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Christopher St (PATH)
Houston St (1)
W 4th St (A, C, E, B, D, F, V)
We all love to hate Hen's. Of the NYC lesbian bars this one is the most consistently happening. Weekends are always packed and the crowd is 20's and 30's, a few cute ones mixed in. But the space is cramped and the drinks are expensive. The door people are always icey but some of the bartenders are alright. On Saturdays girlNation at Nations is better choice.
Key to success: there is a bar across the street on the corner that is always deserted, use the bathroom there and pound a few cheap tickets then head back to Hen's to dance.
Went here for the All White Labor Day Party (Sept 6 2009). I had heard great things about this place and always wanted to check it out since I'm new to the lesbian bar scene. Was surprised at how small the place was. And it was jam-packed!!! The front room close to the bar had more action so I meandered my way to the back room but everyone was sitting around and having way less fun so I went back to the front where I stayed.
I went to Cubbyhole a few weeks prior and the music there was shitty. And I've been to CattyShack and love the vibe there. So those are the only two I have to compare with. The music at HH was great! Hip-hop, Reggae-ton, Disco, DJ Soul was on point. There were girls dancing on the bar and even exposed bobs by a plus sized girl who claimed she had cute boobs for a big girl and wanted to dispel the naysayers. They were cute but since I'm not into big boobs I will move on...
Gripe #1: Had to pay $15 to get in cause it was after 1am. Was pretty pissed about that so I only bought one drink - a $7 Heineken which lasted me the rest of the night since I don't like beer (didn't want to chance spending $8 for a mixed drink and have it be weak).
Gripe #2: no coat check (it was a chilly September night so I wore a sexy white jacket) to match my all-white outfit) so I had to keep my coat with me all night. Was a pretty cute coat so I didn't wanna just leave it lying anywhere...one girl lost her hat.
Gripe #3: said girl who lost her hat started off being an obnoxious tiny dyke (I'm 5'3" and she was way shorter about 4'). She was dancing and jabbing people with her outstretched arms. Who dances like that? To booth, she kept bumping into me because it seems she was wasted prior to arriving at the club (who knows, she was probably bar-hopping). I moved away from her several times then finally just pushed her off me cause I just couldn't stand her anymore. She finally moved to another area and I was relieved to be able to dance in peace. I went alone and was perfectly happy dancing alone or with anyone in my immediate vicinity and not necessarily hooking up or being groped but by the time the Reggaeton began to play it was on baby.
The crowd thinned out around 3am but I do admire that it was very well mixed: biker chicks, girly-girls, femme fatals, girl-next-door, the sit-down-onlookers, the dancehall queens, and the dance-by-myselfers on the outskirts of the dance floor types. And let's not forget the weirdos who start odd conversations in hopes of hooking up or the one girl-girl verbal squabble I witnessed - something to do with friend dating the other friend's ex - drama.There was something for everyone. Girls dancing in the cage were fun to watch as well as those on the pole in the opposite corner of the room and of course the hotties on the bar. I had my eye on one girl though but her grumpy friend kept me at bay cause it seemed she didn't like the scene and wanted to leave.
Overall I had a good time. Danced the night away (until closing) and my aching feet managed to get me home to sleep off the night's events. For the first time in my life I became one of those girls who came home with shoes in hand (lol) but that just meant I had fun.
This place would have gotten 4 stars if it weren't for the high cover and feeling like sardines when I first arrived. But I was in the mood to dance and they played music I could dance to. I only sat down twice because my shoes were killing me but I achieved my goal so I rest my case.
ok so i'm 22 years old and i went to this place once, and it was my first lesbian bar (back a few months ago)....I've lived in NYC my entire life and i have never been to a lesbian bar so I have nothing to compare it to, except the gay bars i go to....NEWHO on to the review
Minus one star for the cover charge...I'm a gay guy, I shouldn't even have to pay to get in a lesbian bar, nothing exciting in there for me lol
The place is mad fun though (we were there on a thursday night...the drinks were pretty strong and average for the village. The place is not big, but its cozy and EVERYONE was having fun together, none of that "cliquey" shit.
