Favorite Gay Bar Anywhere?
#541
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 44,553
I've been to most of them. Do you like 'classy', or sleazy or Cheers, or dance club?
If I had to pick just one:
Probably The Hangar on Christopher - on Sunday afternoon - they have a beer blast and the great view right on Christopher - you look down, as if from a pedestal, on pedestrians and in the summer, there are lots of people walking by. It's skewed towards a minority clientele, but I really like the place - the music, the atmosphere, the location, drinks are cheap.
Alternatively, Gym on 8th has a terrific smoking section in front - again, the view to the Avenue is unbeatable but you do have to be able to tolerate cigarette smoke, and the drinks aren't so cheap except during happy hour. Skews towards a more upscale and sporty crowd. Boxers and Boxers II in Hells Kitchen are very much like Gym, except a little more fun, IMO.
#542
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, IHG Rewards Club
Posts: 379
Well, what do you get into? There's a little of something for everyone.
I've been to most of them. Do you like 'classy', or sleazy or Cheers, or dance club?
If I had to pick just one:
Probably The Hangar on Christopher - on Sunday afternoon - they have a beer blast and the great view right on Christopher - you look down, as if from a pedestal, on pedestrians and in the summer, there are lots of people walking by. It's skewed towards a minority clientele, but I really like the place - the music, the atmosphere, the location, drinks are cheap.
Alternatively, Gym on 8th has a terrific smoking section in front - again, the view to the Avenue is unbeatable but you do have to be able to tolerate cigarette smoke, and the drinks aren't so cheap except during happy hour. Skews towards a more upscale and sporty crowd. Boxers and Boxers II in Hells Kitchen are very much like Gym, except a little more fun, IMO.
I've been to most of them. Do you like 'classy', or sleazy or Cheers, or dance club?
If I had to pick just one:
Probably The Hangar on Christopher - on Sunday afternoon - they have a beer blast and the great view right on Christopher - you look down, as if from a pedestal, on pedestrians and in the summer, there are lots of people walking by. It's skewed towards a minority clientele, but I really like the place - the music, the atmosphere, the location, drinks are cheap.
Alternatively, Gym on 8th has a terrific smoking section in front - again, the view to the Avenue is unbeatable but you do have to be able to tolerate cigarette smoke, and the drinks aren't so cheap except during happy hour. Skews towards a more upscale and sporty crowd. Boxers and Boxers II in Hells Kitchen are very much like Gym, except a little more fun, IMO.
I prefer 'classy' and quiet, but don't mind visiting a sleazy one every once in a while. I can't stand the smell of cigarette unfortunately -- gives me a bad cough -- so I might have to skip Gym on 8th.
#543
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
If you're in Berlin be sure to check out The Sharon Stonewall behind Hacksher Markt. It's a great low key place that you can have a lot of fun in. Staff is multi-national (it's owned by an Aussie woman) and super friendly.
#547
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Le Club Accor: Plat, HHonors Gold, Marriott/SPG: Gold, AMEX Platinum
Posts: 112
Can't really pinpoint a favorite since as it's been mentioned "seen one seen them all" but I will share my most awkward. It was actually a couple weeks ago in Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria. The place was called "The Cellar" if that isn't reason enough for you to turn around already I'm guessing the couple of drinks I'd already had led me to have a different perception. My boyfriend being naive as he was insisted we check it out so reluctantly in I went. When we reached the bouncer and were handed two bags and told to put our clothes in them and we were allowed to keep our underwear if we wanted is when I turned around and started to walk back the way I came. But no, my other half insisted. I will not share any more of what went on, but just believe me it was awkward enough by any ones standards.
#548
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Platinum
Posts: 2,375
Recently visited 57 on Albany, in Durban. Found by my bf by accident, we went there every night for rest of our stay.
Brilliant weekend nights, great music and dancing as well as packed. Friendly crowd.
Weekday nights.. Well, empty is being kind.
As the only non person of colour, i felt quite happy there. Very welcomed.
Its just a pity that other South Africans will not go there. Its safe, right next door to a major hotel... Ok well just behind the entrance.
Did i mention some really really hot guys!
Brilliant weekend nights, great music and dancing as well as packed. Friendly crowd.
Weekday nights.. Well, empty is being kind.
As the only non person of colour, i felt quite happy there. Very welcomed.
Its just a pity that other South Africans will not go there. Its safe, right next door to a major hotel... Ok well just behind the entrance.
Did i mention some really really hot guys!
#550
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
Spent NYE and a few nights in Venice Beach and Roosterfish on Abbot Kinney was a decent little surf/dive gay bar in that area. Was nice to not have to schlep to WeHo.
#554
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Miami
Programs: AA PLT, United, IHG PLT, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 53
Since I'm from Long Beach CA, I have to mention RIPPLES...not a great bar, but the sunsets on the ocean are fabulous during a summer Sunday Beer Bust!!
LGB - Ripples
LAX - Tempo, The Abbey, Mother Lode
SFO - Badlands
SAN - Bourbon Street, Rich's
NYC - Therapy, XL, Posh
CHI - Sidetrack, Roscoes
PHL - Woody's
PVR - Paco Paco, Los Balcones, Anthropology (strippers!)
RIO - Le Boy ^
And I'm sure there are more I can't remember the names of right now (I was in FRA, MUC and VIE last December at some great places, but the names escape me at the moment!)..I'll have to check my matchbooks at home!
LGB - Ripples
LAX - Tempo, The Abbey, Mother Lode
SFO - Badlands
SAN - Bourbon Street, Rich's
NYC - Therapy, XL, Posh
CHI - Sidetrack, Roscoes
PHL - Woody's
PVR - Paco Paco, Los Balcones, Anthropology (strippers!)
RIO - Le Boy ^
And I'm sure there are more I can't remember the names of right now (I was in FRA, MUC and VIE last December at some great places, but the names escape me at the moment!)..I'll have to check my matchbooks at home!
One of the reasons I visited RIO seven times :-)
The place was awesome and always packed during my first several visits 2001-2005. In 2014-2015 the place was still good on weekends, but not as busy. Then last summer I was disappointed to go there and find the doors closed. Ended up going to La Cueva instead, which is not even close. Nothing that good anymore in the Copacabana/Ipanema area anymore.
#555
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Miami
Programs: AA PLT, United, IHG PLT, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 53
My current favorites:
MIA - Twist
BCN - Metro Disco
Former favorites that closed:
GIG - Le Boy
YUL Le Parking
NYC - Splash
Others I like:
YUL - Le Stud
TXL - Tom's
CDG - Le Depot
MAD - Hot & Strong Center
MIA - Twist
BCN - Metro Disco
Former favorites that closed:
GIG - Le Boy
YUL Le Parking
NYC - Splash
Others I like:
YUL - Le Stud
TXL - Tom's
CDG - Le Depot
MAD - Hot & Strong Center