April 3, 2015 by Next Magazine NY

APR 03, 2015

22.41

NEW YORK’S GAY GUIDE

SCOTT EASTWOOD NOT HIS FIRST TIME AT THE RODEO

AVAN LAVA INFECTIOUS, ENERGETIC,

JOY-POP INDIANA’S ANTI-GAY HAIL MARY

STEVE GRAND

THIS ALL AMERICAN BOY IS READY TO ROCK

APRIL 03, 2015 | VOL 22.41 ON THE COVER:

CONTENTS

Steve Grand photographed exclusively for Next Magazine by Kevin Thomas Garcia (ktgnyc.com).

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FEATURE

LISTINGS

12 ALL ABOUT STEVE With his highly anticipated debut album, Steve grand is ready to shed the title of america’s “first gay male country star.”

THE NEXUS 4 6 7 8 10 42

Commentary: indiana isn’t the only state desperately trying to curb marriage equality with “religious freedom” laws. Gay DD The Week in Photos Finery: gucci vs. Studmuffin. What’s Next: Scott eastwood takes The Longest Ride; Hand to God’s puppet mistress. Shot in the Dark

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Bars + Club Map Dining Business Directory

THIS WEEK ON NEXTMAGAZINE.COM What was Looking missing? WilsonModels’ Unfocused opens at g lounge. + more party pics and event coverage

NEXTWEEK 17 18 20 22 24

Calendar of Events Sound Check: avan lava’s joyful noise. Playlist: Smoky, seedy tracks from chicago dJs Harry & Jpeg. Shout-Out: love him or hate him, everyone has an opinion about Sam Smith. Bar Crawl: lady Simon makes the Monday night rounds.

PUBLISHER DAVID MOYAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN RUSSELL ART DIRECTOR MICHAEL LOMBARDO NIGHTLIFE EDITOR MARK DOMMU ASSOCIATE EDITOR BENJAMIN LINDSAY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FRANK CONWAY, MARC CUENCO, WIL FISHER, DUSTIN FITZHARRIS, JAMESON FITZPATRICK, CHRIS HERNANDEZ, DAVID HURST, JUSTIN LOCKWOOD, PAUL MATSUMOTO, KAREEM MCJAGGER, JORDAN RUBENSTEIN, BRIAN SLOAN, BENJAMIN SOLOMON, STEVE WEINSTEIN

ONLINE EDITOR BRANDON VOSS STAFF WRITER LAWRENCE FERBER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS GABE AYALA, SANTIAGO FELIPE, DAVIDE LAFFE, EDWIN PABON

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES DON ROBINDER, ROBERTO BUCKLEY

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS JAMES L. BARRY, A.E. KIEREN, ANDY SWIST, WILL VARNER

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER EZEQUIEL PEREZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF EASON, KEVIN THOMAS GARCIA, GUSTAVO MONROY

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NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE RIVENDELL MEDIA: 212-242-6863, RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM

Next Magazine (henceforth “Next”) reserves the right to publish images without providing credit. Next does not guarantee that credit will be provided for any materials. The appearance of subjects and contributors in photographs or editorial matter in Next is not to be construed as indicative of the sexual orientation or personal practices of any individual. No implication with respect thereto is intended, and none should be inferred.

OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS ARE THOSE OF THE ADVERTISERS ONLY. NEXT MAGAZINE ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY FOR CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS.

PHOTOS: MicHael TackeTT (THE LONGEST RIDE); kevin THOMaS garcia (STeve grand); SiOux neSi (avan lava); SaM SMiTH cOurTeSy Of caPiTOl MuSic grOuP; ricHard fOreMan (LOOKING)

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APRIL 6, 2015 ARTBEAM 540 West 21st Street, New York City Between 10TH and 11TH Avenues

jeffreyfashioncares.org

#JFC2015

#FASHIONCARES

What’s Week in 4 Commentary P. 6 Gay D.D. P. 7 Photos P. 8 Finery P. 10 Next Well Strung returns with a pop • Marina and the Diamonds gets electric • Gym Sportsbar celebrates 10 years

US 04.03.15

THE

Visit The Nexus on NextMagazine.com for your daily dose of gay gossip, party photos, and more. BY MICHAEL LAMBERT

The Right’s Religious Backlash IndIana’s RelIgIous FReedom law Is just the latest In a seRIes oF despeRate haIl maRy tactIcs FRom the antI-gay movement.

ast week, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed into law his state’s version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Nearly 20 states already have their own “religious freedom” laws, intended to defend individuals’ freedom of religion from undue “burdens” placed on them by the federal government. But most people see these laws for what they are: legal justification for individuals and businesses to discriminate against the LGBT community. The backlash to Pence’s signing has been brutal: Angie’s List cancelled a planned $40 million Indiana expansion; Connecticut officially banned statefunded travel to the state; and the list goes on. Pence has since promised to seek new legislation to “clarify” the law. The surge of objections is inspiring, but where was all this national indignation over the last few years when similar laws were passed in other states? To say that Mississippi is trailing the rest of the country on civil rights issues is about as obvious as saying the Earth orbits the Sun—well, maybe not to those who learned their science from Mississippi textbooks. About a year ago,

4 APRIL 03, 2015

MEN OF FAITH Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, and Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore

Comment of the week: “OK, Klüb is not Studio 54, The Mudd Club, Area, Jackie 60, or even Bathsalts, but I have to say… it’s fun. It’s dark and sexy. People are dancing and carrying on just like days of yore.” —Legendary DJ Johnny Dynell via Facebook

AMERICA’S LEGAL LABORATORY CONT.

Gov. Phil Bryant signed into law the state’s own RFRA. Thankfully, many businesses protested by posting anti-discrimination slogans in their windows. Around that same time, Arizona Gov. Jane Brewer was vetoing a similar bill. These laws go all the way back to the ’90s. When a 1997 Supreme Court ruling pre-

“The most troubling aspect of these laws is how long they’ve existed as a capricious weapon in the anti-gay arsenal.” vented the federal RFRA from being applied outside the federal government, state governments began stepping in with their own legislation. Of course, the moral obligation of many legislators to protect their constituents’ religious rights didn’t kick in until DOMA’s Section 3 ruling in 2013. Such was the case in states like Mississippi and now Georgia, whose proposed RFRA received a nod of approval from Jeb Bush. The most troubling aspect of these laws is how long they’ve existed as a capricious weapon in the anti-gay arsenal. With the Supreme Court’s expected same-sex marriage ruling this spring, the anti-gay movement is desperately using the South as its legal laboratory. In places like my home state of Alabama, governing by the rule of law has recently become more of a “lifestyle choice” than a civic duty. Chief Justice Roy Moore has told the state’s probate judges to ignore circuit court rulings striking down the state’s same-sex marriage ban. Many counties have listened to Moore. Some counties have stopped issuing marriage licenses altogether. Folks in Oklahoma really liked that idea. The state is drafting a law that would remove the government from issuing marriage licenses completely—vesting the power of matrimony completely in ordained clergy members. This alteration could have massive ramifications for, ironically enough, religious rights for individuals and couples throughout the state. Lastly, South Carolina is trying to call a constitutional convention to amend the

6 APRIL 03, 2015

APRIL 03, 2015

GOT GAY-TENTION DEFICIT DISORDER?

Did the ghost of Iggy Azalea haunt One Direction in Cherry Grove?

a devastating blaze on fire island destroyed cherry grove’s grove Hotel and several adjacent buildings last week.

apple ceO Tim cook’s March 29 Washington Post op-ed called on major corporations to oppose “religious freedom” laws like indiana’s.

Zayn Malik announced his departure from One direction “to be a normal 22year-old” and do normal stuff like record solo tracks with producer naughty Boy.

J.k. rowling told a fan why Harry Potter patriarch DuMbleDore doesn’t seem gay: “Maybe because gay people just look like…people?”

Watch out, anti-gay politicos! South african comedian Trevor noah will replace Jon Stewart as host of THE DAILY SHOW.

nate Berkus and husband Jeremiah Brent welcomed their first child, born via surrogate—so, d&g will definitely not be designing little Poppy Brent-Berkus’s christening gown.

More than 100 lgBT people donated their hair to create the “gay Sweater,” a way to raise awareness that it’s hurtful to describe objects as “gay.”

director garry Marshall is turning Pretty Woman into a Broadway musical. Big mistake?

ugh! youths! a new study finds that homophobia among teen boys is especially detrimental to the mental health of lgBT young people.

is FourTwoNine Magazine’s GrinDr ghost story a 21st century urban legend, a tweeker nightmare or…fiction?

U.S. Constitution to declare marriage a union between a man and a woman. A constitutional convention has never been successfully called since, well, the first ones back in the 18th century. Indiana’s RFRA pales in comparison to these desperate actions. The scrambling may seem like the first signs of victory, but for same-sex couples living in these states, it means more years of court cases, more back and forth be-

Britney Spears’s new single with iGGy aZalea will drop May 5.

Orange Is the New Black’s laverne cox landed at no. 16 on askMen.com’s Top 99 Outstanding Women of 2015. nBc is going over the rainbow for its next live musical event, The Wiz.

tween political and religious leaders, more communities torn in two over what is the will of God and what is the will of the people. It is too easy to write off these legislative efforts, even as April draws near, but we can’t stop asking, we can’t stop seeking, we can’t stop knocking until we have a country that truly reflects the rule of law and the ideal equal opportunity for everyone. N

Overheard:

“I incorporate kawaii because of my [weakness for] cute, intimidating men. The more they look like they can kill me, the more I feel like they are cute.” —queer manga artist Jiraiya on drawing large men

PHOTOS: WilSOnMOdelS (Well STrung & Marina); guSTavO MOnrOy (gyM)

WELL STRUNG @ 54 BELOW This sexy string quartet performed everything from Mozart to Miley cyrus in their latest production, “Popssical.”

GYM 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY @ GYM SPORTSBAR

gym owner rick Schmutzler celebrated with Orange is the New Black’s Selenis leyva and laura gomez at this March 27 viP reception benefitting athleteally.

