The service was pretty slow for it being a holiday had that been it I would understand but this place is about charging you as much as possible for the least amount possible. My bartender was a heavy set guy down stairs last night charged me $23 for one drink but two other people went up ordered the same thing and it was half the price. The bartenders are robbing your patrons and you just like that. Last time I will ever go there just not worth $30 for cover and one drink. Save your money go somewhere else so much more worth it! After speaking to the owner it is very clear that he does not care about his patrons and doesn't see what is going on in his own business. I asked for a well drink and INDEED was charged that price. This is a definite fact!! I could care less that it was a pride weekend you should have cameras and be watching your employees taking money from your customers. Had you actually tried to reach out to resolve this I could have told you more. I have been bartending for 6 years so I kind of know what I am talking about. Don't you worry though I will not be back and make sure not of my friends give your business a dime. A good owner would actually try to understand this situation and see hmmm maybe my employees are stealing from me or my costumers and this is causing the issue. As a business owner you are not always right and at the end of the day WE are you costumers! I will glad pay people next time I am there to not walk into your bar since you have such a horrible attitude no wonder your staff treats people from out of the state the way they do. Check cameras next time before you give me a lecture on what is and isn't okay. I ordered a jack and coke and know who the bartender was but did you ask me to find out more nope! Good luck with your business!! read more

The man behind the piano on Mondays and Thursdays is Darius Frowner. Technically, his title is pianist. But he is actually a teacher and a coach. When I first got up at duplex I had never really sung in front of a crowd barring the occasional drunken karaoke appearance. Over the past 5 years, on numerous occasions, Darius has helped me find the confidence to share the stage with world renowned broadway stars, singing with them and sometimes even (terrifyingly) after them. The environment that Darius, T-Rex, Tara, Maria and the whole staff create is really something special. It is a warm, welcoming place where people are encouraged to share their talents. Darius is the floor general, curating the songs, the people that sing them, the pitch, the key, and everything in between, and in a manner that is so seamless that it looks like he isn't even trying. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

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

I've worked in the industry for years. It's a shame to receive such an unprofessional response from the owner when I gave feedback that was authentic to my experience. No employee is perfect, nor will all of their customer interractions be. I have no interest in bashing establishments - only giving feedback that is helpful to both patrons and management. Oh an also - it did take that long, because I timed the interraction on my phone. ‍ read more

My friend's show was cancelled - the duplex people cancelled it because they said she had too few people - and then forced her to pay for their cancellation. Bad form!!! Also, they said they'd comp everyone's drinks for the trouble they caused us, and DIDN'T. I'd beware of this place. Seems like they take advantage of the little guy.... I'd give them zero stars if I could. They don't support the artist. read more

I used to love this place. But my wife was insulted there and she was kicked out from the bar while waiting for me to come back from the bathroom. It was our anniversary night out. She had flowers in her hands. It had happened at the bar upstairs. The owner didn't talk to his employee/bartender. He called the cops!! And they kicked us out. read more

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

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This was a fun place to be during pride. It was my first time going and went back again. It was a five dollar cover to enter the downstairs and upstairs of the venue. It has a larger outdoor patio area which will allow for larger groups and more personal space. The upstairs was tiny and caters to a more intimate crowd as you are going to make friends very quickly. The staff changes each day but remained friendly on all accounts. The drinks were strong and on the expensive side of $14. The LIT (long island iced tea) was the best value. It cost me $14 but they used the four different alcohols to make this concoction. Go and hang out. It's a lounge type of place that makes you feel at home... except with better music. read more

Fun environment (great drag show on Sundays!) and friendly bartender upstairs. Will return xoxo

A year into thw city can be exhausting when you are constantly looking for a good "watering hole". The Duplex is a absolutly classy place. The staff is amazing and attentitive. I was lucky to come on a night they had live piano sing-a-long and I got to do "Imagine"!! Bottom line its a must go to visit and revisit. Apparently they serve food which I've never tried, however it is on my list for the summer. Job well dome Duplex :-) read more

5 stars because these people respect Madonna the way she's meant to be respected. On her birthday, they were playing all of her best music videos for hours. I rediscovered parts of her career (and parts of myself) that I had forgotten about and that I love. Bartenders were dancing and having fun -- the way The Material Girl would have wanted. Drinks were cheap and good -- as Madge would have wanted. Thanks Duplex. You were a Ray of Light on this important day. read more

