Believe the hype: New York City has a dizzying array of attractions that will satisfy even the most tireless traveler.

In the arts, the city is unmatched. Along with world-class museums, there are smaller galleries in Chelsea and SoHo with works by gay artists. There's always great theater on Broadway, as well as smaller companies all over the city producing works by gay playwrights. There are massive venues for music, ranging from vast houses in Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall to tiny rooms in Greenwich Village where you can see the performers up close and personal.

The gay scene is remarkably varied, changing neighborhood by neighborhood. Newcomers will most likely stick to Manhattan's Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen and a few others, but there are enclaves all over the city and in all the boroughs. Listings in the local gay rags will point you to parties for almost every proclivity

And the city's reputation after lifestyle crackdowns by previous city hall administrations? The current mayor, Bill de Blasio, quickly settled an old lawsuit resulting from sting operations in the effort to close adult bookstores, increased funding to house homeless LGBT kids, curtailed stop-and-frisk practices by police, and relaxed marijuana law enforcement.

 

Getting here
Several airports serve the New York City area. From LaGuardia to Manhattan, take the M60 bus to 106th and Broadway, with connections along the route to the Q33 and Q47 buses, along with the E, F, G, R, V and 7 subway trains that pass through Queens enroute to Manhattan.

Across the Hudson River in New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport is linked to the city via frequent trains run by New Jersey Transit.

JF Kennedy is the airport where most International visitors will arrive.  AirTrain JFK has 24 hour bus connections to nearby MTA subway lines A and E, with direct routes into the heart of Manhattan by way of Brooklyn. For those going to Fire Island, there are connections to the Long Island Rail Road. The easiest, but not the cheapest way to get to your destination from these airports, is by taxi.

 

Getting around
Like the song says, "the Bronx is up and the Battery's down." Getting from one to the other -- or anywhere else in the city, for that matter -- is easiest on the subway, the MTA, -- quick, clean and modern. Fares are $2.25, but it's still a good deal, as those few bucks will take you to the city's farthest reaches. Buses cost the same, but the routes are harder for a newcomer. Taxis are often your best option. They all take cash, and many now accept credit cards.
One great way to take it all in is on  Circle Line Cruises for views of the world's most famous skyline. and City Sights with their double-decker buses that tour around the city, letting you hop on and off at will.

CityBike, New York's bike sharing program, offers thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations, for short-term use, 24 hours a day, all year 'round. For now stations are located in South Manhattan (below 59th Street), and parts of Brooklyn. Twenty-four-hour ($9.95) or 7-day ($25) passes are sold at the bike stations; annual memberships are available online. A system expansion in 2015-17 will add another 375 stations to neighborhoods in Uptown Manhattan, Queens, and the rest of Brooklyn.

 

Neighborhoods
Many cities boast one gay neighborhood, or maybe two. New York City has almost too many to count: Greenwich Village, the East Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, to name a few. And that's just in Lower Manhattan. There are others spread out across the city from Uptown Manhattan to the ever-gayer neighborhoods of Queens and Brooklyn.

Greenwich Village: Home of the historic Stonewall Inn, the Village has an older gay crowd and a retro vibe. Highlights include Sheridan Square in the West Village, commemorating the gay-rights movement, and the Christopher Street Pier, a swath of green popular with sunbathers and double-dutch fans. The first Gay Pride March took place here in 1970, and NYC Pride festivities continue here in the neighborhood, including the rally, festival, march and the Dance on the Pier.
Chelsea: The big draw is the High Line, a narrow park on a former elevated train platform. Beneath are dozens of contemporary art galleries. See-and-be-seen eateries line 8th Avenue, with quieter spots on 9th and 10th avenues.
East Village: Gritty streets are lined with shops selling everything from designer duds to just plain junk. The food is incredibly varied. Polish? Ukrainian? Venezuelan? It's here. East 6th Street has tasty Indian restaurants.
Hell's Kitchen: Despite the ominous name, this is home to some heavenly young creatures. Take a quick peek at Times Square before heading over to 9th Avenue for an around-the-world culinary trip.

Astoria: The emerging Queens ‘gayborhood’ got bigger recently with the opening of three new bars and dance clubs, to join the few others of many years running. See the community blog OutAstoria for local news.
Jackson Heights: The traditional LGBT community center of Queens, with a half dozen gay bars and clubs, many of them popular with gay Latinos. The Queens Pride Parade takes place here each June.

Williamsburg: The Brookyn neighborhood out on the "G" train, with an expanding population of artists, musicians, hipsters, and eclectic assortments that include a growing gay community.

