Five fabulous new queer bars opening in the US this spring and summer
New bars coming to Chicago, Albuquerque and Palm Springs.
Mark
We hear so much about gay venues shuttering, it might be tempting to think that the LGBTQ hospitality industry is on its last legs.
However, that’s not true. Yes, there are economic challenges, but some businesses are thriving… and others are soon to open.
Check out five venues that plan to launch over the coming weeks and months.
Vers. in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Operated by husbands Luke and Lucas, Vers. is currently under construction in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The new LGBTQ+ venue, located in a former distillery, will offer “drag shows, karaoke nights, Latin nights, and weekend parties.”
Eagle Bar Cathedral City, Cathedral City, California
Eagle Bar Cathedral City is planning to open this summer and aims to be the “Desert’s premier leather bar and nightclub”. It will be located at 67625 E Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234.
According to the business’s social media, construction is now well underway. The team has raised over $1 million through a crowdfunding initiative, offering perks for investors. They’re also selling a cute line of merchandise to raise more funds and spread the word.
Prism in Medford, Oregon
Prism is a new, LGBTQ-inclusive bar opening this weekend in Medford, Southern Oregon. You’ll find it at 123 S Front St, Suite B, Medford, OR, 97501.
Daniel Tharp, one of the leading figures behind a 20-strong team involved with the launch, told KDRV in January, “The hope is really to create a space for all members of that community and our community to come together to feel safe, to feel included and encouraged. A space that doesn’t just tolerate us, but, actually is for us.”
They’ve recently shared photos of the interior on social media. The official launch party took place last night (March 20) – check out a video below.
Everywhere Social Club in Chicago, Illinois
‘Everywhere’ is the name of a new queer social club coming to Chicago this summer. Co-founder and co-owner Zachary Walz was laid off from a corporate job last summer and seized it as an opportunity to pursue a dream.
“I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time. And I finally stopped waiting for someone else to build it,” Walz said on a recent Instagram posting about the new venture.
“When I was laid off last year, I knew the second half of my life needed to be different. I’m finally able to fully announce that my next big journey is creating EVERYWHERE SOCIAL CLUB rooftop, alcohol-free, queer-led social space coming to Uptown Chicago this summer. We have a signed letter of intent on the space. This is really happening!”
We don’t have more details at the moment, but look out for a Kickstarter launching in mid-April to find community investors.
Fathom in Chicago, Illinois
Fathom is a new queer bar coming to the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The team hopes to open Fathom at some stage in April, but they have inspections due first. Once they pass those, they’ll feel more confident to reveal a date.
The new business comes from Whitney LaMora and Zoe Schor, who already have great experience running queer hospitality venues. They already operate Chicago’s lesbian cocktail lounge, Dorothy.
Check out a sneak peek of Fathom below.
Related
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