Never actually ordered anything. Just wanted to post why we decided to turn our backs on this place and walk away. The days of a mean looking, unhappy, unfriendly, menacing BOUNCER are long gone. Any establishment that thinks that is the 1st employee their customers should interact with is a fossil in the industry. The 1st interaction and ONLY interacting a customer should have with employees are kind and smiling employees. How that monster was mean mugging outside is beyond me. I mean- inside near the bar where there are some drunken unruliness happenings, then perhaps that guy should come out of the woodwork. But to have him sitting outside is a mistake. I watched several people not even bother interacting with him and go elsewhere. Several more get as far as handing over id's etc. And just ask for them back and walk away. No, they were NOT underage patrons but people in their 30's 40's and 50's just not even remotely interested in the having to interact with Sir Mean Face. My 3 friends went through the process of dealing with him, after 3 seconds I told him to have a nice night and walked of and spent money elsewhere. Will never return. There are plenty of bars with happy friendly employees in the west village, go to any of those places. Enjoy. read more

From the frozen strawberry margaritas during the summer on the sidewalk to the upstairs bar with the cutest bartender and strong drinks to the "Just Jack" cabaret downstairs....The Duplex is a staple in the village. Like milk and eggs in the fridge, the Village would be somewhat not as tasty without the good ole Duplex. What a great slice of New York. Well, OK, gay New York. I've seen many a queen belt out some Patty Lupone, Dolly Parton and yes, even a country city boy doing some Garth Brooks. Or was it Patsy Cline. Hmmm...you decide. It's a bit foggy now as I glance at my receipt showing 6 Patron shots. WTF?! Every time I visit NYC I always make room for The Duplex. Have even had staff remember lil ole me! Isn't that the shit?! Thank you Duplex for the good times and I look forward to many more! read more

I love me a good piano bar. Alright, maybe it was cause I was shit-faced, maybe cause it was fleet week but damn, The Duplex is just all kinds of fun. Poppi Kramer of The Biggest Loser fame tears the place up with her quirky humor while "the dude who looks like Elton John" cooks up some fabulous ditties. Yes, I said fabulous. You don't have to be gay to love a piano bar and this place just warms my cockles. OK, maybe a little gay.... One warning, though. If you have to use the bathroom upstairs, hold your nose. The upstairs lounge is something straight out of a 1980's Frankie Goes To Hollywood video and smells like cum everywhere. Bring wipes, purell, and a strong determination to get back downstairs cause, well, you get the point. Go next door to the Stoned Crow if you have to go and have a weak stomach / confidence in your sexual orientation. read more

Love the old school vibes at this West Village institution! Came here for a show at the cabaret space upstairs and they were very organized and on top of things. I like how they take both drink orders when you first arrive so as not to disrupt the performers. My only complaint is that they take *forever* to get change back to you at the end of the night. Either pay by credit card or bring small bills if you need to book it right after a show. read more

Been a regular here since 2001. I will give it a better review when they correct A MAJOR problem. Their inconsistency of drink prices. Love the bar. Love the upstairs, love the downstairs, love the bar tenders, especially Poppi. Used to have a raging crush on JT (I think that's his name, maybe it's CT...) back when he was bartender upstairs and there was a pool table. I digress. Was here at the outdoor cafe three times this week, and three times I ordered the same thing: Patron on the rocks, and got three VERY different charges. July 29th, $12 a drink had two. July 30th, $16 a drink had three. And today, August 2nd, I had two drinks at $17. And honestly, $12 is more than enough for a patron rocks. Get your prices right, and I will delete this review and give you the five stars you deserve. read more

This is my favorite local gay bar! I come here every Wednesday and Friday with a group of my friends. We typically go upstairs. Justin and John are amazing! They both are very attentive, professional, and fun! I love their music / video selections. I'm Very happy with my drinks every time I go. Sam (bathroom attendant) is also a blast. Very nice guy. I would def recommend this place! Awesome patio! read more

I recommend going on Saturday nights and finding one of their employees, Lucas. He's a pleasure to chat with and has the best smile in town :)! read more

They added grauity automatically, and not even as a "suggested" amount. I found this bizzare for the purchase of two beers. Worse yet, upon closer inspection, they added more money to the total without any reason. I dont know what one would call this other than fraud. Other than that, piano player sounded good. Waiter seemed nice. Drinks weren't great but I might've gone back anyway for the music if the sketchy bill hadn't killed it for me. Shame. See pictures. read more

The Duplex - Tip added automatically, and the total still doesn't added up. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York City, New York

