I've only been to the Ritz once and fairly recently, I loooooved it! Most likely because we got there early and were pretty drunk before the place got packed. DJ was awesome, drinks were kinda pricey but that's expected. It might have just been the night I was there but I loved the energy, great mix of people. Even managed to get a free drink off a straight guy (surprise, surprise) after making his girlfriend jealous! AWESOME! 4 stars for 2 floors of drinking and dancing, great music, good mix of people AND a coat check! I'm in heaven! read more

Love the Ritz! Mark down one star because of the amount of people that they pack in here every weekend. If you are claustrophobic you should probably avoid this place on a Friday or Saturday! They play awesome music that is so much fun to dance to! The bartenders and door staff are always so friendly and courteous. I haven't been here during the summer, but it looks like they have a big patio in the back that they open up. Maybe when that happens there will be more space to move around! read more

Yay! My first gay bar ever and I had an absolute blast. A friend of a friend threw their birthday bash here and the staff was so kind to me as I wandered around the place looking for where my group was situated. Haha! The music was great, there was never a bad song on! They had 3 separate floors, two bars, 3 dance floors. Drinks were a bit on the pricey side ($10 for a vodka redbull) and the drinks tasted a bit watered down at the first floor bar, but were on point at the second floor bar. The bartenders were so sweet. The bouncer outside was super friendly. I would definitely come back. I can see how it can get super crowded as the night progresses, but it wasn't a problem when I was there. Love The Ritz! read more

Good set up and the music is on point. But the "security " is out of pocket. They really need to fix that before they find them self in a lot of trouble. If security behavior is not fix I won't see this place open pass summer 2022. read more

I love the Ritz. It feels like home to me. The bartenders are some of the most friendly, hardworking people you'll ever meet. They understand what good customer service is, greeting you warmly and naturally as soon as you walk in. They're also very attentive and able to make drinks quite fast, which is a requirement at a place as busy as the Ritz. And it's not just the bartenders -- the entire staff from the DJ's to the bouncers to the barbacks all work their butts off and are great people. The decor is just right - not too divey yet not pretentious, not too upscale but not TOO much of a dump either. It's one of those spaces that's bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. The ground floor and second floor each have their own bar and dance floor (complete with lasers.) And then there's the mythical third floor, which has another bar, 2 lounges and a functioning shower. (Who knew?) There's also a 2-story outdoor patio in the back, and a nice smoking area in front. Obviously not all areas are open at all times. The drink prices have historically been moderate, ($7 for my staple vodka soda) though it appears they may have gone up recently. Happy hour is very good, with half price drinks til 9pm on weekdays and all night on Sundays. The happy hour crowd is older and a bit more diverse (whereas the weekend dance crowd is younger and twinkier.) Monday is my favorite happy hour night; the bartender Timmy is particularly entertaining. Here's the thing about Friday and Saturday nights at the Ritz. I can understand why some people hate it. It's crowded, too hot, and the dance floor can be filled with fog and people. But on the right kind of night, with the right amount of alcohol, and the right attitude, it can be downright magical. It's like the people turn kind of fluid, and you're not fighting with anyone; you just move and the universe provides space for you exactly where it's needed. DJ Xavier is master of pop dance explosions (and lasers and fog jets!) on the first floor Fridays, and on the 2nd floor Saturdays. Only half jokingly, I now measure the quality of my apartment's location by its proximity to the Ritz. I think it's a pretty good measure. read more

