The Toolbox Bar

My partner and I went here last night for a drink. Weve been living on the UES for 6 years, and we always hated that there werent any gay bars on the UES. We never really gave this place a shot but decided to try it out (it has pretty good reviews after all). Honestly, Im sorry to have to write this, considering what some people have said about the place.We did not have a great experience like the other reviews, sorry to say. It was not a welcoming place by any means. It just seemed like a bunch of regulars that looked at us like we were from outer space when we walked in. No one seemed friendly or welcoming at all. The complacent bartender couldnt even be bothered to crack a smile when I smiled and said hi to him and then spent$26 of my money. Thanks for that. lolThe crowd was all pushed up to the front of the place for some reason and no one was utilizing the lounge area in the back, so I felt like I had nowhere to go when people were walking by. The walkway is like one body wide when people are sitting at the bar...it was claustrophobic and made me anxious. We had no choice but to weave our way to this sad table by the front window of the place and then thought....we could just be at home drinking for less money. lolThe place served absolutely no benefit to our night. We couldnt finish our drinks fast enough....and we then split. Sorry guys. Try again.PS Id just like to add that I often get attitude and a lack of enthusiasm from many bartenders at gay bars, especially in HK. So I was hopeful that this place would be different seeing that it was in a different neighborhood, one of the few of its kind on the UES, etc.....it turns out its the same all over!! Who knew?!! LOLIts unfortunately just pretty common nowadays at these places I guess.

It was such a great place ! Highly recommended and really hot and great service from the bar tender

Not very POC welcoming. Music is okay you have to pay a lot to have your song play and even then it’ll be a remix or sample of the song of a POC artist … unless it’s Beyoncé go figure

An oasis on the UES, super friendly, long standing local gay bar.

My go to bar that I go to 2-5 times a week. I feel so at home here and love the owners, bartenders, and customers. Great drinks and fun vibes. Come to the toolbox for a good time!

Decent drinks, cute bartenders, and nice ambiance. The only complaints I have are about the space itself (super tiny venue; its very easy to feel a bit cramped with more than 10 people in the bar). All in all, a pretty fun time, even late on a Wednesday night because the music is bumping and the staff is great.

I love the vibe of the place. The music was great and there were lots of people hanging out. A pretty diverse crowd of people were there.That said, it was a little too small for me. I’m a big guy and getting in and out wasn’t too problematic, but I had to squeeze past a few people at the bar.It’s a bit loud, so probably not a great place for conversation. But bopping to tunes and making out should be fine.

Bingo time! This is not your grandma’s bingo! No “bingo arms” necessary. The Tool Box Bingo reboot is so much fun! Two sessions every Monday night! Friendly staff and great service. My favorite new cocktail is the passion fruit lemonade! Come one come all. You won’t be disappointed.

Ill admit it gets bonus points for the super cute bartender (whose name escapes me, but youll know him when you see him), but the drinks were quality, decent prices for NYC and the atmosphere was pretty nice, especially for the small size. Highly recommended.

Good vibes!! very accepting of all!

I have loved the toolbox for the last 6 years, but Jack made me feel uncomfortable.Luis made my first drink. A normal pour. Luis is great.I asked Jack for my second drink. He under poured by 30-50% - I am unsure as to why. I made a joke to Luis about his pour. I then asked Luis if I could add redbull to my drink, as a silly solution to the 0.5 ounces of Espolon that Jack put in my drink - he agreed.The third drink I asked for came from Jack once again. Jack poured a drop (Luis was off for the night), or two, or three, of Espolon into my drink, and I said something to effect of “Well make it 4, then.” Jack responded, “Are you going to pay for 4?” I took a beat and walked out as I prefer to discuss things “professionally.” I returned and asked for my check, which had been closed out on my behalf. I asked why the check had been closed out. Jack said I had, “Stormed off.” I was under the impression I had walked away from a situation which Jack had been creating. I felt walking away from the situation had been the mature response.The point of this review is simply to say that, while I don’t know what Jack is going through to treat me like this, he also remains clueless as to my recent experiences, which have been traumatic. And I went to a place, The Toolbox, that I have felt safe the last 6 years, and suddenly, I didn’t feel safe. I want to return to toolbox. I want to repair the silly damage that has been done. But when I needed a silly little bar the most, it failed. I will no longer be returning to The Toolbox due to Jack.

Best bar!

Worst bar in the city. Capacity is about 20 people! You can’t get a drink because they don’t enforce a service only area to get drinks. The walkway in the bar is max 2 feet wide. When people stand at the bar you literally can’t walk past. I don’t know how the fire department doesn’t shut it down for safety reasons!

Absolutely funny place! Super friendly bartenders. Clean restrooms. Karaoke night was great! We had lots of fun.

Great staff. Great vibes. Fun drag shows. Good music.

I went there a few times during my stay in Manhattan and I had a good time

Atmosphere is meh and the dj always plays way too much death metal... at least the sardine souffle was a sensual pairing for shiraz at dinner time!

