So, after my first few visits, my impression has improved! Eclectic group of people, all having an amazing time, drinking, singing, laughing. The bartenders are the ones singing (amazing voices, I must add) and some of the customers sing too, making the crowd go wild. This downstairs part of the bar has low tabled, high tables and bar seating. They have an upstairs which is a different atmosphere but equally fun. Second floor is more dance/ DJ music with a dancefloor, and neon lights. So, pick which mood you are in and decide where to party. On a busy night service can be a bit slow, but they are working extra, pouring drinks and entertaining. Still they try their best and do it with a friendly attitude, and even ask the crowd for song requests Regardless of which floor you end up at, you will end up having a great time and coming back for more on your next time in NYC. read more

The Duplex - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

The Duplex is a long-time staple of LGBTQ life in the West Village. I cannot say that I've ever had a bad time at The Duplex. Many of the bartenders are pretty cool and very friendly; however, I have experienced some holier than thou bartenders-which is commonplace in any metropolitan city. The clientele is a decent mix of all races, sizes, preferences, and attitudes (from chill to stereotypical "gay sassy"). The drink prices are not too expensive, especially for a place located in the heart of Christopher Street. I've never attended the more elaborate shows, but I've already heard good things about them. read more

The singing groupies were lively. The piano player was engaging and humorous. Great voice. The upstairs was a lot of laughs from the entertainer who was a funny with her zings and stories. read more

The Duplex - The piano bar area - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

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We had a total blast! Who knew Monday night could be so much fun? The talented people that work there make you feel like you are at a Broadway show, but one where you are also encouraged to join in the fun! read more

I had never been to this very cute piano bar where folks are singing their fave show tunes at the tops of their lungs. Came in on a Monday night, around 1am, and the place was still jumping. There's an upstairs area, but we stayed downstairs where the music was jumping a proceeded to sing until 4am. This place is the reason why you move to NY and stay because there is nothing like this anywhere else! No food, just fun (though my friend did run out to get tacos from a truck that were slamming). Bartenders were both kind and talented. Not sure how much I'll cone here because it's a little far from me but I will definitely always remember the night that I relived my 20s in true NY fashion. Thanks for the memories! read more

It's been years since I've been here, but a friend and I stopped to have a drink before dinner, we each had a cocktail and got a double, I was surprised that we were charged around $80 for two doubles (this did include 20% tip). Cocktail was $17 which is fine, but I guess they charge $34 for to make it a double- which seems... excessive. It also didn't seem particularly strong so I'd recommend people get two cocktails rather than a single double. read more

I've been coming to Duplex for 20+ years, since I loved in the West Village in my early twenties. It is an amazing space. Sometimes, SOME of the staff have inflated egos and are unnecessarily snotty and that sucks, but those ones usually come and go and the majority are fun and talented. Adam was always a favorite, but not sure if he is still there. Regardless, we haven't missed one trip coming here in the last 20+ years of visiting (almost yearly). It is always an easy stop when going to Stonewall or Marie's Crisis. We will continue to come back unless something drastically changes. read more

The Duplex - December 2024...maybe our 15th year coming together. He loves it just as much as I did when living here 20+ years ago. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

My friends and I came here for a drink Friday night before dinner. We sat outside under the heated lamps. I got the Hot Toddy drink ($15). It was a warm drink, but it reminded me of an alcoholic version of a drink you would have when you're sick.... Not my favorite drink. Our server was attentive and came to check on us a lot but he wasn't hovering. I would come back and get a different drink! read more

The Duplex - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

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I had been meaning to come here for years but never made it until Jamie W.'s and my last trip to NYC. What finally triggered it was Melissa McCarthy who mentioned it with fondness on The Tonight Show. Early in her career, she performed here as did a lot of up-and-comers since it opened in 1951. Future luminaries like Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, and Barbra Streisand. More importantly, this was where Jack debuted his one-man show, "Just Jack", on "Will & Grace". I had previously thought all the local history was next door at the Stonewall Inn, so I was hoping we could catch a comedy or musical act. However, they apparently were still dealing with the remnants of the pandemic because all events looked canceled on their calendar. Oh well, I was still determined to have a drink here, and the weather was warm enough to enjoy the outdoor terrace. It was only 4:30PM, but it was already pretty crowded. We could see why because it's a great location on Christopher Street overlooking 7th Avenue. There's always a buzz of activity around here because it's a popular congregation area where people want to be seen and strut. All specialty cocktails were $17 and a 20% gratuity was added to the bill when we ordered. Jamie wasn't happy about this aspect, but we probably would've tipped as much anyway before passing out. I started with a French 75 which consisted of Backwards Gin, Prosecco, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Refreshing and bubbly enough to make me feel effervescent. Jamie ordered a straight-up Margarita and was pleased with his decision (photo: https://bit.ly/3VTFbaP). While he had a second one, I switched gears and ordered the Dark and Stormy, a mix of Goslings rum, ginger beer, and lime juice (photo: https://bit.ly/3So8IX1). It looked like an innocent Arnold Palmer but acted more like a pre-crash Tiger Woods if you know what I mean. We were feeling no pain, and even without a cabaret show to entertain us, the people watching was enough for us. I can see why Melissa likes it here. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...potent elixirs here but don't we deserve better than plastic cups? AMBIANCE - 4 stars...I can only comment on the terrace and the street scene, and I liked all that SERVICE - 3.5 stars...she was doing her job TOTAL - 4 stars...a fun watering hole, bring on the cabaret, old chum RELATED - Hungry and thirsty in NYC? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2YS9ELs read more

