The most underrated gay bar in NYC. Purely authentic people and good times! 100 % recommend every event they throw!

TLDR: I wouldnt go to this bar if you are disabled. So I had to sit down on the floor because I have POTS, which basically means if I stand upright for too long I pass out. I was in a corner not bothering anyone trying to take up as little space as possible, and the bouncer person, I think their name was dijoun, walked by and told me to get up. I politely said "oh Im disabled," to which they replied very snarkily "you werent disabled when you came in." Already I was really upset, because how dare you accuse me of lying about the thing that is ruining my life on the one lucky night my chronic pain was light enough to go out and try to enjoy myself. My friend said oh yea she has blood pressure issues (not exactly correct but he was trying) and they walked off. Later inside, they came up to me and told me to get up out of my chair bc someone had hung their bag on the back and I hadnt noticed. They brought me another chair which was nice but I was trying to order a drink and she put it pretty far away from the bar. Anyways, I calmly said "hey you cant say that to people" and they instantly got really defensive and said "well you didnt tell me when you walked in." Like I didnt know I needed permission to sit on the floor? I didnt know I need to tell every employee everywhere I go that Im disabled to keep them from accusing me of lying? Also, the first thing I said was im disabled and we already discussed how they responded to that. I dont remember exactly how I responded, only that I was trying to stifle my anger to not cause a scene, but they then told me "yeah im disabled too I was in 9/11" like sorry I guess but if you are disabled maybe dont be so ableist? If someone told ME they were disabled I would believe them not accuse them of lying, and being disabled isnt an excuse to gatekeep who gets to accomodate their disability and who doesnt. Then when I was leaving I said something like that wasnt cool man and they followed me down the block yelling. I yelled back at this point but still, for an employee of a bar I frequent pretty often to do something like this makes me really uncomfortable. So yeah, I wouldn't go here if you are disabled, at least not when this person is working there, because if simply sitting down so I dont pass out caused this reaction, who knows what reaction other disabled people will get. read more

Updated review after being back a few times: this is one of those 100% queer spaces that needs to be protected. The smell hits you the second you walk in, but on some level that's kind of the point. Probably the most welcoming leather bar I've ever been to, guys are always nice and down to strike up a conversation whether you're in a harness or carrying a handbag. The drag is gritty but glamorous, the drinks are strong, always a good time read more

Dirty, sleazy, and probably the best bar in NYC. The crowd skews older and beefier along with guys who admire that. Drinks are incredible strong (pro tip... alternate with water to avoid getting shit faced). read more

Awful place, they don't have nice drinks , they lie to you on the specials!!!! There was a benefit auction raffle that was supposed to be at 10 pm at it started one hour earlier without notice!!! Surprisingly the people who knew the personnel won the prizes on the raffle contest! NOT GO THERE!!! read more

RockBar - two people standing outside of a bar at night - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I just did a show their & had a Gay time the drinks were So good. The Boytoys wear nice I will be back.

Stumbled upon this joint after a short walk along the west side. Unassuming exterior leading into your basic dive-bar inside. Temperature checks and protocols all met with seating safely spaced apart. Since it was cold outside, was welcomed to a few options for hot cocktails. Decided on the "Spiked Chai" ($8) - a regular hot tea spiked with whiskey. Balance is okay, could have used a more flavorful tea but overall fine enough to sip and relax. Looking around, seems like this place is also a live music venue when things are normal (given the small stage up front). Friendly staff and well priced drinks is a welcome respite in the area. read more

RockBar - Hot drink menu - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I have been visiting RockBar on and off for the past 15 or so years. Overall, I have had pretty positive experiences. It's a pretty standard dive bar that is pretty accepting of folks from various walks of life. Here you'll definitely see LGBT+ folks of all colors, sizes, and shapes. Most of the clientele is pretty laid back and chill, and the bartenders are pretty approachable and very efficient. Finally, the drink prices are pretty reasonable, especially for the area. read more

