The Monster

376 reviews

80 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

monsterbarnyc.com

+12129243558

About

The Monster is a Gay night club located at 80 Grove St, New York, NY 10014. It has received 376 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday4PM-4AM
Tuesday4PM-4AM
Wednesday3PM-4AM
Thursday3PM-4AM
Friday4PM-4AM
Saturday4PM-4AM
Sunday4PM-4AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Monster: 80 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

  • The Monster has 3.7 stars from 376 reviews

  • Gay night club

  • "First time at this bar"

    "This is going to surprise many but I have been sitting here thinking about whether to write this"

    "What a night it was! We arrived 11:50 pm Saturday night, but by the time we got to the entrance, it was 12 am"

    "The Monster bar is across Sheridan Square from the Stonewall Inn"

    "Visited NYC for World Pride 2019 and felt in love with this bar"

Reviews

  • will thomas

First time at this bar. Very BAD and THREATENING experience! I also emailed the bar and the owner responded which I appreciate. I have added it to the end of my review. 1) We ordered 3 drinks and bartender returned with 3 drinks asking for $84 dollars!!!! When we inquired he said they were "doubles." (I didn't get his name but he appeared Caucasian with a crew cut). We did NOT ask for doubles which is so specific and when we told him that he abruptly took the drinks away, set them by the register and starting making new ones. At this point we turned around and headed out the door. The bar was practically empty by the way. 2) As we walked out the door a security person forcibly grabbed my arm and said he was radioed to stop us. He didn't know why at first and didn't simply ASK us to just resolve an issue. Another security person appeared and said we left without paying! We explained what happened and there was some radio chatter between them. A few minutes later they decided we could leave. It was like Oz behind the curtain decided our fate. 3) I asked the security person why he put his hands on me for NO reason without just asking us to hold back to resolve an issue. I also calmly told him this is how situations unnecessarily escalate. He argued at first and said he didn't like my word, "manhandle." That's what he did by the way. He grabbed my arm in a forceful way and held on to it. The security person eventually offered me a handshake as a half a-- apology but the entire experience including the attempted $84 for 3 drinks has prompted me to warn people via reviews: AVOID!!!! (I didn't get the security person's name but he appeared to be African American, clean shaven with very short hair. This occurred the evening of 12/13/16). OWNER response: Dear sir, It's never been the club's policy to harass, threaten or menace any our patrons. We are disappointed and looking into your complaints. Ultimately, a reprimand & warning shall be given to the parties responsible for ruining your experience. Please accept our sincere apologies. Cordially yours, CRice, President & Owner Sent from my iPhone

  • Alex Reyes

This is going to surprise many but I have been sitting here thinking about whether to write this. I was at the bar yesterday with a few of my friends. Normal fun. An older gentle man walked in with 2 younger friends seeming to be happy to show them the iconic MONSTER. They caught my attention because they were extremely jovial. At one point the older gentleman approached the guy handing out popcorn and the guy screamed at him to wait his turn. I mean it was simply popcorn. I also noticed that they had paid for several drinks that way paid more then the popcorn which I am sure was 5 cents worth. Then as the popcorn guy came back he ignored them again. BTW they were Black and Hispanic. The older gentleman went to grab one jokingly and the guy pushed him. Well the older man got angry and argued with him.. The security was called and told the older Gentleman to come and talk to him outside. He said he had problems standing and could they just talk there. He said no! I mean what is going on that now we are making an older man spending money come stand outside because he wanted some popcorn. Popcorn? They should have given him the biggest bowl of popcorn they had. I am sure his plight and fight to be gay helped build this bar. I hate to say but witnessing this has made my mind up not to go there anymore. I wish I knew who this guy was so I could apologize for the way he was treated and could thank him for helping us be gay. They should have celebrated him not treated him like a criminal over popcorn.. This has bothered me for 24 hours and just had to speak up. I hope that the management finds a way to make amends. Say to see the joy of going to the Monster gone. With all that is going on in this world I thought this was a safe place to escape, I was sadly wrong. I should have stood up for him.. but I just watched. I don't know what happened after he was kicked out of the bar but I wish him well. As for the Monster. Shame on you. Alex