 

In focus:
A place in the sun
When the weather warms up, not all the gay guys in New York City pack up their sunglasses and flip-flops and head to Fire Island. Some of them stay right in the city.
There's prime real estate all around the city for those in search of a little sun. Sheep's Meadow in Central Park is a magnet for gays, as is Prospect Park in Brooklyn. But if you're looking for wall-to-wall men, head to the Christopher Street Pier.
Officially known as Pier 45, this popular park sits at the end of Christopher Street. Opened in 2003, it was one of the first of the dozens of piers running alongside the Hudson River to be given a facelift. It now boasts several seating areas under sail-like canopies and a huge swath of lawn down the center.
The plan to renovate the Christopher Street Pier was controversial, as this and nearby piers had long been a part of the cruising scene. Many feared that after they were spruced up, the piers would no longer be "gay space."
But if anything, the pier has become gayer. Black and Latino gays hang out on the piers at night, especially on weekends. The "pier kids," as some call them, have drawn criticism from neighbors for being too "in your face." (Oddly enough, the same criticism was aimed at the mostly white gay men who cruised here decades ago.)
On any sunny day, the pier is so full of gay men of all ages and races that you might have a tough time finding a place for your towel. The skimpier the better seems to be the dress code, so don't be shy about wearing that thong.
There's plenty of entertainment, from impromptu practices for the gay cheerleading group to young guys doing double-dutch jumping so fast you can barely see the rope spin.
But mostly this is prime people-watching turf, and you couldn't do better than finding a spot on the grass and watching the passing parade.

Excursion: Fire Island
Fire Island, off the southeast coast of Long Island, is a car-free resort. Two of the barrier island's hamlets, Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, hop with gay vacationers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Events of note include the Invasion of the Pines, a drag-queen parade held each July 4. After their promenade, gender-benders proclaim victory and head back to Cherry Grove. The abundant shrubbery between Pines and Cherry Grove is known as the Meat Rack hereabouts.
Belvedere Guest House (631-597- 6448) a Venetian palace fronting the bay, nice Cherry Grove location, exclusively for men.

 

Media

NEXT, found at most gay establishments around the city, the best and most comprehensive source for gay NYC info, has complete weekly events rosters, maps, tips, reviews and a big Pride edition --in print and online. Their NextWeek events listings provide a quick and easy look at what's coming up in gay NYC.

Gay City News, the local gay newspaper, covers local community news and keeps an eye on relations with the NYPD and City Hall. Their 14 Days & 14 Nights Listings give a two week heads up on whats coming up around town, of interest to the gay community.

Odyssey Magazine, full of glossy bar ads, also has rundowns on the latest in what's happening in New York gay nightlife.

Get Out Magazine and website is another list of the places to go, and things to do in gay New York.

East Village Boys, “cock culture,” online magazine, pin-up boys, art, interviews with up-and-coming artists, musicians and designers, with EV aesthetic. EV Grieve is  a blog for East Village news about local real estate, bars, restaurants and residents.

The Urban Bear website, "prowling the urban forest," has events for bear and friends in NYC and beyond.

See Boxers' website for links to 26 local LGBT and friendly sports leagues, including: basketball, bowling, swimming, cycling, football, hockey, rock climbing, rugby, sailing, soccer, tennis, volleyball and wrestling.

STH, Straight to Hell, The Manhattan Reivew of Unnatural Acts, is back, with a website in the tradition of the seminal work of Boyd McDonald, documenting true-life male sexual experiences.

The Village Voice and New York Magazine each has news, features, music, movies, restaurants, stage reviews, and events listings for the New York metro area. Boxers sports bar has a good list of local gay sports and activities under their Leagues tab - including the Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society.

NYC Go is the official city guide to local attractions, dining hotels and happenings, especially useful for info on current Broadway shows. I Love NY is the official New York State tourism website.

For a city map and website links to businesses and entertainment venues, see our gay New York listings pages. For some photos from around town, see our gallery pages. For some of what's happening see the events page, and send us your event if we missed it.

Resources
The Lesbian and Gay Community Center, where Chelsea meets Greenwich Village, is a good place to get your gay bearings with all the local give-away papers and magazines, information, community services, and social events.

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art is another important queer resource, with a permanent collection, exhibits and events year-round in SoHo.

The Bureau of General Services - Queer Division, (at Stange Loop Gallery), queer cultural center/ bookstore offers books, publications, and art, and hosts readings, performances, film screenings, book discussion groups, and workshops.

Fringe NYC in August is the largest annual multi-arts festival in North America, with over 200 international companies presenting 1200 or so performances over 16 days, at 20 venues.