Ok, so it is awesome with music, the first floor is the place to dance off your stress and worries.. The second floor also has a dance floor... but the vibe is ... a big more relaxed (and most of the tired dancers hang out there). The real surprise is the third floor. I don't think in my three years coming to this place I ever knew they had a third floor. It made me notice that this place is basically a town house converted into a club. It's a 4 floor building so now I am curious at what stuff may lye in the top floor! The third floor is used for private parties and events, birthdays and such. Every floor has it's own bar and bathrooms. Third floor has no DJ, so it's up to the people throwing a party to put on some crazy good music, or just go flat with some ballads... Or worst... A grinder message that interrupts the song and sounds off into everyone's ear on the speakers. (The immediate reaction is for everyone to check their phone and see if it was them). As far as drinks, I have always thought that it is very expensive here besides happy hour and the drinks are not that big. Also, if dancing on the first floor back room, good chance your drink will be spilled all over someone or knocked to the ground. Bartenders will not serve you up another even if the saw what happened. Not really their faults. I personally love the outside deck area that opens up on warmer days. It's chilled, relaxed and just a great spot to have a drink and conversation. This is a great club/bar/lounge but my rating is solely on the price of the drinks being on the higher side. I also which they had specialty cocktails and lastly, the first floor dance room needs better a/c. after all the sweating and shirts do come off (sometimes) it can really become pretty sweaty in there. Also, that's are some straight girls in here liking to make straight men out of you. just saying. This could be a fun first night after dinner place! Nothing wrong with dancing on a first date. There is some catty attitude here and there, but you'll have fun. read more

Swing and a miss. Odd to be using baseball metaphors in a review about a new gay bar in HK, but it is nonetheless entirely apropos. Seeing as how it is a new gay bar in Hell's Kitchen it was only a matter of time before I showed up here to give it the once over, and in truth I did it quite a while ago, but haven't quite been able to bring myself to trash it. That time is over. This is a sad case of a place having a lots of great elements that don't quite add up and are shoved into the wrong place. The space itself is very odd - a small foyer with a very narrow space by the bar which leads back to a more open room. This massive design flaw causes not only to a total bottle neck right around the bar - NEVER a good thing - but also a sense that the back room is really where it's at, when in fact, there's really nothing going on back there. As for the decor, the front bar is going for some kind of Palm Beach chic (that's not a compliment), complete with wicker chairs and palm trees. The back room manages to be simultaneously over and under decorated at the same time (impressive I know). There's an abundance of flowing linen drapes, foliage, and lanterns going on, yet the walls are empty and white. Actually it's a pale imitation of the gorgeous cabana motif of Soho 323 (which in actuality is just a blown up version of Bungalow 8 --- but we won't go there for now...). The crowd on the Friday night that the boys and I paid a visit was seriously lacking, but we certainly didn't stay long enough to inspect them fully. Maybe it'll pick up, but there so many better options in the 'hood. I, for one, will still be sipping my dirty martinis at Vlada. UPDATE - OK, so I'm still not a fan, but I'm bumping up a star for the improved crowd and the kick-ass music that was playing one Friday night when I was dragged there against my will. Still so poorly designed! Grrrr.... read more

I've been to the Ritz many times. I've had so many great experiences there. Here are three of those cool memories... 1) I showed up for the Bianca Del Rio show and the place was packed and charged with an electric energy. People kept saying 'she's upstairs in the VIP area.' Whatever, I thought, another spoiled 20 year old celebrity douche bag. I almost left, because it was crowded and I had class the next day. I AM SOOOO GLAD I DIDN'T LEAVE. Halfway through the show the 'VIP celeb descended down the staircase from the upstairs to watch the show.' IT WAS FRICKING MADONNA!!!! She watched the show and seemed to have a great time. I have seen Bianca's show at least 60 times (don't ask, I'm a fan!) and I have seen her flummoxed all of once - when she performed for Madonna. Classic. 2) I showed up to see Cory Tut spin (loves that he mixes dance/pop with the occasional 80's alt-pop offering. It was dead, and I was pretty depressed because I'd recently ended a 6 month relationship. The bartender noticed my sad face and struck up a conversation. Turns out, we're both expert level scrabble players! He cheered me up, bought me a shot and we played half a game of scrabble on his iPhone. We didn't finish the game, because there was a rush that happened at around 1:45 am. According to the cutie bartender (who looks a little like Luke Skywalker) they get an after-hours crowd around 2 or so, because the other bars close early during the week. 3) I showed up one Sunday night to find that there were DWARVES DANCING ON THE BAR. Yes. You read correctly. I asked the barkeep, what gives, and he just laughed and shook his head. Apparently, they are regulars. So, amidst all these reviews, good and bad, The Ritz will remain my favorite HK gay bar until the other bars deliver me Madonna, Scrabble, or Dwarves. Over and out! read more

