The Monster
A West Village institution
Est. 1982
About
Walk in at street level to the piano bar/lounge which retains its historic charm. Don't let the vintage decor discourage you, pull up a stool and the friendly crowd and fun singers will have you hooked. For a change of pace, work your way downstairs to find drag shows and a dance floor.
From the Owner
The Monster has 30 years experience of The Village and the gay history of the iconic neighborhood. There are 2 floors each with it's own full bar. The street level opens early and offers a piano where you can sing or just listen; or sit a spell on a stool at our 360 bar. The nightly basement disco features the hardwood dance floor with a dance-up bar, and the lights and sound to flash and blast your troubles away. They offer the strongest drinks around (check out the user posted pics of shots) where if you think they are weak, you've obviously had too many; and specials so cheap, your wallet shows little sign of what was consumed. They have friendly bartenders who remember your drink and your name and state licensed security to keep you safe inside and on your way out. Drag performers frequent whether for a venue hosted weekly event, or if blown in by a fabulous wind. Go Go Hotties can be found nightly. A watering hole so classic, it's no surprise new parties are springing up.
Tags & Features
crowd
type
Vibe
About this venue
price
Amenities
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
Hours
Mon–Fri: 4 PM – 4 AM Sat–Sun: 3 PM – 4 AM
Reviews (5)
A Monster of a Bar :-)
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. Aaaaand...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.
Unwelcoming bartenders
Some of the bartenders are very rude. I'm standing in the bar holding my money - which means I want to buy a drink. They look at me and as if i was invisible; they continued yapping with each other. I asked one of the customers their names , I was ( Patrick & Rodrigo) They should not work that involves people. I left & went to another gay bar and got welcoming reception from the staff.. if Monster does not want my business, I'll take it elsewhere... as simple as that..
Over a year ago Nothing
TERRIBLE PLACE
AGGRESIVE PEOPLE!! Stay away!!
Over a year ago Thursday August 29th! SAINTHOOD in the basement disco with DJS Lorant, Chauncey D & Anjyl with a live performance by Sir Charles!! 10pm No Cover! * * *
