The Domino: Home base for the city's Poly scene?
By Pippy Calmar
I'd recently mentioned to a match on a dating app that I was polyamorous. In return, I received the following message: “A friend told me The Domino is like the home base for the polyamorous gang - is that true haha?”
It’s true! The Domino is a queer- and poly-friendly bar in the Bywater; right on St. Claude Avenue, just on the edge of the Marigny. Their monthly Platonic Speed Dating nights create a space for community building. Every first Wednesday, the non-monogamous crowd shows up in droves to meet new friends and potential partners.
The general manager, Chris, is often behind the bar and pours delightful non-alcoholic bevvies. The bartender, Miguel, always makes me feel looked-after. They both have magnificent hair- Miguel with glorious brown locks and Chris with a long metallic silver flow. The bar top is a cool, vintage-style black and white terrazzo that reminds me of dice and dominoes, like it’s inviting me to sit down for a game. Posters advertise upcoming events like their monthly live dating show The Hump Connection, where the goal is to “connect parts, not hearts.”
The Domino is my go-to first date spot because it feels like such a safe space. The clientele is cool and respectful, and Miguel is so friendly that it feels like home- he knows my drink order, remembers my name, and engages in such a natural way. On one of my first nights out at The D there was a “pro-consent, anti-asshole” dance party, and from then on I knew this was a bar for me.
The Domino’s other events include Stripper Bingo, monthly art exhibits, and collage nights. On any given visit, you’ll likely run into other poly patrons. If you’re looking for new LGBTQ friends, check out the Abba cover band or queer dance parties, usually on Friday and Saturday nights.
On occasion, The D hosts food pop-ups like Milkfish and Tot Daddies. There are loads of nearby options for great grub, too. For dinner, I recommend Bar Brine (with lots of vegetarian options, open 5:30pm-9pm) and Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos (open till 9pm).
There are some fantastic events coming up later this summer, too. I’m especially excited for the Wet Hot American Book Fair (July 30 from 5pm-8pm), a Scholastic-style book fair for adults! This one is 'Summer Camp' themed, so wear your Chacos and come support local bookseller Blue Cypress Books.
For other poly-friendly spaces, check out Twelve Mile Limit (Mid-City) and the Rising Sun (LGD). I’ll have more on these in the next blog… and see y’all at poly speed dating at The Domino on the first Wednesday of every month!
MORE FEATURES
By Pippy Calmar
I'd recently mentioned to a match on a dating app that I was polyamorous. In return, I received the following message: “A friend told me The Domino is like the home base for the polyamorous gang - is that true haha?”
It’s true! The Domino is a queer- and poly-friendly bar in the Bywater; right on St. Claude Avenue, just on the edge of the Marigny. Their monthly Platonic Speed Dating nights create a space for community building. Every first Wednesday, the non-monogamous crowd shows up in droves to meet new friends and potential partners.
The general manager, Chris, is often behind the bar and pours delightful non-alcoholic bevvies. The bartender, Miguel, always makes me feel looked-after. They both have magnificent hair- Miguel with glorious brown locks and Chris with a long metallic silver flow. The bar top is a cool, vintage-style black and white terrazzo that reminds me of dice and dominoes, like it’s inviting me to sit down for a game. Posters advertise upcoming events like their monthly live dating show The Hump Connection, where the goal is to “connect parts, not hearts.”
The Domino is my go-to first date spot because it feels like such a safe space. The clientele is cool and respectful, and Miguel is so friendly that it feels like home- he knows my drink order, remembers my name, and engages in such a natural way. On one of my first nights out at The D there was a “pro-consent, anti-asshole” dance party, and from then on I knew this was a bar for me.
The Domino’s other events include Stripper Bingo, monthly art exhibits, and collage nights. On any given visit, you’ll likely run into other poly patrons. If you’re looking for new LGBTQ friends, check out the Abba cover band or queer dance parties, usually on Friday and Saturday nights.
On occasion, The D hosts food pop-ups like Milkfish and Tot Daddies. There are loads of nearby options for great grub, too. For dinner, I recommend Bar Brine (with lots of vegetarian options, open 5:30pm-9pm) and Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos (open till 9pm).
There are some fantastic events coming up later this summer, too. I’m especially excited for the Wet Hot American Book Fair (July 30 from 5pm-8pm), a Scholastic-style book fair for adults! This one is 'Summer Camp' themed, so wear your Chacos and come support local bookseller Blue Cypress Books.
For other poly-friendly spaces, check out Twelve Mile Limit (Mid-City) and the Rising Sun (LGD). I’ll have more on these in the next blog… and see y’all at poly speed dating at The Domino on the first Wednesday of every month!
MORE FEATURES