NYC’s REBAR GETS REVAMP AND WELCOMES THE BEARS TO COME PLAY
New York City nightlife, like the Big Apple itself, is constantly being reinvented by the folks that call it home. Juan Boria is one of those folks and as one of the new owners of REBAR in Chelsea, he is setting out to do just that.
REBAR was originally g-Lounge. After it closed some years ago, the space reopened as REBAR and has since gone through quite the metamorphosis, becoming an extremely diverse and inclusive space that welcomes all members of the community.
With Juan taking part-ownership of the space, there is now a bonafide bear running things, so we anticipate even more opportunities for NYC bears to socialize at REBAR (although it is already home to the Big Men’s Social Club and other gatherings).
Juan Boria joins us to give us some behind the scenes details about REBAR and a hint at what the future holds for this beloved LGBT+ nightlife mainstay.
John Hernandez (JH): Tell us about your history in nightlife and within the bear community.
Juan Boria (JB): Wow, where do I even start? It feels like a lifetime ago! My love affair with nightlife kicked off at the ripe old age of 15 when a little small-town club called Metro hosted “21 and under” nights on Thursdays. But when I turned 17, things really heated up. A friend was dating a dancer at The Strand in Providence, Rhode Island—a former theater turned nightclub—and let me tell you, that place was magic. I had so many unforgettable “firsts” (some of which were legal) and that is where I officially fell head over heels in love with nightlife.
I got my shot behind the bar at 21, working in Provincetown, mixing drinks during special events like Bear Week, and before long, I landed a spot at The Alley Bar, in Boston. I’m pretty sure I was the youngest bartender on staff, but that only made me hustle harder. Working Bear Week in P-town and being part of The Alley Bar crew opened my eyes to this incredible, welcoming community of fun, love, and acceptance—a vibe I carry always.
And let’s be real: look at me, I’m a bear through and through. I’ve found so much support, love, and the best kind of good times anyone could ask for in the bear community. There’s nothing like it, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it!
JH: When did you first come to Rebar?
JB: Back in early 2018, I jumped in as the Marketing/Brand Manager for a bar that had seen better days. When it first opened, it was not a hit… thanks to some questionable moves by one of the owners, things had taken a nosedive. Enter me: ready to rebrand, shake things up, and turn that negative spotlight into a glowing one. And guess what? It worked. Under my watch, the bar came alive again, business skyrocketed, and the vibes? Immaculate.
After leaving that chapter behind, I dove headfirst into some seriously exciting adventures. I teamed up with the operations team at the Tribeca Festival (yes, that Tribeca Film Festival), helped bring the magic to New Fest, the legendary LGBTQ+ film festival, and even worked at the iconic Brooklyn Mirage. Let’s just say, I’ve had a front-row seat to some of the coolest events in the city.
JH: Now that you are the owner what changes do you want to make?
JB: First thing, I’m just one of the owners. And we’re bringing some seriously exciting changes to elevate the customer experience and bring a whole new vibe to the space.
We already removed an awkward glass partition from behind one of our bars and created a second bar-top that opened up the main room, and now have bartenders serving drinks in front and back. (Which is the front and which is the back? That depends on where you’re standing.)
We’re ripping out the sound system and starting fresh. Along with updated fixtures, fresh paint and brand-new lighting (and some seriously deep cleaning), we’re setting the mood for those epic dance nights.
Even coat check is getting an overhaul with a new tech-savvy system where your claim ticket is your mobile phone number. It even snaps a photo of you and your items to make sure everything gets back to the right person. If you somehow forget to pick up your coat, you’ll get a gentle “reminder” by text message. Genius, right?
Behind the bar, we’re shaking things up with new and exciting drink menus (including some non-basic non-alcoholic options), a revamped drink pricing structure (it’s just my way of fighting inflation), and a fresh take on happy hour that’s better than ever.
And why stop there? We’re planning to add daytime activities, like panel discussions and live-streaming podcasts, because not everyone is a night owl like me.
JH: Will there be new bear nights and events to look forward to?
JB: We’re open to that as well. I’ve already created POP OFF Fridays with the incredible Mike Flannigan (aka MRF Music) performing live during happy hour from 6 PM to 8 PM—maybe even longer if the crowd is feeling it. (And trust me, you will be feeling it!)
Grab your friends, clear your schedule, and join the fun because this is just the beginning. The bears are taking over, and you don’t want to miss it!
JH: What is your favorite thing about working in nightlife?
JB: I love the way nightlife fosters community, especially in spaces where everyone can feel free to be themselves. Watching a room transform as the night unfolds, with the music, lights, and vibes all syncing together, is pure magic.
And I also love the creativity! From crafting unique events to curating unforgettable experiences, nightlife gives me the chance to bring ideas to life and watch people enjoy them in real-time. Plus, the people—whether it’s the regulars, newcomers, or the amazing teams I’ve worked with—make every night unique and full of surprises.
JH: What makes Rebar unique compared to other gay bars in NYC?
JB: This venue has such a cool story! Apart from being home to g Lounge, the first gay cocktail lounge in NYC, it used to be a horse stable back in the day! Yep—and if you head down to the basement, you can still find some of the original rings where they tied up the horses. How’s that for character?
But history isn’t the only thing that makes REBAR stand out. The footprint is huge compared to other spots, giving us room to create all kinds of epic vibes. Plus, here’s the kicker—I’m 38, and as a younger owner, I’m all about taking bold risks, trying new things, and seeing what magic I can make. Trust me, REBAR is not your father’s gay bar, and you’ll want to be part of what’s coming next.
JH: What are your hopes for the bar and yourself as we head into 2025?
JB: My dream is for the bar to become a true hub for the LGBTQIA+ community—a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and celebrated. I want it to be more than just a bar; I want it to be a space where you meet incredible people from all walks of life, forge lasting connections, and make unforgettable memories.
The next four years? They’re going to be a wild ride, no doubt about it. But this is where we’ll come together, support each other, and remind ourselves that we’re stronger as a community. Get ready, because we’re building something special, and I can’t wait for you to be part of it!
JH: Anything else you’d like to mention?
JB: I couldn’t have done this without the Michaels! First up, Michael McGrail—one of the original owners of the legendary g Lounge, a true icon in NYC nightlife history. Working alongside him has been incredible; I’m soaking up his wisdom and years of experience to help make REBAR the go-to spot in the city.
Then there’s Michael John, my partner in life and business, who also played a key role in the g Lounge legacy. His creativity is shining through in the bar’s décor—you’ll definitely feel his touch in every corner.
These two powerhouses are guiding me, supporting me, and letting me bring my own flavor to the mix. Together, we’re building something special and unique. Stay tuned, because REBAR is just getting started!
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