New York

Believe the hype: New York City has a dizzying array of attractions that will satisfy even the most tireless traveler.
In the arts, the city is unmatched. Along with world-class museums, there are smaller galleries in Chelsea and SoHo with works by gay artists. There's always great theater on Broadway, as well as smaller companies all over the city producing works by gay playwrights. There are massive venues for music, ranging from vast houses in Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall to tiny rooms in Greenwich Village where you can see the performers up close and personal.
The gay scene is remarkably varied, changing neighborhood by neighborhood. Newcomers will most likely stick to Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen and a few others, but there are enclaves all over the city.
And the city's reputation as a sexual playground? Crackdowns under the last two mayors have left things much tamer. But listings in the local gay rags will point you toward some cutting-edge parties for men of every proclivity.

 

Getting here
Several airports serve the New York City area. From LaGuardia to Manhattan, take the M60 bus to 106th and Broadway, with connections along the route to the Q33 and Q47 buses, along with the E, F, G, R, V and 7 subway trains that pass through Queens enroute to Manhattan.

Across the Hudson River in New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport is linked to the city via frequent trains run by New Jersey Transit.

JF Kennedy is the airport where most International visitors will arrive.  AirTrain JFK has 24 hour bus connections to nearby MTA subway lines A and E, with direct routes into the heart of Manhattan by way of Brooklyn. For those going to Fire Island, there are connections to the Long Island Rail Road. The easiest, but not the cheapest way to get to your destination from these airports, is by taxi.

 

Getting around
Like the song says, "the Bronx is up and the Battery's down." Getting from one to the other -- or anywhere else in the city, for that matter -- is easiest on the subway, the MTA, -- quick, clean and modern. Fares are $2.25, but it's still a good deal, as those few bucks will take you to the city's farthest reaches. Buses cost the same, but the routes are harder for a newcomer. Taxis are often your best option. They all take cash, and many now accept credit cards.
One great way to take it all in is on  Circle Line Cruises for views of the world's most famous skyline. and City Sights with their double-decker buses that tour around the city, letting you hop on and off at will.

 

Neighborhoods
Many cities boast one gay neighborhood, or maybe two. New York City has almost too many to count: Greenwich Village, the East Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, to name a few. And that's just in Lower Manhattan. There are others spread out across the city.
Greenwich Village: Home of the historic Stonewall Inn, the Village has an older gay crowd and a retro vibe. Highlights include Sheridan Square, commemorating the gay-rights movement, and the Christopher Street Pier, a swath of green popular with sunbathers and double-dutch fans.
Chelsea: The big draw is the High Line, a narrow park on a former elevated train platform. Beneath are dozens of contemporary art galleries. See-and-be-seen eateries line 8th Avenue, with quieter spots on 9th and 10th avenues.
East Village: Gritty streets are lined with shops selling everything from designer duds to just plain junk. The food is incredibly varied. Polish? Ukrainian? Venezuelan? It's here. East 6th Street has tasty Indian restaurants.
Hell's Kitchen: Despite the ominous name, this is home to some heavenly young creatures. Take a quick peek at Times Square before heading over to 9th Avenue for an around-the-world culinary trip.

 

in focus
A place in the sun
When the weather warms up, not all the gay guys in New York City pack up their sunglasses and flip-flops and head to Fire Island. Some of them stay right in the city.
There's prime real estate all around the city for those in search of a little sun. Sheep's Meadow in Central Park is a magnet for gays, as is Prospect Park in Brooklyn. But if you're looking for wall-to-wall men, head to the Christopher Street Pier.
Officially known as Pier 45, this popular park sits at the end of Christopher Street. Opened in 2003, it was one of the first of the dozens of piers running alongside the Hudson River to be given a facelift. It now boasts several seating areas under sail-like canopies and a huge swath of lawn down the center.
The plan to renovate the Christopher Street Pier was controversial, as this and nearby piers had long been a part of the cruising scene. Many feared that after they were spruced up, the piers would no longer be "gay space."
But if anything, the pier has become gayer. Black and Latino gays hang out on the piers at night, especially on weekends. The "pier kids," as some call them, have drawn criticism from neighbors for being too "in your face." (Oddly enough, the same criticism was aimed at the mostly white gay men who cruised here decades ago.)
On any sunny day, the pier is so full of gay men of all ages and races that you might have a tough time finding a place for your towel. The skimpier the better seems to be the dress code, so don't be shy about wearing that thong.
There's plenty of entertainment, from impromptu practices for the gay cheerleading group to young guys doing double-dutch jumping so fast you can barely see the rope spin.
But mostly this is prime people-watching turf, and you couldn't do better than finding a spot on the grass and watching the passing parade.