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I'm his is such an amazing place! It's a very lowkey piano bar that has amazing singers! The bartenders are extremely talented and they showcase their beautiful voices but it's also an opportunity to have fun with your friends and just karaoke to your favorite songs. The upstairs is great with drag race showings and also with the music. I have never in my life seen such a diverse place; people from all places, ages and sexuality can come here to have a great time. So many allies to the LGBT community come here as well which is very heartwarming. I've met people from other countries and everyone is singing and having a great time. read more

This is probably my favorite bar in New York. Service is always friendly and I love that they have table service (rather than making people fight their way to the bar). What makes this bar great for me is that the crowd is always friendly and you always meet people. I think showtunes bring us all together! read more

I shattered a glass and cut the shit out of myself and blood is everywhere and Sam gave me a band aid I love her Vince is so sweet too !

Stumbled in here on a very cold night, and it happened to be live-piano karaoke night! I loved it so much. The crowd was friendly and small. The staff were friendly. The pianist was very skilled. read more

$6 just for a seltzer? Gtfoh. Ambiance was not great either. Bouncer was cool. Didn't stay long enough to experience but get the feeling the reviews about the staff being rude are not wrong. read more

They charge 20% service fee and ask for tips again on the bill. You can easily overlook that you were already charged. The suggested tip percentage is also based on the total of your subtotal + service fee, which is shady. read more

My friends and I visited this gay bar last Sunday night. The male bartender poured strong drinks. We weren't asked for ID but are all in our 30s. The drink prices were reasonable. The ambiance was fun and entertaining with enjoyable 90s music and more and more people starting dancing as the night went on. They don't serve food. The bathrooms are cramped and dirty with urine all over the place. It's a fun place to stop by in a series of stops. I'd come back. read more

For starters, the bartender was extremely rude. When we asked her for cherries with our already overpriced drinks she said "this isn't a restaurant" and ignored us. The piano player asked for requests but was extremely rude when gave him one. Other patrons of the bar were extremely rude and aggressive. Overall not a welcoming experience. I would not go back or recommend a friend visit it this bar. I really wanted to like this bar as I've heard good things but I would never give them my business again. read more

The Duplex is back, baby! I came here with a group of friends and had the night out I missed oh so much. We sang the night away and had pink cosmo splashes on our clothes the next day (very worth it). The Duplex was just how it's always been: loud, packed and wonderful. We came here on a Friday night and waited upstairs for a table to open up downstairs. Upstairs is more like a club; You get some drinks, you dance, you eagerly await the pianist and the wonderful music downstairs. I'd say within an hour we had a table to fit all 5 of us and a cosmos in hand. The music was amazing, courtesy of recommendations from the crowd and the drinks were secretly strong. Seriously, be careful. I just love it here. Our waiter was so nice and got us another round of drinks in the blink of an eye when we asked and did the same when we were in need of waters. The pianist was fun and kept the crowd belting our hearts out. It's the perfect place to go for a night out. read more

We came into the bar and were immediately greeted with hostility by a server (someone other server said their name was TRex) but they were in a neon green corset and rainbow fishnets. They were extremely rude to us, and my party was made up of several people who are normally servers, so we try to be conscious of being polite (please & thank you, sorry, etc) but this server was so rude that none of us felt welcome and we all left with a bad taste in our mouth. I told one of the other servers and I know that probably doesn't mean much but we felt so uncomfortable and unwelcome for no reason and I'm not sure why. It was very disheartening and pretty sad that we thought coming to a bar like this during pride would be a good vibe yet we felt judged and rushed to leave. Really disappointed because we heard so many good things, I normally don't leave bad reviews but this server made things very awkward and stiff. read more

