Christmas night at the Townhouse

Good for you, OP. And at 50, you are considered young at the Townhouse. Don't go to the downstairs bar of else you're likely to run into men for whom Luise Rainer used to be a fag hag. The joke is they hang out downstairs so they can get used to being underground where they'll soon be.

[quote]Mid-50s and don't drink, but thinking seriously about it. maybe a 70 yo single guy in NYC can have fun.

Are you mid 50s or 70?

You must be VGL or exude the scent of money,thats all Im sayin...

The Colombian guy, hooker. I know who you arre talking about, he's there 7 nights a week. Let me guess, he had on a vest? Trust me, hooker.

[quote] "The Man That Got Away,"

I adore this song, but it annoys me that it should be "Who".

Now [italic]who[/italic] are the stores closed on Christmas?

And then you woke up.

Pfft... as if.

OP, your message is so inspiring to those of us lost and growing older.

Clearly, they could smell the desperation, as well as the money in your pocket.

Get over yourself, Mary.

They were hookers.

You idiots. This was a nice little mini vignette from the OP that came from the heart. And it was written well which is the exception around here.

[quote] You idiots. This was a nice little mini vignette from the OP that came from the heart.

Vignette? No. More like a work of fiction that came from his limp dick.

This. never. happened.

This is what you call good writing?

[quote]Mid-50s and don't drink, but thinking seriously about it. maybe a 70 yo single guy in NYC can have fun.

I asked at R2, and I still don't know how old the guy is.

OP's post reads like he typed it with his feet.

OP, don't despair. I'll blow ya.

Story reminds me of Tennessee Williams' boy toy who came up with him to NYC on a trip. He went to Rounds on 53rd and was approached by a man he found adorable. They engaged in conversation for an hour and finally the hooker tried to close the deal. "I usually charge $50 but I'll go home with you for $20.' Tennessee's boy was shocked, SHOCKED, that he, practically a prostitute himself, was being asked to pay for sex.

Is the Townhouse some kind of new bathhouse?

Get him, girls!

The Town House, aka the Glass Casket, is known as a piano bar for wealthy men to enjoy cocktails and perhaps to meet some of the younger set who enjoy their company. Some men are hustlers, but that was more the old days. These days the younger ones are looking for apartments, trips and allowances. And some are quite successful. I know a guy who is 70-something, place in the city and Southampton, and he meets boys in there. They don't get their own apartment. They live with him and enjoy the high life. It usually lasts a while before my friend begins moving on.

Are there any pictures of Tom Cruise on the wall?

[quote] These days the younger ones are looking for apartments, trips and allowances. And some are quite successful. I know a guy who is 70-something, place in the city and Southampton, and he meets boys in there. They don't get their own apartment. They live with him and enjoy the high life.

And there you have it, op.

Sorry old girl, but they just weren't that into you. They were looking for a "lifestyle."

We used to go there in our late 20s/early 30s when we ran out of money. Gentlemen of a certain age could be counted upon to buy us a drink. Used to get offered money to go home with guys too. Never did it. Now I wish I had. It would've been a story for the nursing home.

I'm in my 50's and I loathe The Townhouse. I hung out there for a bit when I was in my 30's simply because I'm attracted to older men - not for money. Always felt like I was sitting in a funeral home surrounded by some really old corpses. However, there were also some very hot 50ish men.

Now I'm in my 50's and usually date men in their 30's.

I've cum full circle.

You must be wearing a particularly attractive muu muu!

[quote]I'm in my 50's and I loathe The Townhouse. I hung out there for a bit when I was in my 30's simply because I'm attracted to older men - not for money. Always felt like I was sitting in a funeral home surrounded by some really old corpses. However, there were also some very hot 50ish men. Now I'm in my 50's and usually date men in their 30's.

I sooo was trying to resist this thread but then your comment came along R21. Same exact boat here. I'm now "age appropriate to go to the Townhouse. I tried, but I just can't do it! I may be in my fifties but I can't do that. I still look pretty good for an old geezer and have been dating late twenties to early thirties. It's not that I would dismiss older either--not at all, but those at the Townhouse? Noooooo....

R5: it works better with 'that'.

Money makes the world go 'round.

Moneeeeeeeeeey!

Had no idea the "Clown House" was still open. Well suppose the grand ole gays of Sutton Place and UES have to go somewhere.

When you think of all the new construction/gentrification that has gone on in that area you'd think the TH would have gone the way of the others and the 53rd & Third stroll.

What street is this on in NYC?

East 58th Street between Third and Second Avenues.