Dixon Place features cutting edge, exprimental and provocative theater, film, performance art, dance, music, variety shows and comedy, all year, with a Hot Festival NYC in late summer.  The Fresh Fruit Festival also has performances of LGBTQ arts & culture with works in theater, dance, film, music and the visual arts.

The Queer NY International Arts festival in September presents contemporary performances and visual arts from among the most innovative artists working today. BAM features films, theater, dance, music, opera, comedy, literary events and galas in Brooklyn.

Newfest, the New York LGBT Film Festival takes place in July, and MIX, the Queer Experimental Film Festival screens in November.

See our events tab for these and more annual highlights, such as NY Pride in late June, Harlem Pride, Folsom East, in June, the Hookies Awards in March, and various gallery exhibits, plays, leather/fetish and bear events, and other special dance parties such as the Black Party/BPX Expo and Hustlaball NY among others.

Habibi produces the premier party and social events for gay Arab men and friends in the NYC area, and the Hebro website lists activities for the gay Jewish community.

Daniel Nardicio presents playful clothing-optional parties in New York City and Fire Island, often with naked performers and staff; also shows with his favorite singers, performers and comedians on stage. Village Contra has monthly traditional but gender role-free Contra dances.

 

Accommodations

Ace Hotel (1185 Broadway; 212-679-2222) 12-story Midtown building, gay-targeted boutique hotel chain, 260 rooms, near theaters of Times Square.

Chelsea Mews Guesthouse (344 W 15th St; 212-255-9174) eight rooms, men-only, clothing optional; laundry service and bike tour come with the room.

Chelsea Pines Inn (317 W 14th St; 212-929-1023) gay owned and operated five-story row house with Hollywood-themed rooms and suites, business center and self-serve breakfast.

Chelsea Savoy Hotel (204 West 23rd St; 212-929-9353) new building, moderate prices and good location, on a bustling street.

The Chelsea Star (300 W 30th; 212-244-7827) has a variety of options from budget dorms to deluxe rooms, singles, and doubles, plus apartment suites; lots of services, central location.

Colonial House (318 W 22nd St; 212- 243-9669): 20 comfy rooms, 2 suites, Wi-Fi throughout, roof-top deck, great location for shops, restaurants, and NY attractions.

Four Points Sheaton Manhattan Chelsea (160 W 25 St; 212-337-8306) truly friendly staff, 158 cozy guest rooms, sleek modern design, workout facility.

Gem Hotel (300 W 22nd St; 212- 675-1911) comfortable and hospitable boutique hotel.

Hotel 17 (225 E 17th St; 212-475- 2845) chic newly renovated budget hotel for students, and travelers on a budget, known as 'The Inn for Hollywood Types and Transient Chic.'

Hotel 31 (120 E 31st St; 212-685- 3060) newly renovated, reasonalbly priced, featuring all amenities of a first-class hotel.

Hotel 57 (130 E 57th Str; 212- 753-8841), state-of-the-art boutique hotel, acclaimed in-house restaurant, navigator concierges.

The Inn on 23rd (131 W 23rd St; 212-463-0330), modestly priced Chelsea B&B at the heart of Manhattan, comfortably furnished to make you feel at home.

The London NYC (151 W 54th St; 212-468-8856) well-located luxury hotel with elegant suites and attentive service; dining by Michelin chef Ramsey.

Out NYC Hotel (510 W 4nd St; 212-947-2999), gay urban resort hotel in Hell's Kitchen, rooms and suites. Features BPM nightclub dancing and cabaret, Rosebud Lounge, KTCHN modern American/Mediterranean cuisine, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and late-night snacks; gym, spa, sun deck, and garden courtyard.

For many more options, see hotels and guesthouses on our map & listings tab.

 

Bars and Nightclubs
New York City has more gay nightspots than any other city in our world-wide listings, by far. Find businesses among six districts of Manhattan, plus the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens below:

Bars and clubs: West Village & SoHo

Boots & Saddle (76 Christopher St), 36-year Village favorite, every day noon to 4am; DJ, diva emcees, nightly drag shows, karaoke nights, big beer selection, weekend beer busts from 3pm, stripper/go go dancers.

Cielo (18 Little W 12th St), Wednesday-Saturday house, techno, electronic music dance club, top DJs, guest performers.

Club Shelter (34 Vandam St, SoHo), Sundays 4pm-midnight dancing, top DJs, large floor main room + Green Room alternative; diverse and casual cultural/ sexual mix.

Duplex (61 Christopher St) piano bar and cabaret with top talents and gay following.

Hangar (115 Christopher St) down-to-earth, ethnically diverse neighborhood bar, men in blue jeans hangout, weekend erotic dancers.

