Massive XL Nightclub Reopens in Hell's Kitchen, Happy Hour In Tow

By James Mulcahy

Those of you who remember bar-hopping back in the early to mid-aughts probably remember stopping into the bi-level Chelsea bar XL. Yeah, technically it was a gay bar, but it drew a totally mixed crowd by hosting one of the best happy hours in the city: two for one on all drinks, nightly, from 4 to 9 PM (those of you who remember walking in probably don't remember walking out). Well, XL has returned, as so has the suh-weet happy hour deals. Last weekend, the club reopened at its new perch in Hell's Kitchen, which has overtaken Chelsea as the city's gay-borhood, at least as far as the bar going crowds are concerned.

The new digs are ginormous - the feel at the revamped XL is much clubbier than it's predecessor - it's looking to take the torch passed by the now shuttered Roxy instead of recreating the more casual vibe it ran with on 16th Street. The mega-club may be dead and Chelsea, but it's apparently alive and kicking farther uptown. There's a giant LCD wall, a stage for performances and plenty of room for dancing. There is also an adjacent cabaret that will feature nightly performances. It's all located in the Out NYC, which is dubbed as the city's first "gay hotel." A restaurant is also on tap for the space, which should open in the next few months.

All of this does beg the question: with so many new gay bars opening in this hood, will it become over-saturated? Time will tell, but judging by the reports from opening weekend, there is definitely an audience for this joint. Get more info here (512 West 42nd St.; 212-239-2999).