Thieves. Last Sunday we sat at the outdoor patio and asked for a drink menu since the table service is forced. They didnt have it. OK, we were told they had 3 beers on tap and we ordered a couple. When we asked for a check later on, the waiter told us that our check was $19.50. It's a strange number for 2 beers so I went inside and asked how much the beers were. They were $7.50 each, I was told. When our waiter returned I confronted him about the beer prices and our "bill" not adding up. He explained that there was tax added. I told him that the tax in NYC is 8.875% so our bill still doesn't make sense. Finally, he offered to bring us a printed bill. Dropped it off and never returned. The bill had 2 beers, tax and 20% "suggested" gratuity, which added up to $19.50. Now, telling someone that their beers cost $19.50 strongly suggests that the tip and tax are not included and is a total scam and disgusting practice. Gross! Not coming back. read more

Oh how I love the gays. This place is a hoot! Live piano, delightful people, adorable and quick bar staff. I thought the prices were pretty great too. My bartender Charlie was a surly silver-fox who made a great margarita but was unable to properly love me back. Because GAY. But still, such a great joint to just have a couple casual drinks read more

I mean, what's not to love?? A gay piano bar. Spent 2 nights here on my recent trip to NYC, a Sunday and a Wednesday night. Both were crowded, but not too packed to find seats. Piano player was entertaining at the least. He even let my friend get up and sing his favorite song. The crowd is drunk, the bartenders are friendly, and the music is recognizable. If you want to come sit and drink and sing along, this is the place for you. There is also an upstairs bar if you want to be removed from the piano shenanigans. As a straight. laid back and karaoke loving girl, I can't imagine anywhere else I would have wanted to be during my vacation. read more

A neighborhood gem - the folks who work there make it the special place that it is! Loved virtual diva bingo and trivia and miss them a lot. LOVE the drinks and miss the singing excited for all the entertainment and special nights to be back soon! read more

When I am missing my gay boyfriends and my sister needs the company of some equally butch gals, and we are in nyc with only a subway map and 20 minutes of internet that I purchased for 4 dollars, this is where we ended up. After the bartender flirted with a drunk patron, did stand up comedy and then burst into showtunes and the doorguy ended up having the most amazing voice "like buttah" and we sat down at a random table and managed to meet about 10 drunk people who all called me honey and when my tab came and I didnt even mind what it was cause I had such a blast the duplex made nyc feel like home to this austinite. :) And I am straight. And have no singing voice. The end. read more

I discovered this place on accident. I had just moved to NY and was exploring the village with a friend. We walked passed the Duplex and through the window I could see a girl standing next to a piano singing her heart out. Of course, being the theatrical enthusiast that I am, couldn't help but pop in. The place was small and cute, with pictures of famous singers framed on the wall (Billy Joel, Elton, etc.), and the focal point of the room was an upright piano with a giant rainbow flag on it (the piano has been upgraded since then). The place was obvious gay friendly, considering the giant rainbow flag, the male bartender in short-shorts, and the 6 and a half foot tall man in drag. But that's the real charm of this place, the atmosphere. Everyone is family here, and it's almost impossible to not come in to this place and make friends. I used to come to the Duplex every Monday night for their "Singer Spotlight" nights. Darius Frowner, a veteran piano player and his team of bartenders (Maria Gentile has a kind soul, a powerful voice, and makes an awesome cocktail...what more could you ask for?). Being new to NY, I would come in by myself every Monday night around 9-10pm and find myself staying until 4am in the morning with a whole new group of friends. Every Monday was the same story, the place was just addictive. Darius has incredible knowledge of songs from Pop, to Broadway, R&B to Oldies. And let's not forget the talent that comes into this place. It's amazing to sit at the bar and get serenaded by Broadway hopefuls, experienced karaoke enthusiasts, and even big named Broadway stars (Norm Lewis, Michael Leon-Wooley, and Alan Cumming to name a few). It's as good as a piano bar can get, and if you have the nerve to get up and sing yourself, they welcome you with applause, cheers, and open arms! If you ever find yourself in the west village between 9pm-4am on a Monday night, swing by the Duplex for their "Singer Spotlight" night and either enjoy a few cocktails and watching the talent, or jump into the spotlight yourself and wow the crowd. I can't picture a better way to spend a Monday night. read more

I went to my first Singer Spotlight which is every Monday and Thursday night at The Duplex and I cannot wait to go back! Darius Frowner (pianist) and Maria are the most gracious hosts, they make you feel right at home with everyone so you feel comfortable. They are encouraging to all musical abilities, and they know how to keep the music flowing. The room was electric! Life is short, be happy when you can...especially in a safe environment! read more

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

This was our first visit to the Duplex and definitely will NOT be our last! Such a fun evening! We went on Friday evening and were blown away by Michael Isaacs' amazing talent! His high energy performance and wide vocal range was impressive to say the least. In addition to providing fast attentive service, the wait staff shared their talents with the crowd as well. An overall great evening filled with laughter, great service, and outstanding performances! read more

Such fun bar! Highly recommend. There is such good music. For americans, it is totally safe.