Henrietta Hudson (438 Hudson St), mostly lesbian bar crowd, but multi-cultural and age/gender diverse, gay male friendly, house and Latin parties.

Julius' (159 W 10th St) NY's oldest gay tavern, mature regulars, some youngsters, burgers juicey and cheap, monthly Mattachine parties.

Marie's Crisis (59 Grove St) small, well-loved Village piano bar with showtune sing-alongs, wide variety of people.

Monster Bar (80 Grove St) bi-level party and cruising institution since 1970. Open nightly, piano bar, show tunes, drag acts, guest celebrities, Latino nights, strip shows with lap dances, "red hot" go-gos and basement dancing until 4am.

Pieces (8 Christopher St) relaxed bar, room for conversation, karaoke, DJs, live performer shows, B-movie nights, contests, porn bingo, young mostly male NYU crowd, monthly underwear party.

Rockbar (185 Christopher St) replaced Ramrod, formerly the Dugout. Younger rocker crowd, cheap drinks, live bands, Saturday go go dancers, bear beer blasts.

Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher St), gay historic icon, two floors of fun, open nightly, live music and performances, go-go boys, Friday Lesbo-a-go-go nights -- and yes, there are t-shirts for sale.

Ty's (114 Christopher St), jam-packed neighborhood bar for bears, regular guys, and everyone else (including tourists) until 4am nightly. Good drinks at good prices, TV sports.

Bars and clubs: East Village & Lower East Side

Arrow Bar (85 Ave A) wild East Village Sunday night Alphabet, with fresh young go go boys, cheap drinks, party 'til 4am.

Boiler Room (86 E 4th St) landmark bar, alternative crowd house parties, guys from all over town, games and free pool nights, free WiFi, strong drinks and best jukebox around.

Cock (29 2nd Av) "glitter to gutter, butch to bitch..." friendly raunchy basement for when you get that itch. Horny guys, sexy go-go dancers, cruising, Sunday Sperm; All Dude, All Lewd, All Nude nights by Daniel Nardicio.

Eastern Bloc (505 E 6th St) cool East Village space of red and black, every night DJs, sexy Friday disco dancers , mashup/rock, "dirty awesome" Saturdays, young eye-candy clientele, Champagne Sundays.

Nowhere (322 E 14th St) gay boys and girls pack this dark basement neighborhood bar. Open nightly with pool table, juke box and DJs.

Phoenix (447 E 13th St) no-attitude East Village neighborhood meeting place, pool table, indie music jukebox, DJs, cheap drinks, Thursday Trivia Nights, Saturday PlayBoi Nearly Naked Twister; packed weekends with good-looking lads.

Pyramid (101 Avenue A), East Village old-style, dark and funky basement, gay/str8/goth mix, retro 80's nights, Tuesday amateur talent shows, Thursday go-go dancers, Sunday open mic.

UC Lounge (87 Ludlow St) Lower East Side Uncle Charlies lounge south of Delancey Street neighborhood, for young professionals., outdoor smokers' patio. Similar vibe to their Midtown location.

Bars and clubs: Chelsea

Barracuda (275 W 22nd St) casual, lively cabaret show bar with drag acts and karaoke, brings a bit of the East Village to Chelsea.

Boxers (37 W 20th St) (275 W 22nd St), gay sports bar, TV games, longest happy hours in Chelsea, brick-oven pizza, text parties, beer pong, weekly special parites, and links to 26 local gay sports leagues and activities at their website.

Eagle (554 W 28th St) cruisy-as-hell leather/fetish bar with hot men, voted best of it's kind by NY Magazine. Pool table, roof-deck bar, Sunday beer bust, Jockstrap Wednesdays, dress code nights, Mr Eagle contests.

East of Eighth (254 W 23rd), gay-friendly bistro restaurant and bar, cuisines of many cultures, garden tables, Tuesday all-you-can-eat buffet.

G Lounge (223 W 19th St) upscale lounge bar, 4pm-4am daily, plenty of cruising, after-work happy hours, Tuesday night Boybox novelty go-go burlesque and striptease, Thursday Freak fashion, body, and drag shows, Saturday top DJs and host nights.

Gym Sports Bar (167 8th Av), TV sports bar on two floors, outdoor patio, reasonable drinks prices, food, Saturday and Sunday DJs.

Secret Lounge (525 W 29th St), past the industrial-looking entrance, an opulent lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a sultry black and Latino crowd, sexy erotic dancers, strong drinks.

XES (157 W 24th St), laid-back video nightclub, DJs, bingo, karaoke, drag entertainment, Saturday shirtless dancing throng, outdoor smoking patio.