Rockbar really is the best little dive in all of the West Village, and the type of wonderful hidden gem that welcomes absolutely everyone. While its focus as a gay bar is bears, its doors are open to all body types, identities, and, well... everyone. And yes, that includes women and hetero folx also looking for a place to grab a drink and socialize. Regular drag shows rule the roost here, as do trivia nights, gaming afternoons, and lots of other tame-to-risqué pride events. If you pick the right day to stop by, horror film icon Joe Zaso is occasionally cooking tasty little snacks like hotdogs, meatloaf sandwiches, and quiche! The vibe here is leather bar-meets- Texas roadhouse, but without any of the intimidation that either of those establishments would offer. Pop music videos play (just loudly enough) on their numerous TVs, while unassuming horror movie memorabilia is tucked beside neon signs and pride merch behind the bar. Drinks are moderately priced (especially for Christopher Street) and quite strong, and the staff is top-notch. COVID protocols are currently excellent, with mandatory contact tracing and temperatures taken at the door, socially-distanced indoor seating, and a side entrance for to-go beverages. read more

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

Prob worst bar I've been to sadly ...... Monday night bartender sat on phone all night with 2 people I'm his bar ...... no friendless, no intrest in customers ..... take my money elsewhere...... which seeing how dead this bar has been all week is what everyone thinks . read more

I love their to go option and recommend it for people who choose to enjoy Rockbar's reasonably priced beverages on the go

Decided to give it one last try...ACKK. The place smells like BOX (old damp cardboard) that tunnels into your nose and throat to the point where you do not even want to finish your drink. Absolute pig sty (and not in a good gay way)! Not sure how they have stayed in business for so long. read more

This is one of few nice bars in the west village that offers live entertainment and great drink specials. They're always holding events and the staff is friendly. The have karaoke on Wednesdays. This bar has everything. You can't go wrong, I highly recommend it. read more

YES. Hometown favorite. This place has the vibe, it IS the vibe. Patrick is incredible as are the other folks who work here. It's even fun when it's not busy. Rockstrap is my favorite event. read more

Great spot for this being my first bar visit in NYC. It's a gay bar that was full of wonderful people. The crowd was so relax, friendly, and beautiful. Lots of beautiful people here. I can't say much about drinks because I can't do heavy alcohol, I get sick. The Orange juice was fine, only $2.00 ! I did had to settle for one Budweiser beer on a glass because they don't have it in the can, it tasted bad, It didn't taste like the can beer according to my taste buds. The bar had really nice life music, then after it had Karaoke, it was fun. I did one song at the end of the night and I was satisfied to see a couple dance to my son. Going out to meet Yelpers in a cool relax bar, can't get any better than that. Thank you for the invite Mr. M. ! You can drive here, there is parking on the streets. read more

RockBar - a group of people standing in front of a tv - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I've come here for shows that my friends are apart of and I always have a good time. I don't drink beer so I can't attest to how it is, but if you are looking for a fun gay bar look no further. Yeah it's got a leather, bear vibe and everyone is really nice. Basically come here and hangout for good times. read more

Drinks may be a bit pricey, but are strong . Drag shows are fun and small. Very nice atmosphere . If you are in the are I would totally recommend this bar. read more

RockBar - a glass of water with ice and a straw - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Very disappointed with the service we received at your establishment this evening. We came to town a couple years ago and had a good time and wanted to relive that. Unfortunately the bar staff was not friendly and treated us with contempt. I thought it was just me as I had been drinking and was mouthy but my other friends experienced the same unfriendliness. Sad. During a day when bars are dying you guys are getting it wrong. You should be on your a-game during world pride. read more

Bar full of misogynists. My friend was inappropriately touched by the barback and everyone acted like they were in the wrong, and there were several people staring at my group of femme friends and touching some of us where they shouldn't as well. I'm disappointed because I wouldn't expect that kind of behavior from my own community. Never going back here again, and I would strongly suggest not going here especially if you are a woman or present femme in any way. Might I also add that there was no reentry allowed and it was so hot in there someone could easily have a heatstroke, and the smoking area was so cramped and would not help anyone cool down. I'm not normally one to leave bad reviews or get in altercations but this was just particularly bad. There was a reason this placed was packed with white men. read more

