The flood gates are open! I have yelped for a while now and generally steered clear of yelping bars but NYC inspired me to yelp some watering holes! I was rocking and rolling around NYC hopping from rooftop beer and BBQ to LCD Soundsystem live, to pent house in suite party, to Phoenix on my way to GreenHouse/Van Dam Sunday dance debauchery... It all rocked! Phoenix was the perfect point to go over the edge and really kick my night up about 10 notches! What makes this place so amazing is the staff! They are amazing! Fun, smart, intelligent, crazy, just plain awesome! Great drinks great people in just the right atmosphere! Even though this was just a way point in our crazy night of watching the sun set and rise while the party continued, it was a very memorable one for sure! I will make it a point to stop in this spot again and again when ever I am in the NYC! read more

I realize I've been Yelping up a storm lately... I just can't help it. This weekend? I went to a lot of places. And since you KNOW I sometimes get thirsty, I of course found myself in a homosexual drinking establishment. Since Scott B. was with me, I made him go. We walked from quite far away, so I got to HEAR about it the WHOLE way there. He bitches more than me - which is a skill. Sadly, this was not the gay bar I thought it was. I confused it with 'The Boiler Room' accidentally (the geographic proximity means others may make this mistake, too), but since we were there I figured, what the hell? Let's go with it. It's dark, it has cheap beer, and a pool table. You know I love me a pool table. For an early Friday night, there was enough people that 1) it was hard to get to the bar and 2) no way were getting to play pool. The bathrooms are ESPECIALLY gross, which I suppose is worth pointing out. We ended up going in the off-the-beaten-path corner "hallway" I guess you would call it, where we could talk and drink without music blasting in our ears. That was quite a nice feature, but several horrible people would wander in and either flirt or makeout or, when we REALLY lucky, do both in the span of 3 minutes. Very classy atmosphere if you couldn't tell. Still, nice place to pop in for a drink. But I like the layout and dirty feel of The Boiler Room much, much more. read more

This was my favorite gay bar during my first recent trip to NYC. Neighborhood vibe, friendly people. I chatted with a very nice drag queen and then a guy born and raised in the city. Inexpensive, safe, relaxed, great music. I'll be back during my next trip! read more

Gay bar or not, this was a crazy chill place to hang out. The drinks were appropriately priced, the pool table to the side was being actively used, and their music selection was SICK. Seriously, the bar broke out in unison when a Miley Cyrus song came on the speakers. She'd be really proud of her gay fans. Some of the customers should learn how to lock the bathroom door, though. I walked in on a guy peeing on the wall, and he walked out oh-so nonchalantly. How could you not be embarrassed by that?! Add that to Life Mysteries I'll Never Understand. read more

A few concise statements accurately sum up this place. 1. Lots of gays. Mostly, hot gays. 2. Shoulder-to-shoulder and 6-inch screaming voices required, by 10pm. 3. 2 dollar beers. also, 4. Awesome, neon-lit sign in front. I went once, and then I went a few times after that. And I will probably go again. And, I'm not even gay. Or a dude. read more

Phoenix is a really solid gay bar. Actually, it's a really solid bar in general that happens to cater to gays. It's dark, comfortable, not-too-loud. You can can come and stay for hours and your wallet won't take a beating. It's not sketchy, like some of its neighbors to the south, nor is it "OMG--Let's totally go to our first gay bar with our gay friend" like some bars to its west. Full disclosure: My boyfriend and I come here once a year to celebrate our anniversary, because this is where we met. So, I am slightly biased. read more

This has become my new favorite dive bar in NYC -- complete with a working jukebox. The bartenders are super nice, the crowd is super mixed, and twice now, I've gotten super sloshed for cheap. Oh, and I love the sign outside -- great typography! (Yes, I'm a design nerd -- deal with it.) I went on a Saturday around 8:30PM when it was slow, and I ended up playing pool, having a few Guinesses, and chilling out for three hours -- by then it was shoulder to shoulder. I DID happen run into someone I went on a date with once. Boy, dealing with the 'evil eye' sure is easier when you're drinking at a fun place!. read more

I absolutely love this bar. It's without a doubt the friendliest bar, gay or straight, in New York. Cool bar men, good promotions, reasonable prices for booze and a general good vibe, all make for super fun times potential! It's maybe not the fanciest of spots, and is perhaps a little tough around the edges, but that's the New York thing right! read more