Wow, the Ritz was...underwhelming. While I appreciated the attempt to pass off a Lana Del Ray remix in a nightclub, the rest was very meh. For one, all of my friends and I heard a drink special announced, so we flocked to the bar and ordered. Then apparently there was no special. So yeah, that was fun. Anyway, I had a pretty decent time overall. Some dancing, some drinking, the usual. As with any gay bar in NYC, it can be a bit overwhelming. But that's the name of the game. read more

Meh. Older guys that seek Latino hustlers. Good prices during Happy Hour. Would I go back? Probably not. read more

Probably the best night ever. Ni cover, Nice dance floor. Great music choice and the service was exceptional. Definitely making it a tradition to stop by when in NY. read more

Update 10/23: The Ritz has a "cabaret" license, and with the demise of Mr. Black, the large room in the rear (careful not to say back room!) is now a no-cover dance party DJ'd by Xavier and Jon Jon Battles. Went Friday with Yosh, David, Arnab, Irene, and friends. Insanely crowded. The Ritz has found its groove. ******** Comfortable, although I would think with a name like The Ritz, they were aiming for higher than comfortable. I too prefer the upstairs but it's only open on the busiest nights. The hot tip here is the $4 weekday evening happy hour (top shelf included), and a complimentary antipasto platter for munchies. Skews older than Vlada. read more

The coat check line is absolutely ridiculous!!! I have been standing in line for almost fifteen minutes, and it is absolutely preposterous! read more

The Ritz - I have been in the coat-check line for at least fifteen minutes. This is absolutely preposterous!!! - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A go-to spot for me and my gays. I love it here, the drags, the music, the ambiance. This place is dedicated to making sure you have a good time. The drinks are reasonably priced as well. It's always a blast when my friends and I roll through! read more

This place was pretty crazy. I came here with a few people during my friend's birthday. We were club hopping and someone happen to recommend this place. Yeah, big mistake. I've definitely had my fair share of gay clubs but this one has ranked the lowest. As crowded and hectic it was inside, it was just as bad outside the club. The dance floor was so steamed, it was seriously hard to breathe. I didn't seem to understand why everyone here happened to either have an attitude or were just high on something! At one point during the night, someone approached my friend asking for gum. Keep in mind, this guy looked like he had just shot up in the restroom. Speaking of which, the restrooms were absolutely disgusting, puke worthy indeed. It smelled so bad and looked so nasty, I couldn't tell whether it was piss or booze on the floor. The shoes I wore that night are now in the trash. No way I would ever wear those again, god knows what I was stepping in that night! Sorry, but I think I'll stick with bar hopping. Not doing that again! read more

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

My Absolute favorite for all night dancing! No frills. Just dancing. Two floors, great crowd. Nothing you don't need, just a bar and dancing. Good smoking section area outside, conducive to communication with the crowd. No cover! Fair drink prices! Loud, all dancing. No room to stand around and be pointless. Well there is a little, but the crowd is active here. Atmosphere = 25-30/35 year olds, hipster-dive. Not terrible, but divey enough to have a good night of drinking and dancing and recklessness without being stodgy or shy. Minimal dark corners for funny business, just a fun dance-floor atmosphere. read more

