The Brief on Boxers

When sports fans Bob Fluet and Rob Hynds couldn’t find a place they and their gay teammates could hang out at after games, they decided to create one. They opened their first Boxers in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood.

That was nearly ten years ago. Since then, they have opened four more bars. Today, they have three locations in prominent areas of the city. There’s a Boxers in Hell’s Kitchen and another on the Upper West Side. There’s a fourth location in Philadelphia.

Fluet and Hynds have long credited the success of Boxers with mixing elements traditionally found in mainstream sports bars (like pool tables, beer on tap, and flat screen TVs broadcasting sports games) with queer touches like DJs, top 40 music videos and shirtless male bartenders in… you guessed it… boxers. But we wanted to get the real low-down on the bar chains meteoric success. Here are our twenty questions with Bob Fluet and Rob Hynds.

Is Boxers the gay Cheers?

We’re a combination of Cheers meets Hooters.

What one thing is Boxers most known for?

Our scantly clad bartenders and strong man drinks.

Most requested cocktails?

Anything with vodka.

Most requested food item?

Pizza, wings and our signature burgers.

Is the crowd a sporty bunch?

We have a very diverse crowd. Everyone mingles with each other. It’s something very unique.

No need to follow sports to hang out at Boxers?

Not at all! We have something for everybody. We even host RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties every week. The turn out for the shows is as big as our Super Bowl crowds.

Because drag is also a sport, right?

It is fiercely competitive, that’s for sure.

How should one dress to Boxers?

Casually. Boxers is a place to unwind at and have fun.

Is Boxers a place a guy might bring his mom to?

Most definitely. Moms come in all the time. Dads too!

Best day of the week to visit Boxers?

Honestly, seven days a week. We always have something fun going on.

Busiest day?

Depends on the location. Chelsea and Hells Kitchen are busiest on Fridays and Saturdays. Upper West is busiest during the week. The busiest time is happy hour. All locations are busy then.

What time is happy hour?

Every day from open to 8pm.

Best day to avoid large crowds?

Mondays are normally our more chill days.

Are tables reserve-able?

You can reserve the whole bar, if the deal is right! We host private and special events all the time.

Where can we find out about weekly events?

Listings for all locations are on the Boxers website.

What tunes are played at Boxers?

Our music is as diverse as our clientele but definitely top 40 and then it varies depending on the theme of the party or event.

Funniest pick-up line a Boxers bartender has received?

Are you a boxer? Because you are a knock out.

Best way to charm a Boxers bartender?

Leave them a big tip.

Is there an etiquette protocol at Boxers?

Just have a good time. Our bartenders are shirtless and having fun but be respectful.

What makes Boxers different from other gay bars?

We’re a very special place. Our staff are hot as hell but they’re sweet, too.

Visit www.boxersnyc.com.