We came to a performance upstairs here, which was fun. The staff was not particularly mean but not particularly friendly either, and frankly, they don't make a very good Manhattan. I wouldn't come back except to see another performance by someone I know. read more

I've been coming to cabarets my friends put on here since I moved here-it's always a great time! Love how it's stayed true to form throughout the years. So much gorgeous talent has come through these doors! read more

The place is a nice historic staple in the West Village. The bar itself upstairs, is nice and loungy and it's really comfortable to just sit with your friends and watch the cars roll down Seventh Avenue from the little windows.... Now, as far as the staff goes....THEY ARE RUDE, NASTY, BULLIES, AND JUST RUDE... And I'll tell you what in a not so long description..... I went one time with a couple of freinds to the piano bar sections, and the MC was cracking jokes and so forth...Throughout his routine, he asked if there were any heterosexual first timers, at which point, my straight friends who are a couple were put on the spot. Something or other was said, and then the MC said that my friend HAD to buy the bartender a drink, at which point my friend brushed it off like a joke, and next thing you know, the bartended is having a shot, and then tells my friend to pay. Ummm...WTF???? ARe you F***cking serious???? Not only that, but the bartender was abrasive as hell also, and it just created a bad experience....Some gay dudes just have too much of an ego, and they forget that they need to treat people with the same respect we are demanding, and as an employee, you just don't treat your customers that way..... Then, another time I went upstairs, and the female bartenders acted like frustrated man hating lesbians, since I had to wait almost 5 minutes to get serviced(way too long at a bar that wasn't crowded), while they were busy tending to their female friends, and changing shifts..... I won't stop going there, but only when I'm bored as a last, last, last resort!!!! read more

Did not enjoy this establishment at all. I was brought here on my birthday and frankly between the overly aggressive bouncer and the dismissive wait staff, my group of three were made to feel very unwelcome. Two stars for the piano player - the only individual in the place who gave a smile. read more

This place is freaking fun! Great place to go with a group and get drunk and obnoxiously sing showtunes. I feel sorry for the people around us, I'm tone deaf and my friends think they're part of the cast of Rent. Jazz hands! I love the piano player, you know the cute, talented one. At times I wish I was a gay male. read more

Not to be a heterophobe, but there are too many straight couples in this GAY bar. The drinks are a bit overpriced too, though the staff is talented/friendly. read more

LOVE the Duplex. One of my top fave gay bars and won't lose it's charm ever, at least for a while. The atmosphere is great. I can't wait until summer when it'll be great to sit outside during the day and sip martinis and champers! So cute from the outside, but lots and lots of space on the inside. The piano men/karaoke they have is so much fun! The staff and bartenders get involved and takes requests while they make and bring you strong drinks. So much fun, and lots of eye candy as well. The party there starts at 9pm nightly. Upstairs, the cabaret theatre has great talent consistently and pretty much nightly on the stage. Very friendly and supportive environment. This place is very clean as well. It still remains one of the gay establishments where you don't really feel like you're going to get an STD from touching the table because that stain really is cream. Unless you go to the restroom, ugh.. Words of wisdom: go pee before you leave the house. What's also good is that the bar is very straight-friendly. I've been here with straight guy friends. They get hit on, but it's all fun times, well for me to witness their awkwardness it's fun... I will never stop coming to The Duplex! read more

I know that I like this place because I never leave sober. I probably couldn't give you a proper review because it's always a blur. ;-) Duplex is a very straight friendly bar in the heart and soul of the WV. The bartenders are sweet and quick with the drinks. Downstairs gets super crowded while the piano is playing and the someone is belting over the microphone. You are considered lucky if you snag a seat. I usually enjoy the upstairs just as much -- with a more chill vibe. There's not much to the decor or the ambiance, it's all about the drinks and the people you are with (and the people that you will meet when you are there.) You will always have a good time at The Duplex........I think so at least? ps. Monday nights - upstairs - you can play ROCK BAND. read more

