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New York City Gay/Lesbian Bars

Phoenix

A divey gay hangout that harks back to the East Village of yesteryear.

Service

(8)

Atmosphere

(8)

Food and Drinks

(7)

Value

(9)

The Setting

Do not be put off by the dungeon-like exterior. On the inside, Phoenix is, well, equally dungeon-like, with a cavernous, seen-better-days, bordello-esque twist. In other words, it's a dive, but calculatedly so. The walls are painted blood-red, and the place looks as if it hasn't been renovated since the late-'80s, when the East Village gay bar scene was really down-and-dirty. Still, there's something oddly homey about this joint--maybe it's the Pac Man video game a few feet from the front door.

The Scene

Good-looking rocker boys and neighborhood Joes congregate in the back lounge and at the bar, where friendly, past-their-prime leather daddies sling the drinks. The clientele puts on few airs and relatively little scamming takes place. Gay-guy-loving girls should feel comfortable enough here--as should any guy who wants a drink, but can do without the meat-market scene of flashier gay bars.

447 E 13TH St
New York, NY 10009-3421
Phone: (212) 477-9979