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A GLBT Community Pride Project
"Bars That Were"
217 & Counting
Pride is a time to reflect.
But Remember
"Today is going to be the future's good old
days!"
......Mark & Carrie
MC Film & Friends have put
together this list of "Bars That Were"
Now we need the community's help
& WELCOME your in put!
Tell us something about
your favorite club and email us to be put into
the clubs memories archives.
Example: See what Brian & Horst wrote about "The
Wedgewood"
We will then post everything on
www.MCFILMFEST.com
Please send your memories, additions &
corrections to
MCFILMFEST@aol.com
THANK YOU
The Knotty Pine - Tampa 1940's
Disclaimer
All this information is just for fun. We have
no idea if it's true or not. When collecting
the info we talked with friends, club patrons,
bartenders, club owners. Many times they had
completely different memories of what had
happened. As one person said, "We never
went to that club because it was full of old
people. Today I realize that we were 21 & old
was 30!"
Community Trivia
What Club has moved the most times?
The KIKIKI wins moved 3 times & open one
satellite in St. Pete
It's a tie for #2 - The Tampa Eagle moved 3
times & Baxters moved 3 times.
What is the oldest Bar?
The KIKIKI III. #2 oldest is The Pro Shop in
Clearwater and is the oldest bar in one
location.
What building has had the most
Gay Bars located in it?
The winner with 7 names.
Peppers in Gulfport was: ... Cheshire Cat,
Kats, Puzzles, Vaughan's Box Office, Twins,
Sharp A's & now Peppers.
A close number 2 with 6 name changes is... The building next to the dog track on Gandy.
Chaps, Copa, Spectrum, The Saint, Benders, Club de Nile
A close number 2 with 6 name changes is... The building next to the dog track on Gandy.
Chaps, Copa, Spectrum, The Saint, Benders, Club de Nile
What was the code word bartenders
used at the gay bars for a possible police
raid?
"Ms Kennedy is coming"
What was the police vice squad
motto in the 1950's & 1960's?
"Don't Ask - Don't Tell"
What Performer has performed at
the most Gay or Lesbian Clubs in
Florida? & Can name them all?
"Judy B. Goode" has performed at 100+ Clubs & is still going strong & is still remembering more!
Lounge 714 (Ybor), A.J's (Jacksonville), Apple's Way, Artie's North and Artie"s South (WPB), Backroom Bar, Backstreet, Baxter's, Bedrocks, B.G's(WPB), BJ's, Bleachers (WPB), Blue Jeans, Blue Lagoon, Bobbie V's, Bo's Coral Reef (Jacksonville), Borders, Bottom Line (Fort Meyer), BT's, Cellar Pub (Homosassa), Cherokee Club, Cherry Grove(Miami), Cheshire Cat, Christopher Street (Sarasota), City Lights, Club Chada (Sarasota), Club Caribbean,(Fort Lauderdale), Connection(Ocala), Cove, David's, Detours ( St. Pete), Dockside, Donnie's club 422, Donnie's Club International, Donnie's Tropical Restaurant and Bar 801(key west) 1470 West, 5101(wpb), 416 (Key West), Flamingo, Flirt Night Club & Show Bar ( Ybor), Foolish Beat, Frankley Scarlett (Fort Walton), Full Moon Saloon, Garbo's (Delray beach), Gold Coast Bar(Fort Lauderdale), Grand Central Station, Inn Exile(wpb), Katzz, K&E (WPB), Keith's, Kevin's Cabaret(wpb), Kim's Club, Kodiak Pub(Orlando), Kozlow's Libation's (Fort Lauderdale), Lighted Tree, Lounge 714 ( Ybor), Lost and Found, Lu'Lu'Place (Delray Beach), Lovey's Pub (Holiday), Malibu's (WPB), Melody Club (Gainesville), MC Film, Ms Behavin (WPB), New Connection, Northside, Oar House, Oasis, Paradise Parliament House, Pepper Tree, Phil's Place Camp Ground(Reddick), Planet MC, Pro Shop, Rainbow, Rascal's, Ricky J's (Sarasota), Rock-nSports (Ybor), Roosters (wpb), Roosters(Sarasota), Roy's, Green Parrot, Sahara, Saucy's, Sharp A's, Sherman's (wpb), Silks, Skippers, Sporters ( St. Pete), Sports Page, Stars, Suncoast Resort - Grand Opening & Lunar & Wedgewood Lounge, The Coffee Shop (wpb), The Stud (Fort Lauderdale), Tracks, Triangles, Uncle Walt's (Orlando), Vault VIP Lounge, You are Cabaret. Judy was also the warm up act, in 1987, for "Helen Reddy" at Tampa Pride. Also performed at various Tampa prides, St. Pete Pride, Orlando & New orleans Prides & Daytona Beachfest. & "The Reggis & Kathy Lee Show", & Many more straight clubs! Go Judy www.judybgoode.com www.myspace.com/judybgoode
"Judy B. Goode" has performed at 100+ Clubs & is still going strong & is still remembering more!