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS @ BOWERY BALLROOM Marina diamandis channeled “cyber Sophia loren” when her neon nature Tour hit new york. APRIL 03, 2015 7

Overheard:

“All the mothers are going to ask, ‘Have you met a husband?’ I do this a week before with hopes that these boys will be able to find a boy to bring home to Seder.” —Hebro’s Jayson Littman on his annual Passover party, Sederlicious

USUS

>>> FINERY

Interviewed at Klüb by Benjamin Lindsay

JASON LE VIERE 28 • GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND MODEL THIS IS STUDMUFFIN, RIGHT? Of course. The sweatshirt is Studmuffin. kyle [Brincefield] did it custom, and i just went to pick it up from Patricia field. kyle made it for a friend of mine who gave it to me as a birthday gift. i was really excited just to have a piece, but to have it custom for me? i was really excited. DO YOU SHOP AT PATRICIA FIELD OFTEN? yeah. AND YOU MAKE A POINT TO SUPPORT LOCAL DESIGNERS? Oh, absolutely. i think it’s really important to mix. This outfit, for instance: the leather vest is gucci, the pants are from Zara. So i like to mix high and low. and it’s also very important to know your neighborhood and to get to know young and aspiring designers. Those are the people who really have the pulse on new york style, and [know] where things are going. it’s hugely important not just to financially support them, but just to make sure you’re keeping up with them and getting them out there.

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Photo By wIlsonModels

PLUS, YOU DON’T WANT TO WEAR GUCCI ALL THE TIME. right! you want to be able to have fun, and i need a few dollars to buy things when i go out to bars [laughs].

What’s Next <<< TALENT

ALL IN THE GENES As a bull-riding cowboy, scott eastwood is about to become hollywood’s next sex symbol.

>>> THEATER

ergetic, he had trouble standing still—touching his hair and tapping his feet the whole time. “i was like, ‘Wow. Ok, this is weird, but it’s working,’” Tillman says. “He’s a bull rider, he’s a physical guy. He doesn’t know how to react to a woman who’s intelligent, a woman who’s smart. i knew that energy was going to be what we needed for the film.” There’s a scene midway through The Longest Ride that will almost certainly catapult eastwood to heartthrob status. it’s a nicholas Sparks film, after all, so there’s plenty of beefcake on display—for the ladies of course. “Most movies like this, or most times we see nudity, you see the woman,” Tillman says. “We just felt like, ‘let’s show Scott!’ He always had his shirt off anyway.” even costar alan alda can’t help but admire eastwood’s all-american charm. in an early pivotal scene, luke and love interest robertson’s character rescue alda’s character, ira, from his wrecked car. a rainy downpour in any Sparks story usually indicates a kiss, but the 79-year-old actor jokes that he got something even better. “He gives me a fireman lift,” alda says. “i didn’t get a kiss from him but i got a real lift! He put me up on his shoulders. i don’t know how he’s strong enough to do that. i’m hardly strong enough to stand up!” it’s all in the genes. —Benjamin Lindsay

GenevA CARR PlAys the MotheR of A tRouBled son And deMonIC soCk PuPPet In PlAywRIGht RoBeRt AskIns’s AntICIPAted BRoAdwAy deBut, HAND TO GOD.

n Hand to God, opening april 7 at the Booth Theatre, what begins as a Texas-set five-person play about a widowed mother, Margery (geneva carr), organizing a Sunday school puppet show with her son Jason (Steven Boyer) quickly unravels into a high-octane dissection of grief, sexuality, and mental health in america’s Bible Belt. Jason has started involuntarily using his puppet— the crass Tyrone—as an outlet for his resentment toward his mother, god, and himself. Believing his hand’s been possessed by the devil, those around him are horrified—to both hilarious and heartbreaking effect. carr maintains that despite its threads of riotous, dark Geneva Carr (right) with costar steven Boyer as Jason and tyrone. humor, robert askins’s comedy is one of the most emo-

10 APRIL 03, 2015

tional plays she’s ever done. audiences meet Margery as a woman on the verge of a breakdown; while her son is showcasing dual personalities, she’s busy lusting after one of his 15-year-old peers—and worse. “i think we’re all a little psychotic,” carr says. “Margery is at such a deep breaking point in grieving that the darkest parts of her come out. She’s unable to be pure in her motherhood for her son at the time. and that’s what’s hard: She’s really trying.” On the show’s themes and cast of flawed characters, she continues: “if you just accept people for who they really are, i think that’s when you can really love each other. We all have demons.” —BL

PHOTOS: MicHael TackeTT (LONGEST RIDE); JOan MarcuS & Mcc THeaTer (HAND TO GOD)

cott eastwood was no stranger to bull riding before he took on the role of lovelorn cowboy luke collins in the film adaptation of nicholas Sparks’s novel The Longest Ride. “i was a big fan of the sport prior to the film, so i knew a bunch about it,” he says. “i knew the stars and i had gone to rodeos as a kid [in Salinas]. i took it pretty seriously.” although the Hollywood honchos at fox forbade him from ever actually riding, eastwood says with a smile, “i went behind fox’s back. i didn’t want to go around and talk like i knew what bull riding was about without really bucking a bull.” He only lasted 2.5 seconds, but eastwood obviously inherited some of dirty Harry’s badassery. Being the son of clint eastwood certainly has its advantages. While the 29year-old eastwood has said in the past that his father never showed him any favoritism in the business, it’s obvious that some of the academy award-winner’s magnetism rubbed off on his son. in his first major leading role in The Longest Ride (in theaters april 10), eastwood smolders, albeit with a less intensly stoic masculinity than his father. He plays his character as a charmingly cocksure, charismatic country boy, who falls for a city girl (Britt robertson). eastwood’s ineffable likability immediately caught director george Tillman Jr.’s attention while hosting chemistry reads with robertson. eastwood was so en-

APRIL 03, 2015 11

ALL ABOUT STEVE WITH THE RELEASE OF HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM, ALL AMERICAN BOY, STEVE GRAND IS READY TO SHED THE TITLE OF AMERICA’S “FIRST GAY MALE COUNTRY STAR.” BUT IS AMERICA READY FOR STEVE GRAND?

BY ROBERT MARIL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN THOMAS GARCIA

12 APRIL 03, 2015

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14 APRIL 03, 2015

teve grand isn’t a country singer, but that’s what the world has been calling the 24-year-old singer-songwriter since Buzzfeed picked up his debut video in 2013 with the headline “Meet The first Openly gay Male country Star.” catchy clickbait headlines have a way of missing the truth. as i sit at Westville Soho across the table from the handsome, cleareyed chicago native, whose speech is flecked with enough of an accent that it makes me ache for my days in the Midwest, it becomes clear that this guy is very different from the one Buzzfeed sold us two years ago. To say that grand is a self-starter would be to damn him with faint praise. He’s the self-starter. His debut video, “all american Boy,” which became a smash viral success, has almost 4 million views. His kickstarter campaign for his debut album, which ran for 33 days with a goal of $81,000, raised $326,000, making it the third-most successful music kickstarter in history. What he did next would be a ballsy move for an established artist, much less a young upstart riding high on the viral success of his first video. “i’d never looked at all the producers out there, but i started going through some of the records that i liked and trying to figure out who i could get,” says grand. “i started sending emails, seeing who i’d get a response from.” unsurprisingly, there were some who simply didn’t respond. Others were out of grand’s price range, while some just weren’t that into his music. Still, the gamble paid off, according to grand. “Two or three ended up being interested.” One producer who showed interest—one grand hardly even expected to respond—turned out to be a kindred spirit: aaron Johnson, who’s most famous for his work on The fray’s self-titled sophomore album. “i love that record and love the sound of it,” grand says. “i thought it made sense for me as a singer-songwriter and somebody who spends a lot of time at the piano.” Once they started talking, things really clicked. So grand headed to l.a. to start recording. Bold moves like these—crowdfunding a third of a million dollars on kickstarter, emailing producers directly, traveling across the country to record a debut album—come naturally to grand. This is, after all, what he feels he was born to do. Born in lemont, ill., grand always knew he was destined for bigger things. “it felt like a very sterile, very safe place,” he explains. “it felt like there wasn't a lot of room for someone like me to be who i was. i was very creative, i had a big personality, and it was very hard for me to find my place in all of that. That alone always made me feel like an outcast.” He’d already started to feel an ache in his creative soul, having grown up fascinated with the piano and curious about what made great songs great. But when he was around 13, things really got complicated. “i started to realize i was gay, but i didn’t even know gay people existed before that,” grand recalls. “So my parents didn’t know what to do with that, i didn’t know what to do with that. i felt like i was on my own in a lot of ways.” like so many musicians before him, grand turned to songwriting as an outlet for his conflicted feelings. “it allowed me to feel like i was being heard,” he says. “it was very soothing for me to put the way i was feeling into words. it was a time when i was feeling really lonely and like i needed to parent myself in some ways.” grand found solace in songwriting and strength within himself, leaning on music where others had failed him. By the time he was 19 and writing the first song for what would become All American Boy, grand already had an idea of the shape his debut album would take. it would be piano-driven power-pop with a rock edge, designed to stand alongside the bands whose music had gotten him through his coming out in suburban illinois: Blink-182, fall Out Boy, good charlotte, Taking Back Sunday, and, of course, The fray. like a typical country-western album, All American Boy is comprised of songs that tell grand’s story—tales of unrequited love, strained friendships, mistakes made because he’d had too much whiskey—but that’s where the similarities end. What grand has delivered is a rock album, plain and simple. it’s polished and radio-ready, with a couple of tracks that could be monster hits. But is radio ready for him? i’ve avoided this question for much of our interview, letting grand work through most of his broiled salmon and whiskey-coke before i ask it. Will america let Steve grand be anything but

“The first Openly gay Male country Star?” as he looks me square in the eye, it’s obvious that he’s fielded this question before. “i don’t even care if people let me be anything but gay,” he says. “i don’t even like speculating, because i’m going to do what i’m going to do and there’s absolutely nothing that’s going to stop me or alter me or make me any different than i am. This is the path that i chose, and in some ways i feel like it chose me. Because this is who i am and i’ve only ever intended to be myself.”

“I don’t even care if people let me be anything but gay. I’m going to do what I’m going to do and there’s absolutely nothing that’s going to stop me.” america loves to pigeonhole its gay artists (see: the headline that made grand a star). There are openly gay musicians in every genre who haven’t had to stay closeted prior to their rise to fame—vampire Weekend’s rostam Batmanglij, grizzly Bear’s ed drost—but they’ve shied away from specifics and avoided pronouns in their songwriting in a way that grand doesn’t in his songs. His writing runs the gamut from innocent flirtation to lustful snarl with a specificity that’s never been seen on an album this radio-ready. and that’s what makes grand’s target all the more thrilling: All American Boy is built for stadiums but written as intimately as anything Jay Brannan has penned. Steve grand may not be the first openly gay country star, but he’s certainly the first of his kind. What he’s doing—spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to make an album he believes in, going on the road to show his true self—is brave. at his sold-out valentine’s day show at Subculture on Bleecker Street a few days later, it’s obvious that, whether or not Middle america is ready for a gay rock star, there are plenty of people out there who aren’t just ready to buy what Steve grand is selling, they’re in desperate need of it. it’s unsurprising that gay men make up the vast majority of the crowd. What is surprising is his fans’ fervor. The couple sitting next to me have traveled from Philadelphia for the show; they talk animatedly about grand’s youTube videos and the way they’ve connected with his lyrics. These two guys represent a demographic whose need for grand’s music i’d completely underestimated; they’ve spent a lifetime listening for their stories on the radio, inserting themselves into the tiny spaces left between the lines. in grand, they’ve found someone to sing their songs—someone who knows what it feels like to fall in love with his straight best friend and isn’t ashamed to sing about it. no, Steve grand isn’t a country singer, but he’s also more than just a smooth chested abercrombie & fitch model. With All American Boy, he’s made an album that’s important for a lot of people, and it may even make him the first openly gay pop-rock star on the radio. The boy’s delivered the goods. it’s america’s move. N APRIL 03, 2015 15

take on buﬀ bunnies in nasty pig jocks at Full Bunny contact‘s annual gay night april 3. see below for more.

