Gay bar appleton wi
'Born out of bars': Clubs and bars vital to northeastern Wisconsin LGBTQ people for almost 50 years now
GREEN BAY - Stacy DeSotel and Butch Pendergast decided to mark Aaron Rodgers Day, Dec. 12, , by buying a piece of Green Bay, and Wisconsin, history.
On that sunlight, almost eight years ago, the married couple bought Napalese Lounge and Grille on Cedar Street, Wisconsin's second-oldest LGBTQ bar. Pendergast wasn't sure about buying a bar at the time but is now glad DeSotel convinced him.
"Despite my reservations at the time, I wouldn't change it for anything now," Pendergast said. "Nap's has been a staple in the people for 38 years. I love it."
Places like Napalese Lounge and Grille and its predecessors, both locally and nationally, were instrumental in helping the LGBTQ community find its voice in its plus year fight for identical rights.
The Stonewall riots in New York City energized the gay rights movement in , and as LGBTQ people searched for shared experiences and safe spaces, they found them at bars and clubs that openly welcomed them.
Starting in the s, a handful of bars and clubs in Green Bay, Appleton, Sheboygan and Oshkosh openly welcomed LGBTQ clientele, of
Appleton, Wisconsin
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Type: Womxn loving womxn Bar
In a nutshell: Engage darts, shoot pool, strive your luck at video games or just include a couple of beers and relax. Events add Karaoke and drag shows. Food and drink specials
Crossroads Hours: (Call ahead to confirm)
Crossroads:
- Abbey, West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- Cafe, Castro, San Francisco
- Charlie's, Phoenix
- Club Cafe, Boston
- Georgies Alibi, Fort Lauderdale
- Number Nine, Washington DC
- Neighbours, Seattle
- A House, Provincetown
- Round-Up Saloon, Dallas
- Sidetrack, Chicago
- Richs, San Diego
- Stonewall, New York
- Twist, South Beach, Miami
- Blakes, Atlanta
- All Venues
West was for many years Appleton's most trendy gay/ lesbian bar, and for a time its only bar. But you could never tell from its activities: they always acted as though they had healthy competition, keeping patrons coming back with a continual flow of specials, parties, shows, guests, etc.
West was both a popular dance exclude, and also hosted many shows. Among many other shows, they hosted annual Mr. and Miss West shows, and the first two Wisconsin King of Kings and Queen of Queens pageants.
Owners Andy Lehman and Ed Smith were very popular and amiable to both residents and visitors from out of town. Living above the bar, they also occasionally hosted visitors who wanted to stay the darkness to get better acquainted.
After about 7 years in business, competition from the recently opened Pivot Club took its toll, and West closed.
The history of LGBT bars in Northeastern Wisconsin was the subject of an excellent article in the Green Bay Press Gazette in
Rascals Bar & Grill has been the Fox Valley's steady rock in gay/ lesbian bars from November
Previous to Rascals opening, Appleton's main GLBT lock for many years was West (c), and then Pivot Club took over the lead when it opened in When Rascals opened, it was the young upstart, its main advantage being location (Pivot Club was much larger, with large twist floor and stage- but Rascals was much closer to the downtown areas). But since the Pivot Club closed in , Rascals has firmly held the lead (with only passing competion from Diversions () (outside Neenah), and for a brief day, Crossroads (), a smaller mostly-lesbian bar, and Ravens ().
In , original significant other Glenn Paschen sold out to co-owner Todd West, who has owned the bar ever since.
Although on Saturday nights some of the crowd will explore to Green Bay for the larger (and wider variety of) bars, on Friday nights Rascals rules! It attracts a pleasant crowd early for fish fry (excellent cod and perch), and maintains the crowd into the overdue hours. Its grill makes for good eats most any time, with outstanding burgers, fries, and sandwiches. It is also a good spot for Sunday afternoon relaxatio
.