Lounge 714 (Ybor), A.J's (Jacksonville), Apple's Way, Artie's North and Artie"s South (WPB), Backroom Bar, Backstreet, Baxter's, Bedrocks, B.G's(WPB), BJ's, Bleachers (WPB), Blue Jeans, Blue Lagoon, Bobbie V's, Bo's Coral Reef (Jacksonville), Borders, Bottom Line (Fort Meyer), BT's, Cellar Pub (Homosassa), Cherokee Club, Cherry Grove(Miami), Cheshire Cat, Christopher Street (Sarasota), City Lights, Club Chada (Sarasota), Club Caribbean,(Fort Lauderdale), Connection(Ocala), Cove, David's, Detours ( St. Pete), Dockside, Donnie's club 422, Donnie's Club International, Donnie's Tropical Restaurant and Bar 801(key west) 1470 West, 5101(wpb), 416 (Key West), Flamingo, Flirt Night Club & Show Bar ( Ybor), Foolish Beat, Frankley Scarlett (Fort Walton), Full Moon Saloon, Garbo's (Delray beach), Gold Coast Bar(Fort Lauderdale), Grand Central Station, Inn Exile(wpb), Katzz, K&E (WPB), Keith's, Kevin's Cabaret(wpb), Kim's Club, Kodiak Pub(Orlando), Kozlow's Libation's (Fort Lauderdale), Lighted Tree, Lounge 714 ( Ybor), Lost and Found, Lu'Lu'Place (Delray Beach), Lovey's Pub (Holiday), Malibu's (WPB), Melody Club (Gainesville), MC Film, Ms Behavin (WPB), New Connection, Northside, Oar House, Oasis, Paradise Parliament House, Pepper Tree, Phil's Place Camp Ground(Reddick), Planet MC, Pro Shop, Rainbow, Rascal's, Ricky J's (Sarasota), Rock-nSports (Ybor), Roosters (wpb), Roosters(Sarasota), Roy's, Green Parrot, Sahara, Saucy's, Sharp A's, Sherman's (wpb), Silks, Skippers, Sporters ( St. Pete), Sports Page, Stars, Suncoast Resort - Grand Opening & Lunar & Wedgewood Lounge, The Coffee Shop (wpb), The Stud (Fort Lauderdale), Tracks, Triangles, Uncle Walt's (Orlando), Vault VIP Lounge, You are Cabaret. Judy was also the warm up act, in 1987, for "Helen Reddy" at Tampa Pride. Also performed at various Tampa prides, St. Pete Pride, Orlando & New orleans Prides & Daytona Beachfest. & "The Reggis & Kathy Lee Show", & Many more straight clubs! Go Judy www.judybgoode.com www.myspace.com/judybgoode
"Bars That Were"
Located on Mac Dill Ave in Tampa owned by Bill. Today is "The Rainbow"
1470
Located at 325 Main Street in Dunedin. Closed in 2004. Also see "Dallape's"
1470 on 325 Main Street was also called at one time, Club 325, i know, i bardtended there for a short time, i forgot who owned or ran the club, but the boss man i remember was a guy who also was a hairdresser., do you remember this club in dunedin? anthony
Adonis
Located on North Franklin Street where the
State Building is located near the interstate.
It was an under aged club with no liquor or
beer sales. It did have drag shows and a lot
of drag queens did their first acts there.
Annex
In Tampa on Kennedy Blvd. Closed in 1997. Later become "Kim's Club." Today it's the upscale straight club "Bahasa Lounge."
Angel's
In Tampa located on South Dale Mabry. Closed in 1998. Today is "The Male Room"
In Tampa on Kennedy Blvd. Closed in 1997. Later become "Kim's Club." Today it's the upscale straight club "Bahasa Lounge."
Angel's
In Tampa located on South Dale Mabry. Closed in 1998. Today is "The Male Room"
Another Other End
Hi Carrie & Mark: Please add to your
anthology of the "Bars that Were":
ANOTHER OTHER END on Bay Pines Blvd. which was a lesbian bar in the mid
1980's and featured live entertainment. The back cover of July, 1986,
Womyn's Words is a full page ad and photo for Melissa Etheridge touring
with a saxaphone player named Barbara Marino.
The cover charge was $2.50!
Thanks.
Pat the Plumber, Womyn's Words editor
Melissa Etheridge's song "Scarecrow" written as a eulogy to Mathew
Shepherd is the epidemy of heartwrenching lyrics dedicated to the memory
of an intelligent, sensitive, beautiful young man viciously murdered
for being gay.