Photo By kevIn MIChAel BlAse

WEEK

WHAT TO SEE & WHERE TO BE APRIL 3 THROUGH APRIL 12 DEADLINE Bureau of General Services– Queer Division 208 W 13th St (btwn Seventh/Greenwich Aves), bgsqd.com. Queer artists are given a strict deadline in which to produce new work each month. See the results from Bevin Branlandingham, Caleb D. Kruzel, Candy Feit, and Sarah Kilborne. 7:30pm; free. POP FRIDAYS Hardware, 697 10th Ave (btwn 47th/48th Sts), hardware-bar.com. Dance to Top 40 tunes by DJ Mike B as hostess Bootsie LeFaris matches you drink for drink and twink for twink. 10pm; free.

FRIDAY

APRIL 3

CONTACT MARK DOMMU AT LISTINGS@NEXTMAGAZINE.NET IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED. LISTINGS ARE FREE AND SUBJECT TO EDITORIAL DISCRETION.

FULL BUNNY CONTACT Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, 107 Suffolk St (@ Rivington St), fullbunnycontact.com. This annual Easter carnival and cage match pits hunky bunnies against gay boys in an extreme egg hunt with prizes from Nasty Pig, Scruff, and more. 10pm–2am; $20 general admission/$60 VIP.

INDUSTRY FRIDAYS Industry, 355 W 52nd St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), industry-bar.com. Grab a cocktail and get down to DJ Scott Jones’s hot mix with a crowd of Hell’s Kitchen cuties. 10pm; free. DIVA The Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St (btwn Seventh Ave/Waverly Pl), thestonewallinnnyc.com. Marti Gould Cummings is back, and she’s bringing full-blown diva antics for a night of drag-tastic fun with help from DJ Baca. 10pm; free. HOT RABBIT The Monster, 80 Grove St (@ Seventh Ave), manhattan-monster.com. Go-go boys and girls shake it for a mixed queer crowd as guest DJs spin this weekly turn-up. 10pm; free with password/$10 general admission. RUFFHOUSE Nowhere, 322 E 14th St (btwn First/Second Aves), nowherebarnyc.com.

Hosts Brian Pizza and Bryan Beretta rough up this East Village dive with help from DJ Ejack. Come ready to get rowdy with cheap booze and even cheaper boys. You can even strip down to your jockstrap for this athletic-themed edition. 10pm; free. FEVER FRIDAYS The Attic, 254 W 48th St (@ Eighth Ave), vossevents.com. Brandon Voss and Kenny Kenny host this penthouse soireé while Frankie Sharp and co. get dirty in the down-low lounge. 11pm; free before midnight/$10 general admission. LOVERBOY Icon, 31-84 33rd St (btwn Broadway/31st St), Astoria, iconastoria.com. Find yourself a new boytoy for the weekend at Scotty Em’s weekly bash. Each week, a new hottie hosts as guest DJs provide the beats. House cocktails are a steal at $4 and the $5 Loverboy shots are lethal! 11pm; free.

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FRIDAY

APRIL 3

HAPPY BEAT

SOUND CHECK

the unBRIdled Joy of AvAn lAvA’s InfeCtIous dAnCe-PoP

van lava are on their way back from austin, Texas, where they spent a week playing planned showcases and pop-up shows at South by Southwest. They’ve been on the road for most of March in support of their new e.P., Make It Real, so a week in one city was a nice change of pace, according to frontman Tc Milan. “a festival like South by Southwest is awesome,” Milan says over the phone as the band drives through Tennessee. “When you’re on the road, you’re driving to each town and you don’t really have a break to sit down, check out the city, party a little bit. South by Southwest is a treat, because you stay in one hotel, you’re there for a whole week, and all of our friends from all over the place are there too, so you get to see the shows and chill out for a whole week and eat tacos.” The band had been booked to play a few nighttime showcases during the festival, but it was the unplanned pop-up shows they played at smaller bars and clubs in the middle of the day where they had the most fun. “it was crazy how in the middle of the day, it just popped off—more so than the late-night sets, which you expect to be high-energy and fun,” Milan says. “These daytime shows were unexpected. People were already raging and ready to lose their shit.” On their way back to new york, the band is indulging in a road tradition: “We started driving yesterday and we did our routine where we stop at a casino in every other town,” Milan explains. “We stopped in Memphis and gambled a little bit and lost a little bit.” gambling is just part of the game for an underground queer band, even one as established as avan lava. despite the rise of alterna-pop acts in recent years, being visibly queer can still be restrictive when it comes to ‘making it.’ avan lava formed in 2010 and have been making fabulously danceable pop ever since, and while their’s may not be a household name yet, they’re working on it. Meanwhile, making a living as a touring band is a huge measure of success all on its own. The band’s core trio— Milan on lead vocals, le chev on bass and synths, and ian Pai on drums and percussion—know that it’s important to pay your dues. Milan’s highlight of South by Southwest was getting the chance to see Tove lo, whose song “Habits” became a huge radio and remix hit last summer. lo is a perfect example of a pop artist who released singles, e.P.s, and a full-length album and still had to wait for success. not everyone blows up with their first single. “it’s a personal experience,” Milan says. “i have no idea what it’s like to have immediate success. There’s a lot to be said for paying your dues and learning how to do the damn thing. it’s exciting when you understand what it is that you have and what it takes to communicate what you’re trying to say. i’ve enjoyed every step of it, but everybody wants that Top 10 [single].”

18 APRIL 03, 2015

That’s not to say avan lava haven’t had their moments. Besides being regulars on the new york party scene, they’ve also been flown to Paris to play for lancôme during fashion week, where they were dressed by designers and lived lavishly for a week. The band also once played at david lynch’s Parisian club, Silencio, a gig that Milan says gave them instant access to the city’s underground club culture. “i’m not even sure i fully have access to that in new york!” That’s not to say that they are completely unfamiliar with new york’s party scene—in 2013, avan lava performed at BaM’s Pride party, everybooty, and Milan, le chev, and Pai can regularly be seen at parties around downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. avan lava’s lighthearted, infectious dance music, what they call “joy pop,” is a distinct counterpoint to the moody sound many people associate with indie acts. “a lot of new music is great, but it’s a little internal, a little mopey and sad,” says Milan. “We’ve made that album.” The band’s first e.P., Vapors, was, as Milan puts it, “a little sleepy,” compared to the highly extro-

WEEK

Photos By sIoux nesI

Joy dIvIsIon from left: le chev, Tc Milan, and ian Pai.

verted songs they’re making now. When they began writing dance music, they saw an immediate change in their audience’s reaction during their live shows. “We decided to just have the best time and keep it positive.” avan lava aren’t afraid to imbue some punk energy into their shows, either. “We go 150 percent, and we’re not afraid to break everything. every show feels like, this could be it! This could be the last one, and we’d be happy.” While it hopefully won’t be their last show, the band’s current tour wraps up with their april 3 show at Bowery Ballroom. after that, Milan says there’s a video for their track, “Wanna live,” helmed by alex Hammer, Beyoncé’s lead editor making his directorial debut, due later this spring. “i’ve seen a clip and it’s fucking beautiful,” Milan gushes. They’re also hop-

ing to release their full-length major label debut by the end of 2015. There’s also an asian tour in the works, and this summer the band will play the Pride circuit around the u.S. Their unfettered positivity makes avan lava perfect for Pride showcases. While many queer artists want to empower their audience by highlighting the struggles of queer life, that’s not what avan lava are about. “There’s another way, which is celebrating it,” Milan says. “i’m so happy to be part of this minority group. it’s the best thing for me.” Milan says he and his bandmates generally prefer playing queer shows. “There’s a mutual celebratory vibe.” Of course, he has more selfish reasons for preferring to play for a queer crowd. “There’s also more chance for hookups,” he laughs. —Mark Dommu

Avan Lava play Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St (btwn Bowery/Chrystie St), April 3 at 9:30pm; $16 in advance/$18 general admission. Visit boweryballroom.com for more info. APRIL 03, 2015 19

SATURDAY

WEEK

APRIL 4

PLAYLIST

kICk youR shIt In

Photo By dR. Bennett BARCh

Chicago-based HARRY & JPEG are the kind of DJs who spin parties at porn theaters, bathhouses, and leather bars, and their sound reflects that smoky, seedy vibe. They’re all about the darker corners of house, techno, and disco, and that’s what they’ll be playing at Butt Magazine’s Club Butt at Secret Project Robot. Their April 4 extended set, according to DJ Jacob Meehan (a.k.a. Jpeg), will include “kick-your-shit-in moments, make out tracks, thumping ragers, and plenty of pop-ertunities” just like these.

THE TRACKS: 1. “The Black Night Is Calling My Name” – Physical Therapy 2. “Electric Blue” – DJ Fett Burger & Luca Lozano 3. “Spacer Woman” – Charlie 4. “Uprise” – Ike Release 5. “Who Do You Need” – The Black Madonna 6. “Computer Games” (Matador remix) – Phil Kieran 7. “Invisible Giving” (Wolf Muller remix) – Mariam the Believer 8. “Lorraine Kelleher” – Palmbomen 9. “Burning Paradise” – TET 10. “Precision Monolithics” – Scientific Dreamz of U

Phil Kieran

Luca Lozano

Mariam the Believer

Harry & Jpeg spin Club Butt at Secret Project Robot, 389 Melrose St (btwn Knickerbocker/Irving Aves), Bushwick, April 4 at 10pm; $15. Visit buttmagazine.com for more info. HIGH TOP SATURDAYS Boxers HK, 742 Ninth Ave (@ 50th St), boxersnyc.com. Cazwell spins a mix of your favorite tracks at this longrunning Saturday night bash. 9pm; free. RIOT The Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St (btwn Seventh Ave/Waverly Pl), thestonewallinnnyc.com. Fight for your right to party at this dance bash benefitting homeless LGBT youth, with tunes by DJ Robert Maril and hostess Frostie Flakes. 10pm; $5. MISS FISH NYC 2015 The West End, 955 West End Ave (@ 107th St), thewestendlounge.com. A school of fishy queens will compete to take home the title of Miss Fish NYC. Judges include West End owner John Forslund and Rify Royalty. 9pm; $10.