The Ritz is everything you want New York City to be without all of the bull**** you expect it to be. Since its opening, it has been the destination bar for my friends in Hell's Kitchen. From the door staff to bartenders, DJs and barbacks, it's a team of employees unlike any other, who truly make you feel like family. Though my career keeps me from visiting as often as I would like to (and as often as I once did), no birthday or special occasion is complete without stopping by for a few hours. And those nights i do get to go out, my friends don't even ask. They know I expect to spend the evening at The Ritz. The atmosphere has gradually evolved into a megacomplex without losing the intimacy of a grassroots bar. Those wanting to sip martinis can sit at the front bar. Those wanting to sweat out their emotions in a technicolor frenzy can shake it up on the first level dance floor where the DJ spins current pop hits and remixes. Upstairs is a slightly more intimate level which tends to be standing room only. Groups of friends mingle and weave in and out, with a split level dance floor elevated in the back, featuring a second DJ. Without contest, The Ritz serves the best drinks in the neighborhood (possibly the industry), at reasonable rates. The bar staff creatively mixes cocktails, while maintaining a hilarious, personal, warm rapport, even when the bar is stacked three deep on the craziest nights. For nights that draw a smaller crowd, the back DJ area is transformed into a stage where world class performers entertain weekly. Comedians, drag queens, performance artists, musicians. Some of New York's most exciting rising talent. Bianca del Rio has been on television and stages across the country and emcees Mardis Gras in New Orleans yearly. Her weekly show is one of the most hilarious evenings in the city. The Ritz is where my friends first met Lady GaGa, Madonna, and several others. Many 'fad' bars have come and gone in the area. And of course those are fun to check out. That's what's fantastic about Hell's Kitchen. You can hop around the neighborhood. But the Ritz consistently gets better over time, and remains the anchor where we start and finish our evening, or simply plan the whole night if we don't want to mess with the other nonsense. Truly a fun, magnetic, energetic bar in the heart of New York City, where everyone feels welcome, run by a fantastic staff in an electric setting, owned by and run by one of the kindest guys you could ever hope to meet. read more

I went to this bar on a slow Monday night. I started a tab with a credit card. I was there by myself and not talking to anyone. The security guard blindsided me from behind grab me by the shoulders and threw me out. I was given no reason. I asked for my coat and credit card. They threw my coat at me and refused my credit card. The security card told me to get lost but I waited. After about an hour, he came over and pushed me to the ground. I called the police. The police got my credit card for me. Please do not go to this bar. read more

fuck this stupid overcrowded overpriced hole-in-the-wall and their fuckin condescending asshole bartenders. AARRRGGHHH!!!! after YOU fuck up my order... DON'T tell ME, what *I* ordered. ...why would I order something that I never ever drink? ...and then you tell me YOU'RE sober and I'M drunk? pffft... FUUUUUCK YOUUUUU Plus... ...they don't have an upstairs room anymore. They just have the front, where the bar and the asshole bartender was... and the dance area in back. ...the dance area out back was a fuckin sauna. I mean, even MY old-ass likes a little heat and shirtless rubbin' up against other naked boys... but this fuckin place was like 95º fuck'em. ...they totally reminded me why I don't like going there... read more

The Ritz is probably one of the BEST bar/clubs I've been to in NYC. The place is immaculate, the bartenders are all nice, the guys that come are hot. LOVE the music there too. Don't listen to the Sh*t talk on here, these people obviously hang out at places like Rawhide and Rush. If you want to see a hole in the wall, go to one of those places. Long live the Ritz!!! read more

My 2nd time here with the boys. Last night was happy hour all night...NICE! At about 1AM this place became jam packed with all types of guys and some gals. NICE! (exceot for the one guy who was sleeping at the bar). Very friendly bartenders. Minimal attiude. All refreshing for a gay bar. read more

Ritz is my favorite happy hour. Although uptown... well, all the way up there (the 50s is up there to me, quiet), I still enjoy it. The atmosphere is really nice. Its friendly in there. Happy hour draws more of an older crowd, but whatever. I'm not there for action. Just a simple drink with the husband for an after work special. Easier for him since he works by 59th and Lex. A trip for me because I work downtown. Back to the point... Their happy hour is cute, because its not crowded, the music is soothing. Yes, I do find Rihanna soothing, and best of all, the outdoor patio. I think perhaps its that feature that gets me the most. Especially during summer. I can go upstairs, sit and read while sipping a cocktail. Quite soothing. read more

