Cock Eyed Optimist

I had my first gay sex in NYC when I was 17. From then on for more than forty years, I lived in or played in the city frequently--I would estimate that at least 75% of all the sexual experiences in my life took place there. I knew all the bars in Manhattan and belonged to many of the sex clubs, and patronized all of the bath houses.
The last time I was there was almost a dozen years ago. The neighborhoods I knew had changed; I found that all the places that I knew were gone, and the gay scene was terra incognita to me. I don't even know if gay bars are still a thing there.

I first visited New York when I was 12. I had sold enough newspaper subscriptions to win a trip. This is 1960. We were 12 and 13 year olds. The first thing most of the guys did was buy Playboy magazines.
My last visit was in November. As much as I like walking in New York, the pandemic had left me out of shape so it was painful. Yet I persisted!

We're probably the same generation as I first visited New York in 1971 and then more frequently in the 80's and through the 90's and early 00's as an openly gay man. In that time I met men in the bars but also started hiring escorts.
Then for well over a decade after 2003 I didn't visit. Went back just before the pandemic but didn't stop in any gay bars. Had escorts visit me in my hotel each night, including two overnights. 
Frankly, at my age I'm not interested in the bar scene at night seeking hookups. I much prefer the screening I can do through Rentment when I am cold sober and in possession of all my faculties. 

From 1970 until 2004 I visited New York several times a year.  I had a great time at the Gayiety and many other bars.  I had the pleasure of meeting Cooper https://www.companyofmen.org/profile/257-cooper/ and Foxy and many others.  But when I came, it was like a business trip seeing as many Broadway shows as I could.  Now in my Swan Song years, I will come back one more time in late April to see again as many shows as I can, but could you recommend some gay bars to visit in the Midtown area?  I'm not comatose yet, so I can stand the action, but I am not familiar with the many bars I used to go to in my Salad Days.  Thanks!

From 1970 until 2004 I visited New York several times a year.  I had a great time at the Gayiety and many other bars.  I had the pleasure of meeting Cooper https://www.companyofmen.org/profile/257-cooper/ and Foxy and many others.  But when I came, it was like a business trip seeing as many Broadway shows as I could.  Now in my Swan Song years, I will come back one more time in late April to see again as many shows as I can, but could you recommend some gay bars to visit in the Midtown area?  I'm not comatose yet, so I can stand the action, but I am not familiar with the many bars I used to go to in my Salad Days.  Thanks!

From 1970 until 2004 I visited New York several times a year.  I had a great time at the Gayiety and many other bars.  I had the pleasure of meeting Cooper https://www.companyofmen.org/profile/257-cooper/ and Foxy and many others.  But when I came, it was like a business trip seeing as many Broadway shows as I could.  Now in my Swan Song years, I will come back one more time in late April to see again as many shows as I can, but could you recommend some gay bars to visit in the Midtown area?  I'm not comatose yet, so I can stand the action, but I am not familiar with the many bars I used to go to in my Salad Days.  Thanks!

I just returned from LeBOY and i Had a great. I met two great people. There is NO cover to enter and there is one , one time , fee of ten dollars to get a lap dance. You receive a wrist band and then you do not need t pay the fee again for a lap dance ...  There is an amazing out back patio space. They had some overhead space heaters which was nice because I was getting chilly. 

Most who have quarrels like this are smart to not risk their case by commenting publicly.  Giovani is drama and wears it proudly.  I'm all for being who you are unapologetically. But a business owner being greedy is hardly a crime. Mistreating dancers - I can't speak to that.  If it's true, file charges. But the things that come out of Giovani's mouth makes me wonder who would ever put him in any managerial role.  Let alone one where he's the voice of a company.  He's had to backtrack and apologize a few times for things that fell out of his mouth - but the apologies seemed far from heartfelt.

His positive contribution was getting the club's social media up to speed.  Most clubs are way behind on their social media presence.  Boardwalk posts the bear bartenders doing a GIF in the same pose every week - as if that'd get me to go.  They don't showcase the dancers.  Johnson's makes a good effort, but could do more.  But LeBoy has been the only one that would entice me to go just based on social postings.  However, Giovani's personality just irritates the bejesus out of me.  If he had his way, LeBoy would've become a drag bar.  The whole tirade he went on a few months back about customers complaining about dancers wearing high heels and so forth shows he really doesn't get how business works.  He threatened to ban any customers who didn't like heels and dared to express that.  In business, you give the customer what they want.  You can express yourself and fly all your colors to the world, especially in Wilton Manors, at a variety of clubs and protests.  But when you're on the clock and trying to make a dollar, give customers what they want.

For example, one thing that always puzzles me about clubs like LeBoy is the insistence on playing music the dancers like but customers have to tolerate.  That's one definite strength for Johnsons.  They play a lot of music that is catered to the customer's taste.  

Anyway, I'm rambling.  But a friend told me about this walk out thing.  I'd be surprised if it even happened.  And even more surprised if it made a dent.  I hope to have clubs like LeBoy, Johnsons and Boardwalk around for years to come.  The internet has done a number on the scene and it makes sense why.  Clubs have to step up and provide a level of personal service and an environment that Chaturbate or OnlyFans can't.

