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57 / M NYC
Since I'm well into my fifties, what I find attractive in a bar certainly comes from a different POV than a guy in his twenties or thirties. Something to consider if you happen to come upon any of my reviews.
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Originally From | NYC | Favorite Places | Paris, London, Munich |
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32 reviews 13 firstschrisholden09's Reviews
Ninth Avenue Bistro Bar/Club in New York
Posted: August 08, 2008
Here is another great Gay find in the middle of the trendy Hell's Kitch 9th Avenue strip. Nice cozy bar, with a good-sized pool room in the back. The piano up front offers terrific live entertainment at night. A real Gay jewel. And, like Ninth Avenue Saloon down and across the street, the Bistro is open in the afternoon. Two hot Gay bars within blocks and they're open days. For that alone they deserve plaudits.
XES Lounge Bar/Club in New York
Posted: July 20, 2008
I'm in my fifties and was clearly out of my element here, with everyone else pretty much in their twenties and thirties. That said, it was a lively, friendly place. And a terrific outdoor patio area. Well worth a visit for those in their thirties and twenties, especially.
George's Play Bar/Club in Toronto
Posted: June 19, 2008
As a Gay man who adores Drag, unabashedly, I can state unequivocally that George's Place is in the pantheon of great Drag bars. Every night, a different Drag theme, with some incredibly talented ladies; talented and drop-dead gorgeous, so hot, so sexy. The performances are fabulous, over-the-top (they'd better be!!!); witty and clever and sheer fun. The staff is friendly, gracious, a great evening. Check it out.
The Web Bar/Club in New York
Posted: May 30, 2008
Though I was clearly far older than the throngs here last Saturday night, had a terrific time. Some very hot young Asian guys hanging out. Terrific dancing, two floors, two DJs, music and noise non-stop. Yes, there were some middle-aged white men (me included) looking for whatever, but I never felt I stood out, nor did I feel that i was being looked on askance. And when the young guys are as smashing-looking as these, wouldn't trust someone who said he didn't want to have a look-see.
Club Atlantis Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - January 05, 2008
Large dance club, heavy Latino flavor. Quite crowded on the night I was here, with a Gong Show-like talent contest. Audience loved it, howling at the contestants. Nice eclectic Gay mix, running the age and ethnic gamut. Some adorable pre-op Trannies, looking like hot Black and Latino pop performers. Another terrific Gay edition to Queens.
Lucho's Club Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - January 05, 2008
Strong Latino atmosphere, caters to Gays and Lesbians. DJ controls the mood. Though a young crowd jams the dance floor, there were many guys my age at the neon-lit bar, great vantage point to watch the gyrating male and female beauties. There are weekly Drag shows, which I plan on checking out early in the new year. Can be loud, and doesn't take credit cards. Brings $$$.
Uncle Charlie's Piano Bar & Cocktail Lounge Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - November 12, 2007
Uncle Charlie's has been around for several months. My loss in not stopping earlier. It's up a flight of stairs, 2nd floor in a townhouse. A handsome long bar, plenty of elbow room. Terrific piano entertainment, and an open mic. Uncle Charlie's hosts a special cabaret evening every Thursday. A comfy lounge, outdoor patio, friendly staff, and a five hour happy hour. Every day, there's a special going on -- including Silver Daddy Sundays. It's half-a-block from Grand Central -- the only gay bar in the nabe -- and one night, around 6 pm, several well-dressed gentleman popped in for quick drinks before catching the train. And though they looked like married commuters, when we'd exchange glances, my gaydar kicked in ... and so did theirs.
Metropolitan Bar/Club in New York
Posted: November 11, 2007
Unlike the previous reviewer, I had a wonderful time here. Barstaff was friendly, inviting, and the customers were relaxed, informal, and I found myself welcomed as if a regular. Good juke box, and games were non-stop at the pool table. Couple of guys were even on their laptops, online. If you're in Brooklyn, near Williamsburg, I'd give Metropolitan a shot.
CLOSED: Boys Room Bar/Club in New York
Posted: November 11, 2007
Had never ventured into Boysroom, knowing full well that it skewered to 20-somethings. But I hit it on saturday night and it was a hoot. Age unimportant. Go-Go boys and howling customers. Cheap drinks, loud, uninhibited. And a couple of the Black Go-Go dancers were drop-dead stunners. Highly recommended.
Bum Bum Bar Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - November 06, 2007
Far be it from a Manhattanite to cross the river into Queens, but if you're Gay, you're missing out. The Bum Bum (say: Boom Boom) Bar, which has an uninviting white tile outside wall, is anything but once inside. Heavy on a Latin flavor -- with some gorgeous TSs there on the Friday night I hung out. I mean, gorgeous! A sexy Drag show on Friday nights. I'll surely be back. Great bar area, friendly and cute bartenders.
Friend's Tavern Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - November 06, 2007
Felt at home immediately I walked in. An easy-on-the-eyes bartender greeted me as if he'd known me forever. Has an odd shape, not very wide, but the place is long, very deep. There's a happy hour, four hours. Some lovely Latin guys were hanging out, and I couldn't take my eyes off them. Nice place, indeed. No attitude, no hassles, well worth a trip to Queens from Manhattan.