  • J J

What a night it was! We arrived 11:50 pm Saturday night, but by the time we got to the entrance, it was 12 am. I explained that we arrived before midnight actually, and after giving the bouncers the password, my huge group of about 10 people was able to pay $5 cover charge and we all got in smoothly. I have to admit I’m always wary about unfriendly bouncers, and luckily they were fine. Coat check was $2 (and not mandatory) too, which is a pretty good find compared to most other clubs. My group was unsure about going to a gay club, but I think I converted most of them by the end! The go-go boys are not my thing, and you kind of just get used to it after a while. Funnily enough, some of them in the crowd danced on my female friends and revealed that they were actually all straight ?? ALCOHOL: Online it had said $5 Miller Lite and $6 vodka Red Bull’s, but at the bar in the downstairs club, it was $6 tequila/Bulldog gin shots and margaritas, and $6 Budlight or $7 for another beer. Something else was $8. Still great deals though! MUSIC: Great for the most part! There was some Nicki Minaj, some Rihanna, some Latino music, a couple of songs that were maybe techno (this is when I left). Unfortunately though, it’s crazy LOUD in here, even when the MC was introducing the dancers. Wish I brought earplugs. THE BAD: yep, my 3 guy friends whom I brought here all got groped in the back and the front. Also, for a gay club, I’m surprised that my group was dancing the most? There were a few other guys dancing, but nothing like the gay club I went to in Singapore where 80% of the people were dancing—and better than how clubgoers of other places dance.

  • Mark Walter

The Monster bar is across Sheridan Square from the Stonewall Inn. Monster has an oval bar (complete with beefy bartenders!) and open lounge area with a piano bar upstairs. Downstairs is a big dance floor area with a long bar along one wall. A stage for the go-go boys and a DJ booth are at one end of the room. Monster has all kinds-- bears, drag queens, women (real ones), queer punks, and muscle guys but mostly men. When I was there in the wee hours of 5/18/14 I paid $7.00 for a rum and coke, and the cover charge was ~$9. Two buff dancer guys were on the go-go stage. The only real problem with this bar is it only has one (unisex) bathroom. I think Monster would be a good substitute for the now-closed Splash Bar. Yes, I would go back. Aaaand...I revisited on 6/21/22. I paid a $10 cover charge and $10-$12 for a _dinky_ rum and coke. Monster was crowded, especially downstairs where the stage, plinths, and dance floor are (and the lap dance area.) The piano player for karaoke was novel and enjoyable. The "Spunk" go-go boys were a diverse group of buff guys. I got a lap dance from the short but amazingly solidly built Latino musculoso ($70 but well worth it.) He was awesome! I will definitely go back next time I am in NYC.
Price per person
$100+
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking, Paid parking garage
Parking
Street parking is free on weekends but very hit-or-miss. You will probably have to use a pay-to-park garage.

  • Fernando Santos

Visited NYC for World Pride 2019 and felt in love with this bar. My first night was on a Wednesday and the drag shows were so much fun. I loved the drag queens Holly Dae and Chelsea Piers they made me laugh so hard. I decided to give it another go on a Friday and again it was great fun! Then I was looking forward to seeing Holly Dae again and was told she’d be back on the following Saturday. This was the worse mistake I made. On Saturdays the whole vibe changes and they have some tired, bored, and overly sexualised gogo dance night sponsored by some guy named Luis Garcia or something. The whole point of this might is to pay an expensive entry fee to watch some ugly and uninterested guys boring the audience and walk around making everyone uncomfortable. They actually harass you walking around begging to give you a lap dance. It’s cringe, unnecessary and completely spoils the night. Yes, Holly Dae is still there but more like as the mc of a very boring ‘gogo dancing’ competition. The whole thing is so boring that the ‘dancers’ themselves check their phones when they should be performing and they even yawn! Nothing against gogo dancers but these are just awful. I work in brand and would definitely suggest to Monster Bar to reconsider this Saturday nights. Yes the ‘Spunk’ show might pay you good money but it’s unnecessary, uninteresting and most definitely damages the reputation of place that could be great but because of that it’s just another forgettable bar. What a let down.

  • Mark Waltz (Mark W)

In spite of what happened recently in regards to a promotion for a drag show and dance party, the Monster does not deserve the barrage of one star reviews, especially by people who have never been there or haven't gone in years. The over zealous nature of these social justice warriors don't have any real motive except revenge and rash judgment without regard to other people's livelihoods or the customers who have loyally gone there for years without incident. I have been going to the Monster for 20 years and certainly, the recent situation is unfortunate. I know the bulk of the staff and long time customers, and I can't fault them for a rash decision that created a ton of controversy simply because of one person's text message. I have tried other bars in the village and other piano bars in New York City, and the Monster remains the one that gets my loyalty. The only issue I can see is with the occasional attempts of straight female tourists or local college age females to turn it into their own hen house and become angry when they get no attention after having far too much to drink.