20 APRIL 03, 2015

2 YEARS

BE CUTE One Last Shag, 348 Franklin Ave (btwn Greene/Lexington Aves), Clinton Hill, onelastshag.com. Horrorchata celebrates two years of super cute partying with an epicly cute celebration. Le1f, Tikki Masala, and Merkin Muffley have the beats, Charlene, Untitled Queen, Aja, and Tyler Ashley give shows, and The Culture Whore hosts. 10pm; $5. SIZE QUEEN SATURDAYS Mr. Biggs, 596 10th Ave (btwn 43rd/44th Sts), mrbiggsnewyork.com. With $8 Stoli and Absolut cocktails and $5 Café Patron shots, you don’t have to be a big spender to get in on the supersized action at Shawn Mazur’s party. Steamy beats from guest DJs keep you glued to the dance floor, and

glam goddess Lexi Thomas is never further than a shot glass away. 10pm; free. YOLO XL, 516 W 42nd St (btwn 10th/11th Aves), bpmny.com. You only live once, so don’t spend your Saturday night at home! Get out there and get wild as Big Ben, Yamil, Loca Entertainment, and Riggz Entertainment’s major party takes over this Hell’s Kitchen venue with a hiphop, R&B, and Latin soundtrack. 11pm; $20. VIVA SATURDAYS Stage 48, 605 W 48th St (btwn 11th/12th Aves), vivasaturdays.com. DJ Aron brings the noise to John Blair, Beto Sutter, Ric Sena, and BoiParty’s powerhouse party, where tons of hot men help you live your most electric circuit fantasies. 11pm; $20–$25.

SUNDAY

WEEK

STAY WITH ME? APRIL 5

SHOUT-OUT

desPIte hIs MAInstReAM suCCess, sAM sMIth Is A dIvIsIve GAy fIGuRe—esPeCIAlly foR PeRfoRMeRs.

espite the fact that this is unquestionably sam smith’s moment, he’s not actually as universally beloved as you might thing. Between his multiple Grammy wins and controversial comments about Grindr, opinions of the British soul wunderkind can be pretty divided within queer circles. At 54 Below’s Broadway Loves Sam Smith, a cast of performers will honor the Grammy-winning singer with renditions of his hit songs, and we asked them to weigh in on why he’s considered such an important musical icon. But there were plenty of other downtown performers and nightlife personalities ready to take smith to task. weigh the pros and cons and see where you stand. —MD

PRO

CON

JAnet kRuPIn

If/Then, Bring It On “his is the ﬁrst album in years I listened to from beginning to end. I think sam smith is a turn in the tide towards the craft of album-making again.”

dAnIel quAdRIn0

Wicked, Newsies, Peter Pan Live! “I think sam should be celebrated for being fearless and not changing who he is for fame—and also sharing his beautiful music with the world.”

MeGhAnn fAhy

Next to Normal, One Life to Live “sam smith exudes sincerity and authenticity, which is just one of the many reasons I think so many people respond to him as an artist.”

Josh APPelBAuM

DJ, Occupy the Disco “when he said in GQ, ‘disco needs to stop. I like disco… but now everyone seems to be doing it and it’s way too much.’ Ignorant fuck! you are a gay artist with no context or respect for the music your people created.”

MAx steele

Performer, BAX artist in residence “I made a show last year pretending to be a white gay male soul singer, a joke. I had no idea who sam smith was. My idea was, what’s the least sympathetic thing I could be? And so I am tickled and horriﬁed that he’s already a real thing.”

tyleR Ashley

Dancer “I just hate the fuckin’ music.”

nICholAs GoRhAM

Performer “queer artists are challenging the patriarchy every time we leave our houses and sam smith isn’t. what he’s selling doesn’t have anything to do with my experience. we’ve seen plenty of apologetic and sad faggots in the mainstream. I just want to see one who’s ﬁghting for something.”

Broadway loves sam smith at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St (btwn Broadway/Eighth Ave), April 5 at 7pm and 9:30pm; $35–$55 (plus $25 food/drink minimum). Visit 54below.com for more info. 22 APRIL 03, 2015

Photos: fRAnkhAuseR, kRuPIn, quAdRIno, & fAhy CouResty of 54 Below; neIl AlIne (APPleBAuM); AdAM GARdIneR (steele); tInkeR CoAlesCInG (Ashley); wIlsonModels (GoRhAM)

Ben fAnkhAuseR

Newsies, Spring Awakening “sam speaks directly from the soul about his personal fears and deepest desires. his music begs its listeners to look inside to their most inner wants and needs.”

SUNDAY

EASTER BRUNCH Lips NYC, 227 E 56th St (btwn Second/Third Aves), lipsnyc.com. Ginger Snapt takes you to church at this special Easter edition of her hilarious Broadway brunch show, complete with an Easter bonnet contest. Noon and 2:30pm; $21.95 brunch.

3 YEARS

PARADISCO Le Bain, 444 W 13th St (btwn 10th Ave/West Side Hwy), standardhotels.com. Pines legend DJ Lina joins the boys of Occupy the Disco to celebrate the third anniversary of their Sunday tea dance. 3pm–9pm; free.

MONDAY

WEEK

APRIL 5 VICTORIA CHASE KARAOKE Boots & Saddle, 76 Christopher St (btwn Seventh Ave S/Bleecker St), bootsandsaddlenyc.com. Belt out your favorite pop hits with Victoria Chase this Sunday! 8pm; free. SPUNK SUNDAYS Pieces, 8 Christopher St (btwn Greenwich Ave/Gay St), piecesbar.com. Luia Gomez presents this Sunday strip show with hostess Holly Dae. Over a dozen hunky dancers will be there to work the poles, shake their money makers, and treat you to private dances in the back room! 9pm; free.

SLURP Therapy, 348 W 52nd St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), therapy-nyc.com. “Showbiz spitfire” Paige Turner gives you Broadwaycalibre camp at her weekly show, with DJ Natazu spinning between acts. Get there early to grab a seat; every gay boy in Hell’s Kitchen comes out for this show! 10pm; free. PIXIE AND FRIENDS Barracuda, 275 W 22nd St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), 212-645-8613. Pixie Aventura and friends help you forget that the weekend is almost over with shows that stretch until last call. DJ 2Face spins. Midnight; free.

APRIL 6

JEFFREY FASHION CARES ArtBeam Gallery, 540 W 21st St (btwn 10th/11th Aves), jeffreyfashioncares.org. A glitzy gathering of celebrities, models, and fashion heavyweights gather for this annual charity fashion show benefitting the city’s HIV/AIDS and LGBT organizations. 6:30pm–10:30pm; $350 general admission/$500–$100,000 VIP. DRAG-A-PALOOZA Therapy, 348 W 52nd St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), therapy-nyc.com. Who better to host a Drag Race viewing party than a pageant-winning queen like Alexis Michelle?

Catch the show with 2014’s So You Think You Can Drag champion, and stick around for The Bob Show with Bob the Drag Queen. 9pm; free. DRAG RACE Rockbar, 185 Christopher St (@ Weehawken St), rockbarnyc.com. Drag divas Misty Meaner, Mocha Lite, and Busted keep it extra cunty with scathing commentary during commercial breaks and fierce shows right after Ru has sent a queen packing. 9pm; free. HOT FRUIT Metropolitan, 559 Lorimer St (btwn Metropolitan Ave/Devoe St), Williamsburg, met-

ropolitanbarny.com. David Sokolowski curates this queer art experience every Monday night with performances ranging from drag to performance art, rap to experimental electronica, and everything in-between. Sokolowski and DJ Econ spin deep house and nu disco between shows. 10pm; free.

NEW

SNARKY The Cock, 29 Second Ave (btwn First/Second Sts), thecockbar.com. Fall down the rabbit hole into a wonderland of sexy fun at Shamless’ new party, with beats by One-half Nelson and Matty Glitterati. 11pm; $5.

APRIL 03, 2015 23

MONDAY

APRIL 6

BAR CRAWL

WEEK

START YOUR ENGINES

ays invade bars all across the city on Monday nights to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race together—or, as Brooklyn queen and performance artist lady Simon describes it, “a bunch of drunk faggots freaking the fuck out about dudes in dresses!” While there are viewing parties all over the city, lady Simon insists, “if you’re looking for that special—and by ‘special’ i mean ‘messy’—Brooklyn viewing experience, this is where to go”on Monday nights. —MD

1. MACRI PARK 462 Union Ave (btwn Conselyea St/Metropolitan Ave), Williamsburg, macripark.com. “Macri is a good place to start your Drag Race night. you can ease yourself into the night with some bingo and straight people. But get there early—like, way before the show starts. Have a few drinks, judge other people for playing a game at a bar, avoid making eye contact with the drag queens, and then slip out before the show starts.”

2. LOVEGUN 3. HOT FRUIT

RT STA

Metropolitan, 559 Lorimer St (btwn Metropolitan Ave/Devoe St), Williamsburg, metropolitanbarny.com. “now that the show is over, it’s time to go to Metro to get really drunk and discuss what we just watched. usually it just consists of me asking for drink tickets, making PEARL faces, wishing i had Max’s weird accent, and being confused by the existence of Jaidynn diore fierce. every Monday at Metro is also Hot fruit with cute music and amazing performances.”

617 Grand St (btwn Lorimer/Leonard Sts), Williamsburg, 718-388-3411. “you want to watch the actual show at lovegun. now that they’ve fixed the sound and hired some Brooklyn kids to work there, it’s one of my favorite bars. it gets kind of crowded, but there are two levels and a huge screen to watch on. Hosts Merrie cherry, Horrorchata, and Bcalla book the best guests, including past contestants like MILK and vivacious, who stood right in front of the screen, not moving for the entire show. it was weird and amazing. Stick around for some shows after the show, then on to the next place for more shows!”

5. SOME RANDOM DELI “So now it’s 5am, and you’ve been drinking since 8pm. you’re a little out of it and the details of the night are pretty fuzzy—or, in my case, i’m probably completely blacked out. Treat yourself to a gross deli sandwich and pass the fuck out!”

24 APRIL 03, 2015

FINISH

Don Pedro, 90 Manhattan Ave (btwn Boerum/McKibbin Sts), Williamsburg, 718218-6914. “it’s not a proper Monday night in Brooklyn without going to Bathsalts. cheap drinks and all the grungy girls make it one of my favorite parties and the best way to end the night. and, let’s be real: you’re definitely gonna need a touch of some Brooklyn punk drag after all those basic bitches on Drag Race.”