All the staff are very nice, but noooo....

It's like a funeral parlor with a piano player and full-bar. I haven't been there since my late 30's when I wasn't sure if they thought I was buying or selling. It's a dinosaur as most all of the east '50's bars have closed.

Last time I was there, there was a lot of ascots, blazers and money.

This will help somebody! From YELP;

9/15/2014 Been here three times and each time I get solicited for sex with monetary incentive. Not a cute moment if you ask me. The drinks are okay but it's hit or miss with the service. Sometimes the bartenders are really nice but other times they can be a little jarring. I got scoffed at for asking for water. Not my idea of a friendly interaction.

10/4/2014 Most disgusting place I've ever been! There are many hookers here, and the doormen protect them over other customers. So if you have a problem with them they will throw you out and buy the hooker a drink! The place is a joke, dirty old men go there for little boys, it's vile!

10/17/2014 Recenlty went for first time in years. Went once with a date and had a great time. Went back alone and met a nice man who was also not so into the place that night and he gave me a no-strings ride home to my place, which is far away. It is not as dressy as you may think. Older crowd. Good piano player. Not sure the ages interact with one another unless money is changing hands, but it is A-OK. I'd go back with a friend for sure, but not alone.

8/14/2014 Had a lovely time. Shout out to Hank at the door!

For the benefit of non-New York City residents or those too young to recall was going to give the back story to the "Townhouse" and other gay bars of the East 50's between mostly Lexington and First but some as far west as Madison (The Web), but the linked article does it better.

We are speaking of a gay scene that goes back to the 1940's if not before.

Oh please, all of you naysayers. The Townhouse is a kitschy hoot. The old disco woman with the crimped hair who dresses like an extra from The Love Boat? The crazy crowded scene around the piano? The latin hustlers done up in outfits straight out of Chess King?

It's like a modern day Fellini movie.

My partner and I meet up with our friends there - usually around the holidays - and we always have a blast. You can see Andy Cohen and his posse there quite a bit too. Bryan Batt and his partner when they are visiting from New Orleans.

For me, it feels like old Manhattan - which is refreshing these days, ironically.

I will agree though, that if you're insecure and in the infancy of old age (late 40s, early 50s) ...this place will freak you out and drive you straight into a pair of skinny jeans and a tattoo parlor.

r17? The "Glass Casket" (or, more often, the "Glass Coffin") is an affectionate name for the Twin Peaks Bar, at the corner of 17th & Castro in San Francisco. It earns this name not just from the proximity of many patrons to the next life, but because it [quote]is believed to be the first gay bar in the nation to feature full-length, open plate glass windows.

I've been there several times, originally when I was young enough to be a "target" (in my 20s) and a couple more recently. I enjoy it for the reasons R34 mentioned. More so than many gay bars nowadays, it is great for observation. That's what my friends and I would go there for in the first place. I hate the lighting upstairs which is far too bright. One would think the older guys would want to obscure their looks, but perhaps it's to more properly evaluate the merchandise.

And, R24, I suspect you're correct, but it still grates.

I have been there several times. In my early 50's. I actually liked it but, then again, a well dressed older man giving me the googly eye never bothered me. Old men need love, too. It's just that this IS more like "old New York" and much more quiet and laid back than a big, dark, loud gay bar with blaring music. I suspect that many gay men without much culture, education, experience or social skills would freak the hell out. This place requires one to TALK. To actually say something of substance, whether one is the "hitter" or the "hittee." Being clever and charming and witty is NOT the stock in trade for, you know, trade. I also did not find it to be "God's waiting room." There were a variety of ages in that place. The downstairs bar is claustrophobic as hell. The upstairs front bar is far too bright and everyone who comes in is pretty much "on stage" since all eyes will glance towards the door. The back bar is the most fun since the old queens get drunk and take the mike and sing show tunes. Badly. But you can get drunk and flirt without anyone interfering or staring a hole through you. It is just that the Townhouse is a different kind of place, an "old school" gay bar from another time. Not that everyone in there is an aged crone.

Mid 40s here and I go and have been going about twice a year for ever. It's like going on vacation to another city (of another time, for that matter) for a few hours.

Those two (?) little rooms between the upstairs front and back rooms are soooo weird.

BUT, I have gotten very drunk here, as have friends, and won't order any mixed drinks here. You've been warned.

OP, You sound highly inebriated.

[quote] Those two (?) little rooms between the upstairs front and back rooms are soooo weird.

In what ways?

They mix a strong drink I'll tell ya.

