The West Coast is great. How can you not love it? Perfect weather, tanned bodies, palm trees – it’s a gay (or straight) man’s paradise. But after hitting the West Coast top to bottom (so to speak), I wanted to get a taste of the East Coast and see how it compared. I mean, N.Y.C. does have some 50-plus gay and gay-friendly bars and clubs, and with New York City Pride right around the corner, I figured I would give my loyal readers a peek at a few hidden treasures often overlooked by the gay boys.

I was staying on 47th Street, right in the heart of Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen. Seeing as how there were quite a few clubs within walking distance, I kept an open ear for the hot spots in the neighborhood. Posh was the first bar that my boy and I popped into. Located at 405 West 51st, we were within stumbling distance of home. The interior was hip, a little trendy but very cool. It was definitely a small venue. There was a $2 mojito special and sick music by DJ Giuseppe, so the bar didn’t disappoint. The music was loungy; common in the city’s underground scene, but the vibe was a perfect fit for the atmosphere. A couple of shots and a few beers later, we stepped out the door and right into the open arms of N.Y.C.’s welcoming nightlife. Two men on a mission and hours to go, we braved the city streets to see what was in store for us…

Everyone needs a little Therapy, especially if it comes in liquid form. It was “Glamazon” on this particular evening, and the queens were out in all their glory. Candy Apple, LadyFinger and Caramela were just a few of the queens basking in the glitz and glam of this swanky N.Y.C. bar. At 348 West 52nd, between 8th and 9th, the good, the bad and the ugly all come together under one roof to enjoy the show and dance the night away. With a crew of around seven, the party lasted late into the night. Don’t miss this one!

After a few days of relaxing and taking in the sights, we made our way to the Upper West Side of Manhattan to check out the Westside Brewing Company. For the gay boys who enjoy a good brew, the Westside Brewing Company boasts more beer on tap than you could ever throw back, not to mention a fantastic food menu. With a few hours to kill, we dove in head first and indulged in almost everything they had to offer. The bar itself – huge! The staff was friendly and welcoming. They made us feel right at home. Four tall cold ones later and it was on to the next spot. If you make it to the Upper West Side, make it a point to check out this high-class but low-cost watering hole.

With so much to do and see, N.Y.C. will always have a place in my heart. The scene is one that few cities come close to, and the variety of men, women and ambiance is like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. Did I fall in love with the city? Yes, for the second time in my life. Will I be back there anytime soon? You can bet your ass, and as long as the East Side is still throwing down, the barfly will be there to give you what you want: more drinks, more beats and more men than you can shake your stick at. See you out there.