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When we heard that a bar called Animal was opening last year, we were pretty stoked about getting a fresh addition to the queer scene, particularly one that prided itself on top-notch cocktails and an intimate community vibe that wasn't dive-y.
Believe it or not, it's already been an entire year since that bar first opened in Williamsburg at 307 Meeker Avenue, and it’s throwing a big rager next Sunday, March 30, to celebrate its first birthday.
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During its nearly 12 months, Animal has created many iconic moments, including its New Year's Eve celebration, where Kevin Aviance rang in the new year and performed “Cunty” (which Beyoncé sampled in Renaissance) while dressed as Animal from the Muppets.
“As much as we dreamed of this bar for years, we could never have imagined the incredible energy, love, and creativity that our community has brought to Animal,” said co-founder Ashton Correa. “This past year has been beyond anything we could have hoped for, and we’re just getting started.”
The anniversary party next Sunday will take place from 2pm until 4am and will involve drink specials throughout the day. There will be DJs of course, starting with Theoretic from 4pm to 8pm; special guests from 8pm to midnight; and Mark Holcomb from midnight to 4am.
Animal stands out for its stellar DJ curation and great cocktails, which includes special drinks like the Animal Spritz (St. Agrestis Paradiso, sparkling wine, soda) and the Animal Mezcal Marg (Mal Bien espadín, house orange liqueur, lime). It also has an outdoor area and a dance floor with a skylight with a large disco ball that hands from it, which has become an emblematic fixture of the venue.
Recently, we've been grieving the loss of many iconic nightlife venues, from Barracuda to Black Flamingo to Paragon. At a time when queer spaces are more essential than ever and nightlife is going through a rougher period, we'll definitely be celebrating Animal's success next week.
If you're not able to make the anniversary celebration, you can still visit Animal seven days a week. It hosts several events, including a queer market displaying local artists once a month. Otherwise, the bar is open Mondays through Fridays, 4pm-4am, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 2pm until 4am.