The Music Box Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - November 06, 2007
I hit this spot on a thursday, when there's a Drag Show. Becoming the rage in Queens, obviously. And from the hot-looking TVs hanging out, I can understand why. I became enchanted with a stunning Black TV, spent two hours chatting, having a great time. Such a friendly spot, very handsome bartenders, make a point to go here. As for the Black TV, yes, I'm meeting him again at The Music Box. Who knows ...?
Lidia's Place Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - November 06, 2007
I wasn't half-way through my first beer here when I must have heard at least five different languages. And that's not counting English! Such a friendly barstaff, and a very intimate bar, since the bar only seats four. But there's plenty of room in the back, nice size dance floor and a DJ. And such cute guys speaking all those languages!
Rawhide Bar/Club in New York
Posted: September 20, 2007
Stopped in mid-afternoon, bright hot sunny day. When the curtains swung shut behind me, total darkness. Voices, low, vaguely audible. The smell of yesterday's beer, on the floor, wafted up. Very unpleasant, stumbling around feeling for a bar stool. Left before ordering a beer. But I suppose the utter anonymity is the purpose.
Sip N' Twirl Bar/Club in Fire Island
First to Review - August 13, 2007
Sip N' Twirl (formerly the Island Club) is a Gay mainstay, and with good reason. There's a happy hour, 8 - 10, every night, a delightful deck with a wonderful breeze and cool djs, and hot bartenders to go with the hot go-go boys. Plus, it isn't long before dawn when it closes, beaches are nearby ... Highly recommended! It's at 36 Fire Island Boulevard.
Stonewall Bar/Club in New York
Posted: August 12, 2007
Spent a delightful Monday afternoon here, the Mets home opener (which they won). Weather outside (fifties!) was hardly conducive to baseball, but inside, temp was perfect. Bar crowded, game on, good feeling. Wonderful sitting at the Stonewall once again. Friendly, relaxed, unaffected. Place has been really spiffed up, the polish on the woodwork almost glistening. Been back several times, night and day. Also, want to alert readers to a remarkable group, the Stonewall Vets, all veterans of the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969. Please visit their site, these people are involved in the entire GLBT arena.
http://www.stonewallvets.org/
Sunset's Bar/Club in Fire Island
First to Review - August 12, 2007
Sunset's is a spacious play with a diverse crowd. The Drag Queen show attracts some stunning TVs (putting the lie to the myth that 90% of cd/tvs are straight; I mean, look at me!), and the dance floor is large enough to handle the loud and energetic crowd. Nice view of the bay. There are straights here, too, but the mood is open and welcoming. It's our show.
Here is address, contact info:
83 Bayview Walk
Cherry Grove, NY 11782
631) 597-9663
Suite Bar/Club in New York
Posted: August 08, 2007
Suite has undergone a major transformation. I remember this place with the pool table, small booths, rickety chairs at the bar. The new Suite is remarkable. Was there Monday night, happy hour the entire evening. So clean, so friendly, everything tip-top. Will be returning, and be adding to this review. Highly recommended. A true Gay oasis up in the Columbia neighborhood.
The Hangar Bar/Club in New York
Posted: April 11, 2007
Perhaps because I hit a bar because I want a couple--, well, okay, often more than a couple of beers, and not necessarily to hit up a guy, I look at a place like The Hangar from another prism of vision. It's exactly what it purports itself to be: a saloon, albeit a Gay saloon, but a saloon nonetheless. Friendly, welcoming, always a nice crowd at the bar, can argue, agree, whatever, on everything from politics to fashion. Nice back bar for the evening, when the crowd overflows. Elsewhere in NYC, the old-time saloon is giving way to boutiques and trendy wine bars, but places like The Hangar and others on Christopher Street, are keeping up the good fight. More power to them.
Ty's Bar/Club in New York
Posted: April 10, 2007
If you're ever in the mood for a couple of drinks mid-afternoon, can't find a more agreeable Gay spot in the Village than Ty's. So welcoming, casual, and Daniel, the day bartender, is outgoing and great with the conversation. Crowd runs the gamut, from working stiff to white collar.
Boots and Saddle Bar/Club in New York
Posted: April 10, 2007
First visit to B&S since it returned to its notable past -- that is, good old Gay bar. Felt right back at home here, and those at the bar on this crisp Spring afternoon were feeling just the same. Night entertainment will once again become Gay-focused. Sitting at the bar, watching the passing human parade through the window on Christopher Street, felt good indeed. Welcome back, B & S!!!
O.W. Bar Bar/Club in New York
Posted: March 25, 2007
I've had a wonderful evening each time I've been to the O.W. Bar. If for no other reason than I'm a beer drinker, and O.W. has the great Australian beer -- Foster's -- on tap. It's so lively, with that great jukebox -- tens of thousands of tunes, every imaginable musical genre -- with a very diverse crowd. Though the crowd skews to those in their 20s and 30s, I at 57 have never felt out of place. There's a drag show, a game night, and now that the weather is nice, the patio is perfect for cruising or just having a Foster's outside. That this Chelsea-like place is on East 58th Street is even more remarkable. Go with a partner or go solo, you won't be solo for long. Highly recommended.
