The Townhouse of New York

Very unpleasant experience on my latest visit with the staff overall. It used to be a nice welcoming piano gay bar for everyone. Ive recently visited there two times, but the latest visit on a Monday late afternoon for happy hours, a hugh regret. I always enjoy to relax going to bars on first few days of the week as I never like crowds. There seemed to be an attitude issue of some staff working there perhaps only to non-frequent patrons. I couldnt ignore the subtle deliberate left-alone attitude treating me invisible, making me very uncomfortable indeed.

I feel privileged to be so warmly welcomed into The Townhouse. As a straight woman, I am sensitive about entering queer spaces. While my date for the evening was a gay man which made me feel okay about entering, the staff and all the other guests were welcoming and warm. The pianist that night, Alex, is sublime - talented, warm, and inviting. What a lovely way to spend an evening. Highly recommend.

Rob, the bartender, couldn’t have been kinder. Nor could he have made a more perfect drink. He ended my NYC weekend on the highest note and I wish him and this establishment all the best moving forward

A vintage piano bar in New York City is a charming and nostalgic establishment that harks back to a bygone era. The moment you walk into the Townhouse, you are greeted with an elegant and timeless decor, with dim lighting, plush seating, and vintage accents from a bygone era. The focal point of the bar is a polished piano, positioned prominently in the room and driven by talented pianists who are happy to engage with the crowd, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere.Some may consider such a bar pretentious, which is easily confused with intellectualism, confidence and reservedness, chief traits of their usual customer base. The townhouse is the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy a strong and comfortable drink in good company, minus the wandering escorts of course. Cheers!

I was kicked out because I wad waiting for my friend before to ask for a drink. They demanded to make an order right away.0 stars of 5 for the service. But ok. Capitalism won. Probably they just don’t know that loyalty converts to money as well.But I was here before. The music is always great.

Great place to meet mature men and tourists. Piano music. Pics were early as it was crowded later.

This is a more old school looking piano bar with three bar areas, two upstairs and one downstairs, with the piano being in the back room. Decent amount of space to lounge with a drink. Patrons skew older and more mature, if thats not your thing then probably not the place for you. I was here on a Friday night with a fun lady pianist with a nice voice and skills taking fun requests. Outside of the piano room, theres no loud blaring music so this place definitely tends more towards meeting and talking to new guys versus a more clubby atmosphere. No cover charge on the night I attended, not sure if there is one past a certain hour though (it was maybe around midnight?)

Definitely the classiest gay bar in NYC, but also the most boring. The clientele skew overwhelmingly older and past their prime, so I wouldnt bother going here unless out-of-shape old white men are your thing. That being said, the drinks are delicious and the staff is friendly, and the bar never gets too loud, which makes it a pleasant place to relax with someone you know.

Rudest place on the planet. DO NOT GO if you are in the area!

I’m from Bombay (now called Mumbai) India and visited this place 25 years ago, on my last visit to NYC. I was 38 years old then, well-dressed in a blazer; and I’m told I speak perfect unaccented English. Incidentally, I don’t look typically Indian.I came to the bar wanting to make FRIENDS who share my love of music, theater, opera and fine-dining. However, I was met with a faintly supercilious attitude, not outwardly or blatantly racist but a kind of closed, clannish WALL, which made me feel very much like an outsider.The place, however, was lovely and so was the restaurant a couple of doors down (is it still existing?) but I wish the clientele was less snobby and more welcoming.

Great Gay establishment that makes older men feel welcome. Always a nice, chill vibe with nice people.

While I understand the need for dress codes, I was disappointed by my recent experience at the Townhouse. Despite being dressed in a blazer, bow tie, and dress pants, I was denied entry due to my wide-brimmed fedora. This seemed inconsistent, as other patrons were allowed in wearing shorts. While I was offered the option to remove my hat, the policy felt discriminatory and illogical. Given the inconsistency, we chose to leave.

