Outside of Washington D.C. (Maryland ‘burbs, farther out)

D’ Lounge (closed) – located on Georgia Avenue near University Boulevard in Wheaton, Maryland. Restaurant/Bar that drew many suburbanites for socializing and meeting. D’ Lounge drew a repeat crowd and everyone seemed to know everyone. I would visit often when I didn’t want to trek into Washington and many of my friend’s lived close by. Andy, one of the owners, seemed like he was always happy and welcoming to everyone that came. Once the bar closed down, everyone would stay after to continue partying – although I was always leaving early.

The Lodge (open) – located in Boonsboro Maryland, catered to the West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Northern Maryland crowd. I only went once or twice but it was (is) a fun bar that was more ‘laid back’ than the D.C. clubs.

Talons (closed) – located in Frederick Maryland during a time when gays were not welcome. I remember going once or twice to dance and mingle. And I specifically remember being there as the KKK were protesting out front, across the street. Some of them probably were wishing they were in the club instead of out in the cold in their sheets.


San Diego, California

Top of the Park (closed) – located on a Park Manor Hotel rooftop, this was the place to be on Friday nights. Usually when I arrived the line for the elevator was out the door, so I usually walked up the umpteen flights of stairs. I usually had a group of friend who were ‘old timers’ and had a reserved table. It was a great place to start the evening, outside on the terrace with the beautiful San Diego air gently blowing as the sun went down. I think this has been converted to condominiums.

Numbers (closed) – this was located across the street where I lived in Hillcrest. A local hangout spot that always started early and ended late. They had a main bar in front and a smaller dance floor in the back.

The Flame (closed) – a lesbian bar in Hillcrest that was actually attached to my apartment building. It was fun and I always felt welcome. The crowd would spill out into the street until 3 am which was agonizing to me, only because I lived in the front apartment, built in the 1920’s and had paper thin walls!

Brass Rail (open) – now called The Rail, was a weekend must when I lived in San Diego. Hip Hop, Latin and House music was heard. It was such a fun club when I lived there. I remember that some cigarette promoter would always be there handing out packs of cigarettes to those smoking on the outside patio.

Bourbon Street (closed) – located in the University Heights neighborhood of San Diego was one of the Sunday Funday type of places. Packed throughout the weekend leading up to the coming work week. It had a Orleans vibe and an outdoor sitting area. I remember sitting outside with a girlfriend of mine, drinking martinis and eating olives from a big glass jar that we had bought at the deli next door.

Pecs (open?) – bear bar, dive bar. Located in North Park

Other bars that I use to visit but don’t recall too much about them. Some of them dive bars, hole in the walls etc., but always fun on the weekends.

Wolfs (open?)– Leather Bar

#1 Fifth Avenue (open)

Caliph (closed)

Rich’s (open) – dance club

Flicks (open)

Hole in the Wall (open)


These are just a few of the bars that I have experiences during my life. I would love to hear about others that you know about that brings great memories for you!

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