ANOTHER OTHER END on Bay Pines Blvd. which was a lesbian bar in the mid
1980's and featured live entertainment. The back cover of July, 1986,
Womyn's Words is a full page ad and photo for Melissa Etheridge touring
with a saxaphone player named Barbara Marino.
The cover charge was $2.50!
Thanks.
Pat the Plumber, Womyn's Words editor
Melissa Etheridge's song "Scarecrow" written as a eulogy to Mathew
Shepherd is the epidemy of heartwrenching lyrics dedicated to the memory
of an intelligent, sensitive, beautiful young man viciously murdered
for being gay.
Apple's Way
location Central Ave Later became DT's
Azaelea Gardens
In Tampa
Babylon
see "Rascal's"
Backstage
Located on Nebraska Ave Left of Beares Ave.
Tampa
Backroom Bar
Located at 14601 Gulf Blvd., Maderia Beach, 727-391-2680
Located at 14601 Gulf Blvd., Maderia Beach, 727-391-2680
Backstreet Mall
Originally opened in Clearwater in the 80's. "Tony H." was a bartender there. Connected to it was a bar called "The Boy's Next Door." Many famous Acts preformed there such as "The Original Village People", "Eartha Kitt", "Divine" "The Weather Girls" And "Judy B. Goode" !!!This whole complex moved to 5th St North in St. Pete, closed in 1987. Owners Mick now lives in Tampa Bay & Marge is alive & well and has moved to Orlando area.
Baxter's 1, 2 & 3
First opened on S. Dale Mabry then the building was knocked down (today is the Verizon Store) Sandy Moody sang here. Then move in to "Moody's" on South Dale Mabry, Then closed & "Angelo" bought the name & opened where it is today.
Bedrox
On the beach in Treasure Island. Closed in 1997. A one of a kind building designed to with stand hurricanes.
Benders
See "Chaps"
Boy's Next Door, The
Located next to "Backstreet Mall" closed in 1987
Blue Jeans
Located on Gandy Blvd. Closed in 2004. Crazy
Billy is still around to day. At "The Male Room"
Also see "Rainbow"
Blue Diamond, The
Elegent dance and showbar on First Ave S. in
in St.
Pete. The night of its grand opening the line to get in wound around
the block. Frankie DeLee, show director brought in stars from around
the country. Closed in 1980. Rand Hall worked the door and her partner was the
hostess.
Pete. The night of its grand opening the line to get in wound around
the block. Frankie DeLee, show director brought in stars from around
the country. Closed in 1980. Rand Hall worked the door and her partner was the
hostess.
Blue Mirror
See "Fuzzy Mouse"
Blue Moon Saloon
See "Rafters"
Bobby V's
Located on Cypress. Owned by "Uncle Tom Barcia" who played the organ & had fish fries! Today it's an office building.
BOY
Located on the Franklin Street Mall in
Tampa
Brass Rail
Located in Tampa Photos of Bobby Smith & Female impersonators Tommy & Jackie Maye 1949. Was not a Gay bar. It was a stripper bar. Might have had drag in on occasions.
Bridge Club
After hours bottle club located on Hillsborough Ave in Tampa behind the airport. With tinfoil ceilings and Christmas lights for color. Located in an industrial park, and if you stayed early enough into the morning, you would see workers working in their warehouses. Famous for Halloween Party by the Pharoes. Closed in the 90's.
Brigg, The also called Tampa Brigg
Located at 9002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa A leather bar see "Northside" - "Joey's", -"Flings On Florida" now called "Midtown Tavern"
Brothers
In St. Pete on 5th Street. Closed years ago. Known for its cruising & disco bar
BT's
Located at 7737 Grand Blvd. in Port Richey. Is now called "Waterside Lounge"
BJ's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. In Tampa. BJ was the mother of all lesbians! Judy B. Goode came out there one night. BJ also owner of the "Oasis." Anybody know where she is today? Darlen said that she saw her & she is doing good.
Buns
Located a couple blocks behind the "KIKIKI III" on Kennedy. It was the old "Carousel" on Platt Street.
BVD's
Located on Busch Blvd. in Tampa. The BVD clothing company threatened to sue if they didn't change the name, so the name was changed to "Boys Video Dance." The Gay Men's Chorus...performed a Holiday concert 1991. It was quite busy for a short time until someone shot a bullet thru the club. Closed in 1992.
Brass Rail
Located in Tampa Photos of Bobby Smith & Female impersonators Tommy & Jackie Maye 1949. Was not a Gay bar. It was a stripper bar. Might have had drag in on occasions.
