New York’s most favoritest gay sports bar, Gym Sportsbar, opened in April 2005; and on their third anniversary this weekend they are (finally) able to unveil their much-anticipated downstairs space, lovingly labeled “the locker room.” The VIP party is Friday and it’s open to the public as of Saturday.
Gym has been the most popular bar in Chelsea since it opened, and its owners have supported just about every gay sports league in the city. It’s a great example of a community rallying around a business and the business giving back to the community. I must say, I’m rather biased toward Gym; it’s been my favorite gay bar since it opened. They have the friendliest bartenders, sports are on the TV every hour of every day, and the owners (namely Nick Leonard, Hal Gilenson and Rick Schmutzler) have been BIG supporters of (and participants in) the New York Gay Football League.
If you’re in New York City this weekend, go check out the new downstairs locker room. And if you’re not, remember it for your next trip to Chelsea. -Cyd Zeigler jr.
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I’m coming to New York next weekend, so I’ll try and check this place out. Goodnes, I hope that picture doesn’t indicate the attire at this place. Really, I’m leaving my jock straps at home.
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I’ve lived in NYC since 1996 and have never heard of this place. Guess I’m out of touch.
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
wetcnt: it opened in April 2005, so you’ve only been out of touch for 3 years.
I’m going to be in NYC for one day so perhaps canmark and I can check it out. I could be persuaded to bring a jock strap.
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Hey guys, definitely let me know! The bf is out of town next weekend, so I’ll be looking for trouble!
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
“Gym, the most popular bar in Chelsea” Haahahahahahaha.
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Well I’m and avid sports fan and when I went there I was really disappointed. I really thought it would be a bar filled with other gay sports fans watching the tube and having a beer but it was the complete opposite. Nobody knew anything about the sport. They only cared about who was cute…and what they looked like in uniform.
It’s a nice try but really, now with the locker room opening…it just adds to the stereotypical behavior of gay men towards athletes. No thanks. I’ll go to a traditional sports bar.
on Apr 16th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I’ve been to many sports bars, and they’re full of people who are half-heartedly paying attention to games or there to just hang with friends. I keep hearing this complaint about Gym, but I think people are trying to hold it to a higher standard than regular sports bars. Go down to Deuce on the Lower East Side - it’s a straight sports bar. They play music unless there’s a HUGE game on, and most of the people are just scoping out the chicks, talking and getting drunk - just like at Gym.
on Apr 16th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Sabre69,
What do you really expect from Gym Bar? Have you ever gone to ANY straight Sports bar before? There is no difference to me (other than lots more OPENLY Gay guys)
As a matter of fact, I went there for March Madness recently and the crowd was really into the games on TV.
I have watched ‘Big’ games there and frankly have been pleasantly shocked and pleased to hear the roar of the crowd when something exciting happens. The first time I went there for a ‘Big’ game, I actually got goose bumps from the fact that so many Gay men were so fired up over Sports!
Thank You GYM Bar!
on Apr 16th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Well guys I still disagree. I think you are missing the point here because a straight sports bar certainly wouldn’t open a locker room downstairs for guys to well, we all know what will happen down there.
Just telling you guys that when i was there comments like look at Derek Jeter’s butt or the size of Roy Oswalt’s stuff were mentioned more than the actual game itself. As far as March Madness, it’s a unique event that interests everyone so this is not a fair assessment. I like the bar, don’t get me wrong but it just didn’t meet my expectations of the “only gay sports bar in the City.”
And as for labeling me Sabres69, that just further emphasizes my point. My name is Sabres68 because I’m a huge hockey fan and I was born in 68. NYC Sports Fan-or Gym Bar Owner, don’t mock me for expressing my opinion please.
on Apr 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Now now children. No need to get upset here. Gym Bar is a good time and a fun place to check out that type of scene. And chatting about the hot guys is kind of the point of having a sports themed gay bar, you are safe to make those comments. If you want a regular sports bar, there are still plenty to pick from, but don’t show up to a gay bar and be surprised that gay guys are checking each other out. The stereotype of guys playing against stereotypes is just about as strong as the original. And which weekend are you old folks goin?
I haven’t been in awhile.
on Apr 20th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I think we’ll be going down this Friday night. Hopefully there’ll be an NBA playoff game on. Not sure what I should wear (what does one wear to a gay sports bar?): regular casual wear or something sporty (ie. I could wear my Raptors jersey or t-shirt, although the Raps won’t be playing that night)? We’ll see. I may have to coordinate my wardrobe with JiP and others.
on Apr 21st, 2008 at 6:54 am
What does one wear to a gay sports bar? Perhaps your cheerleader outfit!
on Apr 21st, 2008 at 10:28 am
I’m just wearing clean clothes of some kind.