1 Star horrible place to take kids.I looked up fun places near me and thiss popped up so I drove there and I had to trick the bouncer into letting my children in.Once I got inside everybody looked like they were having fun but me and my children didn't.It went to far for me when some guy came up to buy me and my kids a drink. ONE STAR read more

...isn't. We used to have a lot of fun here when it was virtually empty and you could talk to people and gaze at the bizarre decor. Now, I swear it's the loudest bar in midtown. My friends were dancing daintily on one of the couches, and it fell out from under them, hilariously breaking 17 things and making a loud crash, but I amazingly didn't hear it. When to stop here on the Midtown Gay Pub Crawl? If you want to watch a dumb movie (they were showing Pirates upstairs last time), or meet up with a fun and quirky crowd. I don't think I'm allowed in this bar anymore though, after the couch incident... read more

My main reason for coming to the Ritz when I'm visiting NYC is to see Cazwell DJ on Thursday nights. Drink prices are average for the city and they're served in Dixie cups which is also pretty typical for places like this. It's a gay hotspot for dancing and has two bars with separated dance floors both upstairs and down. It gets pretty crowded in the weekends so be prepared for extreme heat in the dance areas: I literally felt like I was in a sauna. Aside from that it can be a fun place for this kind of scene, and the separate, large bar areas are nice to break away from the heat. The crowd is pretty diverse: older, younger, all ethnic groups, locals, and visitors. With two separate DJs, chances are there will be the type of music you like to get down to. There's no cover, which also makes it a good place to at least checkout to see if you like the scene on that particular night. read more

The Ritz - With Cazwell at Do the Right Thing Thursday's at the Ritz. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The Ritz on 4th of July was so much fun. Talented performers and a great crowd of diversity.

Wow, The Ritz. I have never been until tonight and I lasted for about 10 minutes in there. It's a pretty cramped space and walking from one end to another is like wiggling between two tight butt cheeks. Not the fresh kind either. This place is packed and pumping when I was there (past midnight). Dropped by to say hello to a friend of a friend. Didn't get any drinks there so I don't know about the prices but for someone who's claustrophobic, you should definitely avoid this place. I like the music they were spinning though but a pity that I can't dance to it. I don't wanna get anyone pregnant by moving my body in the dance floor. MIGHT come back for the Happy Hour, I dunno. read more

I went on a Friday and a Saturday and it was super crowded. Hated it. The shoulder-to-shoulder stuff really pissed me off -- I ended up telling friends that I was going home. It wasn't until I was randomly in the neighborhood on a Monday night (it was probably 9 or 10-ish) that I really took a liking to the place. One the bartenders, Michael, and I chatted it up. He was super friendly. So, to those friends who I told I would NEVER go to The Ritz, I lied. I'm just probably not going with you. read more

WOW, The Shitz. what happened to this place... And where has all the eye candy gone?! Not much out there these days, except for the occasional needle in the Gaystack. The place smells like vomit most weekends. I actually prefer Therapy to The Ritz! Place needs a new interior designer. They should have kept it a lounge. The 'club' has a dance room/floor that is tiny. I came for the first time a few years back and remember it being much better, and nicer. Now it looks cheap. It's only Saving Grace is the happy hour, because it's cheap as piss... But under normal circumstances, drinks are overpriced. That's it... I have no more words... read more

i just been here once at last Halloween and it was awesome!!! Big+ crowed+good music+sexy scene. i remember we've been waited for almost 40mins outside, and the cover is &30(kinda expensive may due to holiday). The people inside are friendly to us, and the performance is good Great place for dancing!!!. read more

It's been months since I wrote my first review about The Ritz but the place has only gotten better! The Ritz has one of the best happy hours in Manhattan...amazing owner and bar staff...since I now live in the east village I look forward to my trips up there. Happy hours are great...and nights are fun and crowded with cool people. Cole, Adam and Timmy are some of my favorite bartenders---although they are all awesome. read more

