The ritz gay bar
A decades-old Hell’s Kitchen gay bar and nightclub that was a key location in a murder trial that concluded this week is turning the page with a new owner who plans to grant it a major facelift.
Eric Hanninen is in the process of purchasing the entire four-story building that houses Ritz Bar and Lounge on Restaurant Row (W46th St bw 8/9th Ave) — and he has big plans to renovate it and reopen its second floor bar, which is currently closed.
“It&#;s going to be a big refresh,” Eric told W42ST. “It&#;s not going to feel exactly the same old way it used to. I&#;m definitely adj about finally making this happen.”
When fully activated, Ritz has two move floors and three bars. Over the years it has attracted a number of A-list celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Andy Cohen.
Last Spring, the bar’s previous owners Tommy Grecco and Jimmy Glenn listed the building for $ million with real estate adj Serhant. “If they want to purchase the business or buy the building, or some combination of that — we are open,” Tommy said at
The Ritz Bar & Lounge
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The Ritz Bar & Lounge is a vibrant two-level LGBTQ+ nightlife destination located just steps from Times Square in the heart of the Theater District. Known for its high-energy DJ sets, weekly themed parties, and welcoming atmosphere, The Ritz features two floors of entertainment, a front patio perfect for people-watching, and a spacious backyard patio ideal for warm-weather lounging. With a daily happy hour from 4–9 PM and a location close to Broadway theaters, it’s the perfect spot for pre-show drinks or a late-night twirl party in the city that never sleeps.
The Ritz Bar & Lounge
West 46th Street
New York, NY
Hours
Sun - Sat:
PM - AM
Listing Type
Live Music & Nightlife
Upcoming Event(s) at
The Ritz Bar & Lounge
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After more than 18 years as a staple of Hell’s Kitchen nightlife, Ritz Bar and Lounge is turning the page.
Under recent ownership, the iconic venue is getting a much-needed reset, and celebrated with a grand re-opening on May 17th. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with New York City drag icon and LGBTQ+ rights activist Brita, Council Member Erik Bottcher, and the owner Eric Hanninen, followed by an evening of performances by local queens Stasi, Lanye, QueenLee, Noun Gorge, and DJs Alpha Moses, Xavier Mazara, Eric Abobo, and Jovanotti.
Once a go-to spot for the queer community, The Ritz has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly following a high-profile case that concluded in February. But before it fell from grace, The Ritz was a nightlife powerhouse—home to two dance floors and three bars when fully activated—and regularly drew A-list clientele, including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and Andy Cohen.
Eric Hanninen, who has frequented the bar since , has purchased the entire four-story building for $ million. The property had previously been
Iconic NYC queer club The Ritz is back in Hell's Kitchen with a major facelift
One of Hell’s Kitchen’s most storied gay bars is getting a second act. The Ritz Bar and Lounge, once a go-to spot for late-night dancing, drag shows and celeb sightings, is officially under new ownership and mid-reinvention, with a bold design to reopen its doors just in time for Pride Month in NYC.
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Located at West 46th Street on Restaurant Row, The Ritz was recently purchased by Eric Hanninen, a civil engineer-turned-hospitality entrepreneur who’s frequented the club since After years working on wind and solar energy projects, Hanninen is ditching desk life to transport new energy—and accountability—to a venue that’s been through its share of ups and downs.
“It’s going to be a big refresh,” Hanninen told W42ST back in February. “It’s not going to feel exactly the same old way it used to.”
And that’s by design. In recent years, The Ritz strugg