From ambiance to happy hour to events to location, here’s everything you need to know about Pieces, the popular NYC gay bar
The Highlights:
- Address: 8 Christopher St New York, NY 10014
- Neighborhood: West Village
- Hours: Open daily from 2 pm – 4 am, Every Day
- Best Time to Go: Happy Hour, and Weeknights
- Vibe: An intimate space for drag artists to give all-out performances
- Cover? Rarely
- Website: Piecesbar.com
- Instagram: @Piecesbar
Overview:
Pieces is in the heart of the West Village, and is likely the gay bar your friend visited on their last trip to New York. This iconic venue was already a staple of the New York scene, but was rocketed to international recognition in 2019 when Adele and Jenifer Lawrence attended a show, birthing the meme “[____] is at Pieces!”
While the bar itself is rather small, the bright multicolor block-letter sign in the window accurately captures the colorful energy there every night of the week. Pieces is best known for its drag performances. Even Adele couldn’t help but get in on the fun of Ruby Roo and Brita Filter’s weekly show, Frisky Fridays. Their pantheon of talent includes some of the biggest names in the New York drag scene like Jasmine Rice Labeija, Jax, and Izzy Uncut.
During showtimes, Pieces gets packed. The small area near the stage must remain clear for splits, stunts, and shenanigans. This pushes patrons to the edges of the space to throw their dollars. The biggest nights are Snatched on Wednesdays, Jasmine Live Thursdays, and of course Frisky Fridays. Shequida Hall, one of the grandest dames of New York, also hosts one of the longest running weekly drag competitions, Drag Wars, every Monday for up and coming talent.
Pieces feels like a bar for queens because it’s run by queens. Ruby Roo not only performs, but also manages and bartends there. Despite her painted-on Bitch Face (an intentional choice) and performatively cold demeanor, Ruby is the mother hen. She pours the strongest drinks, has the best reads, and always looks out for her own. There is no Pieces without Ruby, and don’t expect family-friendly quips from this queen.
Why go?
- Usually No Cover
- Daily Drag Shows
- Strong Drinks
- Celeb Sightings
Ambiance:
While Pieces looks like a simple hole in the wall during the day, around 6 it’s often packed to the gills. The high caliber of talent attracts audiences every night. This can cut both ways, as it’s rare Pieces is an ideal spot for a casual hang. This is a bar to watch drag, and that draws all sorts of crowds. Locals, tourists, and college girls often find refuge at Pieces. It’s impossible to visit the spot without seeing towering wigs, so bring singles.
Happy Hour: 2 pm – 8 pm, Monday – Friday
Events (Subject to change – check out Pieces’ Instagram account for the latest events information)
Drag shows featuring Shequida Hall, Jasmine Rice Labeija, Ruby Roo, Izzy Uncut, and Yuhua Hamasake.
If you like these other gay bars… you’ll like Pieces:
Pieces not your thing? Here are other gay bars nearby:
- Monster Bar
- The Stonewall Inn
- Duplex
