Nearly a decade after closing its doors, one of Chelsea’s most iconic nightlife venues has returned. g Lounge, once a cornerstone of queer culture in New York City, is back at its original location with a fresh look, new ownership team, and a slate of programming designed to honor its legacy while building something new.
A Revival of a Chelsea Landmark
Originally opened in 1996, g Lounge (also known as GBar) quickly became a cultural hub for the LGBTQ+ community. Known for its sleek design and wraparound bar, the venue drew celebrities including Anderson Cooper, RuPaul and Lance Bass, and even inspired scenes in “Queer as Folk” and “Sex and the City.”
The bar closed in 2016 and operated for several years as Rebar before shutting down again. In October 2024, longtime co-founder Michael McGrail, his husband Michael John Kay, and nightlife producer Juan Boria stepped in to bring g Lounge back to life.
“We wanted to restore the feeling that g Lounge always had, a place where people felt at home,” McGrail said.
Upgrades with Community in Mind
The new ownership team invested in significant renovations. The DJ booth, once tucked in a corner, now anchors a reimagined dancefloor. Lighting and sound have been upgraded, while new lounge furniture emphasizes comfort over minimalism.
“g Lounge isn’t just about parties,” Boria said. “It’s about connection, creativity, and celebrating who we are together.”
Programming for Every Crowd
The bar’s calendar blends nightlife with cultural and community-focused events. Weekly drag shows like Polish the Queen and Unleashed share the spotlight with international parties such as Brazil’s Treta Festa. Beyond the dancefloor, programming includes Draw and Drink, sober-friendly jazz nights, political panels and dedicated evenings for trans and nonbinary patrons.
Happy hour runs Sunday through Tuesday until 2 a.m. and Wednesday through Saturday until 9 p.m. Cocktails like the “gPaloma” and “gTini” sit alongside craft mocktails, beer, wine and light bites.
Honoring the Past, Looking Ahead
During Chelsea’s golden era, g Lounge stood out as a polished, stylish alternative to the grittier gay bars of the time. McGrail said that same vision drives the relaunch: a venue designed by and for the LGBTQ+ community.
“Back then, it was about bringing dignity and visibility to queer nightlife,” Kay said. “Now, it’s about doing that again, while making sure safety and inclusivity remain the heart of every decision.”
g Lounge is now open seven nights a week at 225 West 19th Street. A full schedule of events is available on Instagram, TikTok and at gLoungeChelsea.com.
