We were in the Stonewall area and we're trying to get some of the local vibe. This was definitely the bar to come to. We love the service and everybody inside we're so friendly. We stayed for the wine and also the cosmos. They do such an excellent job. We would definitely recommend this place for a good time. We would return again. read more

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This place is exceptional with great prices. Great vibe wonderful people to be around wonderful bartenders and Sexy dancers. You should come out and try it. The host at the door was so sweet also smiled as soon as she met me, so welcoming. My bartender that made me a wonderful drink omg this pinacolata is everything , they were dressed comfortably.This place is great for a nice vibe to make friends and have memories. I always have fun in this establishment. You have Johnny, Daneil, John , Matty aka yummy , I felt at home with the security staff on top of everything. The flaming hot to die for omg she had on this gorgeous red dress wow. Her name is Evey read more

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Went last Saturday to the low-level. I was basically accosted by over 10 Dominican dancers who forced me to buy them expensive drinks. In addiction they accosted me for cash of over $800. Three of them by the first name of Leon, Elvis and Jomar Luis Rojas followed me outside while I was smoking and forced me into a car where they proceeded to force drugs into me via water and get hold of my debit card with pin and rob me of over $3000, read more

I generally like Monster but they have to get the strate girl crowd under control. I don't pay a $10 cover at a gay bar to listen to girls woo! ing. I was at the downstairs Gogo boy party on Feb 22 that they have a couple times a month that starts at 10 pm and at 1130 it was still something like half women. Not a fun environment for me. I think they were mostly gone by 1 am but I really don't want to have to wait that long. Also the girls were crowding the (I guess now unisex) upstairs bathroom by the piano, going in groups. I still had a nice nite. They had some fun singers at the piano, always a true NYC experience there! And they don't skimp on the liquor pours. read more

My boys and I had an awesome time at Atlantic City this past weekend. My eldest son was celebrating his 19th birthday, and had a great experience at the Atlantic City Museum and especially at the Rainforest Cafe. The boys are looking forward to go back and explore more activities that AC has to offer. Thanks Monster for the experience! SM read more

Used to be a great spot to have fun. Turned into a hustle/strip joint. Real turn off for someone looking for a night out. The strippers try to get you to get a lap dance and more. Not going back. read more

This is and has been the most painful review ever! I have known the owner Joe, and worked for him in 2000s before he died back in 2000s he used to buy us all watches ever Xmas and was amazing human The place was the life of NY and the Chelsea district, Stonewall was but a tiny hole in the wall and never rebirthed from the 70s, so the Monster was this amazing beacon of fun and joy! I've returned several times over the years and each was less and less fantastic, this latest visit 2024 just solidified the fall of the monster. The door charge of $15 and the cold rude reception far contradicted the days before of laughter and open arms embracing family, , the happy faces of bar tenders and patrons are no longer, instead just a confused themed bar! The portrait of Joe was taken off the wall and past respect be damned! The entire experience felt of desperation and greed as opposed to love and acceptance. I know the husband of Joe and he was/ is a viper and sucked everything good and has allowed this once great place to fall. I bid the Monster farewell! I shall not return! RIP: Joe, Mel, Sasha and the many others that provided a wonderful environment for so many! read more

Went there on Jazz night. A lot of handsome men. It was great.. there was a lot of live singing and action. Loved it read more

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Great gay bar in NY near Stonewall. Upstairs is a large bar and piano playing sing along show tunes and great fun. Downstairs is more dance club, strippers and drag. Fun place for sure. read more

This is a COVID review, so of the outdoor tent bar scene and not the gay club scene, although from the reviews the gay club vibe was amazing as well. My friend and I LOVED this bar. To start off the tents are mostly closed except for a curtain door so they stay really warm with the overhead heaters - this came in really handy when it started raining and we were really thankful to be here. Second of all, they put speakers inside the tents with sparkling Christmas lights which was so much fun, and the music was great, with a good mix of old and new. Finally, the drinks (or at least the 2 we got) were AMAZING. I got the spiced chai chata and it was unlike any drink I've ever had before, if I knew how to make this at home I would legit drink it every day. My friend got the loaded hot chocolate which I tried and was also amazing. Honestly, come here, you won't regret it. Even in the winter this place was comfortable, if I lived in NYC I'd be saving this spot to bring everyone to. read more