As COVID-19 infections are on the rise around the USA, it's important to make a note about RockBar. Back on February 28th, RockBar hosted a party called "Mess" It was a fun party. A great time for all. Unfortunately there was a gentleman from out of town that willingly visited the bar with a respiratory infection. This was right at the very very early stages of COVID-19 in NYC, so it wasn't a concern for people. So it seems several people that attended Mess that night tested positive for COVID-19. Several members of the staff, including bartender(s) and barback(s), ended up being admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 infections. I also tested positive, and so did several of my friends..all of us attended Mess that night. This was all confirmed by different social media posts that floated around in the following weeks. This establishment holds various forms of social media. The staff at this bar hold social media accounts as well, all connected to the LGBTQ community..and several of those who attended that night. Rockbar had the moral and ethical OBLIGATION to make patrons known that they were in close contact with the virus. Even after members of their own staff were infected, Rockbar still failed to disclose and announce of the infections. It's 4 months later, and Rockbar still has had no discussion or disclosure about the cluster of infections that happened that night. Rockbar is a wonderful establishment, and I hope this review would make people aware that may have been there that night who didn't know about the infections. read more

From the 'geniuses' behind 'Gym Bar' (feel free to refer to my review of that crap spot) - Rockbar is the latest still-born gay establishment in the old Dugout location. I hated the Dugout and had high hopes for Rockbar. But the thin line between pretentious cool and outright undeserved snobbishness is thin and obviously unclear to the current owners/managers. New Yea'rs Eve was a loud, laughable abortion. It was wortht the $10 cover to know that we should never return. Clearly they have dropped the Chubs and Bears and I don't' blame them = but who is dragging their ass to this spot at the end of a dead-strip? Hopefully, the recession will force it to become a tranny whore bar with coke sold in the toilets. Then it would actually deserve it's attitude. As it is now, the only thing missing is the Ed Hardy T-shirts. read more

I get it. I want to be one of those jaded queers who think that anything out of perfection is complete trash. If it ain't glam ... it's trash! So, naturally I want to hate this place. It's small, has no twinks, and no club music (is this place EVEN GAY ?!?!) But I don't hate this place. I just like it the way it is. Very chill (gets wild later at night though) and reasonably priced/sized drinks. $5 draft beet? HELL YEA! The live music performances and DJ was meh. In all seriousness, it could be a little bit better. I'm not gonna lie. Cute bartenders are always a plus :) Are you into big guys? hairy guys? I mean ... REALLY BIG guys? Then you're in the right place :P read more

No need to go there. This place need a serious cleaning. You could smell the old beer in the taps and I was scared to touch anything. The bathroom door didn't lock and I haven't had service that bad in a while. I ordered a gin and ginger ale that was so sweet and nasty I gave it back. The clientele was a bit strange but that's not the bars fault. In all, never going back. No need to go there. read more

A little bear goes a long way at RockBar. This has become one of my favorite haunts in NYC. The easygoing crowd, the affable bartenders (and cute barbacks), Tuesday night trivia (most of the time at which I am completely inept except the singing part), and sometimes live music all combine to make a place where I can hang out without all the plastics. (Plastics have their place, but I don't need them all the time.) Proximity to the Christopher St pier makes it a great place to stop in after a day of sunning, pretending to read, laughing with friends, and cruising. And the music is never bad. Never. I have never used Shazam anywhere so often as I have at RockBar. read more

Absolutely LOVE that Rockbar has become our home bar away from home. Every time we've been there we have had such a great time!! Dijoun and Patrick have been so incredibly welcoming!!! They're the sweetest angels!!! Be back soon, y'all! read more

Went out to support a friend and their group raising funds for the AIDS walk. This place seems like a fun time. Who doesn't love daytime drinking? Regular people doing regular things, DRINKING!!! It's a bar, the bartenders are super nice, the bar is FULL and the drinks are plentiful. There's music always playing, and videos to boot! The price points are just fine, it's a trek from the train, but go. Listen to the music, shake your shoulders, get buzzed, have fun. read more

Rockbar has some big shoes to fill. It is the latest incarnation of a bar which had its longest run as "The Dugout" a gay bar with a decidedly bearish clientelle. Still it does a good job. Busy time remains the Sunday Beer Blast starting at 4PM. read more