  • Jamie Berger

I went to this bar yesterday during NYC pride and this was one of my worst experiences in a bar. The cover was $20 which wouldn’t have been a big deal if I wasn’t treated so rudely by the person collecting money at the front of the house. If my friends hadn’t already paid I would have just left before even paying and going in. I understand that working a big event such as pride can be stressful, but I was screamed and snapped at by the person collecting the cover charge when I was just trying to pay my cover. The person in front of me was allowed to pay with Venmo but I was refused and not allowed to pay with Venmo. Upon trying to understand the reason why I was snapped at and spoken to in a VERY rude way. No one should be spoken to like that… especially a paying customer. If I couldn’t pay with Venmo it wasn’t a big deal but what was a big deal was being yelled at when trying to understand why. Completely ruined my experience there. I did not like the treatment I received at this bar yesterday and my friends and I will never be coming back.

  • Raymond Weng

This unique spot hidden away on a Corner of Chealsea, is a must go if you, like me, are looking for something different. Both nights I went there, I notice, I believe, the same well dressed gentleman, serenading the crowd with his mastery of the piano, on the first floor. If that does not catch your fancy, each night of the week, on the second floor, different themes are alternated each night. The first night I went, the theme was, I think, 80's and/or 90's hits. For me though, the best night I had there so far was Thursday, which is their pop/electro club night, which I am always down for. No other gay bar or club that I've been to around NYC has that, which is sad. As an added bonus, to those that are into the sort of thing, Thursdays are also when the Monster hosts a group of travelling male gogo dancers. At the very least, the aesthetics are pleasing to the eyes, and the attention is nothing to complain about. Would recommend this joint for sure.

  • Yekesil Rosenberg

the monster team should fire this bouncer on sunday night he is letting everyone in the bar doesn’t matter which id card and by me i showed him a id card he didn’t let me in the bar all those guys are much more younger then me and they all got in to the bar and i had to leave because he wanted another id when people in the bar know me for a long time monster find sumone who is can actually be a real bouncer not a fake bouncer i guess everyone has sumthing against this bouncer get rid of him asap i know alot of people have always issues with bouncers those bouncers should treat people with dignity and stop hating other people its enough of hating other people i am alot older then who was let in he is choosing who to let in and who to not to let in this has to stop at the monster nyc you need to get all the members and hire sumone who is older then 40 or 50 don’t hire young dumb stupid kids to be at the front door.

  • Allen Burnham

It was not a fun trip. I was looking forward to the the monster and dancing. I got self vaccined both shots before I came to new york city about 1 week and half ago. I took a lyft from my hotel in time Square area. Cost me 35 plus for trip one way. When I got to door...the security guard didn't want to let me in. Per his words....the CDC guidelines states that you need to be two week clear after from last shot date. I have never heard of that. I knew places can go into places even with one shot...I got two and 1 and half before I fly into New York. I won't come back and support this business. Beware future clients...you will be judge at door. I am disappointed with this business...now I have pay another 35 plus to get a ride back to hotel.

  • Fran M

It was my very first time coming to the place for a friend’s birthday celebration. Not knowing how private dancing works i was grabbed by a Latino dancer “Luis” and somehow convinced me to the $20 experience. It ended with him touching all over my body to the point that I should've been the one charging, not him! He prolonged the dance til it reached $100 without me noticing cause he was choking me aggressively. I tried explaining to the queens who were assigned what happened but they seem to have a scam going on. Definitely first and last for me. Be mindful of these people. They’re not all nice. They don’t care if youre Trans or a first timer.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Blue June

You're about to see an outpouring of one star reviews due to the issue of the clubs manager, Italo Lopez, being RACIST. In a text message Italo rejected this particular events organizer. I am quoting the text verbatim here excepting a couple typos, "It looks like we're promoting [a] black night and I don't like to get into black night, people [could] get the wrong idea and it's not good for business." This event planner got on stage at this event and publicly explained what had transpired and was courageous enough to quit right there on the spot. That is not enough. We need to vote with our dollars. DON'T SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE UNTIL HE IS FIRED FOR TELLING BLACK PEOPLE THEY ARE BAD FOR BUSINESS.

  • angel rojas

It is my first time in New York and looking for a good place of entertainment to relax, I found this place that from the entrance they do not have a good attention and my surprise did not end even when after paying a ticket and to store our coats we went down to a basement , they took us by force for no reason, the person I spoke told us that we getting out because we where using the mobile device which is totally a lie because it was unloaded I felt super bad for having taken that impression of such a busy place I just spend 10 min and they didn’t let me finish my drink never again and totally no recommend this place

  • Ethan C

PSA: Know what you want before coming here. Gay bars are not monolith. This one happens to have an older crowd, musical theater gays, and depending on the night, some gogo boys. This all can also come sandwiched between two layers of cover charges, if you're on a budget this might not be right for you. If you're not into any of that, go elsewhere. The dance floor on the bottom level is deceptive in size, looks big yet feels small. Don't come here looking to bust a move, that's all. All this being said, if you know what to expect this spot can be a cozy reliable place to go; that's what's given it such lasting power.