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I have been going to the monster for 16 years on Tuesday nights for the disco music. Unfortunately my favorite DJ Michael Wilson is no longer spinning on Tuesdays and is just doing the tea dance on Sunday. The new DJ Justin is very good but my complaint is this. when Michael was spinning Jasmine did a few songs every 45 minutes and that was fine. she would sing about 3 songs every time. Now she is really doing way too many songs. The last few times I was there she was constantly going up and perf but then she stated doing 6 songs at a clip. People were upset because they came to dance and she emptied the place with her non stop performances. I'm not the only one complaining. I love her but I feel she's not letting us dance enough because of her constant performances. I hope management has a word with her and tells her to tone it down and let us dance. read more

We love this bar. We go every time we're in NYC. Last visit was December 2024, we went two of the three nights we were in the city. A very welcoming place, good drinks, fun ambiance. We always meet fun people there, talk and laugh with locals and other visitors. All kinds of people go there, young and old. Piano bar is fun, too; we've met lovely people, and some of them sing surprisingly well. But whether you sing well or not, all have a good time in a judgment-free environment. read more

The guy on the left with glasses was awful! He's not friendly and threatens customers. After I walked out of the bar, he followed me down the block. As a woman, this was frightening so beware! read more

The Monster - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Dropped by The Monster to continue my NY bar hopping experience. First and foremost shout out to my insanely gorgeous host. I can always appreciate a good mug honey. Sat in their outside area and ordered a peach margarita. Now, when I asked how big it is...I was told "oh yeah it's big." When that margarita slid onto my table though, it was definitely a children's sized drink but okay fine. The drinks were okay. Definitely enjoyed the lil summery outside vibe. read more

I just went to the club While I was in town for work. Everything got super weird. I wasn't able to get to the downstairs bar, too many people, and the drag show just happened to be starting. So I kind of just stood to the side to watch. Was asked to move to the dance floor by security because I was on the side moving my hips. I tried to enjoy myself. Tipped the queen. After the first performance I checked my wallet and realized I only had big bills. I tried to leave the dance floor and go upstairs to split my bills and get a drink since downstairs was so crowded. I was accosted by several patrons trying to stop me from leaving. Stopping me with comments like ''Hey baby. Stop. Where are you going'' and if I tried to walk away more comments of ''Stop. Wait. Why are you in such a hurry? I wanna ask you some questions.'' At this point I was weirded out and tried to leave. I tried to go to the front door where the front person instructed me that I could not leave through the front door. They said that the exit was straight past the bar. I went past the bar and straight to the other side where they told me to go and the door says that an alarm will go off and to use the front 'entance'. I tried to go back out the front door where the staff tried to direct me away again but I just told them that it said emergency exit, kept walking and left. The bouncer made a scene as I walked out throwing his hands in the air and yelling "I have no idea what's going on! " It is obvious at the very least that the establishment is preying on vulnerable and drunk people by trying to confuse them. I did not feel safe in this location. And I am disappointed that this is how we are representing the gay community. Shady practices are going on here. I wouldn't trust the ownership of this establishment as far as this 5'3'' trans girl could throw them. read more

The Monster - Another door on the side. - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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great experience at this bar. they have a nice main level with a grand piano playing live music. the lower level has a dance floor with a do and sometime strippers / go go boys. so much. only miss is that they charged a $20 cover charge. not a fan of paying just for entry it's nothing else included. but it's much better than a lot of the neighboring spots, read more

The doorman at this place was a real POS-- .wouldn't let us in because we had an unopened bottle of water. We walked away, drank some of it and came back with it in his bag. He insisted on checking our bags-- My friend asked if he could just leave the water by the door and the doorman said 'take your water and get out!" What a shit show thus place is. read more