This is my favorite bar when I visit NYC. Depending on the day of the week it can be quite quiet or crowded and lively. Theres always entertainment but its also a gay bar where you can also hold a conversation. Theres a lively mix of age and types - and yes, theres a fair share of gold diggers but theyre in the minority. Take it for what it is - a friendly, neighborhood gay bar thats a fun place to spend an evening.

Nice and professional.After going to my favorite barber shop on 222 east 58th with my friends, we decided to stop by for a drink and really like it.i live in 10022 NYC, now i have best bar and best barbershop nearest to me. coming back in couple weeks

Lovely and friendly bar. Great prices and comfortable setting. Promotions are often held here, if you register on 909gay,com and create a profile, you can get a free private room for 2 hours and a free cocktail.

Not a good experience ... drinks taste like bootleg liquor and this short Mexican cocktail waiter bugged me all night to buy drinks from him. He was very pushy and aggressive. The musician on the piano was very impressive

I am obsessed with this place, amazing martinis

Excellent place in NY to meet other guys. Drinks are reasonable and service always good. Need to embrace taking credit cards as most of us don’t carry much cash. Cash also leads to dishonesty.

Just ok. Not very friendly. Last two visits resulted in my leaving my drink on the bar and going elsewhere. Can be a bit clickish with people chatting w/their known regulars and ignoring others.

The adage Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend didnt apply here. One of the rudest, nastiest bartenders Ive ever met in the rear bar. So unpleasant it spoiled the great music and what was a very comfortable environment.

We were on vacation and this nice piano bar, was only 10 min from our hotel. Very nice an quiet place to relax ñ,have a drink and wine the day.

Good voice for their new do-wap... wrong venue. Band would be GREAT in a hotel lounge or 50s venue. If your looking for Broadway it doesnt start until. 11pm.

There is a middle-aged bartender who forces you to order drinks. If you dont order, he will ask you to be kicked out.

Not my scene, but a cute place.Beware the grabby drunks!Apparently there is a club in the basement the owners call a lounge, but is too loud and full of dance music for me to consider a “lounge” but you do you boo.

Upscale gay piano lounge. Unfortunately for a cocktail lounge their selection of spirits is very limited as is their ability to craft even as basic a cocktail as a Pimms Cup. My fallback selection was a Manhattan which was imbalanced due to far too much bourbon.

Elegant and friendly bar. Wonderful location near Bloomingdales. Used to come here frequently when I lived in nyc. Miss it!

One of my favorite gay bars in the city. Not over-crowded, strong drinks, and reasonable prices. There was a wide range of ages there when I visited.

Fun place that shows the diversity of gay New York. Dont believe the hype about hustlers and lonely old men. This is the last vestige of civilized, old school, gay Upper East Side New York. Smart, friendly and refreshingly unpretentious. See it before it disappears.

Wonderful fun timeRick Unterburg Is a genius playing piano engaging every one. I cant believe I sang.My husband brough the house down with a few songs. I stays forever!!!

Great place to go and have drinks and listen to piano bar

The place is a timeless and reliable spot to get comfortable and hang out. Mark the Thursday night front bartender is really great

Great place to relax and meet really nice people and to sit around the piano. and sing a few songs.

Great place to meet up with friends and catch up. Fast, friendly bar staff. The piano bar is great too.

I had a great time here, great people and the piano room was cool, I was visiting NYC but did not feel out of place here, get ready to sing!

I give this spot two thumbs up. Nothing but great experiences here. It has a nice interior. Food and atmosphere reminds me of Kansas City.

I live in CA but I miss this place! I hope to see it again soon.

This place is always friendly and classy. Love the atmosphere. Upper East Side/Midtown East/Old New York vibe.

Drove from Connecticut to NYC, this evening and was turned away at the Townhouse.for not having proof of vaccination. NO WHERE in their ad does it say proof of vaccination required . If this is required it should be stated!

My favorite bar in New York. Great atmosphere. It fills up quickly, making it a challenge to reach the bar sometimes.

Love the atmosphere and wonderful service of the staff! The drinks were well made and deliciously created!I will return!