  • Dean Boyce

My friend and I have just returned back to the U.K. following an amazing holiday in New York. To top it all it was Pride which was amazing. We stumbled upon this bar/club and are so glad we did. We went there most evenings of our holiday and loved it. The bar staff were great and very friendly and welcoming. The drag queens and go go dances were all great performers and kept us entertained. A super venue and we are hoping to come back for Pride 2023 and will most definately be coming back to your venue. Thank you to all at Monster for helping to make our holiday memorable

  • Vanessa Rocha

Security had a problem with my friend’s passport as a form of ID. Granted it was real. I had already went inside and so when I found out she could not get in after 10 minutes, I tried to get my money back for the cover charge. Security told me I was in there for an hour and he refused to refund me. They only gave a refund to the male in the group and refused to refund any females. (Not kidding) Also, it’s definitely an older crowd, the music is not loud enough and it’s nothing to dance to. Terrible experience. Ended up having a lot of fun at Stonewall across the street. Be warned.

  • Tiffany Elisca

Monster Bar has been such a delightful experience before COVID and after COVID. I have been coming here since 2018 and the people here are unforgettable. The bartenders are attentive, quick, friendly and oh so very handsome. I absolutely love LOVE the piano player in the back that is tucked away in the corner and you get to join in on singing selected songs from: Broadway tunes to classic hits. I get to meet people from all walks of nature, I have made a few friends, enjoyed the amazing performances and most importantly, I have always felt safe here. Thank you for existing. xoxo

  • Lee Wilson

I like this place for the decor and clientele but a couple of the bar staff are absolutely horrible and they often ruin a visit for me. Every time one guy serves me, I think his name is Patrick, he has to say some sarcastic nasty comment. The fool I am I still tip out of guilt so I try to avoid having him serve us so i dont have to give him any money. The other guy that usually serves at the same time as him on the ground floor is almost as bad. I have been going there for a few years, I am quiet and polite and tip well and never cause trouble so I have no idea why the attitude.

  • Xolotl Xolotl

A homophobic bus boy repeatedly threatened my spouse throughout the night and the management/bartender staff did nothing about it. Security staff then harassed our female companions to the point that we had to leave. It was below 30 degrees outside and as I went to claim our coats, I turned around to see the security guard literally pushing them out the door. I had to meet them outside with their coats. Horrible hospitality to show that visitors/ tourists are not welcome. Will never again recommend this place to family and friends while visiting the city.

  • Marcel Humes

It's basic. Anti-Intellectual. It reminds me of Florida. If you're into New Jersey / immigrant working class platitudes where nothing is read of a person but the cover/surface then that's your place. A definite 'colonized' vibe. I don't know. I'm perhaps being too harsh. I've had a few good times there. And Thursday nights is very lively. It's just not one of my go-to nyc gay spots of choice. Probably been there 5-6 times in the past 5-6 years. But I prefer scenes that are more avant-garde. Something far and in between these days in the lgbtq space.

  • Lizzette Campeona

They have these new covid rules that we cant stand up or move around the club. I was trying to get a better view of the stage performer n they said i need to go to my table. It wasnt even a table it was a high chair along the wall. It was uncomfortable so i was standing n they kept annoying me saying i have to sit down... and then a 2 drink minimum warning I had 3. They just made the whole experience very uncomfortable and unpleasant Like if they just wanted me to drink pay and leave. I am NEVER going back And wouldnt recommend it to anyone

  • David Nguyễn

Monster is an institution that has been around for and just a part of NYC as I remember it. It has always been there. It is usually attracts and older clientele and patrons who like them. The bar and the piano is the center piece of the bar on a regular night. Plenty of Broadway showtunes and everything in between as people sing their hearts out. The club downstairs plays a variety of Latin music and dance for those who want to get their groove on. It is pleasant bar. Relaxed atmosphere and the bartenders are friendly as well as the people.

  • Truth Set Free

I had a bad experience. I was there on a Friday night and they were letting in rough looking and acting people. I was just standing there with my friend and we were having our drinks and these guys came over and tried to knock our drinks out of our hands. Then we moved to the other side of the dance floor and they followed us throughout the club. It was scary. We informed the security yet nothing happened because they were b and the security was b so they did not throw them out. I do not know why they let obvious trouble makers in.

  • Milena andrade

BE AWARE FOLKS!!! The bar is nice but they try to trick you for their own benefit!! First you order a drink and they bring bottles of the beer you asked for, each beer is a bottle of roughly 12 FL OZ (355 mL). The second round you ask for, turn out to be plastic cups of 250mL maximum!!!! This way they try to trick you that you got the same quantity of beer when you pay for less!!! Shame on you Monster!!! Be aware folks, you can even try to pour the bottle in one of their plastic cups, and it won't be that volume, belive me!