The only thing I had a problem with was the cover....but overall fun night with the girls!
Four Stars
I'm never really impressed with Henrietta's and yet I go back at least once a year to see if its any better. Its always crowded on the weekends, which I generally feel is a good thing, but the crowd here just seems so tired. The music is never that great. I believe once I went and they had a go-go dancer, which was nice. I generally chill by the back bar, and if I'm lucky, at one of the seating areas by the window. All the women come in clothing coordinated and coupled up (snooze). I've never seen too much eye candy in here either. Maybe next year. I give an extra star for the nice staff and ladies at the door.
People thought this was:
To be truthfully honest, the first time I came here, I was pretty wasted..so my judgment might be a bit skewed.. I didn't really mind the $10 charge, and the drinks were good. Everyone's pretty friendly, but the music is usually exceedingly ghetto. I thought I was ghetto, but dammnnn, some of those tracks are just flyyy.
Disclaimer: we came here on Sunday night after the PRIDE parade. I am not sure if the following is because of that or this is a normal thing here, but I digress...
First off, ladies! Relax! This is why we can't have nice things! When both my girlfriend and I managed to get groped/practically sexually assaulted like 20 times combined* when we are separated for a grand total of 5 minutes, then it's more than obvious that you all need to take some hormone inhibitors and cool it! Yes, my girlfriend is hot. Yes, I know I remind you of Shane on the "L Word". But believe me, we have better things to do than you.
Second, this was definitely not a venue set up for a last night of PRIDE weekend dance. The size of the dance floor is unimpressive, and it doesn't help when the line to the bathroom extends INTO the dance floor + there's a constant stream of traffic in and out of the place. Margot G. and I stayed for one drink and (sorta) dancing and left. The music was not bad but we didn't really get a chance to enjoy it as we were deflecting other gropers and attempting to not get plowed over by bathroom line-waiters and women in transit from the front door.
Third, I watched the drinks being made...talk about cheap. I've never seen anyone water something down so much in my life. Again, this could be because of the PRIDE weekend, it might not have been. All I can say is that it wouldn't have gotten a 5-year old buzzed much less a 24-year old who was at the end of her PRIDE weekend!
I don't know...this is supposed to be the "legendary" NYC bar, and I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt since PRIDE tends to make people (gay or straight) ten degrees of stupid. But I wasn't impressed from what I saw. We may try it again on a Thursday night or something, but we're gonna have to wait until after we successfully complete the necessary therapy from the grope-a-thon that occurred that night.
*I WISH I was joking or even slightly exaggerating. As soon as we separated I had a hand on my ass. I turned around to address the offender and *another* hand found its way to my ass. By the time I got our drinks and over to the bathroom line where my girlfriend was waiting, she was pretty upset over the same treatment. It wasn't borderline ridiculous. It straight up was.
People thought this was:
This has to be one of the worst lesbian bars that have ever existed.
I can't believe it's lasted so long. Besides the ridiculous $10 cover charge, the bartenders are the rudest and nastiest in all of Manhattan. I've never been treated so horribly in any bar. The crowd is now mostly thuggish baby dykes except for the old timers that hang out before 9. This place just needs to give up and shut down already.
People thought this was:
So this is my FAV spot to go blow off some steam ad have a few well made drinks with friends. Always lots of fun and nice eye candy as well. Hats off to Hen's I go everytime I am bck home for a visit now...
Before I begin my review, I want to preface it with the fact that I went here on PRIDE weekend, so this might not be the norm for this place.
We knew we were in for an "experience" as soon as we turned the corner and saw the bar. It was packed and spilling over onto the street. I had to use the bathroom right away and so jumped on the line that extended...wait for it...ALL THE WAY through the club, dance floor and all, into the second, smaller, back room. You'd think that a lesbian club would be equipped with a large restroom as their main clientele are women. Oh well. I took me and my tiny bladder to the back of the line. Now here's where it got interesting...while I was waiting (and contemplating doing the *I gotta pee* dance) I was getting groped by seemingly every person that walked by! One girl was even so bold as to try and stick her hand up my skirt. I was so shocked, I almost hit her but settled for turning around and yelling at her. I had to pee so badly she's lucky she didn't get a golden shower! I couldn't believe it. Ladies, the dance floor is one thing, but the line for the bathroom? GEEZE LOUISE!
