Profile

Opened in 2008 and sandwiched in between Urge and the Cock, this sleek lounge manages to add a touch of class to the East Village’s gay-bar roster. Dark and roomy, DTOX has all the trappings of a mod Chelsea hangout, from the backless leather bar stools to the continuous soundtrack of innocuous dance beats. It attracts a mixed crowd that prefers posh surroundings (and clean bathrooms), as well as young guys seeking a more subdued stop on their bar crawl. Though it’s too big by half to be a cozy neighborhood spot, loyal patrons still show up after work for free food at happy hour or to chat up the friendly bartenders wearing sleeveless shirts. Some may lament the absence of male entertainment here, but what DTOX lacks in greasy go-go boys it makes up for with its rotating cast of drag performers, who can be seen after 11:30 p.m. several nights a week. — Michael Alan Connelly