No cover at LeBoy. For lap dance, you buy a 10 dollar wristband (good all night and paid the first time you go in the back) and 20 a song (paid direct to the dancer). 

If you happen to be there on a Wednesday, so be it.  But I would not make a special trip for it.  
By the way...  and while it's scheduled to start at midnight, it's generally always running late.  So if you're on a schedule the next morning, keep that in mind.  

You can read the online version of Get Out! Magazine at link below
 
https://getoutmag.com/get-out-gay-magazine-issue-491/

Is there an online publication like HX that tells you what bars and clubs are doing each night?

In terms of actual strip clubs there are not any in Miami itself any longer now that Floppy Rooster is closed.  As noted there is Twist which has dancers, but the purpose of the club is not built around them.  
However if you go a bit north into Ft Lauderdale in the Wilton Manor area is 3…. Johnsons, LeBoy, and Boardwalk.  

I was in NOLA this past Sunday and Monday.  Went to Corner Pocket both nights but things were very slow. There were 4-5 strippers and not many customers.  I think you will have much better luck on a Friday or Saturday night.   I did not go to Bourbon pub or Oz.   Hope you have a great trip.  NOLA has always been a great place for me.  

Started our weekend fun at LeBoy on Thursday aka Towel Night. BIG changes (IMO) from our last visit. Boys were friendly, working the room, but not over done. Got there early .. too early. Thought about leaving and then BAM. Two hot fit young men approached us. It was ON. Had a blast. Twice in the back with my fav. All types from twinks to twunks to muscle (that man from Argentina. DAMN). Saturday night, back to LeBoy until about midnight. Off to Johnsons for a night cap. Alpha was the door man as he typically is. Shirtless. OMFG. Inside was packed. TOO packed. One totally HOT young muscle man was working a few men looking for private time off site. SO temped, but I declined. I saw one dancer from past visits that has clearly spent a LOT of time in the gym. Looked awesome. Tipped him on stage but didn't partake in the lap dance area. Next time for sure! Already planning a return visit when spring break crowds fade away and hotel rates drop.

There is a local play party (Grr-Friends Party on Facebook) that meets on Sundays at Cellblock.  The parties are called Sunday-Bunday.  On Instagram it is called "Sundaybundayparty"
 

Nothing truly private, but you can find a back corner and dancer on the lap for what I could see.  So nothing like truly private booth or anything apologies for not being precise. 

Stopped into the Corner Pocket on my last trip to NOLA on President's Day Weekend. 
Thursday night - admittedly - I was DRUNK, but hey it's New Orleans, and they expect that sort of thing.  The bar had a few customers considering it was after Midnight on a Thursday night, I was pleasantly surprised.  From what I recall, there were the usual local dancers & prolly one out of towner dancer with variety of body styles from twink, semi-trade, etc.  As other noted, don't expect to going there for the Twunk's or Muscles normally seen at Oz or Bourbon Pub.
Saturday night - it was a good sized crowd, good mix of dancers.  A few remembered me and my buddy from our drunken appearance on Thursday night closing the place down.  Same as before something for every body there as long as you're not looking for gym rat.  This time I noticed the bartenders were also amusing as hell.  I love a good strip club bartender with the right mix of sass/raunch.    Value wise - I didn't partake in any private dances.  Stayed at the bar, and acouple dancers came around after they left the stage.  I enjoyed myself and I'd go back as always.  
Sadly, I can't report what Mardi Gras weekend down there is like.  I'd hope they'd have some out of town talent come in and supplement their existing staff.   

Well....I guess it defines my attitude on life. I’m an optimist! And I just couldn’t resist that first word in my name!
Plus I love the song “Cock Eyed Optimist” from South Pacific.

Ahhhh….yes…..there was nothing like those parties at the Shoe, and there will probably never be.
Fond memories.

Back years ago, Man's Country (bathhouse no longer exists) had a stripper show on Saturdays.  The Shoe would run occasional private parties under different ownership. 
I didn't know how much I'd miss it when they weren't options anymore. 
so yeah, me three would be interested

The only window I have for a FTL trip is late April or late May. I’m way overdue for some Wilton Manors fun!

I finally made it down to Florida this winter, and of course went to LeBoy.  I was impressed by the renovation, but more impressed by the new pricing policy.  A wrist band for the whole evening that allows one to enter the lap dance area is only $10, and whatever you give to the dancer is his to keep.  Much more fair to the dancer.  There were dancers of all body types there that evening and I had a great time.

Been checking out their Instagram page. Looks like they are getting way more diverse. Some hot young men. I feel a road trip coming on.

I finally made it down to Florida this winter, and of course went to LeBoy.  I was impressed by the renovation, but more impressed by the new pricing policy.  A wrist band for the whole evening that allows one to enter the lap dance area is only $10, and whatever you give to the dancer is his to keep.  Much more fair to the dancer.  There were dancers of all body types there that evening and I had a great time.