  • Jonathan Prince

If I could rate this place a zero I would. There are too many homeless drag queens going to the monsters starting trouble with the straight men that is going to the bar trying to have a good time. The monsters need to stop having drag shows that been outdated for years. And get rid of all the drag queens coming to the bar causing trouble for citizens trying to spend their hard earn dollars for a drink at the bar. If the monsters doesn't get rid of the drag queens this bar will definitely end and so will stone wall.

  • Ritama Gupta

Followed my friend to this place one Friday night and it was quite crowded-at least the basement was. They don't go easy on the alcohol with their frozen margaritas but I'm not complaining-they were delicious. Other than that, upstairs seemed to be a casual gay bar scene. Downstairs, the party heated up-there was a cabaret dancing/striptease performance, I don't recall the name of the performer but she was pretty good. Have not returned since, but if I visit again, it would be for those frozen margaritas.

  • Regan Banks

The security guy kicked me out for making out with someone. Literally, JUST for making out with someone (I think?). Yet he didn’t kick the other person out. I didn’t get into an argument with anyone, no fights at all, wasn’t falling all over the place, and as I left all I said was “I don’t understand what happened…?” The only answer they could come up with was “My security guy said you had to go.” It was weird. I have my theory, but I won’t put it out there. Just be careful when you go there…

  • Padraig O Laocha

So to the owners of The Monster. NO RE ENTRIES after 10 you are the more disrespectful owners of a bar in NYC. Cannot even go to an ATM. You forget your customers during the Pandemic. You would have been liquidated otherwise. So disrespectful to ANYONE that drinks there. NO RENTRY AFTER 10, NO RENTRY AFTER 10c NO RENTRY AFTER 10, NO RENTRY AFTER 10. Wait until they experience a DOWNTURN.. I cannot wait. Money hungry people. USE OUR ATMS WE COUKD CARELESS ABOUT YOUR BANK CHARGES.

  • Google Gmail

I frequent New York for work, as it is where I spend about 50% of the year... I’ve been to this bar numerous times before, but lately it seems like they’ve changed management. With bad management, comes bad staff, the bartenders are beyond disrespectful, especially an older bartender. It does not seem to welcome anybody who isn’t white. They have a Halloween party coming up, and I would be surprised if they have a good turnout with the reputation they have in NYC lately.

  • David

BEWARE!!! Saturday nights are Spunk night with many male dancers. I was there this past Saturday and was ROOFIED by one of the dancers. The only time I placed my drink down was for a lap dance and this is when it happened. I found out the next day when I went to the emergency room to be tested because I blacked completely out that night and my friends had to carry me home. It’s so sad that these straight men come to work here and prey on the gays. BE VERY CAREFUL.

  • Bayardo Peralta

Terrible...! with new rules that make no sense....You are allowed only hour-and-a-half inside.... you have to consume minimum 2 drinks... bar staff are rushing you to drink and leave... unfriendly.... end up spending over $ 100 in 4 lousy drinks... blame the pandemic... I am sure they received federal rescue money from the economic rescue plan to survive and stay in business... and now they treat patrons with such disregard ... hungry money businesss .

  • Patrick Bryan

I went there a week ago and ended up in the hospital. The doctors before I was discharged, the doctors told me someone put scopolamine drugs in my drinks. I know it was one of the bartenders in basement level. I posted this because the doctors said they see a lot of patients with the same situation as me. Rule is pay attention to what the bartenders are putting in your drink. I was visiting the city and I wasn't in the loop.

  • Brian Portner

$10 cover charge for an empty dance floor on the lower floor (on a Friday night) and an upper floor that felt more like a restaurant with groups sticking together at their tables. Music on the dance floor was not particularly danceable and people were mostly just hanging out to the side which made for an awkward vibe. Giving this 2 stars instead of 1 because I enjoyed listening to the piano playing on the upper floor.

  • Isaías Pacheco

Management has made explicitly racist comments. I'm here to support drag queen Honey Davenport. See her Instagram to see how her team was asked to change their flyers because it appeared to cater to a black crowd which is "bad for business." This shouldn't be tolerated in this day in age. Make racists ashamed again and avoid this business unless MAJOR changes are made. Starting with firing the general manager.

  • Gary O

Cover charge scam. I called in the afternoon to see when the cover charge began and was told 9pm. When I arrived at 8:30 the cover charge was on and the person at the door was rude about it when questioned. The place is over crowded, the bartenders are fast and the drinks are not well. The place is over priced. The piano bar is excellent and worth the cover --- but they need to be HONEST about it.

