The West Village is the most historic of New York’s gay neighborhoods. Once known as a Bohemian enclave, the West Village is now one of the most desirable real estate markets in the city. Sex and the City fans probably know it better as the home of Carrie Bradshaw. Despite it’s gentrification, it’s still home to a number of hip boutiques, cafes and restaurants. It was also the home of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and therefore the birthplace of Gay Pride as we know it. The grid system that makes New York so easy to navigate doesn’t exist in The West Village but the gay businesses aren’t too hard to find as they mostly surround the intersection of Christopher St and 7th Avenue.
Areas of Interest
Washington Square Park: An 9.75 acre park with a tradition of nonconformity, it’s fountain area has long been one of the city’s popular spots for residents and tourists. It’s not uncommon to hear live music, find seemingly spontaneous dance classes or get in a game of chess with someone you’re sure to lose to. For more information visit: www.nycgovparks.org.
Christopher Street Pier: Sometimes called the “queer pier”, it’s a great place to lie out in the summer time in the company of plenty of gay men. For more information visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center: A meeting place for New York’s LGBT community, the Center hosts everything from political functions to dance classes. For more information www.gaycenter.org.
Select Nightlife Establishments
The Stonewall Inn: Scene of important events in June 1969 that sparked the modern struggle for gay civil rights — events your host and proprietor of Chelsea Mews Guest House, Mr. Charles Lombardo, was proud to personally be a part of. Today The Stonewall is not only a piece of gay history but also a spacious West Village bar with two floors, pool tables, dancing, and live performances. Be sure to see the Gay Liberation Monument sculpture by George Segal directly across the street in Sheridan Square Park. For more information visit: www.thestonewallinnnyc.com.
Boots and Saddle: This western themed dive boasts an extra long happy hour and provides plenty of entertainment in the way of comedy and karaoke. For more information visit www.bootsnsaddle.com.
Marie’s Crisis: You’ll never see so many gay men singing, “I Could Have Danced All Night” anywhere else. Marie’s packs them in around the piano for a non-stop sing along. For more information visit them on Facebook.
Pieces: Christmas lights, disco balls, NYU boys and cheap drinks make up the fabric of this very gay bar where there’s bound to be something fun and kitchy going on: www.piecesbar.com.
Monster: Whether you’re in the mood to reminisce about yesteryear, sing showtunes, or tear it up on the dance floor, this eclectic bar/club will do its best to accommodate. For more information visit: www.manhattan-monster.com.
The Duplex: One of the city’s oldest established piano bars, it boasts two floors and three rooms of entertainment. For more information visit: www.theduplex.com.
For a full list of the most current parties and more bar and club listings, we recommend you visit Next Magazine’s website.
