We don’t know if it’s the sight of a pinup gyrating her hips, a red-lipped bombshell twirling her tassels, or an old school starlet stripping that drives night owls wild, but it‘s hard to find anyone who can resist the temptation to see more…and more. Forget Cher and Christina, this steamy art form has been turning New Yorkers on for years and thankfully, it has no plans of cooling down. There are burlesque shows nearly every night in New York City, but finding the best venues to party with glamorous sirens can be tricky – until now. Check out our top
burlesque hot spots in New York City and prepare to heat up your night.
R Bar
218 Bowery
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-0484
Stripper poles, $5 brews, and glittering show girls? It’s no wonder why New Yorkers from all five boroughs flock to the
R Bar on the Lower East side, a no frills rocker’s dive with a ruby-hued atmosphere that screams sex. Aside from their famous happy hours, which start after the 9-5 grind, the DJ plays beloved rock classics for the laidback crowd.
R Bar’s crimson walls, crystal chandeliers, and pleather décor makes it the perfect setting for the venue’s burlesque troupe, known as the Rhinestone Follies. Every first Friday of the month, Kita St. Cyr, Hazel Honeysuckle, and Beelzeabe shake their money makers in true classic fashion. Expect a monthly, heart stopping spectacle of feathers, jewels, and plenty of skin from the “sparkliest show on earth."
City Winery
155 Varick Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 608-0555
When Knitting Factory founder Michael Dorf was looking for a space that combined his love for music and wine in Manhattan, it turned out that the city was lacking one-fortunately for fellow winos, this problem is no more. SoHo’s
City Winery is a dimly lit space that’s sleek and cozy, all thanks to its rustic interior that’s reminiscent of a barrel. In addition to seeing local and notable artists performing up close and personal, patrons can catch one of the
City Winery’s most popular shows, Wasabassco Burlesque. Proudly hailed as “the greatest burlesque show in the world,” this striptease extravaganza is where you can catch some of top performers take it all off. Wasabassco Burlesque runs monthly on
City Winery, but it never fails to pack a punch with a sizzling hot lineup, which in the past, has included dangerously sensual ladies, like snake charmer Nikki LeVillain, bootylicious GiGi La Femme, and fetish favorite Marlo Marquise. Wasabassco happens on a Friday, it’s two hours long, and you’ll end each month begging for more.
The Triad
158 West 72nd Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 362-2590
This intimate, cabaret-style theatre on Manhattan’s Upper West Side may appear small in size, but upon entering, it transforms into a gorgeous, jewel-hued space that has the feel of ritzy Broadway minus pretentious patrons.
The Triad isn’t just a place to sip on martinis and kick back with some comedy. It’s also a great spot to witness the finest pinups of New York City tease and please with ease a Saturday night. Awarded filmmaker Gary Beeber produces the monthly “Gotham Burlesque,” a feast for the eyes, a naughty getaway from usual nightclubs. Always expect an all-star lineup of legendary burlesque performers, including New York School of Burlesque headmistress Jo Boobs, Coney Island’s own Bambi the Mermaid, and the so flexible you’ll get turned on Ekaterina.
Duane Park
157 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 732-5555
Feel like the belle of a ball at this New Yorker’s take of a Southern mansion where ladies and gents show off their finest getup for a night of drinking fine wine, savoring bourbon pecan pie, and of course, watching bombshells tassel twirl in a mighty frenzy.
Duane Park’s rococo décor, pearl white walls with delicate baroque illustrations, plush velvet sapphire banquettes, and spacious tables made fit for royal banquets would receive instant approvals from Scarlett O’Hara or Marie Antoinette. However, This Tribeca hot spot is all about hosting some of the best burlesque shows in town. Enjoy a weekly, decadent serving of sweets from Duane Reade’s “Sweets Shop,” which features a rotating cast of performers, like Miss Exotic World Angie Pontani, Spanish siren Medianoche, and fiery red head Gal Friday.
Nurse Bettie
106 Norfolk Street
New York, NY 10002
(917) 434-9072
This swanky Lower East Side pinup bar, named after the 1950’s “queen of curves,” may be petite, but this smoky, seductive spot on Manhattan’s Bar District offers free peep shows every Wednesday and Thursday night. Order one of Nurse Bettie’s specialty cocktails, like the brandy-filled Cherry Bomb, and kick back with Joan Holloway lookalikes as “Asian sextation” Calamity Chang and her army of corset-clad ladies strip for the masses. Arrive early as seats are limited and crowds grow by the hour, but spending the night with
Nurse Bettie’s buxom beauties is always worth it. Why wait for Saturday night when you can have your cheesecake mid-week?
The Delancey
168 Delancey Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-9920
A tropical rooftop oasis? A secret boudoir? An LES rock club? No matter what you prefer,
The Delancey is all three and more. The margarita machine, basement bashes, and bar burgers are enough to lure any night owl on a Wednesday night, but trust us, you’ll be craving for some “Shaken and Stirred Burlesque.” Gorgeous go-gos party all night long as bartenders serve complimentary vodka shots. Each week, New York City’s reigning burlesque stars provide steamy entertainment as the charming Miss Runaround Sue and yummy Scooter Pie hosts, all while showing off their fine assets. In short, wowza!
