Playhouse

I’ve had a few fine experiences here, but the past few times I’ve gone, it’s just not been the vibe! The DJs are playing all current music, most of which is mid tempo and not fun to dance to. They pack people in like sardines on the weekend. I understand you want to make money, but not having any room to move/breathe isn’t really a fun experience. They should at least moderate the amount of people in at a time, especially if you’re charging a cover fee. And to top it off, most of the clientele the past few times have just been straight people, which is really off putting for a queer person trying to go to a queer bar hoping to be amongst their kind. Yes, you can’t help being in a highly populated tourist area, but at the same time, the setup/music is kind of appealing to them…

The drag queens are great but the bar over indexes on them. Rather than playing music and peppering in fun drag performances, they force the drag queens to engage in a one hour SNL performance. Which is a lot to ask for anyone. Brings the mood down in a big way.

Bar is so overly packed on weekends because they want to make money - which in return makes the experience as a patron terrible being shoved by nothing but STRAIGHT people. Great if you’re an ally but remember you’re in a gay/queer space and being rude is unacceptable. Terrible time the both times I’ve been. Highly DO NOT recommend

This place is very sketchy and dangerous! Me, my husband and some coworkers went there last Saturday. My coworker lost her coat, another coworker was asked to pay entry fee again after just stepping outside and coming right back in, my husband got drugged I’m pretty sure and came to find out that he got overcharged insanely. Been trying for to call the place all day but the number they have on Google takes me to voicemail. I am blown away that this happened in West Village !!!! EDIT: Thats the owners reply. I guess that’s all I need to know. Also, my husband blacked out after 3 beers there and had no idea what happened most of the night. And if you scroll down a bit, there are similar reviews about people being drugged at your place and how you refused to show your camera recordings to the police. So you should literally be investigated

My partner and I have been coming to Playhouse for years. It used to be one of our favorite places, we were regulars. We’ve been back on a few occasions but unfortunately, since the change in staff and ownership, the atmosphere just isn’t the same.

Great night of drag and dancing! Cover was $5 on a Sat at around 10, and 2 queens were finishing up their show. At around 10:30, they cleared the tables out of the way for dancing! Music started out ok but was VERY good about 15 mins in. Well drinks were about $12 which isn't terrible for the West Village and they were pretty good. Note: 2 drink minimum for credit cards! I even got to meet RPDR alum Xunami Muse, randomly! Coat check, bar backs, security, and bartending staff were really nice. They know what they're doing here for sure and we'll definitely be coming back!

first time at a gay bar and it was really fun. drag performances were funny, animated, and entertaining. bathrooms are cleaner than i expected, but be prepared to wait in line as there are only 6 stalls. as for drinks, i payed $11 for a rum and coke.