Excursion: Fire Island

Fire Island, off the southeast coast of Long Island, is a car-free resort. Two of the barrier island's hamlets, Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, hop with gay vacationers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Events of note include the Invasion of the Pines, a drag-queen parade held each July 4. After their promenade, gender-benders proclaim victory and head back to Cherry Grove. The abundant shrubbery between Pines and Cherry Grove is known as the Meat Rack hereabouts.
Belvedere Guest House (631-597- 6448) a Venetian palace fronting the bay, nice Cherry Grove location, exclusively for men.

Media

NEXT, found at most gay establishments around the city, has complete weekly events rosters. Gay City News, the local gay newspaper, has done an excellent job keeping an eye on anti-sex police and city hall.
Odyssey Magazine, full of glossy bar ads, also has rundowns of what's happening in New York nightlife.

East Village Boys, “cock culture,” online magazine, pin-up boys, art, interviews with up-and-coming artists, musicians and designers, with EV aesthetic.

The Queen of New York website documents the ever-changing NY gay club scene, with news, venue listings, plus photos and videos.

STH, Straight to Hell, The Manhattan Reivew of Unnatural Acts, is back, with a website in the tradition of the seminal work of Boyd McDonald, documenting true-life male sexual experiences.

The Village Voice and New York Magazine each has news, features, music, movies, restaurants, stage reviews, and events listings for the New York metro area.

See our events tab for annual highlights such as the Fringe Festival, the LGBT Film Festival, NY Pride, Folsom East, gallery exhibits, and special dance parties, among other listings.

Resources
The Lesbian and Gay Community Center, where Chelsea meets Greenwich Village, is a good place to get your gay bearings.


Accommodations
Ace Hotel (1185 Broadway; 212-679-2222) 12-story Midtown building, gay-targeted boutique hotel chain, 260 rooms, near theaters of Times Square.
Chelsea Mews Guesthouse (344 W 15th St; 212-255-9174) eight rooms, men-only, clothing optional; laundry service and bike tour come with the room.
Chelsea Pines Inn (317 W 14th St; 212-929-1023) gay owned and operated five-story row house with Hollywood-themed rooms and suites, business center and self-serve breakfast.
Chelsea Savoy Hotel (204 West 23rd St; 212-929-9353) new building, moderate prices and good location, on a bustling street.
The Chelsea Star (300 W 30th; 212-244-7827) has a variety of options from budget dorms to deluxe rooms, singles, and doubles, plus apartment suites; lots of services, central location.
Colonial House (318 W 22nd St; 212- 243-9669): 20 comfy rooms, 2 suites, Wi-Fi throughout, roof-top deck, great location for shops, restaurants, and NY attractions.
Country Inn the City (270 W 77th St; 212-580-4183): the New York alternative to hotels with superb, spacious, self-contained studio apartments.
Flatotel New York (135 W 52nd St; 212-887-9400) 46-story luxury hotel with apartment-size rooms, gym/fitness center, swim club pool access, in-house Mediterranean restaurant.
Four Points Sheaton Manhattan Chelsea (160 W 25 St; 212-337-8306) truly friendly staff, 158 cozy guest rooms, sleek modern design, workout facility.
Gem Hotel (300 W 22nd St; 212- 675-1911) comfortable and hospitable boutique hotel.
Hotel 17 (225 E 17th St; 212-475- 2845) chic newly renovated budget hotel for students, and travelers on a budget, known as 'The Inn for Hollywood Types and Transient Chic.'
Hotel 31 (120 E 31st St; 212-685- 3060) newly renovated, reasonalbly priced, featuring all amenities of a first-class hotel.
Hotel 57 (130 E 57th Str; 212- 753-8841), state-of-the-art boutique hotel, acclaimed in-house restaurant, navigator concierges.
The Inn on 23rd (131 W 23rd St; 212-463-0330), modestly priced Chelsea B&B at the heart of Manhattan, comfortably furnished to make you feel at home.
The London NYC (151 W 54th St; 212-468-8856) well-located luxury hotel with elegant suites and attentive service; dining by Michelin chef Ramsey.
Out NYC Hotel (510 W 4nd St; 212-947-2999), new, gay urban resort hotel in Hell's Kitchen, rooms and suites, XL Nightclub dancing and cabaret, Kitchen 510 restaurant brunch, lunch, dinner and late-nights, gym, spa, sun deck, garden courtyard.