I travel least once a year to NYCmainly for the Holiday season to do some Shopping and just have a funtime eating out and a must too See a Show in Broadway.Evenig ist for a Visit to the Townhouse is such a LovleyPlace to have few Drinks with Friends and to liston to the Piano.I am from Germany and i will recommend this Bar ,then you willSee People with Suite and causel Dressed.

Had a nice time here with a friend a few months back, cocktails and music were great.

One of my favorite places to go to for a few Cocktails and live piano music all night long. Quite regularly there are some amazing singers that simply happen to stop by and treat us to a performance of a lifetime. Full of great people, service and wonderful musicians.

They took care of that Luann de Lessep, alright. How embarrassing. Luann, please just try to stay healthy and take things day by day.

My bag was stolen there and the staff wasn’t helpful and refused to check the security cameras to see who took my bag, and talking to people found out many people have been stolen there as well!

Cool vintage vibe, friendly staff, amazingly talented piano players/singers!

Great place!!! love the piano player and the amazing singer!!! old ambiance loved it!!!!

If you come to NYC expecting to live an Upper East Side experience from 90s TV shows, this is your place.

Great bar, friendly people.

Went there several times during July with friends. Always cool . Last Saturday , we had one round of more than 70 dollars but were charged twice the same amount . Mistakes can happen . We emailed 2 times using the email adress of manager mentionned on the website but emails came back non delivered. We went there personally last Monday afternoon and left a written note to the manager ( we were told our message will be given ) but no answer . Then we used the contact page of their website explaining the situation. : no reply… so now it is no more a question of a possible technical mistake … it is just robbery … so when there , if you leave your credit card , and even if you sign ONE BILL, keep in mind you can be charged two times the same amount …

I love this place. Always go there when I visit NY. The patrons and employees are very friendly.

It’s scary and sad to know two deaths happens in the 80s and once in 1993 to know two serial murders happen at this very lively old town house gay bar honestly after that truthful documentary I’d be hesitant to want to go back here. Been coming here in the early mid 80s

You are NOT a bar unless you have simple syrup and other accoutrement behind the bar.Youre just another dive gay bar.If you require patrons to have proper attire...I expect your bar to be properly stocked.Also having some friendly bar staff wouldnt hurt

Oh me...oh my....what eulogy I may say. This is a place, on Sunday at least, where old gays (unlike moi), go to....die. ( tears! tears! tears!). I stayed. Had a drink. Listen to the old gays, and an ancient woman (I actually liked her) sing their melancholy tunes... and I cried. And quietly slipped out... so as not to get clawed and stabbed by any of’em. Lol

Would give it no stars, got to the bar guy out front told me I couldn’t go in due to my cut jeans. Mind you I’m wearing suede boots and a button up. He reluctantly lets me in, and people here are wearing sweaters, track pants, shorts, and sneakers. Note it is a Sat night and I’ve been to many of Manhattan bars in acceptable attire. Meanwhile, regulation on the dress code, seems selective. Would not recommend.

Great place with very friendly staff and customers.Older crowd, but casual and easy to chat with someone, and the back piano bar is always packed.Never had a bad time there.

I like this place, nice vibes and good people. Nice servers. However, I can say the same thing about the tall bearded bartender, who was not very friendly and made terrible drinks; he also used flashlight multiple times at us.

One of the most amazing spots if you are looking a romantic night!

Ken is the best bartender:)

The place is fantastic. Amazing staff. The only bad thing is the feeling you are seen as an escort, maybe cause I am young. The rest is just splendid! 😉The staff is just amazing. Good guys, happy and funny 😄

Ive been coming to this place almost every week for a year, driving for 3 hours round trip from New Jersey. Unfortunately that ended yesterday. One particular customer had been disruptive and abusive towards the pianist and other patrons for several months, but management did nothing after repeated complaints. The pianist finally had enough and quit. I had joined a group of friends dubbed the piano family that followed the pianist for years, even staying strong during the pandemic. Yesterday that also ended (at least until theres a better venue). Its disappointing that management chose one rude customer over their own talent and other loyal customers. Luckily there are many other piano bars in New York City.