  • William Burke

Had a real great time there several years ago; people were friendly, and I love the decor. Tried it again recently; tried to get a drink and the stuck up bartender looked at me like I had tarantulas crawling on me or something. I never liked the downstairs section; too loud for me, I guess. Still, I'll give it another shot soon. Just gotta remember to keep the tarantulas at home, ha ha!

  • James Hill

Many handsome guys are very good at owning their bodies. Great place for thrilling entertainment and new sensations. Very often promotions take place here, and you can always get free cocktails and a separate room for an hour. To do this, you need to register on 909gay,com, create a profile and just show it to the administrator. I got lucky. I loved this place and will come again.

  • Christopher Catchings

security guard treated me like trash when i had an issue with the cover charge. The guy who handles the money doesn't speak good English. There's no need to curse at patrons. It was my 1st time there and i couldn't shake the discomfort. I didn't make it past coat check i had to turn around never to return. The sad part about it that this was my 1st experience at a lgbt nightclub

  • Ed B

Fun place great happy hour till 9pm dance level opens early afternoon on Sunday for T dance with 70,80 classics. Saturday night is good too but the low budget roaming Male dancers begging for lap dances are annoying.as for the place being racist,??? I saw plenty of black Latin whatever there its just stupid bitter liberal queens that need to stay home leaving reviews like that

  • Frances Kinas

My partner and I (lesbians) were made to feel extremely unwelcome. The male bartender was very friendly and cute with the guys sitting at the bar around us, and a surly jerk to us. Our shots were under poured and he way overcharged us for them. Guess he got what he wanted, we left immediately after we took our shots. Horrible experience, a mysogenistic cock club for sure.

  • Daniel Levine

This is a overrated gay bar .Plays top 40 rap music on Saturdays also more women then men on the dance floor highly disappointed not a real gay bar. This bar has a lot to learn.maybe should take pointers from the cock in the east village. If you want a real gay bar with an old school hardcore vibe try the east village.To many straight couples.

  • Kyle Thomas

Really great bar!! When I came here there were putting on a special performance with Wicked music. It included drag performances, dancing, singing, and a unique mashup/blend of Wicked songs and also pop music. Really an awesome performance and it was free! Then upstairs they had live piano music. I highly recommend this bar! …

  • West Coast Travel Agency

We decided with a friend after a day's work, go to the Monster ... but at the entrance stopped the security man, he said that we were drunk and refused us in the entrance !!! On a weekday ?? After work??? at 6 o'clock in the evening??? No more kicking in this place! After that, crossed the road and pleasantly sat in the Duplex.

  • Jay InsyX Hunt (DJ InsyX)

I'm not into piano tunes and show tunes, but that doesn't stop me from having fun here. There is many facets to this place. Island bar, piano bar area and dancing downstairs. Something for everyone. I like a place with diversity of things to do. Usually you only find that in clubs...glad this place got it going on :)

  • Geoffry Govertsen

Favorite bar / club in the city. Fun and spirited piano bar on the second floor, with a large bar and quite a bit of seating. Downstairs is a dark dance floor and lounge with another decently sized bar. Even on weekdays this place is loud, fun, and has a great crowd. I recommend this to anybody in the Village.

  • Francisco Trujilo Rodriguez

Today again the bartender ERIK... had the same discrimination as the previous times with us because he is a guy who is racist because he is Latino and treats the same Latinos very badly. It is not a good service for this excellent place.. next time I visit come back and discriminate against me I will report it

  • Matt H.

This is a fun place. Upstairs they have piano players playing show tunes and old standards with some amazing talent singing around the piano. Down stairs there is a full nightclub where you can dance. This is at least 2 fun bars in one. If nothing else stop in for the scene and sing along to a few classics.

  • G Aquino

Kudos to this place for not imposing the no-backpack policy that other bars in the vicinity do. I like the vibe and the diverse crowd that the place attracts but the noise level can be intolerable at times. The bar area is eternally busy but the bartenders are attentive, efficient, and are quite pleasant.

  • CSL

Rude, entitled, average to below bartenders. Enjoyable for those in the following order: White, White, White Hispanic, Latin (props) and no one else. Black people do not give them your money! They don't want you there...and be thankful because you don't want to be there...you won't be missing anything.

  • Sergei Moskalenko

I had a terrible experience at this club last night. on the dance floor, two guys took my things and started to pull my things out of their jacket pocket, one of these guys started punching me in the face, Security at my request to call the police, showed me and my friends on the way out.

  • Bobby Pearson

Let's cut the bull, the monster has ALWAYS been racist. As for Italo he speaks and understands perfect English. I'm always confused, but NOT surprised by the racist behavior (openly and subtle) in the LGBTQ communities. As for my black folks; spend your coins where you are welcomed at.