For links to these, and for many more options, see lodgings on our map & listings tab.

Bars and clubs: West Village
Boots & Saddle (76 Christopher St) 35-year favorite, recently renovated, DJ spinning, karaoke Sundays and Mondays a hoot, big beer selection, weekend beer busts from 3pm with go go dancers at 7pm.
Chi Chiz (135 Christopher St), African-American men and women, DJ music, pool tournaments, bingo, karaoke, Saturday go-go dancers.
Cielo (18 Little W 12th St), Wednesday-Saturday house, techno, electronic music dance club, top DJs, guest performers.
Duplex (61 Christopher St) piano bar and cabaret with top talents and gay following.
Hangar (115 Christopher St) down-to-earth, ethnically diverse neighborhood men's hangout with weekend erotic dancers.
Julius' (159 W 10th St) NY's oldest gay tavern, mature regulars, some youngsters, burgers juicey and cheap.
Marie's Crisis (59 Grove St) small, well-loved Village piano bar with showtune sing-alongs, wide variety of people.
Monster Bar (80 Grove St) bi-level party and cruising institution since 1970. Open nightly, piano bar, show tunes, drag acts, basement dancing until 4am.
Pieces (8 Christopher St) relaxed bar with room for conversation, karaoke, live shows, B-movie nights, contests, porn bingo, young crowd.
Rockbar (185 Christopher St) replaced Ramrod, formerly the Dugout. Younger rocker crowd, cheap drinks, live music, Saturday go go dancers.
Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher St) gay historic icon, newly renovated two floors of fun, open nightly, live music and performances, -- and yes, t-shirts for sale.
Ty's (114 Christopher St) jam-packed neighborhood bar for men and everyone else (including tourists) until 4am nightly. Good drinks at good prices.

Bars and clubs: East Village & Lower East Side
Arrow Bar (85 Ave A) wild East Village Sunday night Alphabet, with fresh young go go boys, cheap drinks, party 'til 4am.
Boiler Room (86 E 4th St) landmark bar, alternative crowd, guys from all over town, free Wi-Fi, strong drinks and best jukebox around.
Cock (29 2nd Av) "glitter to gutter, butch to bitch..." friendly raunchy basement for when you get that itch. Horny guys, sexy go-go dancers, cruising, Sunday Sperm.
Eastern Bloc (505 E 6th St) cool East Village space of red and black, sexy weekend dancers, young eye-candy clientele, Sunday beer blasts.
Lucky Chengs (24 First Av) drag cabaret dinner theatre for 3-course pan-Asian feasts, vibrant, sometimes gymnastic, always interactive shows, comedy, and karaoke.
Nowhere (322 E 14th St) gay boys and girls pack this dark basement neighborhood bar. Open nightly with pool table, juke box and DJs.
Phoenix (447 E 13th St) no-attitude East Village neighborhood meeting place, pool table, indie music jukebox, DJs, packed weekends with good-looking lads.
Urge Lounge (33 2nd Av) two floors of fun, hot and naughty go-go dancers on the bar most nights, hot ass contests, foxy bartenders.
Uncle Charlie's LES (87 Ludlow St) Lower East Side lounge for young professionals, south of Delancey Street neighborhood, outdoor smokers' patio. Similar vibe to their Midtown location.
Vandam Sundays at Greenhouse (150 Varick St), chic club kids, two floors of music, weekly Electro/House dance party, eco-theme venue.