This place exploits its visitors by luring patrons to the bottom bar where there's male 'dancers'. I was last here around 10 years ago when the vibes were different. The $10 cover to get downstairs was not worth it for the "peep show". $2 coat check was definitely not helping the deal. I would not recommend coming here for any type of entertainment. The piano upstairs was not open, which used to be. Now it's supposed to be a hired pianist, which needs to be reevaluated. I think there are other good options in the city. Do not come here unless you like stripper type vibes and costs in the downstairs 'bar'. read more

The Monster is such a Great and Amazing Club! We have been coming to this Lounge,Piano Bar, and Dance Club in the heart of Greenwich Village for years. The drinks are great, and the bartenders and whole staff are really good. David the bartender is so nice and professional and the door and security are the tops! Music is always great and the dance floor is huge. All the DJs are so good and rock the crowd always! Thanks Monster for serving the community for decades, really awesome from International DJ Dave Begoon. read more

The Monster - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

they hate women here. stay away. I was having a great time until the bartenders decided they no longer wanted to serve me & my friend after two drinks. a couple people attempted to intervene on our behalf, but the bartenders looked at my friend and I then said we had to order elsewhere. read more

I have been visiting the Monster on and off for about 20 years . . . God, I'm old. ;) As a matter of fact, I think the Monster was the first gay bar that I visited after moving to NYC back in 2002. While I have had some bad nights with some of the bartenders and general staff, I have to say that my experiences have been pretty good overall. Also, I have not had an experience that was so bad to make me want to stop dropping by the bar/club. My most recent visits have been during daylight hours and were spent on the upper level of the bar. During the afternoons, I'll say that the clientele (for the most part) is pretty nice and friendly. Folks are open enough to chat with you and respectful enough to leave you alone if you want to feed your sorrows with a stiff gin-based cocktail. read more

Great spot to stumble across! Not to mention, Johnny! He made the time there phenomenal! Such a cutie and great bartender. Thank you for the hospitality Johnny Boy! Hope to see you soon handsome. Ps. La que no es puta, no disfruta. read more

Good vibes! Everyone was friendly and the cover fee wasn't as bad ($10 CASH ONLY). Drinks weren't too bad either. Would definitely go again!

Was just looking for a after dinner drink and stumbled upon this place. Ambiance is odd. The place smells kind of like a motel lobby. Crowd and bartender were a bit unwelcoming. Probably won't be going back. read more

Worst bar ever! None personable staff, racist and rude! Take your money elsewhere. We had just ordered our drinks and a girl bartender w big curly hair never gave us a check and out of no where said they could no longer serve us. How are we supposed to pay if never got a check and we were sitting at the bar. It was our first drink. Try doing your job before you attack customers about payment. Guess the name of the bar is fitting. Never ever again read more

Some of the guys that come here are teddy bears. Some are monsters. If you've been molested by "The Monster" as happened to me here, I'm not sure what to tell you. Get into a fight? Report it? Ignore and walk away? I did the latter. If everyone that had ever illegally touched me, hardcore-pressured me into sex acts, done stuff with me when I was underage, grabbed my D or butt in public without permission, done crap with me while I was sleeping... if they were all in jail, there'd be a good 500 extra people in the prison population. So yes that happens here, but I still like it here. This is a pretty wild gay club but they charge $10 to get in which is why I haven't been in again since the first time (or being molested might have something to do with it, but that happened to me at Sidetrack in CHI a few times - which is free - and I still kept going back there. I like to hang out outside and get a lot of compliments and people hitting on me but I really think that for somebody who made as much of an effort as me and will make the place seem shiny and pretty and oily and slutty and studly and "wholesome", then they should probably let us in for free LOL. I don't pay to go in places. I'm the reason people pay to go in places LOL. Oh I sound so conceited. And I'm fine with that. read more

I used to love the Monster, but their drinks are now waaaaaaaay overpriced. The service is slow and the staff at the door are rude.

