Thousands visit New York City to dip their toes in its pool of diverse and flavorful culture. One of the most prominent, dominant and fabulous is the gay community.
Throughout history, New York City has been known for celebrating its same-sex couples whether it be by hosting the Gay Pride Parade in June to bring in the beautiful summer weather, or labeling certain neighborhoods, like the West Village and Chelsea "gay-borhoods" acknowledging the dense population of same-sex couples, the gay community has always found a way to make the city their home.
With nightlife such a praised characteristic of New York's appeal, it should come as no surprise that gay nightlife thrives on the city vibe and its hearty offering of a wide variety of bars, clubs and lounges.
BEast
BEast is located on 171 East Broadway in the Lower East Side. Classified as a lounge, the space offers a wide selection of organic infused liquors and girly cocktails that work as catalysts for a fun filled night. Surrounded by a chic dark setting with exposed brick walls, BEast is devoted to capturing the mood of a New York City night out and on Thursdays hosts gay dance parties with clubby new-age music and a variety of drink specials.
- Location: 171 East Broadway, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-228-3100
The Boiler Room
When your buzz starts begging you for something a little goofier, The Boiler Room, located on 86 East 4th Street in the East Village has the recipe for fun. Characterized as a grungy dive bar, The Boiler Room offers cheap drinks starting at $3.50, and an endless supply of men. And what's a night out without dancing? There's a jukebox looping a selection of current favorites and the oldie-but-goodies everybody can sing along to.
- Location: 86 East 4th Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-254-7536
Urge
If your feet start barking from all the dancing, it may be time to watch someone else dance. Urge is your next stop. Set up like the average dive bar with a jukebox in the corner pumping dance music, let the Urge go-go boys dressed in tight underwear be all the dancing the rest of your night needs. Sometimes a view from the back is best, if this is the case, there are comfy, oversized lounge couches toward the back of the bar providing a more intimate scene.
- Location: 33 2nd Ave, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-533-5757
- Website: theurge.xbuild.com
Therapy
When the East Side scene starts feeling redundant, head West. Therapy, located in New York's Hell's Kitchen on 348 West 52nd Street is a two-story lounge that serves therapeutic cocktails concocted to cure their named disorders. Whether you're feeling anxious or delusional, order the drink that best suits your mood and witness your worries float away. Therapy entertains its "patients" with open-mic nights (on varying days), queer – friendly comedians and a variety of DJs.
- Location: 348 West 52nd Street, New York, NY‎
- Phone: 212-397-1700‎
- Website: www.therapy-nyc.com
New York City takes pride in its queer culture, so when in town and looking to get down with the gay community, these hot spots should pacify your desire.
