In the past few years, almost a dozen sports bars catering to a gay clientele have opened around the country, including Crew in Chicago, Fritz in Boston and GYM Sportsbar in Los Angeles [the one in NY opened in 2005].

The sudden success has even surprised some proprietors. “Quite frankly, we had no idea that gay men and women really loved sports,” said Jennifer Morales, the marketing director of SideLines sports bar, outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The article does a disservice by not talking about Gym Sportsbar in New York specifically (I have to believe there’s some kind of politics there as it would be a no-brainer to discuss Boxer’s top competition at length). When they opened in Chelsea in 2005 they instantly became the hottest bar in the neighborhood and remained such for years.

I went to Boxers while in New York last month. It’s a really fun spot. Sports are playing everywhere, the music is upbeat, and the bartenders are dressed in only boxers (shocking, I know).

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This isn’t a big surprise. With the success of Gym Sportsbar on Eighth Ave., a second bar was sure to pop up. And with the dozens of gay-sports leagues representing thousands of members, and many more sports fans beyond that in Manhattan, we know both can succeed. Boxers will look and feel different from Gym; The former will have food, and the floor plan (check it out after the jump) features a “brick oven pizza station.” Stay tuned!

Note: Post edited Dec. 15 for location accuracy; I misread the location the first time.

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You’ll definitely find me watching football some Sundays and Monday at their new West Hollywood spot. Check out all their info in a press release after the jump.

GYM SPORTSBAR TO OPEN IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
America’s most popular gay sports bar, GYM Sportsbar of New York City is opening it’s brand new West Hollywood location on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.
The night will start with a private VIP Grand Opening Party open bar from 7-9 pm and will welcome the public at 9pm sharp. Featuring a front outdoor patio, 9 huge state of the art High Def TV’s, a projection wall and new sound system.
GYM Sportsbar West Hollywood will be THE place to
gather with friends to watch all of your LA sports teams, hang with your buddies or swing in by yourself and make new ones. GYM West Hollywood will bring the same commitment to amazing customer service, low prices and warm, welcoming environment that has made GYM New York such a fixture in the NYC GLBT nightlife community.
GYM New York has won numerous accolades including being voted NYC’s Best Happy Hour for several years running, New York’s best gay bar by AOL City Guides and one of the five coolest places to watch
the Super Bowl by the New York Post and Time Out.

GYM will feature a 2-4-1 happy hour Monday – Friday from open to 9pm, a Saturday and Sunday afternoon beer blast (perfect for kicking back and watching your favorite college and pro football teams), and amazing nightly drink specials from 9pm til close.

GYM West Hollywood will also strive to build on the strong ties to local and national GLBT sports organizations that GYM New York has fostered through sponsorship of many local teams, leagues, and national tournaments.

For everyone who has been longing for something truly new and different in the Los Angeles bar scene, your prayers have been answered:
GYM Sportsbar, West Hollywood opens on Oct. 2nd.

8737 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-659-2004
www.gymsportsbar.com
Hours:
M-F 4pm – 2 am
Sat-Sun 12 pm – 2 am

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