Gay clubs in iowa
Before âThe Gayborhoodâ
Des Moines Forgotten
By Kristian Day
6/5/2024Bob Eikelberry at the Barn Door in 1981. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore
With another Lgbtq+ fest month here, I contain dug deep into the history books of the gay lore of Des Moines. In November of 2022, I wrote a column on the Azure Goose and the P&S Lounge, two gay bars with origins dating endorse to the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The P&S Lounge was located at 301 Second Ave. and owned by two lesbians, Peggy and Shirley. P&S eventually sold to Chuck Brooks (brother to Des Moines city councilman Archie Brooks) who went on to open many lgbtq+ bars including the celebrated City Disco Park.
The Sky Goose was located at 206 Third St. and was owned by Marlys Watson and her husband, Marty.
The 1960s and 1970s was a wild second for âGay Des Moines.â There were usually five or six gay bars in the heart of downtown around Court Route at any given day along with multiple grimy bookstores separating the store fronts.
The address of 1200 Grand Ave. was dwelling to three different bars including the M-2 (owned by Tim Mumma and Steve Anderson), Stardust (Tim Mumma and Alan Hammond), and th
The history of Iowa’s oldest same-sex attracted bar has been made into a documentary. Here's how to watch
On a typical Friday night at the Blazing Saddle in Des Moines’ East Village, tightly packed bodies crowd around the bar’s main stage, hands poking out from the throng to provide cash tips to performersdressed in kingly. It’s the Saddle Gurls & Friends show, and once the artists seize their final incline (or more commonly, dip into their most impressive split), the spotlights sever and the melody bumps. Bargoers change the stage into a technicolor twist floor, strong drinks in hand, staying true to the bar's motto: "Always a double, never a cover."
The Blazing Saddle is Iowa's oldest operating queer bar. It just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Opened in 1983 by Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry, it’s been referred to as the “Gay Cheers” and has seen Iowa — and the nation — through decades of change for the LGBTQ population: from the first stage — and terminate — of Don't Ask, Don't Reveal , to the outbreak of the AIDs epidemic, to the legalization of queer marriage and the more recent passing and signing of anti-LGBTQ laws in the state.
That history will soon be shared in the form of a six-episode carry out
Post announcements on sporting events, sports teams, meetings, concerts, dining reviews, new restaurant announcements, nightlife, amusement and local media here.
By 4starcashier - Sun Mar 15, 2015 4:12 pm
Hey there, everyone. Rumor has it that Le Boi Bar has been bought, and will be opening as "The View". Can anybody provide input on this? It'll be nice to contain a fourth gay bar in Des Moines again!
By wmjindsm - Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:25 am
I've heard that but also heard there was an accident last darkness and a car hit the building. Also heard this is the second time that this has happened recently. Will strive and post pics I saw on Facebook tomorrow.
By Ingersoll1978 - Mon Mar 16, 2015 6:48 am
By wmjindsm - Mon Mar 16, 2015 4:56 pm
By BJazz
Bars and Nightlife
Gay Bars and Clubs
Blazing Saddle (416 East 5th Ave), If you’re looking for a friendly LGBTQ+ block in Des Moines, then you’ve establish it! The Saddle is open 365 days a year featuring daily Cheerful Hour, Trivia Late hours every Tuesday, and monthly charity events for non-profits. Additionally, Latin “Nites” and various types of Drag Shows every Wednesday through Sunday. See the Blazing Saddle Calendar of Events.
Buddy's Corral (418 East 5th St) is a mixed, relaxed neighborhood prevent with jukebox, karaoke, located next to Blazing Saddle.
The Garden Restaurant & Exhibit Lounge (525 E Grand Ave) is an LGBT+ owned and operated business that is residence to a host of amazing talent with an remarkable legacy. The Garden offers a expansive variety of amusement and a complete kitchen menu.
The Locust Tap (434 E Locust) embodies the term "dive bar" nearly perfectly. Between the years of graffiti on the walls, original tile floor (amongst other things) dating advocate 60+ years, economical drinks, and no-frills atmosphere, what you see is what you get. It attracts an incredibly wide variety of clientele. It's tru