Best bar in NYC by far. Here in vacation for a few days and we ended each evening with a few drinks here. The prices are great, the staff and patrons are all very friendly, and we felt most welcome. Music at the piano bar really enhances the mood.

Good bar, good service and better environment

Classy gay bar for after work or a Saturday night out. 2 bars on the ground floor with a grand piano and a smaller, more quite bar at the basement. There’s a plethora of seating options (barstools, high tables, sofas, armchairs and even a loveseat!).The staff is in uniform and very professional but also friendly and they make good drinks. The clientele is mostly well dressed mature gay men that might appear clique-ish at first but they’re mostly friendly and down to earth people. Lots of tourists too.It’s my favorite gay bar in NYC.

I absolutely loved this bar from the time I graduated college. Being friends with the late great Rick at the piano, and showing up every Friday night to sing along with the incredible crowd was the highlight of my week. I look back at every moment with fondness and hope that everyone who goes there, gets to feel the same magic.

Super cute neighborhood gay bar. Drinks were good, Ozzie our cocktail server was very nice. Will definitely revisit next time I’m in NYC

Still the only civilised bar in Manhattan. Wonderful.

Visit here every time I’m in the city. Good vibes. When they say upscale it true but not in a pretentious way. Friendly staff. Priced appropriately. Never feel out of place.

A miserable place, mismanaged for years. The death of Rick Unterberg and the retirement of Michael Ferreri removed any possible reason to go to this establishment. AVOID.

Good drinks. Great staff. Piano bar is greatOlder crowd. Very comfortable

I want to sing your praises. I live on the West Coast, LA and Palm Springs. Every time I come into NYC, your establishment is my go to place. I have been going to the TH since it opened many many years ago. I wish there was one in LA. I am now 64 and it my type of establishment. I love the location, the lovely staff and the ambiance. Congratulations!!

I walked in with a $$$ tanktop ( not the one you wear at the gym nor go to bodega) I was rejected when we tried to order drinks, but notice most of the gentlemen there, were wearing fisherman shorts (no kidding)… kind of funny dress code requirements. May I suggest to review the dress code rules if you really want to have it…Wearing shorts and 80 dollar Polo Ralph does not make a place stylish at all.

I had such a GREAT time here, even when my bestie left me solo at the bar when he wanted to chat up a very handsome man.the bartenders are super friendly AND so are the patrons.deeeelightful all around

Come as a local or bring out of town friends — everyone enjoys it. The Townhouse is unique in the world, a distinctly New York flavor. It’s as much a neighborhood bar as a destination. You can settle in ... the brownstone type building is classy, safe and cozy in which the back room is an old-world feel where professional pianists bring charm, warmth and and talent. The owners and staff all make a great effort to make it feel unrushed and friendly.

Nice atmosphere for the after work suited Manhattan crowd

A landmark establishment that has consistently served the needs of the community for years. It’s a fun place to “let your hair down in”! Popular times are Happy Hour weeknights and late night weeknights and weekends.

Music is amazing! Sweet and charming men comes here often! The service is wonderful.

Friendly bar with strong cocktails and a piano in back.

Been to the Towhouse twice, both times on Friday nights. Nice friendly crowds and bartenders. Great pianist and singers around the piano. Mixed age crowd from the late 30s to ? Felt very comfortable and welcoming. Ill be back for sure!

One of the Best Bars for midle age persons worldwide. Located on the East Side near Central Park its the right place to enjoy tour nights in NYC.

Great place, attended last years Christmas Party...

Best gay bar in the worldGo there Friday or Saturday evening and spend the night around the piano with RicGreat waiters great drinks great fun friendly fellow drinkersI’ve never had a bad night at the town house in over 25 years

I come here everytime I visit the city. Great fun bar. I’ve met some of the most enteresting people from all around the world here. It’s always a great crowd.

A Manhattan landmark for decades. Pure class. Gorgeous men.

