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Queer As Folk:
The Final Season

Queer As Folk: The Complete Second Season [DVD]

Looks like she made it after all - if Mary could make it in the big city, then we all can make it wherever you are...

MARY TYLER MOORE
The Entire First Season on DVD

Now for an important word - if you find my reviews seem a little harsh when it comes to music and light shows, it's because I have been a DJ/VJ myself.  Enjoy - and by all means, if you find inaccurate information, simply use the contact me link and let me know!  This list is specific to clubs of interest to the GLBT community. The reviews are based on my PERSONAL experiences having visited or patronized the particular establishment. In some cases, as a regular customers, in other cases, as a "tourist". The views expressed here are solely those of the writer.  The STAR Rating: 5 Stars is BEST, 1 Star is the WORST!

Choose a State: DE - FL - MN - NJ - OR - PA - VT and New England

Delaware

Rehoboth Beach

Bar & Club: Renegade - According to online information (May 2004) from http://www.guidemag.com, this 20 year institution was DEMOLISHED to make way for condominiums (or something along those lines).  Though I haven't visited Rehoboth since 1997, for years, this club was the ONLY one at this popular gay resort.  Other bars include the famous Blue Moon and Cloud 9.  But the Renegade was a unique venue, and to me (and I'm sure many others), a great loss to this beach community.  This was one of my favorite spots from 1991 to 1997.  According to articles online, a new spot (Club AM) opened in 2003 at the old Ames Shopping Center, a web site identified as http://www.dennioproductions.com was not functioning when I checked it on May 23, 2004.  Further research brought me to a Washington Blade article ( http://www.washblade.com/2004/5-14/news/localnews/rehobith.cfm ), which indicated the Renegade closed in early 2003, and Club AM in the old AMES store operated for less then 2 years.  Club AM has also closed, so for 2004, no mega dance club in Rehoboth.  I feel, a major loss to the community.  Consider the monster crowds found at Paradise in Asbury Park NJ - a town essentially without any other significant attractions (yet).  A major nightclub (or 2) is important to a resort popular to gay men.  This by no means indicates Rehoboth Beach will cease to exist, on the contrary, it has many other elements which will continue to attract visitors, including the Atlantic Ocean, boardwalk, fine dining and great shops.  Above: A rare photo I took inside the Renegade in 1995.

Florida, Ft Lauderdale

This is a GLBT playground.  Visited on vacation in the summer of 2004 and am LONG OVERDUE for another visit!  Favorites then included Georgie's Alibi (awesome video bar, the best), the Coliseum (a colossal club), the Boardwalk (hot dancers), and the Jackhammer (Sunday T-Dance).  Plenty more great spots - including a delightful coffee shop in the Shoppes at Wilton Manor.

Minnesota

Saint Paul & Minneapolis - Updated February 2007 - ONLY 5 Remain

Here's a summary of the Twin Cities Gay & Lesbian Bar Scene - it's one of the smallest (a sad commentary) in the country based on the GLBT population here.  It doesn't make sense.

In 2000, there were 5 Bars & Clubs in St Paul - as of now, there is 1, the Town-House on University Avenue across from Wal-Mart.

In Minneapolis, there are 4 GAY bars, 5 if you count the Gay 90's.  However, the majority of the GLBT community stopped supporting the Gay 90's in the late 1990's.  It is the least popular "gay" club (using the term loosely) in the Twin Cities.

The most popular (by number of people who go) is the Saloon at 9th and Hennepin.  Other bars and clubs still alive in Minneapolis include the Brass Rail (Hennepin Between 4th and 5th), the 19 Bar (near Loring Park) and the Bolt/Eagle/Underground on Washington.  A new lesbian bar just opened somewhere in Minneapolis, but has yet to advertise in Lavender Magazine, so I know nothing about it.

Although the Saloon is the most popular in Minneapolis, the ONLY truly hot nightspot is downstairs at the Bolt - i.e. The Underground.  I was there with a friend on Friday March 9, and the music was amazing.  Sadly, no one goes to the Underground, and I for one haven't a clue why. Ok, there are reasons, but seriously, it puts all the other gay clubs to shame. 

That's it.  Between Sept 2006 and January 2007, 3 bars have closed: Boom! in Minneapolis was sold off; Over The Rainbow in St Paul (10 years in business) went out of business and Trikkx (the only club in Downtown St Paul) lost a lease battle with the landlord (more data here).

New Jersey

Asbury Park NJ

Club: PARADISE

Click here to read my in-depth review.

There are 2 other smaller spots in Asbury Park called Georgies (810 Fifth Ave; 732-988-1220) and Anybody's (108 St James Place) but I have never been to either one.  In the early 90's, the most happening place along the central NJ coast was a bar called "Down the Street" at 230 Cookman Avenue.  The nightspot featured great music & lights. The younger crowd was friendly and energetic. Shows were common when I frequented the establishment.  Sadly, after the opening of Paradise, the bar could no longer compete, and they closed their doors in early October of 1999.  I last visited the club in 1993. Asbury Park is home to NEW JERSEY PRIDE (the 13th one being held on June 6, 2004)!  Be sure to check out my History Collection featuring Asbury Park, "Then & Now".  John, the owner of "Down the Street" has relocated to Ft. Lauderdale where he owns "The Cubby Hole": http://www.thecubbyhole.com/

Boonton NJ

Bar & Club & Restaurant: Switch Nightclub (Formerly Connexions) - 202 Myrtle Avenue

(New Ownership and New Name as of 2006 - Now named "Switch Nightclub" - web: http://www.switchbar.com/

The Friday night dance party is second to none with new dance and house music, a busy light show, pounding beats and hot men and boys (18 & up) moving it on the dance floor.  A fresh nightclub, only 4 years young, with main bar, outdoor patio and dining.  An oasis in the Northern Jersey countryside... (read detailed review)...