TL;DR: Trust the other single-star reviews about the rude staff. There are plenty of better piano bars in the area. Save yourself the time. I have to say, @theduplexnyc is the worst bar I've been to. I have frequented many piano bars in many cities and have never been treated so rudely. Please go to The Stonewall Inn (not a piano bar, but historic and close) or The Monster bar or @marieschrisiscafe instead, all within a block or so. I do not recommend this place. First, I have to point out that if you read the rest of the one-star reviews of this place, there's a common theme of it having a rude staff. On my first and only visit to this establishment, I came in with some regulars from Marie's Chrisis Cafe, having just had a wonderful time singing with them all. Being a visitor from San Francisco, I wanted to take some pictures. At Marie's, there's a big sign behind the piano saying not to take any video without permission, so I stood up, asked the pianist and all the patrons if they would mind me doing a small pan shot of everyone singing... they all agreed. Trying to give the pianist the same courtesy at The Duplex, I asked if I could take a photo of him playing. He said, "oo honey, not in this lighting." I said, "that's not a problem; I have professional defuse lighting that would be perfect, let me go get that." He said, "okay." I then got the light and went to take the picture. He said, "That's too bright." So I said, sorry, turned off the light and didn't take the picture. The bar staff and servers then blocked me from the piano and said I wasn't welcome there anymore, and would have to leave. I asked why and relayed that I had asked him for permission and didn't even take the picture when he said the light was too bright. They said it didn't matter and that I was banned, handed me my bill to sign immediately and get out (which I still tipped on for some reason). If this is how they treat visitors who politely ask for permission to do something, I'd hate to think of how they treat their other customers. In reading the other reviews it sounds like only a good time if you're one of their regulars. read more

had a great time listening to the singers and drinking delicious cocktails!! Luke Sikora and Kjoysings were outstanding!!!

Tourist trap! The drinks were sugary sweet. And really not happy about being taken advantage of, gratuity was included for 4 people but she shoved the bill in my face with just a total and a place for the tip. I generously will tip my servers but when this happens and I tip 2x unknowingly it puts a bad taste in my mouth when I do tip. Makes a bad name for servers. She made $30 to bring 4 horrible drinks. Stay away so they learn their lesson! Smelly beer inside and very crowded. Like a college bar! read more

fantastic music fantastic vibes fantastic bar! highly recommend for anyone who's in new york

Let me just say now that I'm vaccinated I'm open to indoor dining only at establishments that follow the cdc Covid rules which is all patrons are asked to show proof of vaccination. Last night me and my Friend were the first one to arrive when the bar open. I was surprise to learn that our lovely bartender was a one woman show for the first hour. She can only do so many things at the same time when it's starts getting busy. It's thanksgiving why didn't management have more staff working last night to help assist the bartender and the most important staffer of all is the person who is checking proof of vaccinations at the front door. When the bar started getting packed there were so many patrons who were walking in maskless. I NO LONGER FELT SAFE I don't know these ppl and these ppl were not asked for proof of vaccination for all we know someone could walked in undocumented that's disturbing on all levels!!!! I have to say I was very disappointed in Managment in planning poorly for a holiday event. I know nexts year or maybe never I won't be returning. read more

Thank you Duplex, for making an old straight couple feel so welcome Sunday afternoon, as we returned to this neighborhood after 30 years. Walking thru the door felt like coming home, and being embraced by love, kindness and inclusion. The musical talent alone should have everyone packing this place, the vibe should have you wanting a regular spot at the bar. I have traveled far and wide from the West Village, and it makes me so happy to see that this community has only gotten better with age. read more

I popped in to see the cabaret show a few weeks ago and had such a lovely time. Through the bar, up the stairs and to the back is a small theatre that seats about 40-50 people on high-top seating. There is a server that takes your drink order ( 2 drink minimum) but the show itself was free. The show was a variety of different acts, all interesting in their own way. The host was funny and charming. It was an enjoyable evening and I look forward to returning in the future. 4.7/5 read more

The Duplex - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

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For a Tuesday night, this place was a lot of fun. Paddy was on the piano- he was great. Took requests, played great songs, and he was intervative. Good vibes in this place. The drinks are nothing special however; sugary and basic but to be expected at a place like this. Looking forward to coming back :) read more

Really lovely place! The staff were very warm and friendly and drinks were delicious. A little too expensive for my friends and I to stay for more than one drink but we enjoyed our time there! read more

Visit the Duplex for great shows and performance, great cabaret, piano playing, and great fun with friends. It's located in the heart of the West Village on the corner of 7th and Christopher, and it's where all the theatre boys go to sing along and see great drag and up and coming performers. The drinks are pricey, but that is to be expected for the location. I suspect the rent is astronomical on that corner. As for the service, it's just okay. Would be cool if everyone was just a little friendlier and smiled more. Every time I go, I feel like I'm greeted by robots. Oh, hey, maybe they are!!! And one last pet peeve: I absolutely hate that they have a bathroom attendant. What is up with that??? That old school practice is just so tacky. Come on, Duplex... ditch the uncomfortable attendant. If you want a security guard back there, get one. I enjoy going to Duplex and won't stop because of any of the aforementioned. It's still fun in spite of its flaws... and you should check it out if you are in town. read more

