Let me paint you a picture, honey. It’s a balmy New Rochelle night, my friend and I are bar-hopping in our best spring fits, ready to call it a night, when—BAM!—we hear the unmistakable sound of someone belting Whitney Houston with the passion of a thousand glitter bombs. The source? Ava Ava, doors wide open like the arms of a fabulous auntie welcoming you home after a breakup.
Ava Ava in New Rochelle: The Vibrant Cocktail Lounge Serving Queer Joy, Karaoke Vibes & Royal Realness – Restaurant Reviews with Maxwell Alexander – LGBTQ+ Travel – Presented by Alluvion Vacations
We were this close to heading home. But the scene through those glass doors? Pure magic. Think golden lighting, rich textures, and a bar so pretty it practically winked at us. We floated in like cocktail-loving moths to a very well-lit flame, and baby, did Ava Ava deliver.
Let’s start with the drinks, because this place doesn’t just serve cocktails—they compose symphonies in a glass. Their Ava Sunrise? A citrusy explosion of tequila, OJ, and pineapple, crowned with a dried citrus that said, “Snap a pic of me, darling.” And you better believe I did. Twice. I’m a sucker for a picture-perfect garnish—it’s giving botanical runway realness and make my mixology photography rock.
This wasn’t just drinking—it was drinking with purpose. The Mango Margarita slapped in all the right ways. Sweet, tangy, and tropical enough to make me forget I was in Westchester and not on a beach with someone fanning me and feeding me compliments. It had that golden glow—like if sunset got tipsy and joined the party. And yes, I photographed it like it was my firstborn.
Then came the Hennessy Punch, which tasted like vacation romance in a cup: sweet, strong, and slightly dangerous if you’re not pacing yourself. But we weren’t here to pace—we were here to sip, strut, and sing.
Which brings me to the karaoke. Yes, babes, there was live karaoke and not just the drunk-in-the-corner kind. We’re talking full-throated divas, high-energy covers, and a crowd that clapped like we were at the Grammys. The energy? Electric. The vibes? Immaculate. The crowd? A melting pot of joy, glitter, and community love.
Honestly, it felt like a full-on sanctuary for the fun peeps. The vibes were elite. Ava Ava isn’t just a bar—it’s a hug with a salted rim and the audacity to make everyone feel like a star. The lighting? Cinematic. The cocktails? Main character-worthy. The karaoke? Straight serotonin. And me? I had the hat on. The Cocky Cowboy was in the building, fully living, fully thriving, and 100% at home.
If you’ve ever longed for a space where you can sip something strong, sing something wrong, and be exactly who you are—this is it. Next time, I’m dragging my hubby for a proper date night because this spot? It’s got heart. And a hell of a happy hour.
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