River Edge NJ

Bar & Club: Feathers - Off Route 4

Considering there are very few places for gay people to go in northern NJ, Feathers at least offers a space for the community. Clearly a long-established spot, based on the regulars, this bar (and dance spot) fits the bill for those looking for music, dancing and men. I don't think I saw a lesbian in the place.

The spot is dated, and shows its age. However, it has a vast mix of men, from their 20's to their 50's, all shapes, size and styles; something for everyone. There are 2 levels, the lower level which features 2 bars, some video games, a cigarette vending machine, and 3 TV's playing pop music. There are several seats at the bar, and a few tables to the side.

A staircase (unmarked I might add) leads to a second floor which features 2 bars and the dance floor. Primitive bathrooms facilities on each level, though they are well lit and have automated flush valves on the urinals.

The highlight, or item which draws your attention first is the single giant size high-heel shoe hanging above the bar in the dance area with twinkle lights. It spins too. The music was good, high-energy, lots of beats, but seemed to lack general appeal. Not a dancer on the floor til after midnight, and they close at 2am. A regular who introudced himself to me said this was a slow Friday, but I thought it was a good crowd. Hanging high above the dance floor were many effects lighting - sadly, the DJ (John Rizzo I believe, though he is not listed for Friday nights) used only 4 roboscans (2 of which kept going out), and some strobes. The light show - ooops, there was none. If you are going to invest in all the equipment, use it. And it's time to lose some of the mini mirror balls. If the DJ was filling in for someone that called off, he may not have been so happy to be there.

The web site promoted Go-Go boys - there were none, but they did have the $100 drawing around 1am.

Overall, a nice spot, and without any competition that can survive more then a year, likely the one that will remain. If I visit a second time, we'll see how it compares.

Oregon - Portland

Check out my Portland Oregon guide to gay bars and clubs, completed August 2004.

Pennsylvania

New Hope, PA

Club / Bar: The Cartwheel

APRIL 2005: The club/bar is closed indefinitely due to a fire --- read more here

This large nightspot ("complex" if you will) has been in existence at least since the 1980's!  It continues to be a popular oasis in Bucks County PA, a popular destination for visitors from Philadelphia and NJ.  Having not been there since the mid 1990's, I was excited to again be visiting one of my favorite spots of years back (I visited often from 1988 to 1993 while living in the region).  With the exception of their Friday night music (80's electro clash?), everything was still great!  The Saturday night dance party was fabulous, a packed dance floor, great music, hot dancers, and decent light show (though a little awkward because of the height of the lights).

The club features a main dance floor with 2 bars, a video lounge (though on both nights the music from the dance floor was piped in), so what's the point of the videos?  There is a pool table, some video games, a large outdoor deck with bar, a quaint piano bar upstairs, and the club features full-service dining.  Unlike the Raven (see below), the Cartwheel seems to have a challenge establishing a large following for dinner.  A new Chef was recently employed. 

Definitely worth the visit on a Saturday night.  From AD's in PGN, one might assume the bar is open Thursday through Monday, with DJ's spinning Thursday through Sunday nights, and a drag show on Monday (call to confirm all of this of you go any night but on the weekend).  Go-go dancers seem to be a regular feature as well.  I would suggest they drop the bizarre music on Friday - it's not drawing a crowd, and there were but a few people on the dance floor, sometimes empty.  How about 80's music we recognize?  But that was my only complaint.  The staff is friendly, though price differences on the same drink (a Corona) in 2 bars raises eyebrows - is it $4 or $5?  The crowd is very friendly, and I found it easy to talk with people (other then those I with)!  Keep up the good work.

Club / Bar: The Raven Resort

A long-established bar and clientele - full review coming soon! Great spot for dinner, drinks, conversation, the pool ... go visit!

Vermont & New England

For clubs in and around New England, visit: http://www.gaynewengland.net/ (another well-maintained site).

Brattleboro (Dummerston) VT

Club / Bar: The Rainbow Lounge

APRIL 2005: This establishment may be CLOSED - call (802) 254-9830 to verify.

This small night spot has survived for years, and was most recently known as the Rainbow Cattle Company - a name change was good indeed.  Nothing else, unfortunately, changed with the name, although they did add a basic pub menu on weekends.  The bar is open Wednesday to Sunday - call to confirm before you make the drive!  A DJ plays music on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Occasional shows and special theme events.  The ONLY spot in all of central and southern Vermont, it is a shame they can't do better business.  As of May 2004, the place was for sale.

Visitors to Vermont may have also heard of the Playhouse Pub - a fun nightspot in Chester Vermont.  I opened it myself within my Inn and ran it from November of 2003 through April of 2004.  Upon selling the Inn in May of 2004, the Playhouse Pub ceased operations.

There is one other nightspot in Burlington Vermont called Pearls: http://www.135pearl.com/