If you’re planning to eat, drink or make new friends this Pride week, it’s likely you’ll do it at one of Bob Pontarelli’s establishments. After all, he owns three of the most popular gay hangouts in New York: Industry, Elmo and Barracuda.
But on the weekend when the whole gay world converges on our city, it’s not enough to know where to go, it’s important to know when to go. According to Bob, “Pride New York is the biggest and best party in the world. And we deserve it.” Here are our nightly recommendations, along with Bob’s, for Pride weekend 2012.
FRIDAY
With its downtown sensibility and edgy sexuality, Barracuda (275 W. 22nd St.) is the epicenter of Chelsea nightlife. It is also the most honored bar in New York City, consistently receiving Best Bar awards by countless guidebooks and magazines, including New York Magazine, NY Press and Get Out!
We say: With the friendliest eye candy in town, Barracuda is the perfect place to launch your weekend. It offers a rare combination of swank and funk.
Bob says: The Friday of Pride Weekend will be the busiest night of the year for Barracuda, hands down. DJ Scott Goode kicks off the weekend with a night full of gay anthems and pop diva classics.
SATURDAY
Industry Bar (355 W. 52nd St.) boasts an inherent cool factor in a space that resembles clubs found in Berlin or Barcelona. Before becoming the hottest bar in Hell’s Kitchen, it was an old parking garage. Pontarelli wisely kept the space raw and natural, adding fun elements from the machine age.
We say: Arrive early! 2-for-1 drinks until 9 p.m. Cheaper always tastes better!
Bob says: Industry will host 3,000 revelers partying in their own distinct, uninhibited, crazy way. DJ Brenda Black promises we’ll know every lyric to every song she spins.
SUNDAY
Utilizing vintage furnishings with a contemporary sensibility, elmo (156 7th Ave.) offers a dazzling dining experience that has made it a celebrity beacon. Daniel Radcliffe, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Patti Labelle, the Dixie Chicks, Janet Jackson and Ellen DeGeneres have all savored the potent cocktails, great food and party atmosphere that elmo serves up.
We say: This is the best place for Sunday brunch. Nothing beats the frozen margarita with fresh fruit puree!
Bob says: Sunday of Pride will be a non-stop, day-long, spill-in-to-the-street party at elmo. The amazing DJ Steve Paul will host until 7 p.m., and then DJ Bryan Raughton takes over until closing.
By Mick Sandoval