Here's what i will say. I've heard decent things about this place. And even though I prefer Chelsea or HK over the vill, I've stopped here on my way somewhere numerous times, waiting for it to get good. I realize now that rockbar is what it is. I've seen some great live bands perform I've met some friendly, neighborhoody type people. I've had more than a few drinks that tasted like cat piss. I've seen cuties and average guys alike fraternizing which was refreshing to see. Rockbar is what it is. You will never have a terrible time, but I leave it for a stop on the way home or to another bar. The Latin bartender is superfriendly and makes decent drinks. read more

The first time I was here, I walked in on a Saturday night on my own around 2am and it was completely empty except one other patron, but I'd missed the last train out, so I took a seat and grabbed a beer. Eventually more people came in and it was actually a little bit fun. The second time, I met my friend here for happy hour. We were a few drinks in when they began hanging curtains and told us that there was an UnderBear party that night (underwear encouraged). We accepted the surprise, threw back some more drinks, stayed and had a blast! I went again on my own last Sunday around 10pm or so...and it was again completely empty except for one completely drunk older gentleman. I don't know what to make of this place. It's ok, but maybe you should bring your own very large group to make sure that someone is there. read more

I love Gym Bar. I really really like RockBar. Great location, with a fun atmosphere where you and your boysssss can come and go nuts, drink and sing to your lil heart's desire. I felt a tad outta place since I didn't have my blonde wig on, but whatevz. Haaaaaaiiiiiiii...buy me a drink, big boy? read more

Smells of nasty old draft beer permiates this noisy place _ the men are unkept and older and out of shape. Looking around how can anyone have a good time seeing beasts all around you. Skip this place - Not worth your trip! read more

We absolutely love Coco Taylor and Bella Noche. Tuesday's at Rockbar are LIT! The bartenders are so nice and pour such strong drinks. What else are you doing with your Tuesday night??? read more

Rockbar is the best. It's a standout in that it's a gay bar where women aren't ignored by bartenders on the regular (wish that wasn't a noteworthy accomplishment but, it is!) The crowd is a good mix of bears, leatherfolks, gay nerds, and a general melting pot of LGBTQ folks. Drinks are strong. Come through, you'll have fun! read more

Was always fun. Reopened with snob bartenders and covid recover beer prices. The sweet door man is still here.

I'm not sure how the new owners de-stickied the floor. I occasionally went to the Dugout, and my shoes would stick to the ground outside as I walked up Christopher street. No more! It's nice that a bar considers having live music and not the same disco crap soundtrack that you hear in 99% of gay bars. read more

Rockbar is a great dive bar. The drinks are strong but not too strong, beer is cheap (for NY), and I had a fine margarita here, tho it's not the place for fancy cocktails. Still, go for the people. The bartenders are super nice, but a couple of them are pretty shy. Don't take it as rude, they're just nerdy :P Handsome crowd; pretty diverse, lots of bears, but no super-overly-masc-only guys. I go every Saturday for game night (3-8PM) and the crowd is super nerdy and fun. If you're new, talk to Shane who runs it, and he'll introduce you. If other people are quiet, I promise they're not ignoring you; we're just shy nerds. Otherwise, drag race night is always packed, and the underwear night (second Saturday each month I think) is always fun. Drink specials every night, special events all week, and monthly events too... Think I got most things. Single or taken, it's a great bar! read more

Good gay bar. Lots of bears. We saw the drag show on Sunday and it was a lot of fun. Friendly crowd, at least on Sundays when we were there.

This is my bar. I've been here so many times but tonight we had the rudest person at the door. Not happy.

If you want to enjoy a nice night out on the town and you're a bit "different" this is the place to go! You'll have a good time drink are Amazing read more

I visited Rockbar for the first time for the "Only Janet" Dance Party this Thursday. It turned out be a warmer, friendlier environment than I imagined which is a good thing. The music was fabulous, there was a good combination of people in attendance and the cocktails were well mixed too! The restroom was clean and well lit. I stayed until the last song played before going home. Overall, I have a good first impression of this establishment. I would considering visiting again. read more