Bridge Club
After hours bottle club located on Hillsborough Ave in Tampa behind the airport. With tinfoil ceilings and Christmas lights for color. Located in an industrial park, and if you stayed early enough into the morning, you would see workers working in their warehouses. Famous for Halloween Party by the Pharoes. Closed in the 90's.
Brigg, The also called Tampa Brigg
Located at 9002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa A leather bar see "Northside" - "Joey's", -"Flings On Florida" now called "Midtown Tavern"
Brothers
In St. Pete on 5th Street. Closed years ago. Known for its cruising & disco bar
BT's
Located at 7737 Grand Blvd. in Port Richey. Is now called "Waterside Lounge"
BJ's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. In Tampa. BJ was the mother of all lesbians! Judy B. Goode came out there one night. BJ also owner of the "Oasis." Anybody know where she is today? Darlen said that she saw her & she is doing good.
Buns
Located a couple blocks behind the "KIKIKI III" on Kennedy. It was the old "Carousel" on Platt Street.
BVD's
Located on Busch Blvd. in Tampa. The BVD clothing company threatened to sue if they didn't change the name, so the name was changed to "Boys Video Dance." The Gay Men's Chorus...performed a Holiday concert 1991. It was quite busy for a short time until someone shot a bullet thru the club. Closed in 1992.
Carousel
Opened in 1960's in Tampa on Platt Street. Early days was quite the popular dance place. Later years Famous Porn Star "Joey Stefano" was arrested there. Ceasar ran it in the 60's. The liquor license came from the Desoto Hotel when the hotel closed.
Opened in 1960's in Tampa on Platt Street. Early days was quite the popular dance place. Later years Famous Porn Star "Joey Stefano" was arrested there. Ceasar ran it in the 60's. The liquor license came from the Desoto Hotel when the hotel closed.
Memory: Became the Frat
House when the owners of Village Station
bought it. Then became Carousel when Alfredo
bought it. It was also called Zippers. Tom
B.
here's my two cents:
I first saw Claudia doing her signature
"rolling on the floor" at the Carousel.
How did she manage that in such a small
place, who knows.
I was at Howard Avenue Station the night
of the raid. I was already living in
Orlando, but was visiting for Halloween.
My friends wanted to leave because they
said something fishy was going on. About
an hour after we left the place was
raided.
My very first boyfriend, the very
handsome Jeff Matheny, was one of their
first bartenders. He later moved to
Houston and worked at the Montrose Mining
Company. He passed away in 1995. Jeff
also worked at the OP sometime in the
early 80's. One time coming out of the Op
after work, he was jumped by a gang of
teenagers, who bashed him pretty bad.
They didn't even take his money. After we
dated for a time, we became best of
friends. Jeff was the brother I never
had.
When I was 19 I went to Rene's and I
guess Rene saw that I was a newbie and
made every effort to make feel at home.
He introduce himself, was the nicest man
ever. He introduced me to one of his
friends, whom I dated for a short time.
He even had me over to his house for
dinner a couple of times. I miss people
like him.
I will always remember the impromptu
Drag Shows between the tables at the Red
Apple.
Carrot Top is a regular at the Club
Firestone in Orlando.
I remember hanging out with Rick
Castillo at Tracks. I was a dance student
at USF and always wanted me to do back-up
for the shows, but not having a car back
then made it impossible to get to
rehearsals.
Thank you for bringing such wonderful
memories to mind. I moved to Tampa in
1981, went to USF and then moved to
Orlando in 90. Couldn't stay away and I
moved back, but to St. Pete in 99.
One more memory. I remember going to
your store on Kennedy and buying all my
gay needs there, from cards to lube, gifts
to who knows what else. I loved going to
that store.
Lots of love, Carlos Milan
Castle, The
Located in Ybor. MC Film & Manny did a
Billy Doll coming out party here.
Today they are members of the GaYBOR
District Coalition and host many GLBT
Nights here.
Casablanca
A women's bar on Bay Pines Blvd in St. Pete,
open for about
a year in the early to late 80s.
a year in the early to late 80s.
Club Chambers
Chantilly Lace
http://clubchambers.com/
Located at 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa 813-223-1300
Located at 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa 813-223-1300
Chantilly Lace
Located between Fowler & Fletcher on
Nebraska Ave. Popular drag club. Next to the
Todd Theater.
Chaps
Was a country western bar originally located in Pinellas Park on 49th Street. Then moved to Gandy Blvd. by the dog track. We think this was the first in a long chain of clubs. "Coppa", "Spectrum," "The Saint", "Benders", "Club de Nile"
Cherokee Club
Located at 1320 E 9th Ave in Ybor. It was an upscale New Orleans style women's club. Managed for 7 years by Darlen.