Every time I've gone to the Phoenix it has been a blast. First, I appreciate the space. It is not New York like to go anywhere where they is actually room to have your own personal space and here you can...woohoo! When you walk in the door you immediately walk smack dab into the bar. To the left side is an addition room with some booths and a couple of bar top tables- this is our favorite spot. The music is wildly good. One night we went it was old school hip hop, another night it was pop...but the good stuff. To not dance here is to be immune to having any kind of fun. The drinks are fairly priced and the bartenders (and owner) are really cool and, maybe because I was a female in a gay bar, they have a good memory for their patrons. Despite frequent visits, the only thing I haven't quite figured out about this place is the bathroom situation. There are two locations, that I know of, to use the restroom- downstairs and across from the bar. The one across from the bar is an individual bathroom with one door and one toilet. The one downstairs is a multi-use bathroom with one door and three stalls. The multi-use one though doesn't seem to have much security in the way of locking the door. Normally I would be discourage by this but I've been to gay bars where there weren't even doors so just having that is a bit of a step up. So with all that said, you never know what you're going to walk into when going to the downstairs toilet. I more than recommend this place, it's just so much fun!! read more

This is a fine bar. It just didn't feel like a gay bar. It's mostly filled with straight couples. There was a drag show though. Otherwise drinks are good and it's a fine space. read more

Phoenix - Everyone at Phoenix on a Saturday night is straight couples. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Gay bars need to meet certain criteria to be appealing to me: - a decent happy hour - a diverse jukebox - friendly people and staff Meeting all of the above, Phoenix is my 2nd favourite gay bar in the city. I like to hit it up earlyish of an evening (before it gets unbearably packed) and get tipsy while I flirt ridiculously with handsome men. read more

I came here lastnight after a birthday get together in Alphabet city and forgot that i had ever been here. Quite the dive bar, typical east village, with an EXTREMELY mixed crowd of the gays. There are the cubs, fem. bottoms, alcoholics, & the fashionista. It's all one large mixing bowl and it all works out great. One great thing about this place aside from the diverse people are the completely unpretentious peeps. You will definitely find someone you are interested in and more than likely you will feel comfortable to approach him, even if you are the typical shy bean. Most people come with one or more friends but there are also those lone stragglers, ripe for the picking. It gets quite crowded so be prepared to do the back touch 'excuse me' and occasional beer spill on your reeboks. I would definitely reccommend this for you if you are looking for an unpretentious atmosphere and/or in the area. Wednesday i think is the day to go, p.s.s.s.s.s.s read more

Been going here since The Bar burnt up and it's still the same cool dump. They could really do something with that useless side room, but whatever. Best thing about Phoenix? All the straight girls hate it! The other night this drunk NYU skag asked why they didn't have a decent ladies room. Um...to keep you at home sweetie? read more

I went to Phoenix last year... and whenever anyone is going to New York, is gay or into gay bars, this is the second place I recommend. It's not your typical gay queen crowd-- they are all really just regular dudes. There's also a pool table in the back which equals FUN in my book and all of the people in there were really friendly... I would visit this place if you are not into gay scenes, you don't care how expensive your sweater vest is or whether or not your date waxes his chest. Definitely go here if you like alternatives to the mainstream gag-me-with-a-spoon gay culture. I went on a wednesday and it was just crowded enough to get some eye candy and have some good conversations. read more

Came in while we waited for our restaurant reservation. They play very good music and the staff is attentive and nice. They have a pool table in the back and their drinks are good! read more

My favorite gay bar in the City. Cheap (strong) drinks, great music, and an attractive varied crowd. Pool table and darts in the back. Great Location - right between the dive bars of 2nd Ave and Avenue B that I frequent. What more can I say? You're guaranteed to have a great time! read more

Absolutley the Worst service - Super rude bar server that moved me around 2 x - and not politely - never going back and you should definitely skip it. The days of rude and cocky service need to end after this pandemic. Not the example of how to recover after a year + of not being able to go out. read more

This review is solely for their happy hour, which my friends and I went to in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday. The bar had a couple of other patrons besides us, but other than that, it was empty. The bartender was very much keeping to herself. I will say this: I entered sober and left very tipsy. And I am not a lightweight. I can't remember how much the drinks were, but they were ridiculously cheap--only a couple of dollars for well drinks. Honestly, the entire time we were in NYC, we did not find them this cheap again. Not only were they cheap, but they were generously poured. We ended up randomly finding this place after a late brunch, but if we're around for happy hour, I foresee a future visit for sure. read more