Most amazing BAR EVER!! Come have fun.. great drinks, cheap drinks and fun exciting locals and the bartenders are the best u will find in NYC...

This is the best local staple for year. I love this place! Get their green tea shot!

I used to live half a block away and moved downtown. I still make it up regularly to my favorite gay dive. Avery playing my jams butters the toast that was already getting jellied.

Nice local gay bar in the upper east side. They have happy hour untill 10pmish so it is a good place to start your Friday/Saturday evening.

Half coffee, half alcohol, all bar. Spelling isnt a strong suit here, but the drinks are made right, and the music is on point. The bartenders are all pretty chill but dont tell them I said that.

Horrible customer service from when I arrived at the bar. I’m too drained to go through the scenario but I noticed it was merely a chicken with its head cut off from all staff. I hope things change before things get back to normal.

The best and only gay bar in the upper east! Good times, nice drinks, great friends! Cheers☺

I loooove this place. Great staff and friendly people. Bingo nights....my favorite. I live half my time in Buenos Aires and half time in NYC. When in town, this is my go to place

Best neighborhood bar I have been too. Everyone is amazing and friendly.

Iconic upper east side barGreat cocktails and showsI highly recommend

Love coming to the tool box! Bingo nights on mondays are a blast and it’s such a chill local spot to come to weekdays or weekends!!! 😊

Cozy gay bar, love it here and only been once. Good drinks :)

The Toolbox is the best!! Milo and Nico are two of the best bartenders on the Upper East Side :)

Such a fun spot! Great music and friendly staff - was quite pleasantly surprised :)

I really enjoy this place. Friendly and great drinks.

Mmm. nice and friendly quiet bar. music was terrible, mostly pop, but not the good kind of pop. beyonce, ace of base, britney, etc. definitely not for an older crowd. more appropriate for a younger clientele. at least, on a wednesday early evening. it might be more fun at other times. bar service left much to be desired, young bartender, not seasoned, not rude but not the most attentive or engaged. i’d definitely give it another chance but was disappointed for my first visit.

Nice place to have fun with friends .

Love this place. Great music, low key, chill, long tradition, great stuff

Love the atmosphere and the people who work here . . First time going and I had a blast! Thanks

This is the worst gay bar ever…. Less and less people are going there.Don’t waste your time at this place.

This place is awful. Bartender was very inattentive. And the atmosphere sucks. Very small.

I love this local neighborhood bar. Atmosphere is fun, friendly and inviting. It’s typically regulars here and it’s a great place to have a beer and meet new people. The entertainment is great too!

Amazing team, lovely atmosphere.

Fun bar! Great music and awesome happy hour!

Great bar with heavy pours and a good atmosphere.

Small space. I walk in every once in a random while. Hasnt changed in the past decade.

Honestly …. The best hole in the wall on the UES! I’m warning you though; It can get pretty packed with lots of attractive men rubbing up against you as you order a drink at the bar, while they squeeze past you. And let’s not forget to mention the outstanding service from the hot bartenders to the cute coat check boy. Trust me, you’ll have a great time and make some new close friends, of course after you take them home first ;)

Very crowded and it’s a small space

What a spot! I’m socially awkward and usually don’t like to go out. But The Toolbox has the fix for me!

Its really cramped but everyone is so fun nd down to earth

Great bar good music... love this bar

Went here recently for the first time despite living only a few blocks away for two years. So much fun! Good drinks, great music, and they had a fabulous drag queen making me laugh and smile all night. Great place!

Great place that takes requests for music!!! Def will come back!

I had a lot of fun here. Got here on a Tuesday around 8pm and the crowd was very diverse. Love that. Great Happy Hour. Victor is awesome. I am glad I moved into this neighborhood. Will definitely be back.

When I came there around 9 pm Friday night I was going to drink beers and chat with my friend. A little after 10 pm they turned the volume up and it was impossible to talk. So I asked the bartender to turn the music down a bit. He nodded but I didnt notice any difference. So I asked him again. He nodded. Again, no result. So I asked him the third time. He acknowledged me but never turned the volume lower. My friend and I finished our beers and left.What kind of animal treats people like this?I dont care about your happy hour or affordable drinks if you cant care less about the customers who come to chat by the table and not dance by the bar counter.

I love this place! I am straight as a straight line, but, I want to come to this place again! The first time I came here was also my last---which is last year, just before the lockdown. The host, Nico, is our brother in musical(at Craig Derrys Vocal Fitness), invited us. I enjoyed it so much___after the brief disappoinment: most man Ive seen there at that time were the kind of man I dreamt of when it comes to athletic bod or muscular one___but, I know, like me, they also want a man🤷 I was this close to tell one of them: can you at least populate this world with cute babies like you! Sigh.I just drowned myself with Margarita, dance all night, sang, and watched one of the patron entertained us, the crowds, with his epic dance till closing time!❤️I would definitely come back to this place again whenever I get the time😘 They have friendly ambience. Clean place with clean restroom👍

One of the best smaller gay bars in the city . They have room themed nights which can be found in there website... On Tuesday nights until 10 they have a 2 for 1 happy hour and it is only 5$ a drink . And its not just bottom shelf you can get mid level cocktails included in this as well. Always have a great friendly crowd and great friendly staff. This is a cool bar and reminds me of the gay bars from back home in San Francisco.

