A world-famous leather bar makes the move to Phoenix after 32 years in Palm Springs
A leather community institution is rising from the ashes like a phoenix — in Phoenix.
Mark
A leather community institution is rising up from the ashes like a phoenix — in Phoenix, Arizona, of all places.
The Barracks Bar is poised to make its return in the Grand Canyon State after suddenly and surprisingly closing its doors in Palm Springs, California back in August 2024. The longtime favorite’s comeback comes care of a new partnership between its last owner, Scott Murchison, and Phoenix-area DJ and party promoter, Matthew Moody.
It’s a clean start for the Barracks name and the community of bears and muscle men who loved it following a dramatic hiatus due to Murchison’s ex-husband, the California liquor control department, and “long decades of a culture that he kind of inherited” at the original space, Moody told AZ Central.
“I was not going to lose the legacy of a 32-year-old, internationally known leather bar,” Murchison added. “I am not going to let California and my ex-husband [end] an institution.”
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Although an official opening date is yet to come, The Barracks Phoenix has an Instagram page, and, most importantly, a spot in the gay-friendly Melrose District, just a short walk away from Phoenix gay faves, Charlie’s and Pat O’s Bunkhouse.
Considering Murchison and Moody were able to purchase the spot, ensuring they won’t be eventually priced out by a landlord, the entire situation feels like it was meant to be.
“I usually don’t like the idea of fate or destiny, because it takes away my choice,” Moody said. “But if that’s the case, if fate is real, then I’m super OK with it.”
Barracks in Palm Springs was an “international destination” for leather LGBTQ+ communities, and Murchison envisions the Phoenix location will earn the same reputation, albeit with a much bigger dance floor.
More importantly, he hopes it provide more variety and excitement in the Phoenix queer nightlife scene, which he said feels “kind of asleep,” despite the city’s sizable population.
“It feels like a kinda small town, kinda disparate,” he explained. “I’d like to draw the community closer together and make it more cohesive. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
And unlike some other traditional gay bars, both Moody and Murchison want the space to reflect the entire LGBTQ+ community, whether they’re the typical leather bar clientele or another color of the rainbow: lesbian, transgender, or nonbinary.
“The more we’re all out here, that rainbow flag becomes the dopest gradient ever,” Moody said.
Until then, there’s lots of work to do, and the Arizona gays are already excited to get started: “We are so ready to call this place home,” one commenter wrote on their Instagram. “We know it will be great.”
The new Barracks location is located at 4601 N. Seventh Ave, Phoenix, AZ, and is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2026.
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