Phoenix NYC Gay Bar Highlights:
- Address: 447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009
- Neighborhood: East Village
- Hours: Open daily from 3 pm – 4 am, Every Day
- Best Time to Go: Weeknights for happy hour
- Vibe: Unpretentious dive bar with pop-up drag shows
- Cover? Rarely
- Website: phoenixbarnyc.com
- Instagram: @phoenixbarnyc
Phoenix NYC Gay Bar Overview:
Phoenix is a bastion of the East Village’s gay scene. Opened in 1999, this low stakes pub is a perfect starting point or nightcap spot.
This bar is a definite neighborhood spot, and despite their proximity to NYU doesn’t pander to a younger crowd. Phoenix takes whoever, and gets them good and drunk. It’s one of the few gay bars that can actually boast about cheap drinks. What makes Phoenix special is that they’re not trying so hard to be a flashy venue. They have bar stools, couches, and soap boxes for a stage.
Phoenix also cultivates a solid lineup of different events. Pop up drag shows with Miz Jade, Alotta McGriddles, and Corma Kelley are frequent, but they make sure to include trivia nights, open mic comedy, and the full gambit of dive bar activities for the village’s gay community.
Every once in a while, catch Alotta hosting Bear Naked. This party markets itself as for “every body,” to celebrate all body types. Whether you can see those body types while enjoying their darkroom is irrelevant when you get in on the fun for a nominal cover charge.
Why go to Phoenix?
- Cheap Drinks
- No Cover
- Not Too Crowded
Phoenix NYC Gay Bar Ambiance:
Phoenix only really packs out during special events. Think Pride or Halloween where every gay bar MUST fill up out of queer obligation.
Phoenix’s charm is at the bar. Their manager, Garrett, usually runs the drink station himself. Pull up a stool, grab a drink, and more than likely you’ll find someone to chatter with. This is a great spot for a happy hour drink, early evening stop, or nightcap. It’s a way to get away from the high octane thrills of say a Hell’s Kitchen bar.
Phoenix also expanded to the street with charming outdoor seating. For a group of 4-6 this is basically a private space for your party to get away from the rest of the patrons, and stick to just your friends.
The backroom is a liminal space complete with a seldom used photo booth. This is where wannabe comedians test their metal at a daily 6 pm open mic, and where bears and go-go boys jerk each other off. The duality of this bar is what makes it so exciting.
Happy Hour: 3 pm – 7 pm
Events (Subject to change – check out Pieces’ Instagram account for the latest events information)
Wednesday night Karaoke with Corma Kelley, C. U. Next Tuesday Trans/Nonbinary Party, Bear Naked with Alotta McGriddles
If you like these other gay bars… you’ll like Phoenix:
- Boiler Room
- Macri Park
- The Cock
- Nowhere
Phoenix not your thing? Here are other gay bars nearby:
