Walk in at street level to the bar/piano lounge piano bar which looks like it hasn't changed in 30 years. But don't let the decor discourage you, pull up a stool and the friendly crowd and fun singers will have you hooked. For a change of pace, work your way downstairs to find drag shows and a dance floor.
2nd place in Best of GayCities 2022 - Nightclub
A Monster of a Bar :-)
The Monster bar is across Sheridan Square from the Stonewall Inn. Monster has an oval bar (complete with beefy bartenders!) and open lounge area with a piano bar upstairs. Downstairs is a big dance floor area with a long bar along one wall. A stage for the go-go boys and a DJ booth are at one end of the room. Monster has all kinds-- bears, drag queens, women (real ones), queer punks, and muscle guys but mostly men. When I was there in the wee hours of 5/18/14 I paid $7.00 for a rum and coke, and the cover charge was ~$9. Two buff dancer guys were on the go-go stage. The only real problem with this bar is it only has one (unisex) bathroom. I think Monster would be a good substitute for the now-closed Splash Bar. Yes, I would go back.
Aaaaand...I revisited on 6/21/22. I paid a $10 cover charge and $10-$12 for a _dinky_ rum and coke. Monster was crowded, especially downstairs where the stage, plinths, and dance floor are (and the lap dance area.) The piano player for karaoke was novel and enjoyable. The "Spunk" go-go boys were a diverse group of buff guys. I got a lap dance from the short but amazingly solidly built Latino musculoso ($70 but well worth it.) He was awesome! I will definitely go back next time I am in NYC.
Unwelcoming bartenders
Some of the bartenders are very rude. I'm standing in the bar holding my money - which means I want to buy a drink. They look at me and as if i was invisible; they continued yapping with each other. I asked one of the customers their names , I was ( Patrick & Rodrigo) They should not work that involves people. I left & went to another gay bar and got welcoming reception from the staff.. if Monster does not want my business, I'll take it elsewhere... as simple as that..
Nothing
Thursday August 29th! SAINTHOOD in the basement disco with DJS Lorant, Chauncey D & Anjyl with a live performance by Sir Charles!! 10pm No Cover!
This place has become a super fun hangout again! Downstairs club is *alive* on Saturday nights!
NASTY RUDE BAR STAFF!!
I have never been to a bar anywhere in the world (including the UK, Australia, Asia, America) where the bar staff have been so rude, vile and unwelcoming - avoid like the plague!! I will never go back. If I want to be treated like a piece of shit on a shoe I'll visit the Westborough Baptist Church)! Fuming and disgusted with this excuse for a gay bar! Yeauch!!
Great Evening
I know this is going to age me, but I loved walking into a bar and recognizing all the music that was being played. It was a fun night.
monsterS
I understand why they call it The Monster. Scary group of regulars from the day it opened. Not sure they ever left. Really gross.
Great place and variety of music
fantastic staff good music on both floors I highly recommend it if you're visiting New York Mondays is Latino night
I had so much fun ! but...
I had so much fun but I didn't give 5 stars because of the attitude of the doorman because someone in the line told me the password to get it. We were a group of tourists and I think they could have been more welcoming.
Sunday Time Travel
Sunday afternoon happy hour at The Monster is like traveling back in time. Terrific DJs such as Lady Bunny play a variety of '70s dance favorites and it's a blast to just sip a cocktail and watch men of a certain age take over the dance floor and relive their glory days at Studio 54.