It might just be because it was PRIDE weekend and that tends to bring people out of the woodwork who have no knowledge of how to behave in social situations, but after reading the existing reviews for this place, I think its the norm.
To be honest, I have no idea what the music was doing. Shea D. had managed to get to the bar and get us drinks BEFORE I had used the restroom (that's how long the line was) and so I stood in line holding a drink and waiting to use the loo. After I FINALLY got to the restroom I had had enough. I drank my drink quickly and we got out of there.
I was disappointed. Manhattan's gay scene is so male dominated - I wish there was a lesbian bar that stood out as an awesome must-go spot. Guess I'll have to keep looking!
People thought this was:
Wow.....wow....this is it??? I've been to better bars in lamer cities. I was visiting NY and thought I should visit the 'legendary' HH. After everything I'd heard, I suppose I'd built it up to be way more than it was or ever had been.
Firstly, the music was garbage. I get the whole love affair between lesbian bars and hip-hop, but there was no 'hip' to this hop. Christ, this was really dated top 40 radio junk. I think what they were playing was actually charting back in 2001. Maybe it was 'oldies' night ;)
Secondly, this place was a lot more dumpy/divey than I expected (not that I have anything against dive bars). I guess I was expecting a rich, dark, velvety, loungey place filled with sleek, loungey women. Not so...You broke my heart, HH. I should have just visited you in my fantasies.
People thought this was:
This isn't a bad place. Just like any of these girl bars, I can take them in doses. They get old after a while and then in a month you go back and have an awesome night. The music is hit or miss-sometimes the DJ is playing my jam all night long and other times I'm dodging the 90's music by hanging out in the back room. I'm not a regular, so once in a while I'll stop by here to mix it up.
So me and all my friends venture out to the infamous HH for a good time, I mean I pass it everyday so it is about time... Honestly, I am just excited not to be around guys hitting on me and with lame pickup lines... I just wanna danceeeeeeee....
You know how places get packed? Well this place goes beyond breaking all of the fire laws and it is filled to capacity... There are 2 rooms - the main room with most of the dancing and one stripper pole in the corner and a large bar and the smaller bar with the stage and a small bar... I am not a lesbian so it was pretty weird to see a ton of girls I actually knew from Brooklyn who all have boyfriends... come on guys gotta start satisying your girls.... The music was really good, the people were kinda cool - I mean if you are like me you are talking to everyone and when doing that you eventually find cool people... a few girls fell in love with me which is always flattering and my friends hooked up with people... The girls were mostly girly and not the butchy type, although if that is your thing you will find it here too... Getting to the bar was impossible, way too sardine-y, and no room to dance...
The reason I gave this place an extra star... in the 2nd room a stripper/dancer was hired to do some dancing... and my friend Victoria and I end up on stage dancing... Anywhere I end up on stage is a a good place to check out just in case I appear again =)
People thought this was:
so.. my friends and i met this random girl and guy on the street, who were from another country and looking for a gay bar. since we were in the area, my friend suggested Henrietta's, and then I invited us to go with them..
this place is not very big... there's a main room with a bar and then there seemed to be another smaller room, with a pool table. the music is great here (thursday night). the DJ was playing hip hop, some house, reggae and reggaeton..
we stayed here for several hours, it was a lot of fun. i'm just mad they made my girl who came to meet us later pay 5 bucks to get in here, when we all got in for free an hour prior.
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I really REALLY dislike this place.
I know that this place used to be really good, back in the day, however now it's really really crappy.
A crappy bar/club with a crappy cover(ALWAYS, a cover every time i've gone), crappy music (Boring hip hop and no one you'd want to dance with), crappy drinks (watered down and overpriced), crappy girls(see music, but they are older and less attractive women here). Maybe if the women were insanely attractive I'd contemplate coming back but they aren't so why bother.
Honestly, I don't know anyone that goes here or can even stand the place. Everyone has a bad HH story, myself included. You would have to pay me to come back.
