Candle Bar

This bar has been here a long time, but apparently some guys haven't found it yet. Too bad. The drinks, staff, and crowd are all great. It's quite unpretentious and welcoming. It seems I end up here whenever a special occasion takes me to New York: Gay Games 1994, my ABC-TV taping in 1999, last week revisiting ABC...and I always have a great time. I should go more often!

This place has been operating as a gay bar since the mid-60's when I first went there - unlike Julius's in the Village, which was still trying to keep gay men out at that time. Whether it was as the Candlelight Lounge of forty years ago or today's Candle Bar, it has always been a friendly spot.

Under new ownership, Candle Bar has changed its hours, now opening at 4 pm. Still a welcoming neighborhood place for West Side Gays, now has a Karaoke night. Pool table still a popular draw, as is the terrific, very musically diverse juke box. As it gets late, Candle Bar is a great spot to meet a special guy. Runs the age gamut from 20s to 60s. very friendly bartenders.