PHOTOS: PHil SHaW (lady SiMOn); WilSOnMOdelS (Milk, Pearl)

4. BATHSALTS

APRIL 03, 2015 25

TUESDAY

APRIL 7

DRINK-N-DRAW Lovegun, 617 Grand St (btwn Lorimer/Leonard Sts), Williamsburg, 718-3883411. This weekly life drawing party has a new home at Lovegun! Have a few beers and sketch this week’s hunky model Billy Flyy at this Williamsburg mini-club. 7:30pm–10pm; free. BOOB TUBE TUESDAY St. Jerome’s, 155 Rivington St (btwn Suffolk/Clinton Sts), boobtoobtuesdays.tumblr.com. The Boob Collective—Earl Dax, Jill Pangalla, and Shane Shane— screen some of their favorite film and TV clips with the help of guest curators Joe Castle Baker, Becca

Blackwell, Joanna Choy, and Mike Albo. Later, Amber Martin spins classic vinyl. 9pm; free. WESTGAY The Westway, 75 Clarkson St (btwn Washington St and Lincoln Hwy), westwaynyc.com. Frankie Sharp’s Tuesday night party is the place for party boys to see and be seen, with beats by resident DJs Nita Aviance, Jonjon Battles, and special guests, plus late-night shows and porno go-gos. 10pm; $10. SUTTON LEE TUESDAYS Barracuda, 275 W 22nd St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), 212-645-

WEDNESDAY

HUMP DAY KARAOKE Xes, 157 W 24th St (btwn Sixth/Seventh Aves), xesnyc.com. DJs Jay Brancato and Adam Siciliano help you channel your inner pop diva. 9pm; free.

BAD WITH MONEY The Duplex, 61 Christopher St (@ Seventh Ave), badwithmoney.net. Ben Rimalower may have gotten over his Patti Issues but he’s still in financial trouble. The acclaimed performer reveals all the gritty details of his lifelong addiction to spending and its serious reprecussion in this hilarious one-man show. 9:30pm; $25 general adimssion/$50 VIP.

THURSDAY

WEEK

8613. Sutton Lee Seymour is taking over, one show-stopping number and empty cocktail glass at a time! Drink up, darlings, because this queen is going to make sure you don’t leave until last call. DJ Patrick Kuzara spins. 11pm; free. BAD DRAG QUEEN Industry, 355 W 52nd St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), industry-bar.com. Trainwreck queens and the gays who love to watch them crash and burn flock to Bob the Drag Queen’s weekly competition, where audience members are transformed into Bob’s misbegotten drag children. 11pm; free.

APRIL 8

HOLLY AND HER DOLLIES The Monster, 80 Grove St (@ West Fourth St), manhattan-monster.com. This Wednesday night, The Monster becomes Holly’s dollhouse! Holly Dae’s hysterical weekly comedy show features special guests like Brenda Dahling, Monet Exchange, and Bootsie LeFaris. DJ Mitch Ferrino has the beats to get you dancing between punch lines. 11pm; free. REAL DEAL The Ritz, 369 W 46th St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), ritzbarandlounge.com. Don’t settle for the immitation; hosts Maddelyn Hatter, Jada Valenciaga, Chaka Khanvict, and Ivana

Taupe are the real deal! Join these queens and their special guests at The Ritz each week for $3 cocktails, two shows, and all kinds of hilarious drag shenanigans. Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby! 10pm; free. THE HELP Therapy, 348 W 52nd St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), therapy-nyc.com. Kick back and let $7 Titos cocktails get you through Hump Day as Pixie Aventura and Bob the Drag Queen keep the crowd laughing with jaw-dropping shows. They’d make shitty maids, but they’re fantastic queens. 11pm; free.

APRIL 9

STOLI KEY WEST COCKTAIL CLASSIC Hardware, 697 10th Ave (btwn 47th/48th Sts), hardware-bar.com. New York’s sexy bartenders compete for a chance to win a trip to Key West and $5,000 for the chairty of their choice, with hosts Shequida and Patrik Gallineaux. 8pm; free.

DO THE RIGHT THING The Ritz, 369 W 46th St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), ritzbarandlounge.com. Do the right thing and get your ass to this weekly party, where DJ Cazwell spins hot tracks, King Ralphy is the hot host, and Peppermint keeps it cool with icy shade. 10pm; free.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED Cellar Bar, 40 W 40th St (btwn Fifth/Sixth Aves), cellarbarbryantparkhotel.com. Brian Rafferty and Joe Roszak fill this cavernous venue underneath the Bryant Park Hotel with hot dudes dancing to beats by DJ Rico Alexis. 10:30pm; free.

YASSSS THURSDAYS Boxers HK, 742 Ninth Ave (@ 50th St), boxersnyc.com. DJ Steve Sidealk’s pop mix will have you screaming “Yasss!” on the dance floor. Hot shot boys and $6 Absolut cocktails will ensure that you don’t stop! Prepare to queen out, boys! 9pm; free.

SLAG Metropolitan, 559 Lorimer St (btwn Metropolitan Ave/Devoe St), Williamsburg, metropolitanbarny.com. Trey LaTrash and Chris of Hur get nasty at this “rock ’n roll fag party,” with music by guest DJs Drfnknstn and Macy Rodman spinning metal and punk tunes. 10pm; free.

UPTOWN THURSDAYS The West End, 955 West End Ave (@ 107th St), thewestendlounge.com. Justin Luke and his BoiParty crew head uptown for a night of debauchery, with hosts Schwa De Vivre, Holly Box Springs, Alexis Michelle, and others. 11pm; free.

FRIDAY

APRIL 10

TELL Bureau of General Services–Queer Division 208 W 13th St (btwn Seventh/Greenwich Aves), bgsqd.com. The twelfth installment of this storytelling series features a group of painted ladies sharing tales centered around the idea of “Queendom,” with Lady Quesa’dilla as the evening’s host. 7:30pm; $5.

11 YEARS

FURBALL XL, 516 W 42nd St (btwn 10th/11th Aves), xlnightclub.com. For 11 years, Joe Fiore has been bringing together the city’s hottest and hairiest men at Furball, and the fur will be flying

26 APRIL 03, 2015

at this anniversary party. Bears, cubs, otters, daddies, and plenty of other party animals will dance the night away to beats by DJs Corey Craig and John LePage. 10pm; $15 in advance/$20 general admission.

HUNG G Lounge, 225 W 19th St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), glounge.com. Host Yusef X gives it to you every Friday night. DJ Danny Nunez spins while sexy go-go boys shake it for the size queens. 10pm; free.

BEARRACUDA BROOKLYN Littlefield, 622 Degraw St (btwn Third/Fourth Aves), littlefieldnyc.com. Bearracuda has rocked 43 cities around the country, and now it’s coming to Brooklyn for a fur-tastic night of fun. Bearracuda DC DJ Mike Babbit has beats for the bears. 10pm; $5 before midnight/$10 general admission.

ELEVENELEVEN Open House, 244 E Houston (btwn Aves A/B), openhouse-nyc.com. The boys are getting wild at Ladyfag’s rager every Friday. Rock that dance floor as DJs Michael Magnan, Honey Dijon, and special guests spin and hostess Stephanie Stone works the room. 11pm; free before midnight/$5 general admission.

SATURDAY

APRIL 11

WEEK

GYM SATURDAYS Gym Sportsbar, 167 Eighth Ave (btwn 18th/19th Sts), gymsportsbar.com. Drink the day away at this beloved Chelsea sports bar, starting with a $3 beer blast at 1pm. At 9pm, enjoy $6 Skyy Vodka drinks and $4 ShockTop drafts. 1pm; free. NIGHT OF A THOUSAND GOWNS New York Marriot Marquis, 1535 Broadway (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), icny.com. The Imperial Court of New York’s annual gala is an unforgettable night of over-the-top-glamor benefitting the National LGBT Task Force and The Center. Drink, dine, and dance at this fabulous event featuring a silent auction and performances by Jody Watley, Cheyenne Elliot, Kelly King, and the cast of Avenue Q. 6pm– midnight; $450–$1,000. HOMO ERECTUS The Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St (btwn Seventh Ave/Waverly Pl), thestonewallinnnyc.com. This monthly boylesque show is changing things up for April with a themeless installment—no cutesy thematic numbers, just performers letting their freak flags fly. Reverend Mother Flash, Rify Royalty, Johnny Porkpie, Matt Knife, and others perform. 8pm; $10 (plus two drink minimum).

PHOTO BY KY DIGREGORIO/COURTESY OF TOMMY HOTTPANTS

WACK The Cock, 29 Second Ave (btwn First/Second Sts), thecockbar.com. DJ Kindbud gets slap happy in the East Village every Saturday night at New York’s most infamous gay bar. There are always go-go sluts on the bar and plenty of dark corners to explore. 10pm; $10. CAFÉ CON CREMA Shadow Boxers, 215 W 40th St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), shadowboxersbar.com. Manni Fierro’s Latin dance party has beats by DJ Sammy Blendz. 10pm; free. PRETTYUGLY Diamond Horseshoe, 235 W 46th St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), diamondhorseshoe.com. It’s all about the glamor at Erich Conrad and Drew Elliot’s fabulous uptown party. Special guests join resident DJ TOMMY HOTTPANTS and fashionable hosts like Hari Nef and Mike Bailey-Gates each week. 11pm; $10.

SUNDAY

APRIL 12

HAUS OF MIMOSA Ktchn, 508 W 42nd St (btwn 10th/11th Aves), ktchnnyc.com. The Haus of Mimosa hosts this weekly brunch show, and they are going to make you laugh so hard you’ll be snorting—well, mimosas! Bottomless $25 mimosas, to be precise. Noon and 2pm; prices vary. TIP DRILL SUNDAYS Rockbar, 185 Christopher St (@ Weehawken St), rockbarnyc.com. DJ Big Dipper, also known as your favorite big boy rapper, throws down throwback hip-hop and club beats with the help of host 3Xs. 9:30pm–1am; free.

28 APRIL 03, 2015

BEATS The Eagle, 554 W 28th St (btwn 10th/11th Aves), eaglenyc.com. DJ B. Duron pumps the beats this Sunday night for a butch crowd of leather daddies and lads at this landmark Chelsea leather bar. Squeeze every last beat out of your weekend before Monday comes. 10pm; free. KLÜB NYC Klüb, 55 Gansevoort (btwn Greenwich/Washington Sts), 917-312-1949. Join hosts Amanda Lepore, Boomer Banks, and others at this luxe new hotspot for cocktails and serious

beats at José Colón and Colby Walsh’s Sunday night party. Show up early for an open champagne bar until 11pm. 10pm; free. OTTER BOX The Flat, 308 Hooper St (@ Broadway), Williamsburg, theflatbkny.com. This is how Williamsburg’s bearded cuties do Sunday Funday: Make some furry new friends at Shameless Productions and JEM Entertainment’s weekly dance party. DJ Tr(otter) and guests spin house, techno, and electro, and guest performers give hair-raising shows. 11pm; $5.

