Hotel bars may be as ubiquitous as A.T.M.s these days, but how many cater specifically to queer patrons? No Bar, which opened in February at the Standard hotel in the East Village, is one. In addition to the usual gay bar trappings (“RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing party and bingo night), it also hosts speed dating and a Wednesday lesbian night called “Slather!”
While some visitors hail from the five boroughs, others come down from their rooms. “I really considered the history of the area, what the neighborhood needs, and the future,” said Angela Dimayuga, the creative director of food and culture for the Standard, who calls the project her baby. “We’re reimagining what a New York City gay bar is.”
The Place
The bar is just south of Cooper Triangle, on the ground floor of the Standard, East Village hotel — part of a mini-campus that includes a restaurant, cafe and garden. Inside, round lighting fixtures hang from the ceiling like fat drops of water. Sky blue tables are scattered around the front. An L-shaped marble bar anchors one side, and semicircle banquettes line the other. A large disco ball sends flecks of light bouncing off a wall of mirrors.
The Crowd
On a recent Saturday, a half-dozen 20-somethings in space buns, baby-doll ruffles, a Pikachu backpack and other 1990s adornments held court on the dance floor. As the night progressed, others joined, and many seemed to know each other. Two young men arrived from Chinatown and Harlem. One of them, shirtless in overalls, said he came alone but wasn’t anymore.
Later, a man in his 50s with silver hair sat down by himself. He was in the city on business, he said, and he and his husband were staying in the hotel. Though some people may think having a gay bar as hotel bar is strange, he said, he thought it was daring.
Getting In
No cover. A bouncer under a neon sign checks IDs.
The Playlist
DJ No Sesso (Italian for “no sex/no gender”) played dance remixes of 1990s and 2000s pop. The dance floor erupted when “Act Up” by City Girls came on.
Drinks
Cocktails are inspired by global flavors. Spill the Tea ($13) has bourbon, mezcal, caffè amaro, rooibos, vanilla and mole bitters. Matcha Haze ($14) features gin, mezcal, matcha and CBD. (CBD can be added to any cocktail for $5.) A few wines, beers and ciders are on offer, and the food menu includes rock shrimp and schmaltz popcorn.
No Bar, 25 Cooper Square; 212-228-3344; nobar.nyc. Open Sunday to Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Thursday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