Bars and clubs: Chelsea
Barracuda (275 W 22nd St) casual, lively cabaret bar with drag acts and karaoke, brings a bit of East Village to Chelsea.
Boxers (37 W 20th St) (275 W 22nd St), gay sports bar, TV games, longest happy hours in Chelsea. Thursday Fight Club sexy studs battle it out.
Club 20 (Sundays) (20 W 20 St) Chippendale-type Sunday male stripper shows, lap dances, VIP rooms.
Eagle (554 W 28th St) cruisy-as-hell leather bar with hot men, voted best of it's kind by NY Magazine. Pool table, roof-deck bar, Sunday beer bust, Jockstrap Wednesdays.
G Lounge (223 W 19th St) the standard for upscale lounge bars, plenty of cruising, after-work happy hours popular, DJ spins house, pop, R&B. Tuesday night Boybox novelty go-go burlesque and striptease, from 10pm.
Gym Sports Bar (167 8th Av), TV sports, outdoor patio, reasonable drinks prices, Saturday and Sunday beer blasts.
Heaven (579 Avenue of the Americas) energetic 18+ crowd, randy boys come every Saturday for two floors of dancing - the former Rush.
Hiro Ballroom (362 W 16th St), basement of Maritime Hotel, attractive space, a sea of hot men when the night is right. Haus Sunday dance parties. Closing April 2012 - check it while you can.
Rawhide (212 8th Av) Levi/leathermen cruising bar, pool table, manly go-go dancers, happy hours with loyal regulars keep it busy.
Secret Lounge (525 W 29th St), past the industrial-looking entrance, an opulent lounge every Friday and Saturday with a sultry black and Latino crowd.
Splash (50 W 17th St) two levels of dancing, big-time DJs, super-buff men to young dancing boys strip in showers. Tuesday Twink 18+ nights; Wednesday Hot Ass cash prize contests; Thursday Campus Frat Hip Hop parties.
XES (157 W 24th St) laid-back place with videos, DJs, Tuesday bingo, Wednesday karaoke, outdoor smoking patio.

Bars and clubs: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, Times Square
Barrage (401 W 47th St) dimly lit chill-out bar with DJ music, plenty of couches to relax on, popular late-night happy hours.
Bar-Tini Ultra Lounge (642 10th Av) stylish cocktail lounge, drag & talent shows, comidy nights, cute friendly staff mix a mean Manhattan for attractive clean-cut guys.
Club 39 (301 W 39th St), international all-male cabaret Wednesday and Sunday at Escuelita, big roster of hot strippers, lap dances, guest porn stars, happy hours with buffet.
Club 57 at Paradise (311 W 57th St), Saturday circuit party nights, entertainers, performers, go-go dancers.
Escuelita (301 W 39th St) diverse cultural mix Latino club, live music, 18+ nights, go go dancers, all-male Thursdays, Hip Hop to Reggaeton Saturdays.
Fairytail Lounge (500 W 48th St), cocktail lounge, mostly guys, special night DJs and go-go dancers.
Flaming Saddles (793 9th Ave), new Western saloon, dancing bartenders, Chuck Wagon menu, Saturday/Sunday brunch until 4pm.
HK Lounge (405 W 39th St) sleek two-story Hell's Kitchen lounge with parties weekly.
Industry Bar (355 West 52nd St), open daily 4pm-4am, live performances, top DJs, Broadway theater crowd.
Ninth Avenue Saloon (656 9th Av) unpretentious hangout for all ages and types in the Theatre District, cheap drinks, jukebox.
Posh (405 W 51st St) neighborhood bar, black couches, DJs, bingo, plenty of room to cruise cute locals. Birthday drinks on the bar.
Rockit Fridays at Quo (511 W 28th St), Friday circuit party nights, entertainers, performers, go-go dancers.
Ritz (369 W 46th St), gay muscle in Hell's Kitchen, three floors, comfortable seating, videos, outdoor patio, attractive crowd, DJs, game nights, special parties. Friday Flex popular weekly romp with prizes and free drinks for participants showing muscles.
Therapy (348 W 52nd St) a Hell's Kitchen must-see chic lounge with Hollywood stairway, cabaret acts, contests and shows. Full bar, good-looking crowd, sandwiches and snack platters.
Vlada Lounge (331 W 51st St), two-level lounge serving 16 varieties of vodka. Actors, singers, and dancers from surrounding Broadway theaters hang out and sometimes perform here.
XL Nightclub (512 W 42nd St), video bar, large dance space, cabaret shows, sexy contests, Sunday T-dance, Soul Mondays, at The Out NYC hotel.