We had a great time. Staff was amazing and attentive - especially for a busy Friday night. We sat on the patio and all was good. Will come again! read more

Great happy hour and a really nice person running the bar. Was happily surprised after kettle of fish only had outdoor seating. Outdoor area is nice with heat lamps also Hawaiin beer. read more

so, does a Corona cost $9? Asking for a person who's lived here since 1991. Thursday 7/15 9:30pm. It's so, so, so not about the money, reverse-ballcap guy... you & I know that. nice singer pianist this eve by the way. and yes, I live this bar, just don't gouge cuz you think a patron doesn't know any better. read more

I love the Duplex! Lucas recommended the most amazing Black Raspberry lemonade. One of the best waiters I've had in nyc. 10/10 he deserves a raise! read more

The Duplex - Lucas served me this awesome Black Raspberry Lemonade. He gives the best recommendations. 10/10 he deserves a raise! - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

Piano karaoke and strong cocktails on a Tuesday night. Yeah, I don't sing but I dragged a friend here who does and had her belt out a few tunes. Now she loves this place. Decent drink prices with a strong pour. Outside seating which offers terrific people watching. Great staff and friendly bartenders. Super talented piano players. Even more talented performers doing shows on different nights. Drag queen performances, because, they are fabulous! Not overly spacious and can be a bit cramped, but the place has energy and can get raucous at times which adds to the merriment of it all. Hard to be here and not have a smile on your face. Happy hour too. Another mainstay in the West Village hood, and a fun spot to drink and party whether you are straight or gay. Always worth dropping in to see what is going on. read more

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For a place with such a tiny footprint, it packs a lot in! The employees were friendly and helpful. I was there for a cabaret show. It was intimate but not overcrowded. They have about 15 tables and that was all. Another patron was wheelchair bound. The staff moved chairs out of the way and got her upstairs to see the show. So even though the room was not accessible, the restaurant along with the performer made it possible for her to attend. The cabaret has a two drink minimum. The soda glass was mostly filled with ice and for two of us for two drinks was almost 30 dollars. But I would go back to a show there! No food is served so eat before you go! read more

The Duplex - Ben Cameron Broadway Sessions - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

saw a sign that said they reopened this weekend! went on a saturday night at 9:30. pretty busy, didn't look like many available tables, but was able to get a table outside in 10 minutes for a group of 5. was asked if we were vaccinated- honor code menu is a qr code scan- but still the winter menu. not a huge selection. cocktails were a typical $15. only 3 beers on tap. automatic 20% gratuity- will ask for card after ordering good busy atmosphere. great host and server- very attentive when present. had to look for him to ask for our card and check though no piano bar or cabaret shows yet but would look forward to coming back! lots of gay pride :) read more

Is there anything better than a gay bar with live piano!?! The atmosphere was great. The people were friendly and welcoming. Loved T-Rex behind the bar. Especially as she sang and filled drinks simultaneously. What a professional!!! Skip StoneWall. (Ok. Don't skip stonewall. Walk in there and see it for 60 seconds. Then spend two hours at Duplex!) read more

You know that horrible clique in high school that was rude and intentionally cruel to everyone outside the clique because they thought they were better than you? They all graduated and got jobs here. Seriously, though, I have never been so offended by a group of people who's job it is to serve me. That's right. I said SERVE ME. Dear Tony (or whatever you are calling yourself): look up what the terms of operating a business are in the state of New York. Customers do not give you money to make you and your clique happy. They give you money and expect respectful service in return. This is how commercial enterprise works. You fail miserably at it. Go to literally ANYWHERE ELSE in New York for a fun time. Ellen's Stardust Diner is one place. Try Alan Cummings' joint. Cubbyhole, in the same neighborhood, is infinitely better and does the same kind of thing. Just avoid this place like the plague. Unless you are beautiful or a known talent, they will not respect you. read more

Rude staff. Saw a woman get screamed at by a customer who was a "regular" and that woman was asked to leave because they were "involved" in the dispute, and after she left the bartender laughed and continued to talk shit about this poor girl. The people who work there are bullies. I've never seen so much ugliness. Won't be back. read more

Legendary. The oldest cabaret in existence in Greenwich Village New York City. I've seen some great entertainment there whether it's a full-blown show or just a soloist at the piano. Cozy read more