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New York City Gay/Lesbian Bars

Urge Lounge

First a gay undertaker on HBO, now a gay lounge in a former funeral home.

The Scene

An ingenious, two-tiered bar—high on one side, low on the other, with untold cruising sightlines—dominates this thoroughly transformed space, whose mirrors and plasma screens help open up its railroad layout. Ultrasuede banquettes and creamy pillows, a smoke-eater that actually works and a conversation-friendly DJ also make it easy to spend time here. Go figure, then: Urge already claims more regulars than “Cheers.”

The Draw

Monday brings ‘80s videos and $2 Buds, Tuesday—the only night with a cover—offers bang for six bucks with go-go boys and a drink ticket, while Wednesday showcases the drag opera of Shequida. So, is it possible to forgo six months of velvet ropes and just immediately settle into a ‘hoodie lounge? Owners Rudy Guida and Dennis Glenn—who designed the place themselves—think so. But given this room’s unique past, one can only hope it’s still breathing a year from now.

33 2 nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 533-5757