  • Mikalai Stoliar

Delicious cocktails Cozy bar, wonderful mojito, caring staff, good location, beautiful interior and good music There is a little trick to get a free cocktail and a separate room for 2 hours, you need to register on site 909gay,com and give the bartender a profile number.

  • Mely Morales

They was very rude.. the air don't circulate they don't have nothing for handicapp or disable people.. was there and my family got treated bad. I even saw when they snatches a stool of a old guy with a cane.. never again.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Fabrice LeChevestrier

I used to go to this bar when I'm in NYC (since 2008), but now this bar is pretty "has been", sorry. He remained frozen in time, but for the wrong reasons. I'm actually quite disappointed with the Village now. Hell's Kitchen or even Williamburg is much nicer.

  • Annetta Barnes

Rude! Argued with customers at the door regarding the COVID restrictions but allowed certain ppl in. Then, the bouncer/manager turned around and was hugging other ppl- WITHOUT masks. Guess we were just not the right type of ppl to enter or be treated kindly.

  • Space Shaping

Downstairs bar tender was so rude. He set a drink right behind my arm and it spilled all over my jacket. He then proceeded to yell at me when I let him know it was his fault. Save yourself the money and don't go here
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Jason l

Can’t be put on the waiting list for a table unless you’re actually there. Then you’re forced to stand outside in the cold until a table opens up. GREAT idea during a pandemic to make your customers compromise their immune systems before coming in.

  • Pablo Araya

I love monster. I have been here though the years and have never had an issue. The bartenders could use a change in attitude in general. Most of them at least. But the entertainment is on point. I loved the gogo dancers and the piano on top.

  • Robin Bromage

Wowsers you wouldn't have thought there could be so many god awful songs made, but the DJ managed to find them - and when you make a suggestion he just shakes his head. Whoever the DJ was on Friday 3rd September, don't give up your day job.

  • Erick Rodriguez

I spent 6 night in NY and i am a very naughty guy i love seen muscle guys dancing, i went to different bars and i couldn't find what i was looking for, i decided to give the monster bar a try and the experience was amazing, i also went for

  • Stephen -

One of the Village's go-to gay bars. Sure, it's not glamorous in the slightest, but it is fun and real. It usually has a bunch of people round a piano singing show tunes, great cheap drinks and a fun disco downstairs. Not much not to love.

  • J Seven7

Rude disrespectful bartender Friday night December 29th. I went there for the first time and paid the cover charge and went inside and use the bathroom came out and sat at the bar and the bartender never acknowledged me as of what drink I

  • Omar Abiera

No food. An old NYC gay staple. Older crowd but inexpensive good drinks, good place to go with friends but don’t go there to see and be seen. It’s not that kind of place
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Cliff Fuller

The Monster is two completely separate bars and nightlife experiences in one location. Upstairs is a piano bar and normal bar seating while downstairs is a dark clubby dance basement and bar. The upstairs bar/piano bar area is perfect any

  • Ronald b Barnes

To Mr Owner, I want to let you know about 1996 I start coming to the monster bar every Friday night Saturday night.I was coming to the monster bar for ten years and had great time at your monster bar. Mr Owner I came back to the monster

  • Lucas Orelia

What's going on with the person at the door? She/he/they didn't say hi and didn't even stop looking at their phone. I just walked away. The first person from a establishment to welcome people can't receive people like that.

  • Kevin Scott

Great bar quite possibly the worst drag performance I’ve ever seen. She @therealegypt did 1 1/2 numbers. The 1/2 number was to her own video and she kept yelling at people to stop taking photos or we will kick you out LOL

  • LOUIS BRAUN

It's a step back in time! The crowd, the music, the atmosphere- a joyous ride into what old school "gay bars" are all about. Never disappointed...I suppose one goes there knowing exactly what you get- always a good time!

  • TheGeorgeXlll

Always great to go to. Hot bartenders, a fun crowd whether there's 5 people or 30. Drag shows are hit-or-miss. Drinks are priced at what one would expect from the area. Nice pours. Overall always a good experience.

  • Patrick Walsh

A tip top gay venue in the heart of Manhattan! It is like a pilgrimage coming here, this place and the people who fought for gay rights in 1969 brought about the gay rights we enjoy today. A truly historic venue!

  • Sia Gilbert

I enjoyed the night that I had from this club. The drinks were so great. Especially, their cocktails were so damn good. The waitress was very attentive in taking orders. It was the best night out that I ever had.

  • eu eu de novo

Is getting very difficult to get a drink in this bar, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND, unless you want get stressed. Find some place else, there are soooo many more better than this. Sadly got worse with the new manager.