Went to Monster on a Friday night. The drag show was underwhelming. I love my Queens. But you are a performer. Most drag shows I have been to the girls do a lot more dancing. The. Just strutting around for bills. As far as customer service. My friend left her wallet in the bathroom. Luckily it was turned in. But the trouble to get it from a manager was ridiculous. read more

Went here completely randomly and had so much fun. Another gem I'm surprised I've never been to considering it's in my neighborhood. I really appreciated the zebra print throne chair upstairs (had to take a pic in it) but DOWNSTAIRS there are drag shows and go go dancers, LOL! Total west village vibes and wayyyy better than Stonewall (I know, I know, haters- come at me). Anyways I participated in a cat walk competition (didn't win) & there was also a hilarious booty shaking competition, both moderated by a FABULOUS queen (who had multiple outfit changes might I add, slay queen). I will say it's annoying they charge cover, I think it was $5 and they let my friend and I both in for the price of one so whatever. We also had to bribe the DJ to play Fetty Wap. Haha. They could use some more rap/hip-hop but I guess that's what I get for going to a gay bar. read more

Love this bar! It's staff & ambiance has been amazing! John has been an amazing bar tender & has definitely made my experience here amazing! read more

The Monster - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

One of the wonderful things about New York City is that sometimes you unexpectedly find a cool place for a meal or drink. One day while in the Village, my friend needed to use a rest room urgently so we ducked into The Monster. While I had partied plenty in the past in The Village, I had never gone to The Monster. While my friend used the rest room, I grabbed a drink at the bar. I figured since I had some time on my hands I would ask for one of my favorite drinks: The Godfather. The Godfather is a funny drink. It is not really in fashion nowadays, so the only bartenders I have met who know how to make it off the top of their head are usually older, silver haired gents. So it was no big surprise when the bartender told me he did not know how to make one. There are a couple ways to make a Godfather. In general it is a mixture of Scotch Whiskey and amaretto. The key is the proportion. Some people do a 50/50 mixture while personally I prefer a 70/30 mixture. I told the bartender and he whipped up the drink quickly. No big ice cubes, but hey, that's cool. Now, this drink sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many bartenders hear my instructions and somehow skew things too much in one direction or the other (usually in favor of the amaretto). This bartender did a great job, mixing it almost exactly the way I like it! He was also very nice and he attended to a lot of customers at one time (even though it was a late Saturday afternoon). I went at a relatively quiet time. The lounge area in the back was mostly empty and the disco area downstairs was roped off. I can imagine this place being really fun when it is in full swing. I'm glad I stopped in! read more

My date and I learned this was a gay bar after we were already inside. Great live music and good service - seemed like a high quality dive bar. read more

What a night it was! We arrived 11:50 pm Saturday night, but by the time we got to the entrance, it was 12 am. I explained that we technically did arrive before midnight, and after giving the bouncers the "password," my huge group of about 10 people was able to pay $5 cover charge and get in smoothly. I have to admit I'm always wary about unfriendly bouncers, and luckily they were fine. Coat check was $2 (and not mandatory) too, which is a pretty good find compared to most other clubs. Dress code nonexistent thank goodness. My group was unsure about going to a gay club, but I think I converted most of them by the end! The go-go boys were not my thing and made some of us uncomfortable, though you kind of just get used to them after a while. Funnily enough, some of them in the crowd danced on my female friends and revealed that they were actually all straight ?? ALCOHOL: Online it had said $5 Miller Lite and $6 vodka Red Bulls, but at the bar in the downstairs club, it was $6 tequila/Bulldog gin shots and margaritas, and $6 Budlight or $7 for another beer. Something else was $8. Still great deals though! MUSIC: Great for the most part! There was some Nicki Minaj, some Rihanna, some Latino music, a couple of songs that were maybe techno (this is when I left). Unfortunately though, it's crazy LOUD in here, even when the MC was introducing the dancers. Wish I brought earplugs. THE BAD: yep, my 3 guy friends whom I brought here all got groped in the back and the front. Also, for a gay club, I'm surprised that my group was dancing the most? There were a few other guys dancing, but nothing like the gay club I went to in Singapore where not only were 80% of the people dancing, it was way better than what you see at most other clubs. read more