BARS+CLUBS

MANHATTAN

THE EAgLE

554 W 28th St

301 W 39th St

ESCUELITA

656 Ninth Ave

9TH AvENUE SALOON

405 W 51st St

POSH

369 W 46th St

THE RITz

753 Ninth Ave

157 W 24th St

XES

215 W 40th St

SHADOW BOXERS

ATLAS SOCIAL CLUB

742 Ninth Ave

BOXERS HK

344 W 52nd St

355 W 52nd St

INDUSTRY

793 Ninth Ave

FLAMINg SADDLES

104 Dyckman St

CASTRO

348 W 52nd St

516 W 42nd St

BPM

401 W 47th St

BARRAgE

697 10th Ave

HARDWARE

500 W 48th St

FAIRYTAIL LOUNgE

WEST END LOUNgE 955 West End Ave

BAMBOO 52

309 Amsterdam Ave

THERAPY

CANDLE BAR

SUITE

992 Amsterdam Ave

227 E 56th St

LIPS

236 E 58th St

TOWNHOUSE

1742 Second Ave

TOOL BOX

139 E 45th St

UNCLE CHARLIE’S

221 E 58th St

EvOLvE

APRIL 03, 2015 31

LATE-NIgHT CRUISINg

CLUB

LESBIAN

FOOD

NEIgHBORHOOD BAR

HAPPY HOUR

LIvE ENTERTAINMENT

DANCINg

WHAT’S THE SCENE?

>>> MAP KEY

185 Christopher St

ROCKBAR

115 Christopher St

114 Christopher St

TY’S

76 Christopher St

STONEWALL 159 W 10th St

438 Hudson St

HENRIETTA HUDSON

59 Grove St

MARIE’S CRISIS

80 Grove St

THE MONSTER

8 Christopher St

PIECES

53 Christopher St

BOILER ROOM 86 E Fourth St

29 Second Ave

THE COCK

505 E Sixth St

EASTERN BLOC

447 E 13th St

PHOENIX

322 E 14th St

JULIUS

NOWHERE

208 W 13th St gaycenter.org

37 W 20th St

BOXERS

LgBT CENTER

225 W 19th St

g LOUNgE

61 Christopher St

DUPLEX

BOOTS & SADDLE

281 W 12th St

CUBBYHOLE

THE HANgAR

167 Eighth Ave

gYM SPORTSBAR

275 W 22nd St

BARRACUDA

DINING $ unDer $10 Per Person $$ unDer $25 $$$ unDer $35 $$$$ unDer $45 $$$$$ $45+ Gay owneD/Chef Gay sCene CritiC’s PiCk

Chelsea ALEO 7 W 20th St (Fifth/Sixth Aves), 212– 691–8136, aloerestaurant.com— An outdoor patio and fusion of Mediterranean flavors designed to bring the best of the Italian and Greek Isles to Chelsea. ($$$; Mediterranean) BOTTINO 246 Tenth Ave (24th/25th Sts), 212-206-6766, bottinonyc.com— This beautiful dining space in Chelsea’s western belt is often filled with gallery-hopping and owning types. ($$$; Mediterranean) BOQUERIA 53 W 19th St (Fifth/Sixth Aves), 212-255-4160, boquerianyc.com— The racy flair of a Spanish cerveceria comes to Chelsea, serving up delicious tapas to a packed, largely after-work crowd. ($$$$; Spanish) BRGR 287 Seventh Ave (26th/27th Sts), 212-488-7500, brgr.com— It may be a few letters shy in its name, but it leaves nothing out when it comes to delicious, honest food. ($$; Hamburgers) CAFETERIA 119 Seventh Ave (17th St), 212-414-1717, cafeteriagroup.com— 24-hour comfort food at fantastically reasonable prices and the off chance of dining alongside celebs incognito. ($$$; American) COOKSHOP 156 Tenth Ave (20th St), 212-924-4440, cookshopny.com— New American fare that blows the roof off your tastebuds without incinerating your wallet. ($$$; American) COPPELIA 207 W 14th St (Seventh Ave), 212-858-5001, coppelianyc.com—Latin flavors fill 14th Street, with an all-day breakfast menu, dinner and Pichet Ong’s dessert to finish the deal. ($$$, pan-Latin) CREMA RESTAURANTE 111 W 17th St (Sixth/Seventh), 212-691-4477, cremarestaurante.com— Upscale Mexican Kitchen oozes comfort with its warm décor and satisfying and traditional south-of-theborder cuisine. ($$$; Mexican) THE DISH 201 Eighth Ave (20th/21st Sts), 212-352-9800, thedishchelsea.com— Uber gay two-level nouveau diner that serves everything from egg white omelets and Chelsea boy specials to moussaka and pork chops. ($$; American) EAST OF EIGHTH 254 W 23rd (Eighth Ave), 212-352-0075, eastofeighthny.com— Original American cuisine served on 2 floors or in the private garden. ($$; American) ELMO 156 Seventh Ave (19th/20th Sts), 212-337-8000, elmorestaurant.com—

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Gay meets celeb at this retropicalis themed eatery serving up creative and tasty American comfort cuisine. ($$; American)

tional Thai fare that stands above the sea of similar options. The outstanding dumplings and crabcakes are a must. ($$$; Thai)

INTERMEZZO 202 Eighth Ave (20th/21st St), 212-929-3433, intermezzo-nyc.com— Busy Italian eatery with attentive staff and weekend drag brunch. ($$$; Italian)

TELLOS 198 Eighth Ave (20th/21st St), 212-691-8696, tellosnyc.com— Another Chelsea Italian restaurant with a drag brunch—are you sensing a pattern? Barbra Herr stars at this outing where you’ll be drinking unlimited Bloody Marys, Bellinis, and mimosas for just $20. ($$$; Italian)

LASAGNA 196 Eighth Ave (20th St), 212-242-4551, lasagnarestaurant.com— Over 15 different lasagna dishes grace the menus of this new comfort food restaurant. ($$$; Italian) LA NACIONAL 239 W 14th St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), 212-243-9308, facebook.com/LaNacionalTapasNYC— Serving delicious, authentic Spanish tapas for over 130 years in a hidden cantina, right in the corazon of Chelsea. ($$$; Spanish) LE SINGE VERT 160 Seventh Ave (19th/20th Sts) 212-366-4100, lesingevert.com— Charming Parisian spot with candle-lit tables, French food and a lingering clientele. ($$; French) MARKT 676 Sixth Ave (21st St), 212-727-3314, marktrestaurant.com— Markt moves to smaller digs in Chelsea, but the Belgian eatery remains as fabulous as ever. ($$$$; Belgian) MARY ANN’S 116 Eighth Ave (16th St), 212-633-0877, maryannsmexican.com— Traditional Mexican food and decor with Aztec artifacts and Jalapeno lights. ($$; Mexican) PAD THAI NOODLE LOUNGE 114 Eighth Ave (15th/16th Sts), 212-6916226, padthainoodle-lounge.com— Enjoy velvet-red tranquility, authentically spicy fare and a doting staff. ($$; Thai) THE PARK 118 Tenth Ave (17th/18th Sts), 212-352-3313, theparknyc.com— Trendy eatery with indoor booth/table dining and outdoor garden/terrace dining. Favorite of local celebs. ($$$; American) POUNDS & OUNCES 160 Eighth Ave (17th/18th), 646-449-8150, poundsandouncesnyc.com— Savory American comfort food at its finest. Perfect for brunch with dishes like Crispy Chicken Benedict, a fusion of chicken and waffles and eggs benedict. ($$; American) RED CAT 227 Tenth Ave (23rd/24th Sts) 212-242-1122 theredcat.com— Artworld luminaries and gallery hoppers flock here for the upscale creative cuisine and intimate settings. ($$$$; American)

MeatPaCkinG BUDDAKAN 75 Ninth Ave (16th St), 212-989-6699, buddakannyc.com— The awe inspiring decor of the Great Room— soaring ceilings, hanging chandeliers and a 30-foot-long communal table—set the tone for this exuberant haute-Chinese establishment. ($$$$$; Asian) MORIMOTO 88 10th Ave (15th/16th Sts), 212-989-8883, morimotonyc.com— Godzilla-sized über restaurant takes over the Meatpacking district with considerable flair, resulting in a lovely and quiet evening. ($$$$$; Japanese) REVEL 10 Little W 12th St (Ninth Ave/Washington St) 212-645-5369, revelnyc.com— Enjoy meat and fish served on hot volcanic rocks (among other treats) in this industrial chic eating house that features one of New York’s best gardens. ($$$$$; Mediterranean) SCARPETTA 355 W 14th St (Ninth Ave), 212-691-0555, scarpettanyc.com— The erstwhile Village Idiot bar transforms to something of a Village cenius, with Scott Conant helming the marvelous Scarpetta. ($$$$$; Italian)

west VillaGe BAR 6 502 Sixth Ave (12th/13th Sts), 212691-1363, barsixny.com— The reliable and consistent bistro also serves Moroccan specialties and has a great weekend brunch. ($$$; Moroccan) BERIMBAU 43 Carmine St (Bedford/Bleecker Sts) 212- 242-2606, berimbaunyc.com— Sleek dining room serving sea bass, pork tenderloin and other Brazillian dishes. ($$$, Brazillian) BONGO 395 West St ( W 10th St), 212675-6555, bongonyc.com— Gulp down oysters and cocktails at this retro-mod sequel to the Chelsea lounge. ($$$, seafood)

RESTIVO 209 Seventh Ave (22nd St), 212366-4133 restivorestaurant.com— Fine, affordable Italian dining, homemade pastas and deserts in romantic ambiance. ($$$; Italian)

BOYD THAI 210 Thompson St (Bleecker St), 212-533-7290, boydthainyc.com—Curry, noodles, salads and other Thai tastes at reasonable prices. ($$$; Thai)

RIN THAI 265 W 23rd St (btwn Seventh/Eighth Aves), 212-675-2988 rinthaicuisine.com— Another Thai restaurant has opened in Chelsea; as the volume of neighborhood patrons would suggest, it’s certainly welcome. ($$$, Thai)