Bars and clubs: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, Times Square

9th Avenue Saloon (656 9th Av) unpretentious hangout for all ages and types in the Theatre District, cheap drinks, jukebox.

Atlas Social Club (753 Ninth Ave), retro athletic club decor, hot men, sexy dancers, good music, special event parties.

Bamboo 52 (344 W 52nd St), sushi bar and lounge; lunch specials, evenings of cocktails,  Broadway divas and karaoke.

Barrage (401 W 47th St) dimly lit chill-out bar with DJ music, plenty of couches to relax on, popular late-night happy hours, locals and toursits mix.

Bar-Tini Ultra Lounge (642 10th Av) stylish cocktail lounge, drag & talent shows, comedy nights, mid-week go-gos, cute friendly staff mix a mean Manhattan, attractive clean-cut guys.

Berlin Fridays at Providence Nightclub (311 W 57th), Boi Party Fridays, big two-floor dance room, go-go dancers, darkroom full of CockyBoys porn stars, all-night drag and burlesque cabaret shows.

Boxers HK (742 9th Ave), second location of popular Chelsea sports bar, roof deck, pool tables, videos, Dog Pound basement bar; Sunday brunch omelets, bennies, and huevos rancheros.

BPM NY (512 W 42nd St), at the Out NYC hotel, gay dance club/ restaurant complex, video bar, drag cabaret shows, sexy contests, big Thursday and Saturday night gay crowds, special theater and party events. Former XL Nightclub, new party nights.

Escuelita (301 W 39th St) aka Esco, diverse Black/ Latino cultural mix, dance club, live music and Rap artists, exotic go go dancers, 
hookas, 18+ Mondays and Saturdays, Hip Hop to Reggaeton music; Sunday T-Dances, Get Twisted Thursdays, largest weekly NYC urban dance party.

EVR (54 W 39th St), sleek two-level restaurant and cocktail lounge, nouveau-American cuisine; Wednesday Ocean Blatino urban parties.

Fairytail Lounge (500 W 48th St), cocktail lounge and dance club, mostly guys, special night DJs, nightly go-go dancers, Cake after-brunch Sundays.

Flaming Saddles (793 9th Ave), new Wild West saloon, dancing bartenders, bar-top go-gos, Chuck Wagon menu, jukebox, Saturday/Sunday brunch until 4pm.

Gay College Night 18+ Tuesdays originally at Splash, (which closed), moved to BPM, then to Ritz, now as a 21+ event. See the Next Magazine article and facebook pages of Dougie Meyer (who moved to Town, Washington DC) and DJ Steve Sidewalk for updates on future under 21 club nights. Also see Den Club with Thursday through Saturday 18+ nights in Somerset NJ, and Ikon, with 18+ parties for a younger crowd for several years, at various venues across New Jersey.

Hardware Bar (697 10th Ave), new HK gay bar, mostly men, drag shows, divas, DJs, cheap drinks.

HK Lounge (523 Ninth Ave) sleek minimalist Hell's Kitchen restaurant and lounge with weekly parties, indoor and outdoor seating, French/Asian cuisine with Mediterranean accents; breakfast, lunch/brunch, dinner, rooftop bar.

Industry Bar (355 West 52nd St), plush lounge, cocktails, daily 4pm-4am, parties, live diva performances, top DJs, pool games, Broadway theater crowd.

Lucky Chengs (240 W 52nd St), drag cabaret dinner theatre for 3-course pan-Asian feasts, vibrant, sometimes gymnastic, always interactive shows, comedy, and karaoke. Friday male strippers/ lap dancers. Formerly in LES.

Posh (405 W 51st St) neighborhood party bar, daily 3pm-4am, black couches, DJs, bingo, drag competitons, plenty of room to cruise cute locals. Birthday drinks on them.

Ritz (369 W 46th St), gay muscle in Hell's Kitchen, daily 4pm-4am, three floors, comfortable seating, videos, outdoor patio, attractive crowd, DJs, game nights, porno bingo, special parties, back-room dancing.

Room 53 (314 W 53rd St), piano bar and restaurant, French and Morroccan fusion cuisine salads, sandwiches, small plates, mains and brunch.

Space New York (637 W 50th St), Ibiza-style dance/circuit parties; performers, dancers, star DJ sets.

Stage 48 (605 W 48th St), nightclub events and dance party venue, Viva Saturdays - "New York's largest weekly gay dance party!"

Therapy (348 W 52nd St), Hell's Kitchen chic lounge, daily 5pm-4am; Hollywood stairway, cabaret acts, amateur drag and go-go contests and comedy shows. Full bar, good-looking crowd, sandwiches and snack platters.