I'm curious. How much does a typical drink cost at the Townhouse, roughly.

We don't have a gay bar on my side of the mountain, but we have picnic area to meet men and trade moonshine.

[quote] We don't have a gay bar on my side of the mountain, but we have picnic area to meet men and trade moonshine.

You live on Staten Island?

Is it a place I can bring my sister into? Or will all the elders rush her en masse, snapping and hissing till she's driven out the door in tears just because she has boobies?

How much does a drink cost there? $2? $3? More?

With reference to that other poster's comment, those two "little rooms" are like little "sitting rooms" with sofas, chairs and a table/mirror or two except they are not user friendly as people are parading THROUGH them going from the front to the back bars. Bad acoustics and no privacy. They just seem like wasted space. Not a good use of space at all.

[quote] Those two (?) little rooms between the upstairs front and back rooms are soooo weird.

When I was there in my 20s, just standing in those places made me feel like fresh meat being ogled and evaluated. Now that I'm older and not a commodity, I can walk by and see the leering at the new meat but smile at it instead.

That place sound dreadful. Old rich fags who sit around getting loaded, looking for a young guy to pay who'll suck their cock, because they are so hideous looking its the only way to have intimate contact.

They sound as if they've certainly lived rich and meaningful lives.

No one misses these old crones when they die.

R48, but they're RICH!

R48, there is only one thing worse in this world than rich old fags: Poor old fags. And I am proud to say I am not among them.

Here is a list of items that may inhibit your entrance to the club:

Hats or baseball caps Gym or workout gear Sleeveless shirts or tank tops Ripped or torn clothing Oversized jeans or t-shirts Head bandanas or do-rags Cut off shorts Lycra spandex

I'll never get in :(

R41

Well they would wouldn't they? WASPS love their booze.

In general defense of the place there are patrons who have been going to the Townhouse since their twenties. On some levels it is the local gay bar for Sutton Place, Mid-Town East, and a good part of the Upper Eastside of Manhattan.

Until the 1990's you had Rounds on East 53rd and a few other gay bars/clubs in the area, but those numbers have dwindled.

You'd never know it but as the linked above article points out the Mid-Town East/Sutton Place and "lower" Upper Eastside was and still is home to many gays. Montgomery Cliff lived just up Second Avenue on East 61st. Freddie Mercury had a place on or near First somewhere near 57th Street. Peter Allen lived at 300 East 57th Street, etc...

The area historically once was the center of Manhattan's interior design trade (the D&D Building is right down the street from Townhouse), so you have plenty of interior decorators/designers that work and or live in the area and for them TH is their "local".

Yes, the crowd can be at times mostly rich old chicken hawks on the prowl. However local gays (and others) do stop in for a drink alone or with friends.

Rounds was always more hustler orientated. Once NYPD shut that place down and cleaned up the 53rd and Third male stroll...

R51, they shouldn't let you into a Micky D's if that is what you wear on the street. Why do you insist on being so ghetto in a Wall Street world?

R53 fuck you, I look awesome in spandex.

R17 sums it up.

R54, i am sure you do but truthfully, no one looks good in spandex.

R53 must be from Jersey or Brooklyn. Spandex in 2014? In your fucking dreams. Spandex was so 80s.

About 6 or 7 years ago I was in my 20s and lived in Mid-town east. When feeling lazy, a friend of mine and I would pop into the Townhouse (after having a few drinks at mine) and it was clear we brought the average age down quite a bit. Still, everyone was nice and friendly (not overly friendly) and we sang songs at the piano just like everyone else.

We once met a hot couple just a couple years older than us and had an incredibly hot fourgie, so there's that.

I'm sure it is full of sbopbottoms who bought things with their "discount" and charged up more than they earn in 6 months. They will do anything.

If I didn't wear my spandex, do you think I could find a really old, wealthy man to marry? And when I mean old, I mean like days away from dying.

The east '50's has been an enclave for well-heeled gay men for decades. A lot of money, ascots and then some. It's actually fascinating. A throwback to the '60's. I haven't been there in years, but I'm sure it hasn't changed very much. Glad it is still there.

R48 and 50- why so hostile and angry? Everyone if they are lucky grows older, even young guys who demean older guys!

I've been to the Townhouse over the years. It's not unlike the Eagle downtown where a mix of older and younger men seem to be having a good time and really do mix it up. Lots of guys get quite drunk in both places, one is dark and old school leathery in ambiance and the other light and old school show queen. I would say neither has richer customers than the other.

Point is- looks like a lot of guys having fun in both places. Good for them. A few alcoholics in each place, but then that is the nature of bars.