I love the place, but it's really all about Maria. This is a great karaoke, gay, very straight-friendly (particularly the first floor) bar in the WV. But this is not the typical karaoke where you read the lyrics from a screen and have recorded music on the background, no. This place has an actual piano man that takes requests and knows what he is doing. And you have no lyrics, so you better know the song. The place is informal, people are very friendly and closes late. I usually end up there with a group of friends after whatever I've been doing, typically at 1am. And I always have a ton of fun, and wake up with a dreadful hangover. When I get plastered too frequently in a single place, I tend to associate the place with the hangover and start avoiding it. But in this case this will never happen, and it's mainly because of Maria. Who is Maria? A beautiful, very friendly, cool and lovable bar tender who will knock your socks off as soon as you hear her sing. We bonded permanently when I went there for the second time and she remembered my name. I am a sucker for loud, straight forward, warm, nurturing women who are always concerned about my hydration. Anyway, The Duplex with its people is one of those places I'll really miss if I ever move out of NYC. Go and have some fun. And please tip Maria to death. read more

My friends and I had one of the best nights ever here a few weeks back! It was our first time at the bar. Originally, we were going to start here and hop somewhere else after, but we ended up staying for HOURS and ended the night here. -Both the patrons and the bartenders were beyond friendly. The crowd was a little older (we're 24-26), but didn't make us feel ostracized or that we didn't belong. -The drinks were fantastic. They had a special of the day - made with a fresh batch of real pineapples - that was freakin' delicious and that we couldn't stop ordering -The downstairs is for the real show - a lot of INCREDIBLE singing (by the bartenders!!!) and hilarious banter (between pianist and the bartenders, between them and the crowd, etc.) And yes, drunken singing from the crowd, especially the later (and drunker) everyone gets ;P -The upstairs is much more chill, and has some nice window seats that overlook the streets/square outside - good for people watching. This part reminded me a little bit of the Lookout back in SF. All in all, a great space for catching up with friends, some friendly banter with other drunken folks, wonderful music - perfect when you're looking for a non-dancing night out!! read more

Great place! Good atmosphere and the piano guy is awesome. There's a huge range of people there: straight, lesbian, gay, young, middle aged, older but everyone mixes well there because the music is good. Gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it gets super packed to where you can't move because it's small and the door guy has to turn people away. There's only a few waiters and waitresses but they try to get the drinks to you as quickly as possible. read more

Was in NYC visiting for a week and had some time for late night fun. Sure glad we decided to make the jaunt out to the Duplex as we had great time. Piano man was fantastic with incredible energy and bar funny engaging. The female bartenders and waitress can really sing some big notes so that was an extra special treat. Get there early and be prepared to hang out and have fun read more

Was looking for a piano bar and ended up at The Duplex. There was a cabaret show going on upstairs and someone playing the piano downstairs. We were able to order drinks quickly and after about 20 minutes we were able to sit at a table. Four stars because the song selections weren't very good. Would love to see more upbeat, modern song. read more

Was surprised at how much I enjoyed myself. maybe it was because of the right group of people, maybe it was because the bartender was super sweet or because in the corner where we were located if was not cramped. I will say going into my night, as I was told we would head to this place, I was a bit reluctant, because as others put it, it's possibly not one of the best bars due that it's so weird in color and decor and the crowd is never really defined, wheat her gay or straight or drag or goth... Just such a weird space, that happens a to do very well because on the other hand, it's always packed. I have been here, so I can say this, no matter how packed it is, you can always make your self to the bar and get a drink. I was lucky to have met such a great bartender... I think her name was Alisson and she prepared me a very amazing margarita. Now, I do wish they had a bigger selection of tequila, but as long as I am not stuck with Patrón, I was cool. so I got Hornitos tequila. not my favorite, but far better than Patrón. I can't speak to the price. I thought it was pretty fair for a my drink. The singers are not from broadway people. But they are entertainers for everyone there. Drop a dollar or two, it's always refreshing to get live entertainment, even if sometimes your ear screeches a bit. It's still pretty darn entertaining and helps to create conversation and share your opinions when there is nothing else to talk about. I don't care how open minded, gay or low key you are... this is not a dating place. This is a place for hanging with friends or your partner if bored and want to do something different. You should not bring a first, second or third date here. #HaveSomeClass! ;P read more