There aren't that many places in the LES that offer actual dancing, and this place is no exception. It's kind of a chill bar with decent amount of seating. The music is just OK, and the drinks aren't bad either. I still prefer Hell's Kitchen venues to this, but if you live in this area of town and don't want to take the F train over, then this is not bad. It reminds me of a more buttoned up version of Boiler Room. read more

Phoenix - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Had been bar hopping all night and were on our way back home but we stumbled upon this very appealing door with a red light shining outside of it. Decided to go inside and have a drink ($2 bud light drafts - right up my alley baby!!!!). The music was fun and my boyfriend and I ended up signing up and playing "queer pong" against these 3 time champions who ended up beating us as well, making them 4 time champions. Anyway, the queens were hilarious and beautiful (wish I knew their names) and it was a fun place to end our night....at 4AM, hahaha! read more

Phoenix - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Fun, laid-back crowd in an unpretentious bar that played, among other songs, the theme song to "Who's the Boss?" "Brand new life... brand new life... brand new life around the bend!" read more

This is one of my favourite bars in the city! Garrett is extremely friendly and attentive! Great tunes and atmosphere! Everyone knows eachother and it gives off a really fun neighborhood vibe! read more

Out of the handful of times I've been here there's only been twice that It was so packed inside that people just congregated outside. For me that is when Phoenix is the most enjoyable. I can't say I've ever waited inline here, but I have been cheek to cheek with half of the bar trying to make my way to the restrooms before. I wanna say those 'fun' nights were on a Friday, but I can't remember. If I'm going out in the Alphabet City/East Village I always like to stop by here since it's a block from where I live.The music is always great and there's even a pool table in the back to get a few games in. read more

Good vibes. Generous pours. Came here by accident looking for something else and ended up staying until heading home.

Oh, Phoenix. You're the only bar that will get me to drink Bud Light, my singular object of beer-related derision. Two dollars! TWO! I feel like I'm in college again. Oh, I guess I still am in college. Whatever! I've always had super-nice bartenders there. The jukebox was, like, stolen from my iPod, so I'm definitely a fan there and I can do my usual trio of Depeche Mode, Metric, and The Knife thrown in just to weird up the ambience a little. The crowd is friendly and is all over the place age- and style-wise, though the East Village influence is pleasantly inexorable. I think it tends to be younger on Wednesdays because of the beer special. The space is wide open and conducive to meeting others. And for those of us not in the neighborhood, it's awesomely close to the subway. Yay. read more

I was dragged (seewhatididthere) here by my homegurl and had no clue what its blueprint was. To my surprise it was a low-key gay bar. Its really dark in this joint...and I was apprehensive to get drunk at first...but its really chill and not nutz (i.e., lots of dudes grabbing at you) like at The Cock. I didn't get to play pool since it was packed but I think I'll show off mah "stick" skillz next time. read more

As a queen of the scene, I don't know how I feel about shorts, jorts, or Tevas on 30 something men in a bar. However, I appreciated the casual atmosphere as a nice respite from the usual high strung New York atmosphere. Props also to the juke box, fast service, and the bricks. I liked the bricks. More about the booze than the cruise, but your boy Brent DaVorne can handle that sometimes, especially when he needs to chill and keep his pants on. ****Brent DaVorne**** read more

Went here with some friends after dinner and a few bars, this place was really a lot of fun. We went on a Saturday night and the music was on point with some of the best 90's music that I haven't heard since the 90's! The beer selection was limited but my friends mixed drinks were strong and good. A great place to grab a drink, have some fun and dance. read more

I swore I would never return to Phoenix after my first encounter, but I've been lured back by the Wednesday night $2 Bud Lights, free pool, and free jukebox. My first time at Phoenix involved a very drunk patron who blew out the door and almost knocked me out, a rowdy drag queen who had to be man-handled out, and a creepy guy who kinda stared/glared at me. Thankfully it seems like those were all isolated incidents and every time I've been back has seemed enjoyable. It's a low-key bar with friendly bartenders from what I've seen. read more

This is the best in the east village. Great dj's, good vibe, basically the nyc real life equivalent of Babylon in Queer as Folk.

