Bars

The Toolbox

Neighborhood gay bar located on the Upper East Side

New York, USA

4.5

186 reviews

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Neighbourhood

New York

About The Toolbox

The Toolbox is a small, gay-owned neighborhood bar on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Friendly bartenders, an informal crowd and regular community-focused events give it a local feel that is increasingly rare in New York City’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. Rather than a sprawling club, expect a compact room suited to casual drinks, conversation and low-key event nights. Past programming has included bingo, karaoke and charity fundraisers, with the latest schedule shared through the venue’s official channels. It is a useful LGBTQ+ stop for anyone staying uptown or looking for something more relaxed than the bigger Hell’s Kitchen bars.

What to expect

A small, friendly Upper East Side gay neighborhood bar with affordable drinks, regular events and a more local feel than the Midtown mega-bars.

Vibes

Cocktails Outdoor Area

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

It is one of very few dedicated LGBTQ+ bars on the Upper East Side.

The room is compact and intentionally casual.

Check the venue’s social channels for bingo, karaoke and other event nights.

Visit The Toolbox

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Address

The Toolbox Bar, 2nd Avenue, NYC, NY, USA

Phone

+1 212-348-1288

Opening hours

Closed now

Opens Thursday at 14:00

Monday: 14:00–02:00 Tuesday: 14:00–02:00 Wednesday: 14:00–02:00 Thursday: 14:00–04:00 Friday: 14:00–04:00 Saturday: 14:00–04:00 Sunday: 14:00–02:00

Location

The Toolbox Bar, 2nd Avenue, NYC, NY, USA

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Location

The Toolbox

The Toolbox Bar, 2nd Avenue, NYC, NY, USA

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WhereIs.Gay rating

4.5

186 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

WhereIs.Gay
4.5
Google Maps
4.5

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Milan Kumar

a month ago

We went here for karaoke night and although there wasn’t a huge crowd in that night, the bar seemed way nicer and fun compared to the others I’ve been to in a few other cities. Matzah Belle-Soup was friendly and hilarious which made the experience amazing. Without her it probably would’ve just been like a regular bar with gay people having drinks.

Review from Google Maps

Nick Jacobo

5 months ago

Love this bar. It feels so homey and personal compared to others. Game night. Trivia. Drag queens. It’s always a good time! You feel like family when you’re here!

Review from Google Maps

Leo Finkel

4 months ago

Very friendly staff. Always a fun time. Highly recommend for drag shows.

Review from Google Maps

Maya Arroyo Burton

a year ago

David is absolutely wonderful! He makes sure everyone feels welcomed! He also makes a strong drink which I love. I will absolutely be back on Weds.

Review from Google Maps

Ashley Stanton

a year ago

Great neighborhood bar! Everyone is so friendly (Mason is the best!) so it’s a great experience every time. I have also met a lot of wonderful people from the neighborhood. You can’t beat their Happy Hour and lovely air conditioning in the summer. UES staple for sure.

Review from Google Maps