New York is known as a mecca for gay men, and for good reason. Your average Manhattan or Brooklyn establishment features a decidedly mixed crowd of gays and straights, and New York continues to provide a home to some of the best gay bars in the world.
If you’re interested in checking out the gay nightlife scene in New York, consider the following must-see destinations.
1 splash.
There’s nothing subtle about Splash, arguably New York’s most flamboyant gay bar. A true fixture of the Flatiron District, Splash features a massive two-story design that prizes spectacle and excitement over the low-key, subway elements of New York’s gay scene.
With a strict policy of only hiring hotter-than-hot bartenders and making sure the club’s floors and tables are filled with dollar-driven go-go boys, Splash’s top brass settled their internal “style versus substance” debate a long time ago.
Needless to say, Splash is a big hit with tourists, and spending their time on its glitzy floors is often considered a rite of passage for New York’s gay youth.
Therapy.
If you’re looking for a little more class, you should head to Hell’s Kitchen to check out Therapy. The crowd is quite diverse at Therapy, but overall, you can count on seeing a lot of well-groomed men at this newly renovated salon.
Therapy is more “scene” than Bridge & Tunnel and caters to local professionals looking to unwind with a combination of cleverly designed cocktails, surprisingly decent food and a wide range of free in-house entertainment ranging from DJ sets to drag shows and open mic. nights.
“The Stonewall would probably maintain its
standing because of its friendly neighborhood”.
3.The monster.
There’s a lot to like about The Monster. Located in the West Village, this bar offers a little bit of everything, with a dual function with a vintage piano bar and lounge on the second floor and a loud dance floor buried in the basement.
From top to bottom, The Monster mixes modern with old school, spinning everything from classic disco to modern electro pop in the basement, and providing modern artists with a stage described as “Liberace’s Living Room” on the ground level.
The Monster is one of those gay bars where anyone can meet anyone on any night of the week, making it a favorite among locals.
Block 4.Eastern.
There are many good reasons to decide on Eastern Bloc the next time you want to spend a great night on the town.
Maybe you prefer to stay in the East Village instead of heading out west or to Midtown. Maybe you prefer your men a little on the hairier side of the equation. Or maybe you just want to drink and dance among vintage communist decor.
Eastern Bloc was well known for being the place to go to find a young, bearded bear, and the club has lost none of its charm since exploding in popularity due to owner Maisani’s relationship with recently retired Anderson Cooper.
The stone wall.
Although this bar will always receive an honorary inclusion on any list of New York’s best gay bars due to its role as the place where gay activism was founded in the U.S., The Stonewall would likely maintain its position as one of New York’s best gay venues due to its friendly neighborhood scene and pleasant dive aesthetic.
