These days, we are used to bars opening and staying open for years, but back in the 20th century things were different. Bars opened
and closed at a rapid pace. I often get inquiries from readers, saying, 'I went to this bar, I don't remember the name, or exactly where it
was … and it wasn't there for long … .'
Maybe it was one of the bars in the following article. Forgive my lack of info but some of these gay/gay-friendly bars I know
absolutely nothing about, apart from the address. Your memories are required.
Giovanni's at 3724 N. Clark St. opened Nov. 30, 1977 (by October 1978 it was Macho/Chicago, a gay men's leather bar, and is
currently Fuel RestauBar).
Giovanni's was a Latin-flavored bar, with Salsa on Wednesday nights. On New Year's Eve '77, the bar had a free champagne
buffet. In January '78, Cesar Ubalde became the manager of the bar, as well as working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at
Crystal Blinkers. On Feb. 25, '78 they had a raffle where the first prize was a free trip to Acapulco. In October, Richard Wimer, a
bartender at Giovanni's, relocated to Los Angeles.
The Good Times Tavern at 3237 W. Armitage opened around January '81, and was still running in '84; I'm not sure when it
closed. In the Sept. 18, '81 issue of GayLife, Ron Helizon (The Polish Princess) wrote in his column 'Ron's Town': 'Good Times, the
hot new Latin Disco has been really swinging lately. Stop by and say hello to Ramon.'
Although I haven't checked it out myself, I'm told the location of the Good Times Tavern is now taken by Iglesia de Jesucristo Inc.,
which I'm guessing is a different kind of establishment altogether.
Harlequin's at 2683 N. Halsted had its Grand Opening in August, '80 and the bar was owned by Harold Meyers (who also owned
the Knight Out at 2936 N. Clark). Bar celebrities Chicago Molly and Sophie were in attendance that night.
Prior to being Harlequin's, it was the El Dorado, which was a Latin bar. On Feb. 13, '83 Ron Helizon opened his bar, Company, at
the same location. In passing, it was in Company that the 1st play about AIDS in the world was performed.
On Sept. 19, '80, Harlequins hosted a benefit for the Gay and Lesbian History Project. It featured slide shows by local historians
Marie Kuda and Gregory Sprague. A $1 door charge was collected at the door. Also, on Oct. 23, '80, there was a benefit for Gay
Horizons presented by Jose Diaz, an Amway Distributor.
Although I have no information about either, there were two Latin gay bars around in the early '80s: El Infierno at 2756 S.
Sacramento, and El Mirador at 4300 W. North Avenue.
Also, El Palacio was located at 3400 N. Clark in 1982. This became the Latin bar, Normandy, and later Deeks leather bar. It's now
the straight Fly Me to the Moon piano bar.
Harlow's at 27 E. Ohio opened Dec. 17, 1976, and was the former location of the Trip. The new owners wanted to make Harlow's
'the classiest establishment in town.'
The first level was an intimate lounge, the second floor featured live entertainment, and the third floor was a disco. On Dec. 24,
'76, they promised 'an old-fashioned but decadent Christmas Party with hot rum toddy, featuring real pieces of toddy, and
entertainment from 'singing sensation' Mila Inés.'
New Year's Eve '76 was 'Saturnalia Celebration, Roman style! Fountains of imported, fermented bubbly, a glorious buffet feast,
and outrageous doings. $25 per person (reservations required).'
I'm not even sure if Harlow's got past the opening night.
Listed as gay/straight, Heroes at 2347 S. Michigan Ave. was a restaurant with female impersonation shows back in 1990. Earlier
this year at the same location, 21 people died in a stampede at a club called E2 Chicago above the Epitome restaurant.
Other mystery gay bars that came and went were the Hitching Post at 13101 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood (Circa '74), the Isle Of Capri at
14511 S. Western Ave, Dixmoor, (1968-'74), and Jessie's at 1012 W. Lawrence (1972-'73).
The Hitching Post is now the presumably straight JC's Pub & Restaurant, the Isle of Capri was listed as having been in Dixmoor,
though I think it's called Blue Island today. The location is currently a bookstore.
Next week we'll deal with some other short-lived bars. sukiedelacroix@ozhasspoken.com