Chrome
Located at 901 N. Franklin St in Tampa. Closed in 2004
City Limits, The New
Located in Brandon
Was a country western bar originally located in Pinellas Park on 49th Street. Then moved to Gandy Blvd. by the dog track. We think this was the first in a long chain of clubs. "Coppa", "Spectrum," "The Saint", "Benders", "Club de Nile"
Cherokee Club
Located at 1320 E 9th Ave in Ybor. It was an upscale New Orleans style women's club. Managed for 7 years by Darlen.
Chrome
Located at 901 N. Franklin St in Tampa. Closed in 2004
City Limits, The New
Located in Brandon
City of Night's
A Bottle club. on Fletcher & Nebraska. Chic
Hodges & Jeff owners. Gilda Golden was the
MC there
City Side - Neptune
Originally located on Neptune Ave in Tampa. Today they have a new look and are located in the former "Jungle"
City Side - Neptune
Originally located on Neptune Ave in Tampa. Today they have a new look and are located in the former "Jungle"
Clock
After hours men's club , 26th and 34th St
South
Club
1113 Central Ave in St Pete, was the Red
Devil. An older crowd but had disco
dancing
Club 325
See 1470 Bar in Dunedin. Changed to 1470
Club 2606
In 1988 it changes owners & became "2606"
that it is today.
Club, The
Located downtown St. Pete on Central Ave. Closed in the 80's.
Club, The
Located downtown St. Pete on Central Ave. Closed in the 80's.
Club Central
Cream
Cucujo's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. See "Jimmy Whites"
Dallape's
Located on Main Street in Dunedin closed in the 90's. then became the 1470 West. which closed in 2004.
David's
Located on Gunn HWY. in Carrollwood - Tampa run by Larry Montgomery, who had run the original "Spurs" later the original "Impulse" located on the 1st floor of "Spurs" which later became "The Eagle" then burnt down.
Davy Jone's Locker
Located in St. Pete Beach in the 70's. Famous for drag shows. The Famous "Jewel Box Review" performed there. Mark from MC Film has one of the performers autograph.
Denny's
OK this was not a Gay bar but should have been. Located on Kennedy Blvd. at the Hillsborough River. Where the gay patrons would help themselves to the coffee pots. Across the street was the University of Tampa Dorm. Today it's the Tampa tribune. Across the river is going to be the new Trump Tower. Denny's a vacant lot next to the Tampa Tribune.
Dew Drop Inn, The
El Goya/ Tracks/ Pleasure Dome
Located in Tamp's Ybor City on 7th Ave. It burned in the 70's then reopened, Later it became "Tracks", then "Pleasure Dome". Bill Grey & partner ? ,orginal owners of "The Parliment House" owned "The El Goya" till the fire. In 1978 Frank & Bob Fornier became the owners. It was best known for it's Tuesday Nights!!!
Engine Room, The
Located on downtown St. Pete. Closed in the 80's. Owned by famous local attorney Bob Pope Before "Engine Room "it was called "Kitty's.
Fantasy
Flamingo
Located in downtown Clearwater. Closed in the 80's. Was a nice little bar restaurant. Opened by Barbara (B.J.) former owner of B.J.'s
Factory, The
A large dance club with 2 clubs & VIP Room. Had Tampa Pride there in 1997 after a mixup with the Port Athority over liquor sales. Also see "Parthenon"
Flavour
In Ybor City. Not around too long.
Frat House
Full Moon Salon
Open a very short time. Located in the Tampa Eagle #1. See "Impulse"
Fungi's
On Grand central in Tampa where the Save Rite is today.
Garage, The
The "Garage" after "Parthenon" then "The Factory" where Boy George Performed in concert.
Golden Arrow, The
Located at 10604 Gandy Blvd. Closed in late 2001. Very popular patio and home to a number of gay organizations. Today it's a vacant lot.
A fun show bar 26th St and Central Ave in
St. Pete that
closed in 1980.
Club de Nile
Famous for it's beds! See "Chaps"
Club Mercedes
Located in Clearwater. The current club owner Chris of "Valentine's" opened this club in 1999 or 2000. The become "Male Box"
Club NRG
Located in Ybor City. Managed by Darlene.
closed in 1980.
Club de Nile
Famous for it's beds! See "Chaps"
Club Mercedes
Located in Clearwater. The current club owner Chris of "Valentine's" opened this club in 1999 or 2000. The become "Male Box"
Club NRG
Located in Ybor City. Managed by Darlene.
Club Train Station
In Tampa?
Copa
"The Copa" was where "Chaps" (by the dog track on Gandy Blvd.) was. "The Copa" was well known for it's Sunday T-dance. It turned into "The Saint," then "Benders," then "Club de Nile." Today is a straight stripper bar. See "Chaps" also some where in here it was once called "Spectrum."