Bars and clubs: East Side & Midtown Manhattan

Adonis Lounge (at Evolve, 221 E 58th St), Wednesday and Saturday male-for-male strip shows, lap dances, private Champagne Rooms. Moved from Greenpoint in Brooklyn.

Evolve (221 E 58th St) chic neighborhood lounge in the Upper East Side, with garden patio for gays, lesbians, bi and straight. Open daily with billiard room, good sound, live entertainment, go go boys.

Townhouse Bar (206 E 58th St), piano bar for upscale professionals, older gentlemen and their admirers. Talent shows for cash prizes.

Uncle Charlie's Midtown (139 E 45th S) only gay bar in Midtown near Grand Central Station, after-work crowd of young professionals. Piano lounge, comfortable seating, and outdoor patio; karaoke, special nights and holiday events.

The Web (40 E 58th St), the dance club for Asian guys, has CLOSED.

Bars and Clubs: Uptown Manhattan

Billie's Black (271 W 119th St) bar and gourmet soul food restaurant in central Harlem. Friday or Saturday cabaret acts each week.

Candle Bar (309 Amsterdam Av) gay neighborhood bar, only one of it's kind on the Upper West Side. Pool games, digital jukebox, dive bar good for cocktails and conversation.

Castro Bar (104 Dyckman St), Washington Heights' new upscale lounge, young gay crowd, sexy go-go dancers, Wednesdays CockFight (moved over from No Parking); the former Le Boy.

No Parking (4168 Broadway @ 177th St) - CLOSED April 2014 - neighborhood party lounge, young Latinos and admirers, go-go dancers, DJs nightly.

Suite (992 Amsterdam Av @109th) gay and straight neighborhood bar where all mix easily, with stage acts, karaoke, drag shows, DJs, uncommonly good finger food and snacks.

Tool Box (1742 Second Ave at 90th St), quiet neighborhood bar with sports, music videos and adult movies on the tube.

Bars and Clubs: Brooklyn

Excelsior (390 5th Ave, Park Slope), mixed crowd, mostly guys, neighborhood vibe, nightly until 4am, juke box, deck & garden.

Ginger's Bar (363 5th Ave, Park Slope), mixed but mostly women, laid-back neighborhood bar, sports, karaoke, juke box, pool table.

Langston Club (1073 Atlantic Ave), low-profile Bed-Stuy gay/black club, Thursday-Sunday dancing until 5am, men, women, go-go dancers.

Metropolitan (559 Lorimer St, Williamsburg), backyard patio, Sunday BBQ, boys and girls mix, good drinks prices, winter fireplace, pool table, women's nights, men's nights.

This N That (108 North 6th St, Williamsburg), 4pm-4am neighborhood bar, eclectic gay/artsy mixed crowd, weekend DJs, pool tournaments, drag shows, party events.

Xstasy Night Club (758 5th Ave, Sunset Park), Latino gay bar/lounge, sexy bartenders, go-go dancers, drag shows, theme parties.

Bars and Clubs: Queens

Albatross (36-19 24th Ave, Astoria), popular neighborhood bar, men/women gay mix, happy hours, pool table, jukebox, drag shows, karaoke.

Bum Bum Bar (6314 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside), exuberant, mostly Latina crowd, female go-go dancers, wide age range.

Club Evolution (76-19 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Hts), largest gay club in Queens, hot Latino dance crowd, sexy staff in underwear, go-go dancers, theme parties, drag shows and amateur talent contests.

Elixir Lounge (43-03 Broadway, Astoria) - CLOSED - neighborhood gay bar, karaoke, male dancers, drag shows, movie/musicals sing-alongs, TV sports, special parties.

Friends Tavern (78-11 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Hts), well-establishd and friendlly Latino neighborhood bar, strong drinks, drag shows, karaoke, weekend dancing, bar strippers, summer BBQs.

Hell Gate Social/ Tiki (12-21 Astoria Blvd, Astoria), mixed, gay-friendly locals' watering hole/ community gathering place with food, drinks, movie nights, art exhibits, special events buffets, open mic nights and parties; annual Dating gayME.

Hombres Lounge (85-28 37th Ave, Jackson Hts), Latino men's party bar, daily 5pm - 4am, half-price drinks until 10pm, Friday Rumba, sexy boy contests, drag talent shows.

ICON (31-84 33rd St, Astoria), nightly gay dance club, top DJs, entertainment/performers, bartender hunks, 'go-go gods,' Sunday T-dances, Thursday lesbian nights.

