[PHOTOS] New York famed gay club The Ritz gets a hot, new facelift

It's a new era for The Ritz Bar & Lounge in New York City.

Mark Mark
Aug 30, 2025 - 20:00
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[PHOTOS] New York famed gay club The Ritz gets a hot, new facelift
A shirtless dancer poses in purple lighting at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.

It’s a new era for The Ritz Bar & Lounge.

The storied Hell’s Kitchen gay bar, located smack dab in the middle of New York City‘s Restaurant Row and Theater District, celebrated a complete refresh this summer with new ownership and a stunning renovation.

If its name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably thanks to a reputation for show-stopping drag and the A-list clientele it’s hosted over the years, including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and Andy Cohen.

And while both visitors and native New Yorkers were starting to distance themselves from the headline-haunted spot, that’s all changing thanks to its new owner, Eric Hanninen, a civil engineer who’s frequented The Ritz since 2014.

The Ritz Bar & Lounge pictured during Pride month with giant rainbow streamers hanging from its awning to the rooftops.
The Ritz celebrated their grand re-opening just in time for New York Pride.
The revamped and spacious bar and seating area at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Image Credit: Leyda Luz

Under Hanninen’s guidance, The Ritz relaunched ahead of New York’s Pride festivities with a major face-lift, including upgraded HVAC systems, newly lit and remodeled dance floor and bar areas, a new DJ booth, a larger stage, and a daytime (and dog-friendly) outdoor patio.

So far, the reviews have been effusive.

Patrons are not only charmed by daily happy hour deals, new signature drinks (including Caipirinhas and margaritas), and expanded hours from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., but also by its programming.

The outdoor patio area at Ritz Bar & Lounge, with a rainbow wooden background in front of benches and wooden tables.
The spacious outdoor patio is open Thursdays through Sunday, weather permitting.
Three drinks in elevated glasses are pictured on the counter at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Their signature drinks include Caipirinhas, margaritas, mimosas, and more.

In addition to two floors of DJs and nightly drag, The Ritz’s programming calendar is stacked with Drag Race viewing nights, sensual dance parties (like the weekly Squirt), and pop-themed dance shows.

Notably, the space also made major updates to its security plans and bar safety and efficiency, with a focus on optimizing the guest experience.

“We know The Ritz means a lot to this neighborhood, and we’re listening,” Hanninen said.

“There’s a lot of work to do, but we’re committed to creating a space that welcomes everyone, celebrates queer culture, and brings back the energy that made The Ritz special in the first place.”

Indeed, as is the spirit of New York nightlife: There’s never a bad time to party again!

Check out more pics of The Ritz Bar & Lounge’s revamp below.

Drag queens Lanyé Armön, Stasi, Boy Gorge, Queenlee Stars stand in a line on the dance floor at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
From left to right: Lanyé Armön, Stasi, Boy Gorge, Queenlee Stars/Image Credit: Leyda Luz
A crowded dance floor of men kissing and dancing at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
A packed night at The Ritz Bar & Lounge/Image Credit: Briton David
DJ Alpha Moses poses in a tanktop at the DJ booth at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
DJ Alpha Moses/Image Credit: Leyda Luz
Patrons dance underneath a shimmering disco ball on a packed dance floor at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Image Credit: Briton David
A shirtless go-go dancer poses in purple lighting at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Image Credit: Briton David
Drag queen Stasi performs at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Stasi/Image Credit: Briton David
A drag queen performs in the middle of a crowded dance floor at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Image Credit: Briton David
A shirtless dancer moves under a disco ball at The Ritz Bar & Lounge.
Image Credit: Briton David

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