  • Joe

Always a must stop for me (a traveler) during the holidaze. Patrick, our Friday barkeep, was wonderful (our Saturday barkeep Mataeus? was "out to lunch"). Music and camaraderie puts everyone in a festive mood.

  • Jason C. Torres

Support for Honey Davenport. "Black Nights" are never bad for business AND black people on flyers are beautiful. General managers who think otherwise don't belong around such a diverse and loving environment.

  • Oscar Cruz

They said is q good place but not. It’s a place,where the white person its more important than other ones. The drinks are ok and the bartender and wasters are rude. They’re very far to a LGBT community guides

  • LetsTravel Bruh

I only changed my review because the GM called me after having a poor experience with one of the dancers. Keep your phones to yourself. Pay in cash. It’s not a bad bar. The guests and bartenders are awesome.

  • gc nj

No issues as place songs and others I'm got issues with drink prices Tuesday Normal Thursday 8 buck for drink But. Saturday 12 bucks tip not included So Who try ripping off who place or bardenders ..... Hmm

  • Stephaine Vasquez

This has to be one of my favorite spots! The staff is amazing (Jason and Jeremy are the best) And When James is on the keys, you know you'll have an awesome time. (Side note: pick a song, not a show tune.)

  • Lucy Dee

Good gay bar for both guys and girls. I came here one night with a few friends, and it seems like a firendly place. The margarita on the rocks is definitely strong, and at $9 it's not too bad of a deal

  • Frederick Rossakovsky-Lloyd

Very friendly service and security guards charming. Affordable prices. Nice bartenders. I really enjoyed the piano performances. Basement average but again, people are very nice and that scores.

  • Rich

Piano bar upstairs. Dance bar downstairs. Every time I've been (9 or 10 times) it's been quiet. And you have to pay to get in. Alternative bars nearby without a cover fee and better atmosphere.

  • Sisco Muniz

Piano Bar on main floor and more quiet. Downstairs DJ spins tunes that will have you dancing while cruising the diverse selection of men of various ages and culture. Note....this is a Gay Bar.

  • Tim Tsai

70's night downstairs brings out the old school nostalgia of the glory days of gay bar hopping. The piano bar upstairs draws an eclectic group people singing along to a variety of show-tunes.

  • Stephen Smith

Never been to this place but am supporting Real Maine. I think a gay bar should be a place that brings people together not divides them. If there has been a mistake I’m open to listening

  • Gary Carlile Jr

I've been going there for 15 years and tonight they kicked me out saying I danced up on the performer. I was tipping them to the tune of $40 bucks or more.....sorry I won't go back!!!

  • M P

Great atmosphere! Piano and singing upstairs is lit! Dancing downstairs is dope Great dj drag shows and bartenders! Try their fireball shots, you will start to see noises

  • Ronald Hornsby

Great place depending on the vibe you're looking for. Downstairs is dancy. Up it piano bar (I prefer Marie's Crisis) and more of a bar atmosphere. Both are enjoyable.

  • Benjamin Taylor

Super fun piano bar. Cash only. Make sure you ask for a non-well vodka because two cosmos killed me the next day. Downstairs is a fun place to dance later at night.

  • Ignacio Hernandez

Such a beautiful experience here. Danced my butt off like I’ve never danced before. Will be back again hopefully once I’m back in New York. Love from a Texan ❤️

  • Marlon Stewart

As a black man being called a boy by someone that works there go figure
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Iain Schmaltz

Had a wonderful time there. Met great people and had tons of fun both upstairs and downstairs. Literally danced the night away. Highly recommended.

  • Amy Nicole Stewart

An excellent place to have a drink, belt a tune, and meet good people. Tip your piano player and your bartender, please. Just love this place.

  • Oliver Anene

Always a fun time. Affordable drinks and friendly staff. Piano bar on the main floor and dance floor on the lower level. Never disappoints.

  • Sven Troonbeeckx

Very nice nightclub, bar with theme evenings and always super nice music. Friendly staff, I recommand to everybody. Very gay friendly

  • Katz Si

Can recommend to visit! Stuff are very welcome and nice! Thursday is 10$ admission fee and best half-naked dancers!!

  • luis collazo

Great local bar. Has great drinks and awesome happy hour. They have a dance floor downstairs usually ooens at 10 pm.

  • DC Hull

It’s a fun gay bar. The night I went, it was piano bar night. Many dudes singing. Some were good. Some were ok. :)

  • Ariana Rios

Went on on a Friday night and it was terrible. Drinks were overpriced and felt rushed as soon as we entered.

  • Timon Lim

Nice karaoke gay bar with non judgmental men
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Sasha Mitrovic

Loved the dancing there. Also, get your sheet music and sing with the assigned pianist on the day.

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