Garrett Ford Takes Over Phoenix Bar

CELEBRATING  THE GRAND RE-OPENING THROUGHOUT OUT APRIL
ALASKA THUNDERFUCK CUTS THE RIBBON ON APRIL 24TH

What motivated you to take over Phoenix? 

I grew up at the Phoenix. It’s where I learned the value of hard work. It is undeniably a queer institution, especially in the East Village. I fell in love with the regulars, the neighborhood and the community that exists at the bar. 

How long were you involved with the bar before you decided to own it?

I’ve been at Phoenix since 2008. I was called “fresh chicken” by the manager that hired me at the time. Years later, I remember that fondly now. The moment that changed everything for me was when I met this petite Irish lady that could outwork the best of them and had just bought the bar. Brenda, who would later open 3DB, would change my life for the better, help me grow up and would pass the torch of the Phoenix to me after years of working together. 

What are your plans for your grand reopening?

You can’t get much better than a huge party with Alaska doing the ribbon cutting! Thursday April 24th at 10pm.

How do you plan to “do things different?”

I think people that work in nightlife have a superpower about taking risks and seeing what works and what doesn’t, and making adjustments to overcome. I look forward to taking my own swings and misses. 

On a nightly basis, what can patrons look forward to?

We are Hustlers! You can count on events just about every single night. Karaoke, Drag Race, Trivia, Bingo, you name it!

Will there be special events, and with Pride quickly approaching, what are your plans to celebrate?

Our Pride calendar is always packed with special events. 

The best option is to follow us on social media. Our Instagram is @phoenixbarnyc

Tell me a little about Garrett.

I moved from San Antonio TX to NYC in 2005. I graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2009. I have a great husband, David, who helps with so many things at the bar, and three great dogs, who do not help. 

What hours are you open, what hours is happy hour and what are the social handles for Phoenix Bar? 

We are open 3pm-4am seven days a week. Happy hour is seven days a week, 3pm-7pm. Our insta is @phoenixbarnyc

447 E 13th St,
New York, NY 10009

One door down from Ave A  

Take the L Train to 14 Street