always have a good time here. Never disappoints.

I always end up here at the end of the night on my way home from a night out. Bartenders and Drag Queen hosts are all amazing, and very fun/friendly. The Ritz is a "scene" for everyone. Always a great time. Took away one star because this is not the place you want to pee (lines are always huge) and it can get pretty packed and hot inside (they need a better ventilation system). Other than that, possibly the best bar in Hells Kitchen. read more