Contrast them both to places like Industry where attitude is the gstalt and I'll take the old guard places any day- although I get a kick out of the preening youngsters.

You can't take any of these places seriously and some of you really have to get over the fact that older men occupy the world with you- never bothered me when I was younger. I had lots of older friends- and no I was not a hooker.

If you're younger than 40, or look younger than 40, the bartenders will give you a cold look. I wanted to wear a sign that said "I put out for free." I was there by myself a couple of times and the bartender grunted and barely looked at me when I gave him my drink order.

On another evening, I showed up to meet a friend. He calls the Town House his "club." There were two rich guys in our company and the service, from the same bartender, was like night and day. He couldn't be nicer, came out from behind the bar, chatted with us, and cracked jokes.

R48 and R50 is self-loathing, unself-aware and terrified of aging. Pretty basic stuff and transparent as glass. Toxic asshole.

I love the dress code that is posted outside. I could be wearing an Armani suit and have a small burst of anxiety reading it before entering la TH.

[quote]In general defense of the place there are patrons who have been going to the Townhouse since their twenties.

Don't you mean the 1920s?

Can I wear couture spandex?

So could I not wear jeans and a nice buttoned down dress shirt to the Townhouse?

What exactly IS the dress code? Formal business attire only? Suits?

That sucks.

R68- there is no dress code- silly- informal or formal or on any level.

There certainly is a dress code. I posted it further up-thread. Apparently my spandex is not allowed.

[quote] What exactly IS the dress code? Formal business attire only? Suits?

Embalming fluids.

"What exactly IS the dress code?"

Bow tie, ascot &/or cravat, please. If just in from a casual day, a dickie will suffice, but is frowned upon as a rule

Link to the TH website Dress Code page:

From the dress code:

"Oversized jeans or t-shirts Head bandanas or do-rags"

Ah, the delightful aroma of racism.

I lived in NYC for years, but never went there, though had heard of it. I'm in my 50's, but not really into show tunes, especially sing-alongs! Like guys my own age (40+ at least), but the more nerdy kind, who read books, watch documentaries, etc.

The Townhouse was mostly referred to a place where one could dress up a bit; detractors referred to the patrons as "riboon clerks."

Good thing you never went, R75. The TH grammar code specifically states that only people who know the difference between possessives and plurals (I'm in my 50s, not I'm in my 50's) will be tolerated.

Makes a change for being flamed over a typo I suppose. Using the apostrophe looks better to me.

What if I wear a muumuu over my Spandex? Or Spandex over my muumuu?

[quote]why so hostile and angry? Everyone if they are lucky grows older, even young guys who demean older guys!

Ya know... it's not about getting older R62. God bless... I suppose it's more about the pretentiousness at the Townhouse. Nothing is wrong with having money. It's a beautiful thing indeed. But, many of the patrons there want you to know that they have money, and I get the feeling that they sort of look down on those that don't have any. A lot of them are simply snobs. They like knowing that they can buy their boys, and as many as they want.

I found this surprising given how many of them look. I couldn't care less if all your clothes are tailor made, you live on Park Avenue, and you have a place on Fire Island! An overly obese man with saggy skin is still just that.

The best of times is now!

In Paris right now, it is very chic to wear a yellow rain slicker with absolutely nothing on underneath. Would this be allowed at the TownHouse?

R75

Well if the Townhouse doesn't have what you are looking for there is always Serendipity a few blocks up! *LOL*

Townhouse's dress code is not that different from some other UES/Mid-Town East bars and restaurants past and present. Denizens of the UES and Sutton Place are rather particular you know.

Just think of it as a gay version of The Incredibly Elite Bona Fide Blue-Blood Beaumont Driving Club.

R61

No, the Clown-House hasn't changed much but the area surrounding has, quite a lot.

If you want younger gays try the Home Depot on Third Avenue just down from the TH (site of the former A&S department store now the Bloomberg Building).

What a time capsule thread.

Each was a blessed Christmas angel, sent by our Good Lord above.

Yet you rejected them all.

OP if you really want hot dick, slick your hair back, dress like Kennikie and wear your shades. Guys love hot trade! You're welcome.

KA-CHING!

Life before Covid.

Ugh. I'm so old that I remember the night that place opened. It was pretentious dump then. It's a dirty old dump now.

The Regent East was far, far, better.

Oh honey. I wish I was there right now. Sure beats day after day in front of this computer, alone. Who cares if there's a bit of commerce involved. If both parties are happy, why the hell not. It passes the time.