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The Best of the Big Gay Apple
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Sorry San Francisco, but New York is the gay capital of the world. It is home to Stonewall and the reason why there are gay pride
events all over the world every June. It is the city where everyone escapes to for the freedom to be themselves, finding not just one
gayborhood, but pretty much the entire island of Manhattan as a gay-friendly hotspot that goes from the Village to Chelsea, to
Hell's Kitchen, to the Meatpacking District...
Most of the cruisy gay bars are found along 8th Avenue in Chelsea and in West Village (also home to fun-spirited gay shops around Christopher St.). Other mixed venues are found in the Meatpacking District and increasingly, in Hell's Kitchen.
That's where you'll find Therapy, a stylish lounge popular for an early evening/post-work drink during the week, and filled with party boys on weekends. Crowned with a massive skylight, the ground floor has a cosy sitting area, while upstairs are tiny tables and sofas facing a stage. In addition to the original cocktails, there's also snacky food, although most are simply satisfied with the eye-candy of Chelsea pretty boys. The music is a mix of pop, house, and techno.
A simple "g" by the entrance lets you know you've arrived at G Lounge, a sleek lounge in Chelsea with a circular bar and a sitting area for intimate conversation. The DJ spins a variety of loud sounds -- as varied as the clientele. Along with "Therapy", this is our top choice.
Also in Chelsea, XES Lounge (pronounced "excess") is an attractive space made up of hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and a beautiful outdoor patio. It is home to nights of drag shows and special screenings of oh-that's-so-gay shows like Project Runway and Desperate Housewives. It is a nice place for happy hour or a laid-back evening, attended by a friendly staff.
Vlada Lounge is a stylish gay lounge with a Russian spirit, offering about 15 kinds of vodka infusions. The crowd tends to be made up of 30-somethings, who sit on the padded leather banquettes or by the long, sleek bar. Upstairs is a DJ and a VIP area.
Rapture Cafe is the recommended gay hangout during the day. Part bookstore, part café, part bar, part gallery, the well-lit space with a
pop soundtrack attracts GLBT to its couches in the front throughout the day, while at night the attractions range from short film screenings
to poetry readings.
Posh Bar NYC has a misleading name, since it is not posh or pretentious. You'll see gay men and their straight friends in a friendly environment, chatting on comfortable couches. Alternatively, there is a terrace outside where you can actually light up a cigarette.
The Boiler Room is a friendly East Village bar where beer is the drink of choice for straight-acting gay boys. There's heavy cruising in the main room, especially when it's taken over by NYU students on busier evenings. A great jukebox allows for a variety of sounds throughout the night, adding one more reason why this is a favorite in the city.
The Urge has a sleek, sophisticated décor, with a cool bar in the center and tables embedded with plasma TVs. But elegance doesn't mean toning down the fun with the go-go boys on top of the bar, or flirting with the buff bartenders. Depending on the day of the week, you may also catch drag shows, a bingo night, or special events for cash prizes.
Think of every gay stereotype and you get the picture of what Splash is all about. Muscled bartenders and go-go boys, dance music pumping through the mirrored room, and plenty of dancing queens. In short, boys and girls just wanna have fun.
Young studs have also been meeting at Rush for cheap drinks, flirting around the three floors, and for lots of dancing since the place was rated the #1 party bar in the city.
GAY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Hudson
Dream
Bryant Park Hotel
Le Parker Meridien
Wyndham Garden Hotel
Chelsea Inn
GAY-FRIENDLY HOSTELS
CHELSEA INN
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