Good NYC bar to meet 50+ people for intelligent conversation?

[Writer415]

I’m not talking about for hire, though I will be perusing this forum for options on that count.

Just connecting as friends, and if I found connection maybe more.

I don’t do well in loud clubs. I feel awkward and so much is based on surface appearance.

I’d enjoy a quieter place where it’s actually possible to talk to people. I’m don’t wear bear garb and am not super into the club scene, though I appreciate that some people are.

is The Townhouse for me? Where else?

[Marc in Calif]

2 hours ago, Writer415 said:

is The Townhouse for me? 

I remember The Townhouse from the 1970s. Great that it's still around. What clientele does it attract these days?

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

3 hours ago, Writer415 said:

I’m not talking about for hire, though I will be perusing this forum for options on that count.

Just connecting as friends, and if I found connection maybe more.

I don’t do well in loud clubs. I feel awkward and so much is based on surface appearance.

I’d enjoy a quieter place where it’s actually possible to talk to people. I’m don’t wear bear garb and am not super into the club scene, though I appreciate that some people are.

is The Townhouse for me? Where else?

I like Ty's on Christopher Street.  I have not been to the Townhouse yet, but it's on my to-do list for my next NYC trip.

While I'm not yet 50, I tend to be among the youngest patrons whenever I go to Ty's.  I would guess the median age there is in the mid 40s.  I always have a good time there for intelligent conversation and sexy flirtations.

Edited May 18, 2024 by Vegas_Millennial

[+ nycman]

3 hours ago, Writer415 said:

is The Townhouse for me?

It’s certainly the bar that popped into my mind. Although I haven’t had any real  experience there since I was on the other side of the coin. Older distinguished gentlemen who enjoyed talking about their private clubs and the latest broadway musical. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. I will say that it was one of the more friendly bars in NYC. But again, I was on the other side of the coin then, so you need to factor that in. 

[BillyMan]

I think Townhouse fits the bill.  It is not too noisy, and some days the downstairs area is open, and that is quieter than the piano area.  I've had more conversations here than in other clubs/bars.  And kisses.

Mostly men, 20s to 80s.  Some with money, some looking for money, but I think most are not there for "transactions".

Edited June 12, 2024 by BillyMan

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

17 minutes ago, BillyMan said:

Some with money, some looking for money, but I think most are not there for "transactions".

Yeah, it's definitely not like Numbers in WeHo (RIP)

[viewing ownly]

From the stage at an open mic night. Must carry a bit of wit, and around 50 people, intelligent for being there to see you, will enjoy your company.

I actually miss the "underwear" comedy shows I no longer see advertised. They were fun, and 1 or two guys were worth looking at sans content. 

[+ sync]

I find the Townhouse a comfortable ambiance for my advanced age.  I also sometimes drop in at Uncle Charlie's because of its proximity to Grand Central Station.  When I've been there it's been generally a 30+ crowd that doesn't recoil from seniors.

In the better good old days there was a bar specifically oriented for seniors on East 53rd Street named the GH Club that was a hoot.  I was so hoping it would survive into my aging years, but it bit-the-dust some time ago.

[pleasureseeker]

OMG had no idea there still was an Uncle Charlie! Thought they all closed and I live in the city. Will check it out. Thank you 😎

[pubic_assistance]

4 hours ago, scrtlovr said:

OMG had no idea there still was an Uncle Charlie! Thought they all closed and I live in the city. Will check it out. Thank you 😎

I remember Uncle Charlie's. The old one on Greenwich was more of a hook up spot for 20 to 30 somethings than a place for intelligent conversation. I also didn't know that the name still survives. Personally, I never spent a lot of time in gay bars because in NYC you can meet interesting people everywhere and I've met plenty of gay men in mainstream bars, cocktail lounges, restaurants and even dive bars that weren't specifically a "gay bar". 

[CheckCar]

On 6/13/2024 at 4:35 PM, pubic_assistance said:

I've met plenty of gay men in mainstream bars, cocktail lounges, restaurants and even dive bars that weren't specifically a "gay bar". 

@pubic_assistance: Would love to know the names of some of those spots, if you can think of any. Thanks. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

7 hours ago, CheckCar said:

@pubic_assistance: Would love to know the names of some of those spots, if you can think of any. Thanks. 

LES:  Dirty French or the bar at Beauty & Essex.

Midtown: Russian Vodka Room, The Palm West, Joe Allen bar, Chez Josephine.

UES:  Bemelmans Bar (but get there early)

[+ nycman]

35 minutes ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

LES:  Dirty French or the bar at Beauty & Essex.

Midtown: Russian Vodka Room, The Palm West, Joe Allen bar, Chez Josephine.

UES:  Bemelmans Bar (but get there early)

And here I was just falling for your ginger bush.

I feel so shallow and cheap…..and that’s a good thing.

grin

 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

13 minutes ago, nycman said:

And here I was just falling for your ginger bush.

I feel so shallow and cheap…..and that’s a good thing.

grin

I mean, I could have made you feel like a 50-something Manhattan housewife and suggested the Regency Bar.

[CheckCar]

10 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

LES:  Dirty French or the bar at Beauty & Essex.

Midtown: Russian Vodka Room, The Palm West, Joe Allen bar, Chez Josephine.

UES:  Bemelmans Bar (but get there early)

@BenjaminNicholas: thanks for this list 🙂 

[Whippoorwill]

In NYC, and in travels around the world, I have had good experiences meeting guys in art museums, both for conversations and for play time. Of course you have to be interested in the museum. If two people are, they automatically have a subject of conversation, and there is a quiet ambiance in most museums. I guess the same thing goes for the opera, symphony, ballet, botanical gardens, swap meets, car races - whatever floats your boat. I guess what I am saying is that real-life situations, in daylight, are places to meet like-minded guys. And certainly any big city has no shortage of gay men who will be partaking in these activities. While I have enjoyed Charlie’s and the Townhouse, I have always found better results in more “real” situations. Plus, I do better sober. 

[CheckCar]

Bumping to see if anyone can offer updated recommendations. Thanks. 😊