Need I say more?
People thought this was:
It gets two stars, because it is a girlie bar. However, if it wasn't for a sense of PRIDE (and helping ya'll out), I wouldn't even bother writing a review.
I stopped in for a drink one night to scope the place out for a party. The chicks working the door were obviously "too cool for school" elitists and were rude to my friend and I saying that this was a "you know that this is a dyke bar"- duh.
Once inside, with my cash in hand, I was IGNORED by the bartender for 5 minutes too long-even after she looked at me, even though the place wasn't busy. The "worth the wait" philosophy just doesn't jive with me.
The vibe in the joint was negative. It looked like a cool space, but being glared at doesn't seem like a fun time. Don't waste your money- head to Cattyshack, Cubbyhole or anyplace where they actually believe in the meaning of rainbows!
People thought this was:
I don't care about good/bad reviews..... this is a super great bar to pick up chicks.
Yes it gets packed, yes the music can get all lame hip-hoppy, yes there is a long line for the bathroom at all times
However, the girls are always super cute and there to party.
NOTE:
This is based on being there four times in the past two years. I may not be the best to judge, but I stand by my review.
People thought this was:
The place has gone downhill from what I've heard. Obviously with friends, you'll have a good time regardless of the place so I guess that sums up my night there. It doesn't look like a dance club at all, there are two small rooms and a DJ booth and bar. What I liked was the diversity of the crowd, from biker chics to gangsta chics, everyone represented. There were some guys there too, but you mostly felt that this was a place exclusively for the gals. The music was ok, they mixed in some 80s, pop, hip hop and rock. Drinks weren't anything special. The place lacked a charm about it.
People thought this was:
Used to go here before it was renovated, and I did love its vibe.
Always had fun dancing here, whether with boys or girls or a handsome 'straightish' man - who must be very sharp and smart. Lovely neighborhood, too. (The 'White Horse Tavern' is not far.)
I once said 'hi' to Madonna here, after she just finished shooting a video, which was a pretty fun moment.
Just don't piss the barmaids off...for some reason they size you up to see if you're 'cool' to be here...whether you're gay or straight.
I used to think this was a little secret hideaway, for late night hanging out, (all the super-models raved about it) but apparently it is not anymore. I will check it out, once I am back. It gets four stars for being unique.
People thought this was:
I feel like this place has gone downhill in the past two years. The place is always really packed, and the people aren't that nice. It's fun if you go with a large group of friends, but in terms of being on the prowl, this is my least successful venue. I made out with a girl here during pride. I was dancing on one of the poles. However, everyone makes out with everyone during pride, so that's nothing new or special.
I think one of the things that makes it not as great as Cattyshack is the crowd is very butch-femme, and I think that's kind of lame. I'm more on the femme side, but I'm not looking to hook up with a butch. I'm looking for a hottie who doesn't wear a sports bra out to the clubs.
The drinks are expensive, and because it's so jam packed, you'll wait about 10-15 minutes before you pay 10 bucks for your drink.
However, huge plus for not letting in guys unless they're with a woman. Victor, I don't know how you got in, because every guy I know gets turned away until his girl friends show up.
People thought this was:
so, I heard this place was famous and a great lesbian bar. Went, and the people seem nice but not for me. I thought I stepped into a lesbian retirement center blasting crappy overplayed music. Its a super small bar, but that doesn't really matter. No one dances and it just sucks. Maybe it was just that night I went there...but I'm not going out of my way to go back.
People thought this was:
Um sorry... I know a lot of lesbians swear by this place but yea
I hate it...Everytime I have been here there are girls fighting...cause numbers are given in front of girlfriends and just ridiculous drama...
I really can't fault the actual place...it is more so the crowd but I'll give it another go soon and let you know what's up (at least from my perspective...if you care)
People thought this was:
Completely renovated and expanded, this little gem on the West Side is a must-see if you're a lesbian in NYC. My friends and I go there for after-work drinks, to play and dance and have fun. The girls are hot, the bar is fully furnished, and the music is awesome. Their Long Island Iced Tea is the perfect beginning to a weekend.
