The Boiler Room
Pub/Tavern · Dive Bars · New York, NY
About
A mixed crowd of NYU students and locals keeps this East Village dive bar low-key. The Boiler Room's jukebox plays actual good music, with regulars actively skipping Lady Gaga when someone tries. Drinks are among the cheapest for gay bars in the city, with mixed drinks at $3.75 and cheap beers available.
The space is straightforward: a bar along one wall, a few tables, a pool table (sometimes unused), and a small lounge by the bathrooms. Happy hour runs daily, and there's outdoor seating when weather permits. Weekend nights (Thu-Sat) are busiest, but the vibe stays casual any night.
Located in Manhattan's East Village, a neighborhood known for its dive bars, nightlife, and NYU student scene.
Features
- ✓Mixed drinks from $3.75, one of the cheapest in town
- ✓Pool table and exposed brick walls
- ✓Outdoor seating and happy hour daily
- ✓Rainbow flags hanging from the ceiling
- ✓Jukebox music, no DJ
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 188 reviews. 109 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
I used to love Boiler Room. It was one of the first bars, gay or not, I ever went to. That was when Nana and the crew worked there. I moved away to London, and when I came back, I went for my birthday. I was really excited. I had the worst experience I have ever had in the East Village. A bartender with gray hair and a terrible attitude made it very unpleasant. I will never go back. There are many better options.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Skip it Unless You're a Local.”
I visited on May 22, 2016 at 1:00 AM. The Boiler Room has a bar along one wall, several tables in the middle, a small lounge area in a corner near the bathrooms (which were gross), and a pool table that nobody was using. I paid $8.50 for a rum and cola. Good things were the rainbow flags hanging from the ceiling and exposed brick walls. Bad things were that the crowd was mixed but everyone kept to themselves. I won't come back.
A guest · Over a year ago
Cheapest drinks for gay bars in New York City: $3.75 for mixed drinks and cheap beers. It's pretty fun and I'm always here, but I wish they would have a live DJ instead of a jukebox. A big plus is they always skip Lady Gaga when someone tries to play her.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Typical E Village”
It's small, cramped, and screams East Village. If that's your thing, you'll love it.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Best Drink Specials and Hot Boys”
We love Boiler Room! We're always there sipping $3.50 cocktails, listening to good retro beats, and flirting with the cute hipsters and scenesters that fill the historic bar. We always meet cute guys.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code? +
No dress code specified. The casual, divey atmosphere suggests standard casual wear is fine.
Does The Boiler Room serve food? +
We don't have confirmed food service. The bar offers drinks and happy hour specials.
What are the best nights to go? +
Yelp data shows Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings are busiest. Hours extend to 4am on those nights.
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