Icon

When Astoria resident Nick Lion had some friends visiting from California a few years ago, he wanted to take them out to a nice place for a cocktail, but couldn’t think of a suitable spot in the neighborhood. So he decided to open Icon (31-84 33rd St, IconAstoria.com), a clean, upscale gay club that’s both glamorous and welcoming.

“It’s called Icon and it’s dedicated to and inspired by Marilyn Monroe,” explains Lion of the new bar’s design inspiration. “It’s very glamorous and sparkly. It’s a place where you like to bring people and be in a beautiful surrounding,” he continues. “It’s a nice respite.”

Icon joins a number of new venues hoping to cater to Astoria’s thriving gay scene, and Lion says the bar will offer a full range of shows, regular live entertainment and drag queens. One thing you won’t find at the new venue, however, are any televisions.

“I didn’t want TVs and video screens or anything because it’s almost like going out and everyone’s looking at their iPods and phones, and they’re not communicating and socializing,” says Lion. “It’s proven that if there’s a TV screen your eyes focus on that.”

There will be plenty else to focus on when Icon celebrates its grand opening (on December 28) and New Year’s Eve this week. For the bar’s grand opening party, Lion promises a special surprise performance as well as dancers and no cover. On New Year’s Eve, Amanda Lepore and Carmen Carrera will be hosting the glitzy blowout celebration with DJ

Amoroso. At both events, Lion hopes to set a warm and welcoming tone for the future.

“I want a place where my people can feel connected,” he says. “Most important is the heart of the club.”