A longtime sexy Chelsea favorite, Warrell is here to get you served!
Bar(s) that I work at: REBAR Chelsea
How long I’ve worked there: 7.5 years (G Lounge, then REBAR)
What are my shifts: Thursday, 9pm to close: bartending the new and hot “Collabs” party by Leo, a weekly party that brings together two of the sexiest content-creators and streaming stars for an exclusive show | Friday, 9pm to close: bartending the newest and wildest event “BEAST” by Frankie Sharp | Saturday, 9pm to close: bartending our weekly-rotating parties, including Latin events by Diogo Ambrosio, and our pop party “FUQBOI” with host Androgyny and new and exciting events always in the works.
What makes this bar great: These days there so many new and competitive queer spaces popping up daily–each with more flair, more spectacle, more star-power, more *bang* than the space before it. What I knew and saw working in nightlife in 2011 is what I know today: the staying power is made of the elements that exist underneath the bells and whistles.
We are all looking for that often sought but rarely found feeling of family–and when we find it, we keep it. Through the efforts and dedication of the staff members of our space– their familiar faces that our patrons have come to know and love–REBAR has become one of those spaces. They are few and special, and in this era of oversaturation I know that this is what will always matter most to our community. Investment in real connection is investment in our community, and in ourselves.
Best drink I make: The Golden G’Warrell (come visit me and I’ll make it for you)
I love it when customers: are kind and respectful to everyone in the space.
I hate it when customers: don’t come!
Craziest thing I’ve seen here: Skip!
Other places I’ve worked: Industry Bar (barback then bartender), Florian (bartender), Lido on 116th (bartender, server, manager), G Lounge (bartender/manager)
My hometown: Ashville, OH
Stuff I do when I’m not bartending: I love reading (fiction, sci-fi / fantasy, autobiographies, more). I’m a gamer (RPGs mostly, most recently FFVII remake, Elden Ring, Horizon: Forbidden West). Just recently started practicing tarot, and loving it! And game nights with friends.
Single or Taken: Single
Who/what turns me on: Intelligence, kindness, integrity, culture, self-awareness, willingness to listen/learn, humor, the unconventional
Favorite music: Most recently: revisiting Paramour, Lord Huron, Caroline Rose (genius artist), Beyoncé (duh), SZA (Ctrl), Anita Baker, Ogi, early Grimes, Billie Eilish
Favorite movie or TV show: Recently: The Other Two, Parks and Rec, What We Do In The Shadows, The Bear, Adventure Time
Favorite drag queen: I’ve been privileged enough to grow alongside and have close friendships with many of the drag icons in NYC nightlife. Those I know who have always been hustlers, always the hardest-working, have always had integrity in their work and passion–and have always been kind and respectful to every staff member, DJs, sisters… those girls are my favorite. When you’re “That Girl,” you don’t have to tell people, you just are.
My drag name would be: I’m keeping my fave in the back pocket, but runner-up is Trish Anne Chips. It’s so bad, it’s infuriating… and that’s why it’s unforgettable.
Favorite gogo boy: No faves, as there are so many talents. But I will give a shout out to Vinny Vega.
Favorite DJ: Same answer as the gogo–but I truly miss the legends that are and were DJ Eugene Edo and DJ Xavier Auza.
Other stuff you need to know about me: I’m a diabetic (type 1), I’m non-binary (though I accept all pronouns), I’m a great cook, I double-majored in Musical Theatre and Dance with a minor in Spanish, and, though I know I fail more often than I’d like, I truly do always try my best to be kind. Only through truth and vulnerability are we able to create connection.
Follow me on: Instagram; TikTok–I’ll get there someday
Tip me at: Venmo: Michael-Warrell
Thotyssey 