Cork and Kettle, The
Located in Osprey.
Glenn writes:
There was a bar in the late 60's called the "Cork and Kettle" in Osprey
(below Sarasota) that a lot of us went to because it was really a
restaurant so you could get in under 21 if you went early enough to get
a sandwich before they started checking ID's at night
Cove, The
Located in Tampa on Henderson. Closed in the early 90's. Remember Larry Forman and his gravely voice! "The Cove" changed owners and became "The Wet Spot." Later, it became "The Jungle," complete with a big tree behind the bar. Today it is the new "City Side" also known as "CS."
"The Copa" was where "Chaps" (by the dog track on Gandy Blvd.) was. "The Copa" was well known for it's Sunday T-dance. It turned into "The Saint," then "Benders," then "Club de Nile." Today is a straight stripper bar. See "Chaps" also some where in here it was once called "Spectrum."
Cork and Kettle, The
Located in Osprey.
Glenn writes:
There was a bar in the late 60's called the "Cork and Kettle" in Osprey
(below Sarasota) that a lot of us went to because it was really a
restaurant so you could get in under 21 if you went early enough to get
a sandwich before they started checking ID's at night
Cove, The
Located in Tampa on Henderson. Closed in the early 90's. Remember Larry Forman and his gravely voice! "The Cove" changed owners and became "The Wet Spot." Later, it became "The Jungle," complete with a big tree behind the bar. Today it is the new "City Side" also known as "CS."
Cream
It was an after hours club, right next to
Solar on Franklin Street.
Crystals
Located on Central Ave in St. Pete. Closed
in the 70's owner Billy Glasser & Jelord
Black
Cucujo's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. See "Jimmy Whites"
Dallape's
Located on Main Street in Dunedin closed in the 90's. then became the 1470 West. which closed in 2004.
David's
Located on Gunn HWY. in Carrollwood - Tampa run by Larry Montgomery, who had run the original "Spurs" later the original "Impulse" located on the 1st floor of "Spurs" which later became "The Eagle" then burnt down.
Davy Jone's Locker
Located in St. Pete Beach in the 70's. Famous for drag shows. The Famous "Jewel Box Review" performed there. Mark from MC Film has one of the performers autograph.
Denny's
OK this was not a Gay bar but should have been. Located on Kennedy Blvd. at the Hillsborough River. Where the gay patrons would help themselves to the coffee pots. Across the street was the University of Tampa Dorm. Today it's the Tampa tribune. Across the river is going to be the new Trump Tower. Denny's a vacant lot next to the Tampa Tribune.
Dew Drop Inn, The
Short run bar where Westside Lounge was
Central & 49th St .before KiKiKi 4
Ding-A-Lings
Located on 34th St & Central Ave in St.
Petersburg. Was a male stripper club
complete with a pole! Then became
"Twirl". This club was formerly
called "Heavenly Bodies"
a straight stripper club that Kat managed.
many drag queens performed here for extra
money!
Dock Side
In Lakeland
DT's
Located on Central Ave in St. Pete. Owned by Wayne. Today it is "The Grand Central Station - the Platform" See "Stuffed Peppers" - "Apple's Way" -
Duece, The
Located in Tampa just north of the interstate in Tampa Heights. Owners Nick & Abe Closed in the 90's.
Eagle, The
Not to be confused with "Tampa Eagle" this club was located in the "Spurs" building - Ybor City
In Lakeland
DT's
Located on Central Ave in St. Pete. Owned by Wayne. Today it is "The Grand Central Station - the Platform" See "Stuffed Peppers" - "Apple's Way" -
Duece, The
Located in Tampa just north of the interstate in Tampa Heights. Owners Nick & Abe Closed in the 90's.
Eagle, The
Not to be confused with "Tampa Eagle" this club was located in the "Spurs" building - Ybor City
Hi Guys! I wanted to make a few
corrections to the Bar List.
"The Eagle" was actually the first Tampa Eagle in the old Spurs building in Ybor. The downstairs was a dance bar named The Exile, which isn't listed. Bill Knauf of Tombs & Treasures leased the restaurant, Eagle's Nest and his lover at the time, Richard Shanks, leased a store that sold leather goodies named The Eagle Shop. He now is the owner of Mr. S Leathers in San Francisco.
I know this because I was co-owner with my ex-partner, Thom Lewis (see Spurs), we did not own Spurs, just the building later. Horst was one of our bartenders.
"The Eagle" was actually the first Tampa Eagle in the old Spurs building in Ybor. The downstairs was a dance bar named The Exile, which isn't listed. Bill Knauf of Tombs & Treasures leased the restaurant, Eagle's Nest and his lover at the time, Richard Shanks, leased a store that sold leather goodies named The Eagle Shop. He now is the owner of Mr. S Leathers in San Francisco.