Bars and clubs: Midtown
Club 57 at Paradise (311 W 57th St), Saturdays, FV events dance extravaganza, superstar DJs, performers; downstairs Tromba Tropical Latin nights.
Evolve (221 E 58th St) chic neighborhood lounge in the Upper East Side, with garden patio for gays, lesbians, bi and straight. Open daily with billiard room, good sound, live entertainment, go go boys.
Rebel (251 W 30th St), dance/lounge bar, live music venue, 3 floors, each with dance floor, 5 distinct areas, top DJs, performances.
Townhouse Bar (206 E 58th St) piano bar for upscale professionals, older gentlemen and their admirers. Talent shows for cash prizes.
Uncle Charlie's Midtown (139 E 45th S) only gay bar in Midtown near Grand Central Station, pulls an after-work crowd of young professionals. Piano lounge, comfortable seating, and outdoor patio.
The Web (40 E 58th St) dance club for Asian guys and their aficionados. Slender erotic go-go boys aplenty most nights. Thursday half-price drinks for pantless patrons.

Bars and Clubs: Uptown
Billie's Black (271 W 119th St) bar and gourmet soul food restaurant in central Harlem. Friday or Saturday cabaret acts each week.
Brandy's Piano Bar (235 E 84th St) live music cabaret performances nightly, showtunes belted out by the crowd and the energetic staff who join in the fun.
Candle Bar (309 Amsterdam Av) gay neighborhood bar, only one of it's kind on the Upper West Side. Pool games, digital jukebox, good for cocktails and conversation.
Suite (992 Amsterdam Av @109th) gay and straight neighborhood bar where all mix easily, with stage acts, karaoke, drag shows, DJs, uncommonly good finger food and snacks.
No Parking (4168 Broadway @ 177th St) a chic neighborhood lounge, latino vibe, Washington Heights' only gay bar, go-go dancers Wednesdays through Sundays, DJs nightly.
Tool Box (1742 Second Ave at 90th St) quiet neighborhood bar with sports, music videos and adult movies on the tube.

For over 100 bars and clubs in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, including contact information and websites of those listed above, see our map & listings tab.

For gay nightlife in Northern New Jersey over the Hudson River, see the websites of Club Feathers in River Edge/Hackensack, the Red Cat Restaurant & Martini Bar in Clifton, and further west in Boonton, Switch.

Saunas
East Side Club (227 E 56th St) membership club with steam, sauna, and private cabins. Older crowd, bears, leather.
West Side Club (27 W 20th St) membership club with steam, sauna, private cabins. Younger crowd, a bit aloof.

Restaurants
This city boasts over 20,000 eateries serving cuisines of every sort, so it's no surprise that New Yorkers eat out often. See our map & listings tab for 100 restaurants in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, and for contact information and websites for those listed below. Want more? See TimeOutNY for all the latest openings.

Restaurants: West Village
August (359 Bleecker St) authentic regional European bistro fare, seasonal menu, warm and cozy dining room, atrium, lunch/brunch, dinner.
Chow (230, W 4th St at West 10th) rainbow-flag restaurant with Chinese quasi haute cuisine.
Lassi (28 Greenwich Av #2) a hole in the wall, but the best Indian around for eating in or taking out.
Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker St) get in line for orgasmic cupcakes.
Manatus (340 Bleecker St) typical diner, full of manly men, outdoor patio, full bar, free delivery and open 24/7.
Philip Marie (569 Hudson St) New American cuisine at gay-friendly eatery.
Salt & Battery (112 Greenwich Ave), authentic, trans-fat-free fish & chip shop from the Tea & Sympathy folks.
Tea & Sympathy (108 Greenwich Ave), British comfort food, bangers & mash to roast beef & Yorkshire pudding, grocery and gift shop.