It's in Hell's Kitchen...that's all I will say about the location. The staff was very friendly. Me and my lesbian friend came because I wanted to see Cazwell DJ. He was great! The music on Thursday night was PERFECT! Definitely loud. Maybe it was when we went, but the crowd was not really what I expected. Very young and twink-ish which is good if that's what you are looking for. Just wasn't for me. All in all a good place though. I probably wouldn't go back if it was not for Cazwell. But he made it worth it. read more

I'm not a fan of bars or lounges but dang this is like a whole new level! I'm so glad my friend turned gay and discovered this place. I think gay bars are my new fav. So what is so different about this? I think it's the environment. Because it's a gay bar, I don't have to worry about being hit on. You can go and just have fun with your friends! You also won't see people dressing skanky and instead, fashionable or even comfortable. There's two levels and the second floor usually opens later (after midnight). They have dancers!!! AHHH. Attractive gay men dancing on a higher level. There's also seating all around but majority of us used it to be elevated and danced our tush off! There was one creeper there that kept trying to dance with us by grabbing our hands even though we were persistently rejecting. Besides that old creep, we all had so much fun! We stayed for hourssss. The music was also very upbeat and new. There wasn't a song I didn't know. LOVED IT. I recommend this place to all the people that didn't enjoy bars like me. Coat check is $3 located on the second floor. read more

I love love love it...NY Prices. Just off Times Square great Happy Hour, Excellent Service... GoGo boys, Drag Queens, Dance floors main n upstairs... Its all New York.. If you love to Dance its one of few great places with Live dj/ vj spinning. left...Xavier n the boys( and girls) keep it happening.. It gets crowded as hell.. Come in hand them your Credit Card n enjoy a great time.. I have Closed this Place many times.. They are Wonderful. If youre in the Big Apple, make sure to hit this place.. Its a Party to be had. Tell them Mr Dolly Sent you. read more

The worst service I had. Very disorganized. Ordered 2 vodka redbull and 2 waters. Total came up to 40$. Way too overpriced and took so long for the server to come to us. read more

Certainly nothing to write home to mamma about, but not the end of the world either. There are certainly other bars/lounges far worse than this (Therapy anyone??). The deal is this: the space could look better and yes, there could be some more eye candy, but the happy hour drinks at $4 were a surprise (particularly contrasted against DC, where a Dixie cup of water from the public bathroom costs $7) and the bartenders are not hard to look at (if that's your thing). Bottom line: this place could use a makeover (tru dat, as they say on BET), but this place is best enjoyed with a crowd of friends, which you are likely to find or make in this place...as soon as the bartender stops looking in the mirror and mixes your drink. read more

Recently, I went to New York City to visit a few friends on a boys trip. The trip was amazing and a drunken mess. The one place that stands out is The Ritz, we ended up here each night. The back dance area was sweet and the music was straight up gay gay gay, which made the experience even better. It was also great people watching. The drinks on the other hand are very pricey. I definitely recommend you stop by the Ritz during the weekend if your in NYC. read more

I'm a sucker for couches lining walls that I can lean, cuddle, fall, drape, sexify and squeeze 10 friends into space meant for 3 on. Decent drinks. I think there was music. It didn't annoy me, but I don't remember it. Awful set up from front to back - but if you make it past the lame wicker bar sets in the front tiny space you'll be rewarded with a big ol' room reminiscent of a cabana on some questionably dim beach. Personally, I did not achieve this goal until the last time I went. Imagine my surprise and delight! read more

Oh so not cute at all! I went in once for about 20 seconds before turning around! Everything was foggy and overly warm. This place is only sensible at the end of a long night since ppl often drift here in the area from Vlada or even Therapy. Then, once you're trashed, ppl enjoy themselves dancing in the back room (it is one of very few dance-able gay bars in the area) . . . but yea, not my style (might be yours?). read more

So fun and welcoming, Great music and dance music as well as personable bartenders, great service!