Townhouse Bar/Club in New York
Posted: March 25, 2007
The reviews of Townhouse run the gamut, from total negative to nice, indeed. As a Gay man well into his fifties, my POV is far from the earlier review which stamped Townhouse as a place for rather 'vile' aging trolls. I've spent several delightful evenings here, both with a partner and solo. When alone, I wasn't there to 'troll' for the younger guys, merely to have a couple of drinks, listen to the piano, and relax. Which I did. Haven't noticed many older guys hitting on and making life miserable for the younger guys. It may happen, but I haven't seen it. I'd suggest giving Townhouse a chance, seeing for yourself..
Pieces Bar/Club in New York
Posted: March 06, 2007
Pieces is almost schizoid. During the day, it's like a neighborhood hangout. Skews older, quiet men having a few drinks, quiet and relaxed atmosphere. But then, as the evening kicks in, a younger crowd takes over. Loud music, dancing -- strip down to your thong, have at it -- raucous and increasingly wild. Friendly bartenders, equally friendly crowd.
CLOSED: Secrets Brooklyn Bar/Club in New York
Posted: March 05, 2007
taken me forever to make the trip out to Sheepshead Bay to Secrets. But on a cold March night, it was so worth it. Large, loud, warmly welcoming. A diverse crowd, gays, straights, male and female. Be openly gay (as was I), makes no difference. Must be sweeter still in the summer.
Catch One (Jewel's) Bar/Club in Los Angeles
First to Review - November 12, 2006
Business out in LA last week, and loved this place, but perhaps I was out of my element, it's geared to a 20s/30s crowd. Music was loud, loud, loud. Large, multi-floored, bands, djs. Terrific mix of people, Gays, Lesbians, straights (or those at least pretending to be?). And, especially for me, some flat-out gorgeous Black men, in skin-tight outfits, dancing, drinking, hanging out. I feasted on these Black male beauties, loud music or not. Definitely worth checking out.
Boots and Saddle Bar/Club in New York
Posted: October 16, 2006
B&S is the perfect example of a neighborhood bar. Located in the heart of the Village, on Christopher Street right off 7th Avenue, it is ideal for a quick drink or two after work or shopping, a nightcap after a film or the theater, or idling away a couple of hours in the evening. Friendly, witty, outgoing barkeep, especially on Sunday afternoon. Lots of room to spread out and relax.
Ninth Avenue Saloon Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - October 13, 2006
What a delight to walk into the Ninth Avenue Saloon, like going back in time. In the midst of trendy Hells Kitchen sits this wonderful, warmly welcoming old fashioned bar. Tavern. Gin mill. Saloon. The long bar itself is something from another era, beautiful mahogany, lovely mirrored glass behind the very well stocked bar. There are weekly Leather events, very popular indeed. Great crowds at night, ranging across the entire Gay spectrum. And unlike far too many Gay bars in NYC, Ninth Ave. Saloon opens at noon. A guy can amble in and grab a beer that early, what more can you ask?
Chi Chiz Bar/Club in New York
Posted: October 08, 2006
Have hesitated to post a review because there are already several positive reviews. But sitting at Chi Chiz yesterday afternoon, tossing down a couple of Heinekens, I realized I had to add my feelings about the place. Since I am in utter awe of the beauty and charisma of the Black male, Chi Chiz, with its predominantly Black crowd, would always rank high with me. But it is also a warm, fun bar, the age of the crowd ranging from twenties all the way up. And the Saturday afternoon bartender is tall, dark ebony, friendly, and just absolutely gorgeous.
Henrietta Hudson Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - September 21, 2006
This is weird, gay man on a Lesbian bar. But I went here recently, a Sunday night, where they had Female Jello Wrestling. I went with a woman (het), where I was vastly outnumbered by the women. Why not, it's a lesbian bar. Had a ball, the jello wrestling was not at all derogatory toward women. In fact, I'll admit outright that I'd've been pinnned in seconds flat by any of the women wrestlers. They had a ball, as did everyone. A hoot of a night. Maybe they'll do it again. If so, go. You'll have a wonderful time.
Gym Bar/Club in New York
Posted: September 17, 2006
Not sure why the carping about GYM. As a sports fan, I love watching the Yankees or the Jets among kindred spirits. Convivial atmosphere, gracious bartenders, cold beer. I've been to GYM three times in the past six weeks, and have enjoyed myself immensely each time. Regret not having had a camera to snag some of the spirit of the place. Next time will bring a camera and, with permission, try and get some pix. If you're a sports fan, please check it out for yourself.
Candle Bar Bar/Club in New York
First to Review - June 12, 2006
Under new ownership, Candle Bar has changed its hours, now opening at 4 pm. Still a welcoming neighborhood place for West Side Gays, now has a Karaoke night. Pool table still a popular draw, as is the terrific, very musically diverse juke box. As it gets late, Candle Bar is a great spot to meet a special guy. Runs the age gamut from 20s to 60s. very friendly bartenders.
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