Boysroom on Avenue A: Mistress Formika's East Village dance den
Located at 211 Avenue A on the corner of 13th St. in the East Village, Boysroom (not to be confused with ‘90s circuit party "Boys Room" at BLDG/Webster Hall) was a "smallish corner dance den" that opened & reopened c. 2005-2010. 211 Avenue A was Boysroom’s 2nd location, which opened c. 2007, while its 1st location was at 9 Avenue A (open c. 2005-2007). Boysroom at both locations was opened & operated by Mistress Formika, tended to attract a hot East Village crowd, & became particularly known for its wild go-go boys.
Michael Formika Jones, an envelope-pushing artist who, as drag queen Mistress Formika, rose to prominence in the alt-queer scene of the early '90s in places like Pyramid Club, 1st opened Boysroom circa 2005. Boysroom was predominantly a dive bar, & Saturday nights were frequently hosted by Amanda Lepore & Cazwell, who would host an amateur go-go competition called "Go-Go Idol".
Other recurring parties held at Boysroom were “Barely Legal” Fridays & “Back2Basics”. Cazwell also once held his birthday party at Boysroom & shot a music video for his song "Watch My Mouth" at the club. DJ Dickey Doo recalled performing there once with Candis Cayne, who performed her song off his CD called, “My Heart Belongs 2 Data.” Other nightlife denizens at Boysroom over the years included Ladyfag, Joseph Israel, Aimee Phillips, & Raquel Reed.
A June 2006 writeup in the Village Voice of Boysroom described a typical club night experience there: "For some really dirty fun, head down to the East Village, where Michael Formika Jones’s Go-Go Idol makes its triumphant return at the new Boysroom. Guest host Shealita Baby judges the drunk boys stripping down for the $200 grand prize. Don’t even bother bringing your pants."
Patron Ty R offered a similar review: "Go-Go Idol is always interesting to watch, but the time it starts usually varies depending on the contestants & whatnot. I dislike paying cover, but it's only $5, & I like trashy, divey, & sleaze. If you can't throw down and shitkick in the East Village, then stay in Chelsea."
@thebushwickgay remarked about Boysroom: “Best club ever in NYC 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”
@keithsayshi recalled: “I was at that bar constantly 😂😂😂”
@lisabonelli1 reflected: “Fabulous fun and cool , NYC truly sux now. There used to be multiple spots to hit every nite of the week. Someplace for every one to fit in. Not anymore. People came from all over the world just to experience the gay nite life in Manhattan. Such a shame but grateful of what was here. 🤩”
Many thanks go out to stevinrex on IG who both suggested the site and provided some personal photos & stories!
