Phoenix

Phoenix, on Avenue A in the East Village, is a long-running gay bar with real neighborhood roots.

It started as The Bar in 1999, then reopened as Phoenix after a fire. Now, it’s a fixture, known for a good jukebox and drawing a crowd that cares about how they look.

This place has always been willing to change, even as it stays a neighborhood spot. One night you’ll find people just having a drink, the next it’s a fashion party, or something avant-garde. It's not a one-trick pony.

For a gay bar in New York, Phoenix feels authentic, unpretentious. Exactly what a lot of queer travelers look for. Plus, it’s in the East Village, a historically queer part of town with plenty of other places to eat and drink. Check phoenixbarnyc.com for what’s on, and when they’re open.