Restaurants: Chelsea
Dish (201 8th Av) well-known gay diner, inexpensive food, fetching Greek waiters, order by phone or online for delivery.
East of Eighth (254 W 23rd St) eclectic international fare bistro.
Elmo (156 7th Av) fancy retro dining room, popular with pretty people craving comfort food.
Intermezzo (202 8th Av) classy Italian place with all-you-can-drink mimosas at brunch.
Nisos (176 8th Av) Mediterranean, especially Greek, cuisine.
Rocking Horse Mexican Cafe (182 8th Av) upscale modern Mexican cuisine.
Spice (199 8th Av) the best, and most affordable, Thai in the neighborhood.
Trailer Park Lounge & Grill (271 West 23rd St), kitchy trip south, true backyard picnic flavors, char-grilled sandwiches, homemade chili, BLTs, potent drinks.

Restaurants: East Village
Acme Bar & Grill (9 Great Jones St), food of Louisiana, Cajun appetizers, salads, po-boys, oysters, shrimp, burgers, crabcakes, ribs; weekend brunch.
BBar & Grill (40 E 4th St) Tuesday gay nights, outdoor garden, enclosed heated winter seating, open to summer stars; weekend brunch, cocktails, late snacks.
Indochine (430 Lafayette St), stylish ambience, tropical decor, French-Vietnamese cuisine, wines of the world.
Queen Vic (68 Second Ave), pub and grub, British favorites and American grill, British beers, ales to 4am, American lagers; lunch, weekend "Royal Breakfast," dinner, & late.
Yuca Bar & Cocina Latina (111 Avenue A), eclectic pan-Latin cuisine, sunny side walk café and lively bar, mojitos & sangria.

Restaurants: Midtown to Uptown
Adour Alain Ducasse (2 E 55th St), grandeur of another era at the St Regis, cuisine of noted chef, seasonal, and tasting menus.
Arriba Arriba (762 9th Avenue @ 51st St) gay-friendly Mexican with generous margaritas.
Bamboo 52 (344 W 52nd St) polished sushi bar with outdoor patio.
Brasserie Athenee (300 W 46th St), elegant atmosphere, French cuisine, daily breakfast from 6:30am, lunch, dinner.
Cafe du Soleil (2723 Broadway at 104th St), simple, authentic, French Provençal, rustic bistro fare, slowly cooked stews, sunny terrace, weekend brunch.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (700 W 125th St), acclaimed Harlem barbeque house, ribs, sauces, bar, weekend live music.
HK Restaurant (523 Ninth Av) swanky Mediterranean bistro.
Lips (227 E 56th St) drag diner shows, magnet for bachelorette parties, Sunday Gospel Brunch.
Vynl (754 9th Av) gay American fare diner with a dash of Thai.
Whole Foods Market (10 Columbus Circle) grocery, cafe, healthy hot and cold food, soups, sandwiches, juice.
Zen Palate (663 9th Av at 46th) intensely healthy vegetarian Asian fare at Restaurant Row.
Zoma (2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd - 8th Avenue), Ethiopian cuisine in Harlem, herbs & spices aplenty, meat or veggie fare.

 

Shopping
Designer Fifth Avenue stores coddle those with cash to spare, but for haggled bargains go to Chinatown. See our map & listings section for some suggestions on shops you might want to check out, plus weblinks to those listed here.

Shopping: Adult stores
Blue Door (87 1st Av) East Village source for gay erotica, lube etc, cruisy dark nooks.
Blue Store (206 8th Av) Chelsea porn store, DVDs, magazines, toys, private booths.
Harmony Video (139 Christopher St) DVD, magazine and toy store.
Les Hommes (217 W 80th St) all- male adult shop, DVDs, toys, novelties, no booths.
Pleasure Chest (156 7th Av) his and hers sex shop, lots of toys, bliss-enhancing workshops.
Rainbow Station (207 8th Av) porn, toys, and underwear.
Unicorn (277 W 22nd St) large porn and toys selection, private video booths get busy in the wee hours.
DVDs Palace (592 8th Av) porn and toys with booths.
Vishara Video (797 8th Av) porn, toys, cruising zones.

