I’ve been a loyal customer and have always loved this place, visiting multiple times a week since they opened. I’ve purchased many candles that I adore, and have consistently had positive experiences with the staff—until tonight.Unfortunately, my experience this evening was incredibly disappointing. The service was far from what I’ve come to expect. The bartenders were rude and standoffish, which was a stark contrast to the warm and welcoming atmosphere I’ve previously enjoyed here. It brought back memories of the unfriendly environments that contributed to the decline of similar establishments in Hell’s Kitchen.I sincerely hope that management takes a close look at their staff and ensures they have the right people in place, as the current situation could jeopardize the fun and welcoming vibe this place has been known for. If this is the direction they’re heading in, I’m afraid it won’t last, and it certainly won’t be a place I’d want to return to.Be careful when coming here as a newcomer or a visitor from out of town- just not the experience you would except when they pride themselves on inclusivity amounts other things.The people in this photo were the reason for this review!
Best place in Hell’s Kitchen to see drag shows. I’m always apprehensive of going to see local drag in New York because most spots are tiny and I fear being pulled on stage.. Balcon is great because it’s two floors, so you can perch yourself up top around the balcony without fear of being exposed or called to participate!!But aside from my own personal fears, the queens here are top notch (some of the best in the city) and the bar staff are actually very sweet, hard working and friendly. The place feels classy without any pretension or attitude. The crowd also feels mixed, and not overrun with bachelorette parties.
My partner and I had such a wonderful time here!! Kevin behind the bar is fabulous and made our experience so great. Will be back!
$30 for a regular drink in a plastic cup!! I have the money but who else will put up with that! Thats crazy!Bar backs push u out of the way as they run around the club.Over priced and over rated. Its a shame. Another nice gay club in the city that is going to go under because the owners have no idea what they are doing!If this club is going to last they need to make the drink prices normal and make the staff be more polite when they are moving around the club.I even asked one of the bartenders about it and asked him if the owners were present and he said they were and that they would speak to me so I could help save their club. But no one came out to speak with me and I didnt want to ruin my night trying to give advise to a nice new club. I just want the place to do well but it will never do well if they try to scam customers with over priced drinks and wont come out to talk about what happened.Response to owner.April 27th $73.15 with tax and tip for 2 mezcal and sprite. Drink came with a ton of ice too!Please credit $38.00 and I will remove the review.I figure $14 at most per drink plus tax and $4 tip.Also see what happened behind the bar that it was so expensive.I really like the bar and I want to see it succeed, bartender needs to be re-trained or repremanded.
This bar is super cute! The energy in this bar is amazing! My gay best friend and I came during a drag show and it was my first time at one and it was an amazing and fun experience. As a woman being there, I felt welcomed and not judged to be there. Super fun and hot bar!
We hosted a party at the upstairs lounge. The management and the staff were absolutely outstanding. Highly recommend this place.
Had to leave before finishing my first drink because of a ridiculous security guard who was on a power trip.It leaves a very poor taste in your mouth when someone accuses you of something you didn’t do, and then treats you very poorly for it.It’s a poor reflection of the business and owners for employing someone so hostile and disingenuous. Won’t be coming back, would suggest anyone reading this to stay away.
Love love love the vibe here. From the door man. To the bar staff, particularly Michael. to nicki! Please don’t lose great staff. It goes so far and makes people want to come back for years. This will be such an amazing long term destination as long as your staff is 🙌🏻 and may I please mention having talented people like Andrew behind lights is 🙌🏻 all good energy that so many places lack ❤️❤️❤️
Great time. Love the atmosphere. Thursday disco tea is always a must, such a great place to have an early drink and lounge. Never a dull moment at night though cause the keep the party going late every night.
Hi Balcon!Im sorry to hear that the impressions of the new, cool place are being marred by unprofessional staff. The bartenders lost my card, made me wait longer than ever, pretending nothing was happening, avoiding eye contact. Sorry, but I had planned to enjoy the show, not stand at the bar for 20 minutes waiting for my bill. Its hard to upset me, but you guys managed it! No apologies, and everything was very arrogant, as if everything that happened was my fault. Perhaps, this is their understanding of hospitality!Bravo!👏🏻Sorry, Nick and La Fleur, yesterday I couldnt see you and my favorite show! Lets meet somewhere else.
This is the level of drag I want to see when I go out in NYC. I came in on a Thursday and the drag queen was putting on a multi-set show with backup dancers and guest performers. An incredible performance, and there wasnt even a cover charge.The bartenders were friendly and professional. I spoke with Mike for a bit while he was bartending - super nice, and he made an amazing Balcontini.
Best drag shows ever. The Lip sync Assassins are the best
Amazing atmosphere and my new go to in hells kitchen.....the staff is extremely friendly and I felt welcome from the moment I walked in. The prices are comparable, if not more affordable, than other bars in the area. Best martini Ive had in a while.........
Some of the best drag shows in the city hands down! Cute friendly bartenders, lots of space, and very clean. Definitely worth a visit!
I absolutely loved the vibe and the drag show at Balcon Salon. It was a world class Performance, and I had a fabulous time to dance there.
Had fun! Definitely appreciate no cover on a Saturday so thanks for that. Nice spot to stop on 9th Avenue for sure.
Had 1800 cristalino and paid 23 dollars for it, it did not taste like it should. It taste like they refill the bottles. I’m Mexican.
Excellent !! Bartender 👍🏻 drag Queen 👍🏻 waiter 👍🏻 i love this place !!!!
New place in HK. Bar tenders are so nice. Great spot
Great place but the volume is TOO LOUD I feel like I’m going deaf.
Cute/friendly bartenders and amazing entertainment, 1000/10 recommend coming by
Приятная атмосфера , вкусно и быстро !(Translated by Google)Nice atmosphere, tasty and fast!
Got pickpocketed here last night. Please be careful if you go.
Amazing performances, great vibe. Highly recommendation.
Overall great vibe!! The girls are great 🥰
Cool drag shows
Great addition to the gayborhood !!
Amazing bar!
Very discriminatory and pricey!
New gay bar in the hood!
Overpriced