Phoenix is a guilty pleasure you'll keep coming back for more of. Good music, strong drinks and a good crowd. Like other reviewers have mentioned, the line can get sort of crazy. Either bring patience or take the time to get to know the right people. Definitely worthwhile showing some love to the boys and girls making the worthwhile parties happen. read more

This is probably my favorite gay bar in the city. It's usually busy enough to have a bustle, but they're always a seat at the bar. It draws a diverse, laid back crowd, from NYU kids to locals to people who come from around the city. The jukebox is great and the bartenders are very friendly; go there a few times and within a couple days, you'll be on a first name basis with them. Like every other bar in the city, it gets pretty packed on weekends, but it never turns in the 'Gay 6 Train at rush hour' experience I find at other places. As such, it's more of a unique experience when you go on weeknights and take advantage of their amazing happy hour. Still, even when it's packed the staff keep things moving and it's not long before you have your drink. You can pretty much do anything here; meet new people, have a drink by yourself, come with a gaggle of friends, play pool, whatever. You kind of get whatever you what you want from this place, which makes it so great. read more

Phoenix has won me over in four very important areas (ranked purposefully): 1. Erotic Photohunt 2. Popcorn 3. Music 4. A great happy hour Let's break this down even further. 1. Erotic Photohunt is quite possibly the best game in existence. In fact, if I could somehow afford my own home arcade version of it, I would probably never leave the house. So it's probably best that I have to go out and play. There is nothing more fun than trying to beat the highest score--and it only gets better the more drinks you have. 2. I love going to Phoenix for happy hour (more on that later) because it's not too crowded and sometimes, if you're lucky, a bartender will throw in a bag of popcorn. This is perfect because if it is happy hour, chances are I haven't eaten since lunch. One time the bartender even let my friend and I take a bowl of popcorn to our Photohunt game. Delicious! 3. Their jukebox is one of my favorites. It has all the classics, but remains surprisingly current and updated. I think it's always worth it to put on at least 3 of your favorite songs, and yes, sometimes it might take a long time to hear it, but I have that experience at any bar I frequent. 4. And finally, the whole point of going to a bar is for the drinks (and Photohunt). Super, super cheap during happy hour. And it'll give you a great buzz for the evening. I agree with fellow reviewers that it's a great place to start the evening. It can get a little, uh, cozy to say the least. (But, to be fair, at least it's bigger than some of the other holes in Manhattan.) And yes, the bathrooms are terrifying. But really, when you've got Erotic Photohunt, how can anything be bad? read more

I love this place! Drinks aren't too pricey, and there's a friendly atmosphere. My only gripe is that in the ladies' bathroom, the toilets are on a stupid ledge, which is right where you would want to place your feet, so it's really hard to pee (especially after having had a few drinks). But I guess as a lady in a gay bar, I'm probably not allowed to complain about the women's bathroom, eh? ;-) read more

I have tried, on more than one occassion, to make this place work - but seriously it is a nasty spot. No reflection on the clientele, its just that nothing works here - the juke box spends more time quiet than playing music, it's either freezing cold or sticking hot, the bar reeks of stale beer and the bathrooms are so foul that it's not funny. I know lots of people like it here - but for what it is worth, it is not a destination. read more

Everyone I've taken to this bar likes it so that has to say something, right? There aren't too many letchers hanging around, they're missing the oiled up go go boys and the twinkies are few and far between. The jukebox is stellar and there are plenty of handsome, masculine men on the good nights (Friday, Saturday). Oh, don't go to the 2-for-1 Happy Hour unless you plan on getting drunk. read more

Horrible place Rude staff Terrible attitude Huge lines to get in I will never go back read more

According to my guides: "the jeans and T-shirt gay bar" i.e. the "regular guys" bar. However, I was also warned that it takes a LOT of extra preperation to look regular! Regardless, it reminded me of the Chicago/Wicker Park crowd, more laid back and eclectic and more old fashioned/pseudo divey. Loud. Pricey. Fun to hang out. read more

Friendly neighborhood bar with fun trivia on Thursday nights.

Number of Violations: 26 I've had my share of gay bars and there's really nothing that stood out to me. I liked that it was an edgier bar than say the Bar on Castro but this is a place that's really for an older crowd. And they don't take credit cards which is upsetting but I can see how it makes it a divier joint. Just not my type of place but I'm sure others will enjoy. read more