Lots of memories of the place... it used to be really cramped - we were there for Pride a few years back, and it took half an hour to get inside to the bar... but they've really opened up the place, and in summers they have a sidewalk cafe too! It's a great place to go with friends to party all night long.
People thought this was:
It is always packed on the weekend and if you just like to dance and get a bit drunk this is a great place. I don't agree with some of the other reviews, I think you can meet women of every nation and every agenda here. Henrietta is just unique in its own way for me. It is a place where I will always feel at home, and I always get filled with excitement walking there from West 4th street. I met beautiful, smart women in this bar as well as dangerously looking butches and ambitious tomboys. I played pool, got drunk, got picked up, made out and danced the night away. I just love Henrietta...
UPDATE, 27 August 2008
OK, I have to confess, the music really sucks. I am a musician and I really don't see why any bar in NYC is not able to play good music. They have different djs, but I swear, they all play THE SAME TRACKS over and over and over again, no matter if it is Thursday, Friday or Saturday. So much about party themes.... I wish they would be a bit more objective about the quality of their music, and less elitist about who is spinning the records.
People thought this was:
Now I wouldn't call it a gem, but I would call it a raunchy good time. There is something rather endearing about Henrietta's - maybe a mix of dirt, tough girls, and booze. After doing the rounds, I still think it is the best place to dance to Top 40 hip-hop. If you go with a couple cutie girls, you'll be sure to be the most popular crew there.
Henrietta's is a little quirky with their early evening salsa music (which the butch-femme couples seem to love), and their need to keep the smokers quiet due to a fear of neighborhood disturbance.
If you are claustrophobic and not into being a ghetto superstar, this is not your bar.
People thought this was:
The singular reason I would even give this bar a second star would be to commend it for being gay 24/7, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Henrietta's is expensive, packed to the point you can barely move from one side of the bar to the other much less dance, and the crowd itself makes me want to yawn... or kill myself. Every experience at Henrietta's has been nothing short of horrifying.
People thought this was:
Ok - so I give it three stars because the person who was in charge of my group was AWESOME. I WANT TO GIVE HER 6 STARS IF POSSIBLE. I would go back just because of ITTY! Anyways, I had an OK time if it wasn't for the DIKES getting in my girls face wanting to start problems. There is no where else to go so I guess I will continue to go here. The people at the door - The one they say looks like Shane is just rude. Very anti-social. But other than that the staff was nice. Bathroom is gross and long lines not to mention walking through the packed club to get to it. The drinks are blah - Bought two bottles of the cheapest Vodka at $220 EACH! But I did like the way they made me feel like I was a share holder of the spot. lol It was nice for a change that they recognize the lesbians who made them who they are today. Instead of these newbee lesbian wannabees. With the cargo shorts and popped collars, wet behind the ear little girls who have boys one night and girls the next! Anyways, go on Saturday. Not bad, especially if you are with your own people. Music is good - but the DJ is rude too. Will not give shout outs no matter how much you pay.
we had a great time the one time we went here...
the bartender was super cool... we were drinking pretty heavily as we were on vacation and no one had to drive... so we were spending quite a bit of money...and the bartender was hooking us up with extra drinks for free... it was pretty damn awesome. i can't remember what night we were there on, but it was not very crowded and the people that were there were very pleasant. i like this place and i would definitely go back. it sounds to me from the rest of the reviews i've read about this place that it can get pretty crowded. i hate crowded bars...so that would be a bummer but hopefully, if i play my cards right, we'll be back on another semi-slow night.
People thought this was:
Oh Hay girl! My first night in New York and I spend it bumpin' and grindin' in this awesome lesbian bar! I had a ton of fun, and was especially pleased to discover that bars in NY are open until 4am! That soooo beats the 2am last call in California.
So here's the Henrietta 411! The bar had an awesome playlist and everyone was dancing! It took a while to part the seas of patrons to even arrive at the bar, and once there, it took forever to get a drink, and then, the drinks were expensive and weak! So I took away a star for that.
Another positive: there is a stripper pole up on a platform in the corner, which was reallllll fun for my group of friends. It did result in several unnecesarily embarassing pictures which I DO NOT remember taking. Also, there was an awesome go-go dancer who moved like a fish.