Let your inner gay man out at Monster Bar[1], a venue that's as colorful as its patrons. Certain nights, piano player Phil delights the bar, inviting the more musically-inclined to sing show tunes. Grab a drink, relax, and sing along. If low-key isn't your style, stay later into the evening, when a festive, boisterous West Village crowd fills Monster, and the dancing begins. Needless to say, there's a cover charge during busier times, usually $10 after 10 PM (but don't quote me on that). No matter when you visit, drinks are reasonably priced - they're cash only for a reason - and bartenders are generally generous givers, so don't be surprised if it takes a bit before you get anyone's attention. After all, good things come to those who wait. [1] And if that's the way you roll, you'll be right at home. read more

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It's a nasty place! The mostly waiters are rude, the service is to slow and they charge to go in, if you want a tip: if you are in new york, do not waste time a money, there are thousands of options in the city! read more

One gay bar that I enjoy going to especially for happy hour. The scene is casual and relaxed and one can easily find someone to talk to if visiting alone. The piano is a key part of the bar, sing alongs can be lively and fun. They also have a disco in the basement after ten pm daily. Bartenders are very nice and attentive Word of advice; they have a cover charge after nine pm. read more

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I'm not gay, but definitely an ally. Wanted to support gay business especially during pride month. This place was definitely popping. Spacious seating outside, not just on the built patio, but there's also nice tables against the building as well with nice mood lighting. Waiter was great, but he was super busy and did his best try to get our drinks back in a timely manner. There's a 90 minute time limit on the tables, even though it wasn't that busy on a Saturday evening until it got late. Lots of unique and tasty drink selections here. There's also a hot guy going around selling jello shots, but it's cash only. It was a bit hard to get the jello out of the cups, I suggested that they oil it a bit better. We had to use our drink-straws to finagle it out. The shots weren't too strong. Inside looks nice, there's a piano bar. There's a big and spacious dance floor downstairs that was playing EDM music. Lots of good looking buff guys dancing there. I can imagine this place gets pretty wild at night. If you want to use the bathroom inside, the security guard needs to hold your ID for some reason, which is a bit annoying. read more

The guy checking IDs at the door was a rude asshole. You'd think he'd be more polite since they were charging a $10 cover. The bad impression he left us was continued within the bar. Seriously, with the numerous other options available in the village, avoid this place. read more

do not come here if you ware gay! the bouncers are horrible! especially tonight!!!!! i have never been disappointed as much going into my gay bar! read more

I've been going to The Monster for years. It used to be such a great place for gay men to drink, dance, sing, and make friends (some with benefits). That all changed after the COVID-19 pandemic. When the bar initially re-opened after the 2020 lockdown, seating was restricted to outdoors, but most of us didn't mind. We were simply glad we as gay men still had a place of our own when so many others closed their doors for good. Once indoor activities resumed, the place suddenly became a haven for young, single, and predominately heterosexual (white) females. It began with a few of them coming with their gay male friends, but then all of a sudden they started showing up in droves; particularly on Friday nights. They're usually super drunk, loud, and rude upon entrance. They spill drinks all over the place, while stumbling around the dance floor with stupid dancing and annoying screaming. They push and shove their way to the bars and upstairs restroom, but then complain to the security staff about "being touched". Some of them even become combative and physical, which sometimes leads to gay men being removed just to pacify them, even though it's a GAY BAR. Many of the regulars aren't happy with them taking over a space that wasn't intended for them, but according to the staff, they need a safe space where they don't have to fear unwanted advances from straight men. That seems a little odd to me because many of them return regularly with their heterosexual male friends and boyfriends in tow. They gather in big groups at the bar and block spaces while they kiss and make out. This is frustrating for the bartenders and other customers wanting to order drinks because they won't move aside. Some of the guys even get mad if another man hits on them, but again, it's a GAY BAR, "Bro"! I've found myself going less frequently because I simply do not enjoy the place any more. It no longer feels like a fun place for gay men, but more like a twisted form of gentrification, except it's the gay customers are being pushed out of spaces we created. I'm looking for other bars and venues that haven't compromised the freedoms we fought so hard to achieve in the West Village. At the end of the day, capitalism rules, so I suppose a dollar is a dollar regardless of the hand it's attached to. I'm not saying these people can't support the business, but we as gay men should not be made to feel like visitors in our own establishment. read more