Rise Bar

This was the first bar I ever walked into in New York — and it was also where I had my very first weekly show. So of course, it’s always going to hold a special place in my heart. On top of that, I genuinely love the music, the energy and the people. It’s always a fun time, and every night feels like a celebration.

I always have a fun time here with friends. Music is good, good happy hour and the drinks are good too.

May come off basic to include a gay bar in this list but Rise Bar is always a reliable pit stop for Happy Hour. Their 2-for-1 drinks, music, and crowd is a great way to kick off any night — even if it's a random Tuesday.

Great staff, great drinks, vibe, drag brunch — and it’s awesome to see the same local people after work to chat and catch up.

Rise has become an old standby to meet friends for a drink or have a good time. I’ve known Teddy (the owner) dating back to his days as a bartender at The Ritz.

A friendly and fun neighborhood bar, a good place to mingle with a good looking crowd. I have a special connection to this place as one of my good friends used to be a DJ there before he passed — DJ Xavier. Also I’m still so impressed at how perfectly they executed business during the pandemic. (And they have seriously delicious bar snacks!)

One of my favorite places to dance!