Lucho's (3819 69th St, Woodside), long-time dive, young Latinos, cowboys/machos to drag, dancing to salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton, pageants, sexy dancers, talent shows, Star Search Sundays, late-night cruise scene.

Music Box Bar (40-08 74th St, Elmhurst), neighborhood Latino gay sports bar, weekend parties, sexy male dancers, special event drag cabaret shows.

Pride Lounge (7015B Ausin St, Forest Hills), LGBT community bar/restaurant, TV sports, drag shows.

Static Lounge (28-43 Steinway St, Astoria), nightly neighborhood gay bar, DJs, sexy bartenders and shot boys, lap dancers; trivia and open mic nights, sports events, Saturday dancing.

True Colors Bar (79-15 Roosevelt Ave), gay club, among largest in area dance floors, karaoke and underwear nights.

For over 120 bars and clubs in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, including contact information and website links, see our map & listings tab.

For Northern New Jersey gay nightlife across the Hudson River, see the websites of Club Feathers in River Edge/Hackensack, the Red Cat Restaurant & Martini Bar in Clifton, the Den Club in Somerst, and further west in Boonton, Switch.

 

Saunas
There are two in New York, operated by the same management, one for each side of Manhattan.

East Side Club (227 E 56th St) membership club with steam, sauna, and private cabins. Older crowd, bears, leather

West Side Club (27 W 20th St) membership club with steam, sauna, private cabins. Younger crowd, a bit aloof.

 

Man to Man Massage and Yoga
We list some businesses below, but there are always new ones. See updated and comprehensive massage spa and escort services listings in Next Magazine, in print or online.

Allen Men Spa (101 Allen St, 1A, LES), Swedish, Deep Tissue and Tui-na massage techniques, Reflexology, facials, waxing, certified therapists.

Hot Nude Yoga (112 West 27th St, Chelsea), communal practice naked yoga for men, safe space, judgment-free fellowship; teachings of Tantra, breathing, alignment and brotherhood.

M Star Spa (265 W 23rd St, 2nd floor), man to man full body massage, body scrub, Aroma Therapy, body detox, foot and body steaming, Reflexology, four-hand massage, rose or salt baths.

Manta Spa (300 W 56th St, 2nd floor, Midtown), men for men bodywork, handsome international staff, nude bodyslides, soapy showers, lounge.

 

Restaurants
The city boasts over 20,000 eateries serving cuisines of every sort, so it's no surprise that New Yorkers eat out often. In addition to those listed below see our map & listings tab for 100 more restaurants in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. For more, see TimeOutNY for the latest openings.

Restaurants: West Village

August (359 Bleecker St) authentic regional European bistro fare, seasonal menu, warm and cozy dining room, atrium, lunch/brunch, dinner.

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (1 Seventh Ave S), full dinner entrees, small bites, cheese plates, soups, panini, fine wines, chocolate martinis and rich desserts; Tuesday Girls Nights.

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (61 Grove St), cups/cones, sundaes, shakes, and floats; baked goods, coffee, macaroons, La Newyorkina items.

Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker St) get in line for orgasmic cupcakes.

Manatus (340 Bleecker St) typical diner full of manly men, open 24/7; big breakfast menu, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, outdoor patio, full bar, free delivery.

Philip Marie (569 Hudson St) New American cuisine at gay-friendly eatery; Tuesday Clambake, Saturday/Sunday Unlimited Bloody Mary or Mimosa Brunch, Sunday Night BBQs.

A Salt & Battery (112 Greenwich Ave), authentic, trans-fat-free fish & chip shop from the Tea & Sympathy folks.

Tea & Sympathy (108 Greenwich Ave), British comfort food, bangers & mash to roast beef & Yorkshire pudding, grocery and gift shop.

Restaurants: Chelsea

Dish (201 8th Av) well-known gay diner, inexpensive food, fetching Greek waiters, order by phone or online for delivery.

East of Eighth (254 W 23rd St) eclectic international fare bistro.

Elmo (156 7th Av) fancy retro dining room, popular with pretty people craving comfort food.

Intermezzo (202 8th Av) classy Italian place with all-you-can-drink mimosas weekend brunches.

Nisos (176 8th Av) Mediterranean, especially Greek, cuisine; lunch, dinner, à la carte or prix-fix brunch.

Rocking Horse Mexican Cafe (182 8th Av) upscale modern Mexican cuisine; "complex pastes, sauces and marinades, like those found in Oaxaca's Mercado Abastos."

Spice (199 8th Av) the best, and most affordable, Thai in the neighborhood.

Trailer Park Lounge & Grill (271 West 23rd St), kitchy trip south, true backyard picnic flavors, char-grilled sandwiches, homemade chili, BLTs, potent drinks.

