R.I.P.: The Cemetery of Manhattan's Gay Bars + Clubs

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It's hard to believe we're already in the tenth year of the 21st century. It's almost as hard to believe how many gay bars, clubs, bookstores and other haunts we've lost since the ball dropped on the new millennium. Below you'll find Next Magazine's map of dearly departed queer hangouts that closed up shop in the past ten years.

We remember tripping balls at Twilo, getting cruised hard at XL and becoming a hot mess at a gay bachelor party at the Gaiety. Did we miss some places? Do you have a juicy anecdote about your favorite spot? Add a comment below! —Dan Avery

 

Click The Map Below For a Larger Version

http://www.nextmagazine.com/files/imagemisc/CLOSEDBARS.jpg

 


 

 

Dead bar/clubs

Submitted by sheliaE on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 14:18.

I know it was only around for like a hot minute, but what about Rapture Cafe? They attempted to do some really great stuff.

The Slide

Submitted by brooklynmichael on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 14:19.

OMG--I used to get so shitfaced there I couldnt remember how i got home--or woh I went home with ;)

Limelight fun

Submitted by justlaff on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 16:45.

Oh the Limelight - I have SO many memories of being in the library drinking way too much. My best memory was when a star from "All My Children" hit me up, he was way too drunk but it was fun being cruised by him. It was gay church for sure.

Candy Bar

Submitted by phalseysherwood on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 17:27.

I miss Candy Bar terribly when Lady Bunny spun all those drunken brunches. Or just going anytime late night, it was always a ball. The Slide was incredibly fun too brooklynmichael!

PARADISE GARAGE 84 King Street

Submitted by Saxon212 on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 17:27.

I'm sure you left it out because it was mostly a Black dance club but it was THE place where house music was invented kids!

Universal Grill 44 Bedford St

Submitted by Rich30804 on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 18:21.

When in NYC from Atlanta loved going to Universal Grill.
Loved the "disco bar" with the drag queens playing on vinyl, having a few drinks, then sitting down to dinner! Ate next door at the "Mary's" establishment too. Both may be outside of the "decade of decline", but I continue to relish those dinners / drinking memories.

RE: Paradise Garage 84 King Street

Submitted by mdelarosa on Thu, 01/14/2010 - 09:12.

I think Paradise closed in the 80s--this is supposed to be places thats closed in the last 10 years.

Starlight

Submitted by atd454 on Fri, 01/15/2010 - 08:26.

I really miss this place as well as Wonderbar. Two of my favorite spots in the E Village. Starlight was very classy and had a nice lounge in the back with cool chandeliers and funky music. I remember back when you could smoke in bars walking into starlight and there would be a thick cloud of smoke next to the banquette opposite the bar.

Also Wonderbar was a great cozy bar. They had an awesome crowd and cool Djs on the weekend. I remember going there for a very memorable New Years Eve celebration.

Creative Visions/Gay Pleasures Bookstore @ 548 Hudson St.

Submitted by Elizabeth_Costello on Sat, 01/16/2010 - 18:11.

Don't forget Creative Visions/Gay Pleasures bookstore, which was at 548 Hudson Street. It used to have a great selection of old male nude photographs, and artist Glenn Ligon even created a series of works, one of which appeared on the Dia Center for the Arts' website, based on the trove of material he found there.

Rome...

Submitted by tomboy68 on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 13:31.

Anyone recall that bar Rome that closed about a decade ago... it was on 8th ave... good times...

THE COCK

Submitted by thecockbar on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 09:13.

The Cock is NOT closed. It just moved. Open every night 11pm. 29 Second Avenue between first and second st.