Chelsea's nightlife lineage continues with Club Rawhide, a 160-capacity venue dedicated to the district's storied queer history.
Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood has a new anchor for queer nightlife. Club Rawhide, a 160-capacity space on West 26th Street, launched this month. While it shares a name with the legendary 1979 gay bar, this iteration is a fresh venture from the team behind Boxers NYC.
The space prioritizes local legacy over modern minimalism. Inside, the design includes 90s-era aesthetics and a Michael Musto installation honoring Chelsea’s club history. Audiophiles will note the custom sound setup designed by Scott Clungan.
The opening weekend programming set a high bar, featuring sets from Kevin Aviance and The Carry Nation. Reports from early attendees describe a leather-friendly environment with a functional back room, signaling a return to the area’s gritty, community-focused roots.
In a city where large-scale rooms often dominate the conversation, Club Rawhide’s intimate footprint is a necessary addition to New York’s late-night infrastructure.