Restaurants: East Village

Acme Bar & Grill (9 Great Jones St), food of Louisiana, Cajun appetizers, salads, po-boys, oysters, shrimp, burgers, crabcakes, ribs; weekend brunch.

BBar & Grill (40 E 4th St) Tuesday gay nights, outdoor garden, enclosed heated winter seating, open to summer stars; weekend brunch, cocktails, late snacks.

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (125 East 7th St), cups/cones, sundaes, shakes, and floats; baked goods, coffee, macaroons, La Newyorkina items.

Indochine (430 Lafayette St), stylish ambience, tropical decor, French-Vietnamese cuisine, wines of the world.

Malai Marke (318 E 6th St), a standout among a dozen Sixth Street South Asian/Indian restaurants between 1st and 2nd Avenues; north, southwest Konkan and Malabar coast Indian cuisine, fish curries, kababs, chicken xacuti Goa-style.

Queen Vic (68 Second Ave), pub and grub, British favorites and American grill, British beers, ales to 4am, American lagers; lunch, weekend "Royal Breakfast," dinner, & late.

Yuca Bar & Cocina Latina (111 Avenue A), eclectic pan-Latin cuisine, sunny side walk café and lively bar, mojitos & sangria.

Restaurants: Midtown to Uptown

Arriba Arriba (762 9th Avenue @ 51st St) gay-friendly Mexican with generous margaritas.

Bamboo 52 (344 W 52nd St) polished sushi/sashimi bar with outdoor patio; deliveries.

Brasserie Athenee (300 W 46th St), elegant atmosphere, French cuisine, daily breakfast from 6:30am, lunch, dinner.

Cafe du Soleil (2723 Broadway at 104th St), simple, authentic, French Provençal, rustic bistro fare, slowly cooked stews, sunny terrace, weekend brunch.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (700 W 125th St), acclaimed Harlem barbeque house, ribs, sauces, bar, weekend live music.

HK Restaurant/ Lounge (523 Ninth Av) swanky Mediterranean bistro; hearty breakfasts, lunch/brunch, dinner.

KTCHN (508 W 42nd St, Hells Kitchen), restaurant at OUT Hotel/ BPM NY, modern American with Mediterranean touch, lunch, dinner, Saturday/Sunday bottomless Mimosa Brunch.

Lips (227 E 56th St) drag diner shows, magnet for bachelorette parties, Sunday Gospel Brunch.

Vynl (754 9th Av) gay American fare diner with a dash of Thai.

Whole Foods Market (10 Columbus Circle) grocery, cafe, healthy hot and cold food, soups, sandwiches, juice.

Zen Palate (663 9th Av at 46th) intensely healthy vegetarian Asian fare at Restaurant Row.

Zoma (2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd - 8th Avenue), Ethiopian cuisine in Harlem, herbs & spices aplenty, meat or veggie fare.
 

 

Shopping
Designer Fifth Avenue stores coddle those with cash to spare, but for haggled bargains go to New York's large Chinatown. "America's largest department store" since 1902, Macy's Herald Square flagship, occupies an entire city block between 6th and 7th Avenues and 34-35th Streets in Manhattan - a must-see for any visitor. Bloomingdales isn't far away. See our map & listings section for more shopping suggestions, in addition to these listed below.

Shopping: Adult stores

Blue Door (87 1st Av) East Village source for gay erotica, lube etc, cruisy dark nooks.

Blue Store (206 8th Av) Chelsea porn store, DVDs, magazines, toys, private booths.

Pleasure Chest (156 7th Av) his and hers sex shop, lots of toys, bliss-enhancing workshops.

Unicorn (277 W 22nd St) large porn and toys selection, private video booths get busy in the wee hours.

Vishara Video (797 8th Ave, Hell's Kitchen), gay porn DVDs, toys, cruising zones, gay movie booths, glory holes.

Shopping: Clothing

Leather Man (111 Christopher St) leather clothing, accessories, toys, bespoke tailoring.

Nasty Pig (265 W 19th St) edgy duds for sexually self-assured males.

Universal Gear (140 8th Av) male boutique for trendy clubwear.

Shopping: Pharmacies

Arrow Pharmacy (883 9th Av) low priced prescription meds, vitamins and toiletries.

Village Apothecary (346 Bleecker St) community pharmacy for well-priced meds, alternative therapies and beauty products.
 

See our map & listings tab for more in each category. If we missed your favorite, send a us a note at our add listing tab.

Read the view from Toronto, by Marcus McCann, in this Xtra, article of July 14, 2011: "There's so much to process in the city of snap judgments."