I know this because I was co-owner with my ex-partner, Thom Lewis (see Spurs), we did not own Spurs, just the building later. Horst was one of our bartenders.
Thom later bought Northside and renamed it
The Brigg until he caused it to go
spiraling into the ground.
Keep up the good work!
Scott Kjeer
*******************************************************************************
I'm very
resentful toward Scott Kjeer's continued
incorrect memory of circumstances of
which he knew nothing about.
More
specifically, his reference regarding
the Tampa Brigg under the Tampa Eagle
reference.
I would very
much appreciate the removal of his
comment regarding the Brigg.
I had a
heart attack in 2001 which caused many
problems for me, not that Mr. Kjeer
cares, but these problems spilled over
into my business.
At any rate
just kindly remove this reference and it
might be advisable in the future not to
post these sort of statements.
Tom Lewis
El Goya/ Tracks/ Pleasure Dome
Located in Tamp's Ybor City on 7th Ave. It burned in the 70's then reopened, Later it became "Tracks", then "Pleasure Dome". Bill Grey & partner ? ,orginal owners of "The Parliment House" owned "The El Goya" till the fire. In 1978 Frank & Bob Fornier became the owners. It was best known for it's Tuesday Nights!!!
Memory: I just
remembered that during El Goya's heyday,
there was a drag club that opened up
around four blocks east on 7th, on a nw
corner of the intersection. It starred
Tissie Malone, Stephanie Shippae's
"cousin", and she was one of the first
queens to get implants (she had named
them). The bar burned down.
Horst
Horst
Hey guys, what an
undertaking! To my memory, and the best
one to tell it all would be Vicki at the
Parliament House, Frank Hodge, the main
owner of the Parliament House, and an
employee from there who bought into El
Goya, Frank Cociera (I worked for them, so
I know this is right), opened El Goya
again after the fire. It was the first
time there was a show room, and there were
shows 5-7 (?) nights per week, twice a
night. (I was a cocktail boy). Then later
it died when the O.P. opened. Howard Ave
and Impulse killed O.P., then when the
Tracks corp, out of Denver opened El Goya
again, it killed Impulse (which then went
straight new wave--worked there too). Bob
Fournier of the O.P. and Village Station
corp out of Dallas NEVER had anything to
do with the El Goya building.
Frank Cociera died early,
and when Mike Hodge died, he left most of
the Parliament House to his straight
brother, to Vicki, a French guy named
Michelle (who had worked with them
forever--at El Goya too), and maybe a
couple of others. Of course it was all
sold to the straight Canadian couple a few
years ago, but for about ten years the
others were all co-owners of the P.H.
H.
Engine Room, The
Located on downtown St. Pete. Closed in the 80's. Owned by famous local attorney Bob Pope Before "Engine Room "it was called "Kitty's.
Fantasy
Lesbian club on 14095 North Nebraska
Flamingo
Located in downtown Clearwater. Closed in the 80's. Was a nice little bar restaurant. Opened by Barbara (B.J.) former owner of B.J.'s
Factory, The
A large dance club with 2 clubs & VIP Room. Had Tampa Pride there in 1997 after a mixup with the Port Athority over liquor sales. Also see "Parthenon"
Flavour
In Ybor City. Not around too long.
i just
wanted to say "flavour" was short lived
but fondly remembered! a lot of people
bring this place up yet. it had a tecno
dance floor upstairs and a packed disco
70's bar downstairs with all the stairs
and confessional booths upstairs it was
quite a place. it also had female
strippers too. who could forget rascals
thursdays nites? it was packed just like
the alibi is on sat! Dwayne
Fire House Pub, the
Located in a Mall at Busch & Florida. The owner was killed in his car behind. Closed early 80's. Rodney who worked at "The University Restaurant" did a male strip on top of the bar on his 30th Birthday There.
Fire House Pub, the
Located in a Mall at Busch & Florida. The owner was killed in his car behind. Closed early 80's. Rodney who worked at "The University Restaurant" did a male strip on top of the bar on his 30th Birthday There.
What with
this talk about Rodney from University
Rest, I got to reminiscing (sp?). Do
either of you remember Frankie and Liz,
the eccentric straight couple from the
70's? I heard many times that he was
quite the "Ziggy Stardust" during the
Horny Bull and City of NIght days. When
I started going out in the late 70's,
they were always out. Then after their
only child was born in the early 80's,
Roxanne (named after Roxanne Russell),
they stopped going out. Well I just
looked in the phone book and they are
STILL HERE!! (Last name was Younce, easy
for me to remember). So...I'll call them
in the next few days and inform them of
the bars update, and see if they have
any input. I can't believe Roxanne must
be in her mid-20's by now!! How is it
they all age so fast and we don't?/!!