Negative: Looooong line for the bathroom.
Positive: $10 cover gets you in-and-outs for the whole night.
Negative: You have to use your *inside voices* when outside the bar. I was shushed more than once, and let me tell you, I do NOT take kindly to being shushed. It was a bit ridiculous, I really think they expected us to whisper. Not happening on a drunken St. Patrick's day night.
All in all, I had fun, but you reallllllly have to pre-party if you wanna get a buzz and not spend twenty million dollars.
People thought this was:
i used to go here all the time with a bunch of people .. and im not the rowdy type..
but when one of my friends ended up having an argument with some other female.. for some reason we all got kicked out of the club.. and i havent went back there since .. i was there every week and the bouncers knew us very well and we never had problems with anyone except this one time ..
and it is very much crowded in there .. summertimes were very hot and sweaty .. not very sanitary
I was there during Pride and like some other people have said - I don't know if this is a reflection on the place so much as the crowd, but I was genuinely horrified. I'd like to go when there aren't so many non-NYC people...it was just entirely too crowded.
People thought this was:
The hud is an interesting place. Unfortunately, there are not that many lesbian bars in NYC. So, I find myself returning only because of the limited options. The truth.... the bar is pretty lamo - you have to pay to get in on most nights, the drinks are OK but there is a serious lack of hot girls - except for this one night a couple of months ago. Great looking woman who turned out to be married after a lengthy convo. As the woman proceeded to exit the bar she felt compelled to say, "I can still comment on how gorgeous you are - there is nothing wrong with that." That my friends is a cock tease - so watch out! Needless to say, I left minutes later and went to see an available bi-sexual model "friend" for premium tequila. The night turned out to be great!
People thought this was:
I'm not sure how I got in, I think I made a joke to the bouncer and played the naive idiot and was one of two dudes in the place. All kinds of girls here and everybody looked like they were throwing down and having a good time, plenty of dancing. Nobody gave me a hard time, and the bartender was very nice. I met up with a group of friends there, and they seemed to enjoy it as well. Its kind of just dark and sweaty, I'm probably not the most helpful person to review the place but I had a good time.
People thought this was:
A friend of mine brought me here with her girlfriend and girlfriend's workmates. What a great bar! I loved the music and the FUN atmosphere. I hope she'll drag me along again soon...
Very cool. DJ was bumpin' and the dancefloor was packed.
so i was flagged for my 1st review of this lame excuse of a lesbo club..
Henriettas sucks.
I think you have to be a particular kind of chick to dig this place. This was the first lesbian bar I went to 80 millenia ago. So that was exciting. But over the years as I have grown, gone to other spots and this place has changed, I have also grown to loathe this joint. The music is way too freakin' loud. The layout is bass ackwards nonsensical. Okay, maybe not the whole layout. Maybe it's just the fat ass pool table in the middle of the only walkway between the front and back spaces. So everytime you want to go to the bathroom or just mill and move, you gotta negotiate honey with the pool cue to be sure you don't get a stick in the head! Also, the crowd is a little young but like I said maybe you're a little young or those are the kinda chicks you dig. I will give them this: during gay pride they throw a great block party. Get on the train for 20 minutes go to Cattyshack in Bklyn instead. You'll be really happy you did.
People thought this was:
I used to LOVE this little dive and the changes that have taken place here over the last few years have caused me to not return. Ever since a certain other les. bar closed up shop the crowd changed and got a little too rough and tumble for my taste. It was always hard to get around in there on a Saturday night but now you do so at the risk of getting decked or groped if you bump into the wrong person. The bar tenders were always great and if you tip well you will be treated with strong drinks and killer service. I find some of the new bouncers they hired (most likely to deal with the new scary crowd) to be overly aggressive and just all out nast at times. I got threatened by one for being "too loud" when it wasn't even my party who was talking loudly, it was the group next to us. When we tried to explain this we were told to shut up and be quiet. I miss the old hens before they renovated both their style and their customer base!
Neighborhood: West Village
Category: Gay Bars
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