CORNER BISTRO 331 W Fourth St (Eighth Ave) 212-242-9502, cornerbistrony.com— Manhattan’s best (and possibly cheapest) burgers are doled out on paper plates to West Village literati squeezed between pub-grubbing local yokels. ($; Hamburgers)

ROCKING HORSE CAFE 182 Eighth Ave (19th St), 212-463-9511 rockinghorsecafe.com—Lively Nueva Mexican Cocina on the Eighth Avenue strip. ($$$; Mexican)

COWGIRL 519 Hudson St (10th St), 212-633-1133, cowgirlnyc.com—Fun, TexMex comfort foods served in a rodeo decor make this a gay Village fave with the best Margaritas north of the border...er...Houston St. ($$$; Southwestern)

SILOM 150 Eighth Ave (17th/18th St), 212675-0080, silomny.com— Inventive yet tradi-

DELL’ANIMA 38 Eighth Ave (@ Jane St), 212-366-6633, dellanima.com— Sheer delight awaits at Italian Dell’anima, a little bit of perfection without a lick of pretension. ($$$$; Italian) DITCH PLAINS 29 Bedford St (Downing St), 212-633-0202, ditchplains.com— Bitchin’ food and a fun crowd at Marc Murphy’s surf-inspired restaurant, named after the famous stretch in Montauk. ($$$$; Seafood) DUBLIN 6 575 Hudson St (W 11th/Bank St), 646-638-2900, dublin6nyc.com— Excellent fare exceeds expectations at this bar and restaurant guaranteed to make not only Irish eyes, but everyone else's, smile. ($$$; Irish) GOOD 89 Greenwich Ave (Bank St), 212-691-8080, goodrestaurantnyc.com— A spacious, bright and airy refuge offering eclectic dishes from the rural kitchens of North and Latin America. ($$$; Latin) GRADISCA 126 W 13th St (Sixth/Seventh Aves), 212-691-4886, GradiscaNYC.com— La dolce vita awaits in the West Village, where one can find northern Italian fare without the sting of the Euro. ($$$$$; Italian) HOME 20 Cornelia St (Bleecker/Fourth) 212-243-9579, homerestaurantnyc.com— Creative American comfort food served with flair and panache. The year-round, heated outdoor garden is as lovely and warm as the Blue Cheese Fondue. ($$$$; American) LA CARBONARA 202 W 14th St (7th/8th Ave), 212-255-2060, labarbonaranyc.com— Italian comfort food that isn’t just looking our for your stomach, but your wallet, too. ($$; Italian) L’ARTUSI 228 W 10th St (btwn Hudson/Bleecker Sts), 212-255-5757, lartusi.com— Fine Italian fare from executive chef Gabe Thompson. ($$; Italian) LAS RAMBLAS 170 W Fourth St (Sixth/Seventh Aves), 646-415-7924, facebook.com/LasRamblasBardeTapas— Spanish tapas and spouting porron decanters of wine fill this little spot in the heart of the Village. ($$$$; Spanish) LE SOUK HAREM 510 LaGuardia Pl (Bleecker St), 212-777-5454, lesoukny.com— Powerful Prawns Grillées, lamb tartare, Duck Tajine and other Middle Eastern fare that’s worth the sometimes lengthy wait. ($$$$, Morrocan) THE LITTLE OWL 90 Bedford St (Grove St). 212-741-4695, thelittleowlnyc.com— Mediterranean-influenced fare with intimate, cozy West Village ambiance. ($$$$; Mediterranean) MARKET TABLE 54 Carmine St (Bedford), markettablenyc.com, 212-2552100— West Village dining continues to change, and with the advent of Market Table, the change is not only auspicious but very delicious indeed. ($$$$; American) OLIO E PIU 3 Greenwich Ave (10th/Christopher Sts), 212-243-6546, olionyc.com— A cozy dining room and a menu dedicated to the tradition and expertise of generations’ past. ($$; Italian) PHILIP MARIE 569 Hudson St (@ W 11th St), 212-242-6200,

philipmarie.com— Delicious, innovative American cuisine suits all palates and pocketbooks in a charming and historic setting. ($$$; American)

Joshua Blakely shares his considerable knowledge of Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine at the edge of Tribeca. ($$$$, International)

THE RUSTY KNOT 425 West St (7th/8th Ave), 212-645-5668, therustyknot.com— As unpretentious as it is delicious with exemplary bar bites. ($$; American)

NOBU 105 Hudson (Franklin St), 212219-0500, noburestaurants.com— Want the New York experience? Somehow book the table, eat Master Chef’s Nobu Matsuhisa’s deliciously skin-thin sushi, then tell your friends insouciantly, it’s “...eh-okay.” ($$$$$; Japanese)

TIO PEPE 168 W Fourth St (Sixth/Seventh Aves), 212-242-6480, tiopepenyc.com—Wonderful traditional Spanish/Mexican fare. Romantic skylight garden. ($$$$; Spanish)

PÓ 31 Cornelia St (Bleecker/W Fourth Sts), 212-645-2189, porestaurant.com— The Mario Batali upstart in the Village thrills with satisfying Italian fare. ($$$$, Italian)

THE WAVERLY INN 16 Bank St (Waverly), 917-828-1154, waverlynyc.com— Eschew impossible-to-get reservations at this hot spot teeming with celebrity; try to snag a table in the bar instead. ($$$$; Eclectic)

SPRING ST NATURAL 62 Spring St (Lafayette St), 212-966-0290, springstreetnatural.com— Muffins, espresso and light coffee shop fare meets edgy art gallery bobo fantastique! ($$$; Health Food)

soho/nolita/ tribeCa

E. VILLAGE/L.E.S

ANTIQUE GARAGE 41 Mercer St (Grand/Broome Sts), 212-219-1019, antiquegaragesoho.com— Celebrities hide among the 19th century Victorian antiques while noshing on scrumptious Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Gay romance nights on Sundays. ($$$$; Mediterranean) BALTHAZAR 80 Spring St (Broadway/Crosby St), 212-965-1414, balthazarny.com—Transatlantic escapism, perfect boulangerie sticky buns, and lingering confessional breakfasts make this Soho institution a flawless must-see. ($$$; French) BUBBY’S 120 Hudson St.(N Moore St), 212-219-0666, bubbys.com— Indulge in mac-n-cheese, meatloaf and other comfort faves, but leave room for dessert. The pies are legendary (and so is brunch). ($$, American) BOQUERIA 171 Spring St (btwn W Broadway/Thompson St), 212-343-4255, boquerianyc.com— The racy flair of a Spanish cerveceria comes to Soho, serving up delicious tapas to a packed, largely after-work crowd. ($$$$; Spanish) BOULEY 163 Duane St (Hudson St), 212964-2525, davidbouley.com— Another outpost in the Daniel Bouley empire, with divine bread, seasonal ingredients and organic meat dishes. ($$$, French) CAFÉ HABANA 17 Prince St (Elizabeth St), 212-625-2001, cafehabana.com— The flagship location of this always-bustling Mexican luncheonette has ‘ritas and nosh to keep you coming back. Don’t miss their famous grilled corn. ($$, Cuban, Mexican) DYLAN PRIME & DYLAN BAR 62 Laight St (Greenwich/Hudson Sts), 212-3344783 dylanprime.com— Tribeca restaurant with separate bar, delicious steaks and seafood. ($$$$$; Steakhouse) INDOCHINE 430 Lafayette (E Fourth St/Astor Pl), 212-505-5111, indochinenyc.com— Classic chic scene with delectable French Vietnamese fare. ($$$$; Vietnamese) MACAO TRADING CO. 311 Church St (btwn Walker/Lispenard Sts), 212-4318642, macaonyc.com— Executive Chef

B BAR & GRILL 40 E Fourth St (Bowery/Lafayette Sts), 212-475-2220, bbarandgrill.com— Big patio, lounges and open dinning room host American cuisine and trendsetters. ($$$; American) BIG GAY ICE CREAM SHOP 125 E Seventh (1st/Ave A), 212-533-9333, biggayicecream.com— Need a quickie quench for that sweet tooth? There’s no better (or gayer) place in town. ($, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt) BLUE RIBBON FRIED CHICKEN 28 E First St (2nd Ave), 212-777-6254, blueribbonfriedchicken.com— No, we’re not kidding with this one. With its prime location right next to The Cock, it’s time to give in to your latenight drunchies. ($, Fried Chicken) CAFE MOGODOR 101 St. Marks Pl. (First/Second Aves), cafemogodor.com, 212677-2226— Fresh Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies served in a bustling, charming dining area and patio. ($$; Middle Eastern) EL CAMION 194 Ave A (12th St), 212533-5436, elcamioncantina.com— Take your tastebuds on a ride at this East Village locale serving sizzling Steak Alambres and Chicken En Mole Poblano. ($$$, Mexican) LUCKY CHENG’S 95 Delancey St (Ludlow/Orchard) 212-995-5500, luckychengsnyc.com— Asian and California dishes served by drag queen waitresses. Performances nightly. ($$$$; Asian) PRUNE 54 East First St (Second/First Aves), 212-677-6221, prunerestaurant.com— You get the sense the Bohemian is in the kitchen, not so much in the dining room, at this lovely East Village home of everything good. ($$$$; American)

UNION SQUARE/ MIDTOWN EAST

Advertise Here!

Advertise in Next Magzine Call 212-627-0165 and ask about our professional vendor rates.