A great bar with an unfriendly welcome.The bar is fantastic, reasonably priced and was an all round great experience. Ive not been to a gay bar/lounge like it before. Nice dress code and friendly customers. Excellent barman who had lots of funny stories.However, a member of staff (I think from the kitchen) saw our British passports as we came in and felt the need to tell us what idiots we are for leaving the EU, how weve f*#k!d ourselves and the US and that we should be very proud.My partner and I were actually devistated by this news, we voted to remain in the EU and sadly the majority did not.If this bar/lounge would like to keep its cool tone, smart dress code and high standards, it should look into whether that member of staff should be allowed to interact with customers - he took a star off a five-star night.

One of my favorite places when I’m in the city!

A Classic Salon opens it doors to song, great conversation & libations. My favorite place in NYC

Great atmosphere strong drinks and great conversation. If you love a piano bar or a more chill gay bar vibe this is the place.

THIS IS MY HOME. NEVER DISAPPOINTED YOUR SERVICES. THANKS!

Came in with a group of friends two of which were visiting from out of the country. I knew the type of clientele that frequented the bar (mostly older gay men) but I thought it would be interesting to check out a show tunes gay bar.So we head to the back bar and I ask the bartender about the house wine. We saw online it was on sale for 6 dollars a glass and thought I would start off by buying a round for my friends while we scope out the ambience. The bartender immediately asked to see everyone’s ID. Fine I guess. I was the youngest of the bunch and I’m almost 30 and I had not seen him ask anyone else for ID. But fine I just dismissed it as they don’t usually get younger folks there so that’s why he’s asking. He then pulls out a flashlight and vigorously inspects my friends and I’s New York State ID’s like it was an ID from Mars. You can imagine how long he spent eyeing the ID’s my foreign friends had.So after checking ID’s he proceeds to help other customers then finally gets us our drinks. Mind you the drink special on their site said 6 dollar house wines and he charged me 9 dollars a drink. At that point I was really just annoyed because it was obvious we weren’t welcome. I didn’t even bother mentioning the price discrepancy because I was scared of him causing some type of scene to embarrass my friend and I even further. I honestly don’t know what was more dry, the bartender at the back bar or the wine he served us.I’m leaving 2 starts because everyone else pretty much let us be and gave us no issues. Perhaps this bartender is friendly to his usually clientele but it was obvious that he did not want us there. I may check this place out sometime in the future and re evaluate my opinion.

Ideal place to meet special people. Excellent service.

Ok I buy a Stella I pay with my debit card and I say “open” so the bartender just say the minimum is $10, so I said is ok. Just keeping open. But... he don’t say nothing and I pay $10 for a beer. More expensive! Just because firs he decide I have to pay and then he say “ we don’t keeping open”!So bad actitud!

Wonderful Neighborhood Piano Bar…Rick Unterberg & Michael Ferreri are excellent pianists & entertainers!

This place is like if Elton John came to your house party. :D

Nice social bar. Great drinks.

Place was not very crowded, the service was okay, I dont know how they stay in business.

Smart, Sophisticated NYC atmosphere that is warm and welcoming!

I don’t have anything against older gentlemen wanting to get their rocks off, but when pretentious attitudes pervade the atmosphere (by old and young), it spoils the otherwise potentially charming vibe.

Not so friendly to Black transwomen.Two gays spoke and the bartender smiled and kept my glass flowing for his tips.For me I hold my own.I probably will take a visiting friend.

Excellent bar

Good place to visit

Great experience, nice people.

Absolutely Brilliant

The jury is still out on this one...

Just the place i needed.

👌🏻👌🏻

Iconic!

Fun and fancy bar.

Fabulous welcome back

Good place

Cool

More of a club than a bar, with a refined clientele and an average age of 45+. Great for those who like to sing, as there is a pianist who plays songs from Broadway musicals and anyone who wants can sing! Check out the schedule for events!

Simply the best gay place I have ever visited in my life...if you like older, elegant and very New York-style men you cannot miss going, the place has a sense of the classic with a piano that gives it the Exact warmth to make friends and enjoy music. The drinks are excellent, the service is very good and the people are very friendly and enthusiastic!I really hope to return soon I was happy in that place!

A place with a good atmosphere, live piano music. Delicious daisies

Excellent fun and friendly space. Fabi the bartender is very friendly

Good atmosphere