Take care, friends,
Horst (and
Brian
Surprised
that someone else hasn't spoke up here
but the Fire House pub actually became
the Northside Lounge or as I understand,
the Northside was sort of a straight
simi country western bar in trouble and
patrons from Fire House just started to
go to the Northside (owned by Vince Muto
[straight of course]) but than bought
by someone - can't remember his name but
had great cliental in the mid 80's and
lost it back to Vince. Thom Lewis
Foolish Beat
On Park Ave in Seminole. A women's bar
with live entertainment
Frat House
See Carousel
French Connection
9610 Gulf Blvd in Treasure Island
Full Moon Salon
Open a very short time. Located in the Tampa Eagle #1. See "Impulse"
Fungi's
On Grand central in Tampa where the Save Rite is today.
Fuzzy Mouse
Opened in the late 70's on
Howard & Armenia in Tampa. aka "Blue
Mirror"
Garage, The
The "Garage" after "Parthenon" then "The Factory" where Boy George Performed in concert.
Gate, The
It was the bar upstairs at Spaghetti
Palace. In the early 1960's a police raid
and charged people for being deviant at an
establishment. There was a code the bars
had if they knew of an upcoming police
raid. The bartenders said, "
Miss Kennedy was on the way."
This was in reference to what some thought
President Kennedy might be gay and was the
gay reference to being raided. Also it
represented the bad sentiment of
Provincetown's gay bars being raided and
closed in the 60's by US Attorney General
Robert Kennedy.
Golden Anchor
Located in Tampa at Hesperdes & Kennedy
Golden Arrow, The
Located at 10604 Gandy Blvd. Closed in late 2001. Very popular patio and home to a number of gay organizations. Today it's a vacant lot.
GQ's
Located North Dale Mabry at Lambright.
Mike was the manager and Gary, bartender
at Carousel worked here also.
Grand Central
Located in Central Ave 11th in St. Pete
where the police station is today.
Grand Central
Station
http://www.grandcentralstationfl.com/
Located at 2612 central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-327-8204 Owners Chris & Jim
Green Parrot
Located at 1030 E. Main St in Lakeland. For years was one Floridas oldest Gayclubs. Today it's called "Pulse"
Gus N' Lil's
Owned by the original owners of "Knotty Pine" on Henderson. Started out straight but when they weren't making much money tried to turn it gay. Nobody really went back.
Horny Bull, The
Tampa's real first drag bar, where Gilda, Roxanne, Kim, Bobbi, Sandi Cher, Eve Starr, and so many others got their start. The club didn't even have a liquor license!
Howard Ave Station
located at 3003 North Howard Ave. Opened December 1987. Closed in 1995 after a famous drug raid. DIVINE did a Tampa appearance, in Feb. of 1988, two weeks later she died. (She also appeared at Backstreet Mall in Clearwater.) A Great Dance Club!!! Remember Claudia?
Located at 2612 central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-327-8204 Owners Chris & Jim
Green Parrot
Located at 1030 E. Main St in Lakeland. For years was one Floridas oldest Gayclubs. Today it's called "Pulse"
Gus N' Lil's
Owned by the original owners of "Knotty Pine" on Henderson. Started out straight but when they weren't making much money tried to turn it gay. Nobody really went back.
Horny Bull, The
Tampa's real first drag bar, where Gilda, Roxanne, Kim, Bobbi, Sandi Cher, Eve Starr, and so many others got their start. The club didn't even have a liquor license!
Howard Ave Station
located at 3003 North Howard Ave. Opened December 1987. Closed in 1995 after a famous drug raid. DIVINE did a Tampa appearance, in Feb. of 1988, two weeks later she died. (She also appeared at Backstreet Mall in Clearwater.) A Great Dance Club!!! Remember Claudia?
oops i also forgot the infamous drug
raid at howard ave. station was on
valentines day 1997 the bar reopened for
a short while that fall and closed for
good early the next spring. Dwayne
Impressions
Impressions
Dance club
Impulse
(Same name two different Clubs & owners
years apart.)
Originally located on the first floor of "Spurs" in Ybor. Then another Club (not related) , years later, called "Impulse" opened on S. Nebraska Ave. Later became "Tampa Eagle," "Full Moon Salon" and then "Rain."
Originally located on the first floor of "Spurs" in Ybor. Then another Club (not related) , years later, called "Impulse" opened on S. Nebraska Ave. Later became "Tampa Eagle," "Full Moon Salon" and then "Rain."
The
Impulse was located on 15th St. Ybor,
originally Spurs. It was owned by Bob
Cristaldi, (who also worked at
Thompson Realty) owned by Willard
Thompson who owned Spurs. &n