TOCQUEVILLE 1 E 15th St (Fifth Ave), 212-647-1515, tocquevillerestaurant.com— Refined entrees such as Elk Carpaccio and Greenmarket Nettle Ravioli will impress your dapper date. ($$$$, European) REPUBLIC 37 Union Square (16th/17th Sts), 212-627-7172, thinknoodles.com—

APRIL 03, 2015 33

DINING Vietnamese sandwiches, huge steaming bowls of noodles and no dish over $13 make Republic a bargain for all. ($$, Asian)

HELL’S KITCHEN 44TH & X 622 Tenth Ave (44th St), 212-977-1170, 44andx.com— High-end American cuisine served by a sexy, cheerful staff in an airy, indoor veranda. Outdoor cafe. Open daily, brunch Sat, Sun. ($$$$; American) 123 BURGER SHOT BEER 738 Tenth Ave (50th/51st St), 212-315-0123, 123burgershotbeer.com— Falling in love with this cheap burger joint is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Their sliders are fan-favorites. ($; Burgers) ALPHA FUSION 365 W 34th St (8th/9th Aves), 212-279-8887, alpha34.com— The gays love the Happy Hour prices (from 4pm–9pm) and broad influences from Thai. ($$$, Asian) ARRIBA ARRIBA 762 Ninth Ave (51st St), 212-489-0810, arribaarribawest.com— The only thing better than the super-fresh South of the Border fare are the frozen ‘ritas ($$$; Mexican) BAMBOO 52 344 W 52nd St (Eighth/Ninth Aves), 212-315-2777, bamboo52nyc.com— Broadway divas and buff business boys enjoy fresh sushi and sexed-up cocktails from executive chef John Greco III. ($$$; Sushi) BANGKOK HOUSE 360 W 46th St (Eighth/Ninth Aves), 212-541-5943, bangkokhouseny.com— Unpretentious Thai and delicious drinks from the team behind Yum Yum. ($$; Thai) BLOCKHEADS BURRITOS 322 W 50th St, 212-307-7029, blockheads.com— Yummy burritos and inexpensive margaritas are the dish at this outdoor hot spot. ($$; Mexican) BLUE FIN W Times Square Hotel, 1567 Broadway (54th/55th St), 212-918-1400, bluefinnyc.com— Modern, sleek and fishy seafood eatery smack dab in the midst of Times Square. ($$$$$; Seafood) BOCCA DI BACCO 828 Ninth Ave, (47th St), 212-265-8828, nycrg.com/boccadi-bacco— Its excellent wine selection is matched only by its array of innovative dishes. It’s no wonder this Italian steakhouse has four Manhattan locations. ($$$; Italian, Steakhouse) CARMINE’S 200 W 44th St (Broadway/Eighth Ave), 212-221-3800, carminesnyc.com— Huge, legendary portions of southern Italian food served family style still elicit gasps at this classic New York eatery. ($$$$; Italian) CHELSEA GRILL HELL’S KITCHEN 679 Ninth Ave. (46/47th Sts), 212-974-9002, chelseagrillhellskitchen.com— This one packs the comfort food of its sister grill in Chelsea into the gay bellies of Hell’s Kitty. ($$$, American) CHEZ JOSEPHINE 414 W 42nd St (Ninth/Tenth Aves), 212-594-1925 chezjosephine.com— Very romantic, live music. French/American dishes priced moderately. ($$$$; American)

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CHIMICHURRI GRILL 773 10th Ave (43rd/44th St) 212-586-8655, chimichurrigrill.com— This no-frills hole-in-the-wall boasts an expansive and meaty menu along with an impressive list of wine pairing options . ($$$; Latin American, Steakhouse) DANJI 346 W 52nd (8th/9th Ave) 212-5862880, danjinyc.com— Decadent pork dishes abound at this midtown destination for Korean tapas and more . ($$$; Korean) EATERY 798 Ninth Ave (52nd/53rd Sts) 212-765-7080, eaterynyc.com— This small American kitchen is well worth the squeeze, especially for brunch. ($$; American) EL CENTRO 824 Ninth Ave (54th St), 646-763-6585, elcentro-nyc.com— Totally fresh, homemade Mexican street fare gets a classy makeover in a no-attitude, high-energy space. Killer margaritas make the funky décor swirl. ($$$; Mexican) ETCETERA ETCETERA 352 W 44th St (Eighth/Ninth Aves), 212-399-4141, etcetcnyc.com— From a long list of Italian venues in the theater district, Etcetera Etcetera isn’t a mere footnote; just ask the packed-in pre-theater crowds. ($$$$; Italian) HAVANA SOCIAL 688 10th Ave (48th/49th Sts) 212-956-2155, facebook.com/pages/Havana-Social— Perfect for a date who gets adventurous with his taste buds. Just as easy a fit for post-work happy hour cocktails. ($$; Cuban, Tapas) HK HELL’S KITCHEN 523 Ninth Ave (@ 39th St) 212-947-4208, hkhellskitchen.com— An international culinary passport is offered just below Port Authority en route to the hip strip above it. ($$$; Mediterranean) HOURGLASS TAVERN 373 W 46th St (Eighth/Ninth Aves) 212-265-2060, hourglasstavern.com— This homey theater district establishment combines a warm atmosphere with hospitable service to get you fed and to the show on time. ($$$; American) HUMMUS KITCHEN 768 Ninth Ave (51st/52nd Sts) (212) 333-3009, hummuskitchen.com— Simple, fast and tasty Middle Eastern fare with a side of boy-watching. Additional locations on UES and in Murray Hill. ($$, Middle Eastern) K*RICO 772 Ninth Ave (51st/52nd St), 212757-9393— The latest venture from The Ritz owner Tommy Greco is this buzzed-about steakhouse with South American flare. ($$$; Steakhouse) KTCHN 146 E 44th St (10th Ave), 212-8682999, ktchnnyc.com— Located at the Out NYC, Ktchn hosts one of the best drag brunches in town with the Haus of Mimosa ladies. ($$$, American) THE MARSHAL 628 10th Ave (44th/45th St), 212-582-6300, themarshal.com— This farm-to-table establishment has a cozy ambiance with reclaimed wood and a huge wood oven in the kitchen. ($$; American) PIGALLE 790 Eighth Ave (48th St), 212489-2233, pigallenyc.com— Authentic French, reasonably priced, open 24/7. ($$$; French) PIO PIO 604 10th Ave (44th St), 212-4592929, piopio.com— Everything’s dished out

family style at this authentic Peruvian eatery. Treat your party to a few carafes of sangria. ($$; Peruvian)

UPPER WEST SIDE

PRINT 653 11th Ave, (47th/48th Sts), 212757-2224, printrestaurant.com— This Hellsea eatery makes a good impression with largely American, sustainable fare from executive chef Charles Rodriguez. ($$$$, American)

CAFÉ LUXEMBOURG 200 W 70th St (Amsterdam/West End Ave), 212-8737411, cafeluxembourg.com— As stylishly urban and civilized as ever, the Café remains a classic New York dining experience on the Upper West Side. ($$$$; French)

RIPOSO 46 667 Ninth Ave (46th/47th Sts), 212-247-8018, riposonyc.com — Over 70 sumptuous wines and Euro brews to match equally sumptuous Mediteranean cuisine. ($$; Mediterranean)

ED’S CHOWDER HOUSE 44 W 63rd St (Broadway/Columbus Ave), 212-956-1288, chinagrillmgt.com— There’s more than chowder at Ed’s: get some oysters and suck back a few specialty cocktails. ($$$, seafood)

ROOM SERVICE 690 Ninth Ave (47th/48th), 212-582-0999, roomservicerestaurant.com— Inviting and innovative décor sleekly matches spicy Bangkok cuisine for reasonable neighborhood prices. ($$$; Thai)

LE PIF 2058 Broadway Ave (71st/72nd St), 212-799-2253, lepifwine.com— This cute hole-in-the-wall wine bar has a friendly, knowledgeable staff, a menu of French delicacies, and a bang-for-your-buck happy hour. ($$$, French)

STECCHINO 765 Ninth Ave (51st/52nd St), 212-397-2377, www.stecchinonyc.com— Italian for “toothpick,” this HK eatery from the owners of Chelsea Grill adds European flair to American bistro fare. ($$$; American/Italian)

P.J. CLARKE’S AT LINCOLN SQUARE 44 W 63rd St (@ Broadway), 212-957-9700, pjclarkes.com— The grand old saloon continues to serve up style and tradition to a grateful New York across from Lincoln Center. ($$$; American)

TAVOLA 488 Ninth Ave (45th/46th Sts), 212–273-1181, tavolahellskitchen.com— This isn’t your run-of-the-mill dollar slice we’re talking about. Tavola’s wood fired pies will make you wax poetic on the home country. ($$; Italian, Pizza) THAI SELECT 472 Ninth Ave (36th/37th Sts), 212-695-9920,thaiselectnyc.com— A modern Thai menu inspired by international cuisine furthers the theory that Thai food is taking over Ninth Avenue. ($$; Thai) THERAPY 348 W 52nd St (Eighth/Ninth), 212-397-1700, therapynyc.com— Appetizing spreads and late-night munchies are served over two designer levels of young midtown professionals till 10pm every night. ($$; American) VYNL 756 Ninth Ave (50th/51st St), 212-974-2003, vynl-nyc.com— This gay favorite serves up classic American dishes with Thai flair. The pop-star themed bathrooms are almost as popular as the food. ($$; American) YUM YUM BANGKOK 650 Ninth Ave (45th/46th Sts), 212–262–7244, yumyumbangkok.com— Thai so delicious that it has rightfully taken over three corners of Ninth Ave! Authentic dishes served up with a decadent blend of East Asian spices. ($$; Thai)

UPPER EAST SIDE LIPS 227 E 56th St (Second/Third Ave), 212-675-7710, lipsnyc.com— Generous drinks and tasty food is dished out by dolled-up drag divas. ($$; American) LA PULPERIA 1626 2nd Ave (84th St), 212-933-0757, pulperianyc.com— Fresh ingredients on a sweet and savory menu of seafood and more. ($$$; Latin American) LE VEAU D’OR 129 E 60th St (Park/Lexington Aves), 212-838-8133— Truman Capote passed out here. Hemingway dined with Dietrich in the corner of this joyfully frail old school French eatery. ($$$$; French)

RIPOSO 72 50 W 72nd St (Columbus Ave/Central Park W), 212-799-4140, riposonyc.com— Over 70 sumptuous wines and Euro brews to match equally sumptuous Mediteranean cuisine at this second location of the HK favorite. ($$; Mediterranean) THE PARLOUR 250 W 86th St (West End/Broadway), 212-580-8923, theparlour.com— This noveau Irish gastropub offers far more than fish and chips (but they have that too!) ($$$, Irish/Continental)

HARLEM DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE 700 W 125th St (Twelfth Ave), 212-694-1777, dinosaurbarbecue.com— Lipsmacking dry-rub brisket and spicy wings in Brontosaurussized portions. ($$$, BBQ) RED ROOSTER 310 Lenox Ave (125th St), 212-792-9001, redroosterharlem.com— American palettes mingle with diverse neighborhood fare. ($$; American)

BROOKLYN BIZARRE BUSHWICK 12 Jefferson St (Bushwick Ave/Broadway), 212-304-0140, bizarrebushwick.com— Now in its second year of operation, Bizarre is known best for its Circus of Dreams burlesque show each Wednesday night($$, American) PIES N’ THIES 166 S Fourth St (@ Driggs Ave), 347-529-6090, piesnthies.com— The menu’s stuffed with southern comfort food favorites. Save room for dessert! ($$, Southern) ROBERTA’S 261 Moore St (White/Bogart St), 718-417-1118, robertaspizza.com— Everyone knows Roberta’s as the Vogue-featured pizza joint at the helm of Bushwick’s reinvention. ($$, Pizza) TANDEM 236 Troutman St (Wilson/Knickerbocker Ave), 212-386-2369, facebook.com/TandemBar— This Bushwick hotspot is known as much for its brunch as it is for its bar. ($$, Breakfast/Brunch)