Shopping: Clothing
Leather Man (111 Christopher St) leather clothing, accessories, toys, bespoke tailoring.
Nasty Pig (265 W 19th St) edgy duds for sexually self-assured males.
Universal Gear (140 8th Av) male boutique for trendy clubwear.

Shopping: Gifts
Rainbows And Triangles (192 8th Av) gay Chelsea landmark with cards, clothes, and erotica.

Shopping: Pharmacies
Arrow Pharmacy (883 9th Av) low priced prescription meds, vitamins and toiletries.
Village Apothecary (346 Bleecker St) community pharmacy for well-priced meds, alternative therapies and beauty products.
 

See our map & listings tab for more in each category. If we've missed your favorite, send a note by way of our add listing tab.

There's so much to process in the city of snap judgments
-a view from Toronto, by Marcus McCann, Xtra, July 14, 2011

Nothing beats a New York Sherpa. Advice from locals goes a long way in a city as big and as busy as New York. So having a gay New Yorker — or a gaggle of them — to vet your itinerary isn’t a bad idea. On a recent trip to New York, my boyfriend and I did just that.

Usually, our New York friends were spot on. But occasionally, their sense of unflappable cool stood between them and some interesting — if dorky — stops on our trip. We won kudos for checking out the High Line, Jack Spade and the Strand Bookstore. What did they pan? Coney Island, the Stonewall Inn and Katz’s Diner (of When Harry Met Sally fame).

The locals were blasé about the Whitney Museum. While we were there, we caught the stellar mid-career retrospective of Glenn Ligon. Ligon, a black, gay visual artist from New York, showed work spanning 25 years, including early stencil paintings, his conceptual work and his more recent forays into fluorescent light installation. For some reason, the Whitney doesn’t seem to be on the locals’ radars.

Meanwhile, a couple of handsome 20-somethings fawned over the Sperone Westwater Gallery in the Bowery. Admittedly, the building that houses the Sperone Westwater is incredible, featuring a room-sized elevator/exhibit space that slides up and down the front of the eight-storey building. But when we were there, the show was a series of underwhelming war pastiches and the elevator was not in service. We were in and out in 15 minutes.

As for food, our New York hosts endorsed Northern Spy. They bragged about the duck fat fries (although they turned out to be more an object to gawk at than to enjoy). The tiny, tasty bistro was packed elbow to elbow all night. Other New Yorkers nodded approvingly at the restaurant’s mention.

Conversely, we were able to convince few that the Museum of Modern Art’s in-house cafeteria-style restaurant was worth a taste, but our lunch (cured meat, an artisanal cheese plate, beer) was phenomenal. Other times, I couldn’t help but agree with the prevailing attitudes. We got props for making it to a queer-ish Eastside bar called Heathers, just around the corner from Northern Spy. It’s the kind of no-sign, no-advertising dive bar that locals cherish, with reasonably priced drinks and a laid-back vibe.

Christopher Park features George Segal's statues commemorating the Stonewall riots.

Compare that to Therapy, a Hell’s Kitchen gay bar that men panned even as they sipped drinks there. It’s the kind of place where discerning judgment can descend into judgmental cattiness. (Full disclosure: I was not immune, floating the idea that some of the skinnier clientele might have had their hipbones shaved.) The best thing about Therapy is that it’s across the street from Industry, allowing for easy migration from one gay bar to another. Industry would be a dance club in any other city, but considering the city’s dancier haunts, Industry is more of a lounge, with modern, stripped-down décor and pop songs thumping late into the night.

And, of course, there’s something to be said for striking out on your own. A trip to the Hudson River Park — and the city’s stunning Poets House library and performance space — was well worth an afternoon. The Cooper-Hewitt, the country’s national design museum, is modest in size, but it’s housed in a glorious mansion that’s worth the price of admission on its own.

The moral of the story? Get lots of advice from New Yorkers, but don’t let their strong opinions displace your own good judgment in travel planning.