Favorite bar. Love Erick, Ceasar and Mark.

Cute little gar bar with a small outdoor area in the front. Went for a drag show and had a good time.

Good deals on living social. The servers were excellent not pushy or forgot about your presence. Place is a bit tight but the atmosphere was very lax. Food was to die for!!!

Great service, great drinks, great atmosphere

Wonderful local gay bar. I can hear Kylie Minogue hear and Kiki with my girls!

This bar is right around the corner from me and I come by all the time with friends. It’s always a great time, the overall atmosphere and vibe is very fun. Would definitely recommend!

Hole in the wall on the upper east side but the most fun you’ll have. Drinks are well poured, bartenders are hot, and prices are perfect for any occasion. Check out weekly specials and stop by.

Tool Box is a fun neighborhood spot. Im so glad they survived the pandemic. I look forward to going there again soon. :)

I went in for the first time with a few friends I live in the community where they have their establishment the bar tender was highly rude did not want to state his name we are people of color I then walked outside to grab a smoke and the !! Owner stepped up to me as I was discussing my issue with my friends he heard and told us that if we didn’t like their service we can go to another establishment remind you we paid as we ordered there were 3 men surrounding me I am a women of non lgbt community with two friends whom are they are bias,rude and disrespectful and have no customer service nor have respect of people who reside in this community I highly recommend to not go here if you are of color and are not lgtb also don’t waste your money their drinks are awful their bar tenders were drunk and serving wrong drinks and not replacing nor admitting to their mistake

Bogo deals 8pm to 10pm. They have something going on every night of the week (Bingo on Mondays). Very friendly staff and atmosphere. Smaller bar so gets packed fast.

Went there in the early 90s was a hoppin atmosphere place to meet new people casual acquaintances dances n drinks..the place to stay over n spend the weekend. Thumpa thumpa beat..turn the beat around..love to hear percussion.

This place is such a fun neighborhood gay bar.. Great place to meet new people and friends!! I always have fun here!

The toolbox is everything!!! So much fun on a Sunday

Amazing crew !! Fun chill and good vibes !!

Only because Dylan, Nicco, & Milo never work a bar together. This place is comfortable. Reminds me of Chi Chiz that use to be in the West Village. A mix of people, cultures, and welcoming personalities.

Security guard was nasty to one of my female friends last night . He even said “ shut up and raised his hands to one of us . NASTY ! U know who u are! Nasty ! ladies if something like that happens to u please report it to the police ! #stop ! ( bartenders are very nice )

Great bar to go have a drink and meet new people. Milo is a great bartender!!

Always a great vibe no matter the day or time. Just moved back to the city, grateful the Toolbox is dope as ever

Great neighborhood bar and great bartender. Milo. Great drinks and atmosphere.

I can come to this bar 1000 times and 1000 tiles I will get the same amazing service.

Best place to have fun with my Girliesss.. Drinks are good, good music, friendly staff and great atmosphere...

Love this spot! Milo the bartender is great👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾! WONDERFUL hospitality & AMAZING drinks! Comin back 4 more!!

This is a great, amazing and awesome BAR everyone is so friendly and nice I love it!!!

Great location and great drinks!

This bar is RACIST. We were asked to stop cheering for people during karaoke while other bar patrons were allowed to continue. Then when we performed, they only gave us two microphones when we had four people, and the next group was given four microphones. I will not be visiting again, we were just trying to have a fun night but were instead treated unfairly.

Awesome atmosphere, great people! Really in love with the spot!

Very cozy.. had a great experience..

Very good neighborhood bar.

Milo is the best! Love the tool box.

Milo is my favorite bartender 👍🏼💯

Great local bar, amazing drink specials and friendly staff

Great service, fantastic bartenders!💜

Amazing music and vibes

Love My Kareoke Tuesdays ❤❤❤

Love this place best bar in nyc

Small but big on smiles 🤣❤️💯

Avery is the mo fo BEST!

Cozy hole in the wall local gay bar.

I really like this bar.

Wonderful place

Good relaxed coffee place

Always a good time.

Support Queer Businesses ! 🌈✊ 🪛🪚⚒️

Great drinks !

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LVOE!!!!!

Cheap and strong drinks

Milo was awesome

Yas

Solid neighborhood hangout.

The wieners are detectable!

Terrible service from the staff who charge the entrance fee at the door and want to charge it double. You go outside to smoke a cigarette and they want to charge admission again. I arrived at the place at 10 at night. I didnt pay admission because admission is free at that time and I stopped at the door after having spent so much in the place and they they wanted to charge entry

A place with almost no atmosphereWe arrived and there were not many people, very strong lighting and apart from the bartender who was very nice and well dressed I would not recommend anyone to go there

This place is great to spend a great night with friends.