Those drinks look delish. Was the avo like a sort of emulsifier, or just for the rich flavor, both? The bar in Tirana looks cozy. I could go for a Manhattan there.
Not much to say on favorite bars here in BAR-celona. They all seem the same here, gay, or straight. The one place for me that comes to mind was in Los Angeles. It closed in the early 90's. It was called Ports. It was Santa Monica Blvd. across from Goldwyn studios, down the street OH yeah! Formosa! Kamikazis! West Hollywood.
Ports, was a nondescript restaurant / bar and you'd drive right past it if you weren't looking. It was dimly lit and intimate and they warmed their brandy glasses - my cognac obsession then. It sort of turned into an "industry" hangout because it didn't look like a big deal on the outside and it was around those studios.
Without hesitation, I can say that one of my favorite bars in the world is The Formosa Cafe in Los Angeles. The aura of the Golden Age of Hollywood co-mingling with the dark underbelly of old punk rockers and dim lighting always put me right at ease. And that decor . . .legendary.
I have to choose The Wildrose in Seattle! One of the oldest and longest-running lesbian bars in the U.S. (and a place where *everyone* cool is welcome), The Wildrose is a Seattle institution. I have so many fond memories of shooting pool and listening to the Indigo Girls with my many, *many* queer female, non-binary & trans friends (and even a professor or two!) during my college days and after.
Well, this episode made me so happy! Wildstar, I’m so glad you enjoyed Housekeeping! Her writing is just the most gorgeous, languid, warm, hypnotic stuff there is.
And isn’t Boafa something?! I’ve never seen finger-painting like that. I was totally overwhelmed. Good sigh.
I LOVE the Wildrose too! I never miss a chance to visit anytime I’m in Seattle. I guess my favorite bar of late around here is Hell or High Water—I’ve not been to any other haunted gay pirate ship themed bars, but I’m sure it ranks in the top 5 worldwide.
!!! I am literally on the floor cackling about the sheer concept of Hell or High Water! Utterly delighted that such a place exists.
Thank you for your beautiful recommendations this week. I can't wait to read Housekeeping. And I absolutely adore Amoako Boafo's stunning art. You'll have to tell me more about the exhibit in Denver. Wish we were there with you!
And of course you know The Wildrose! I have so many great memories there and *so many* great stories to tell!
Thank you Katie for the Housekeeping recommendation. Honestly, it just floored me it was so good. I haven't been that deeply engrossed in a book in so long. Her storytelling is simply spellbinding!
Also . . . um . . . did you say Hell or High Water is a haunted gay pirate themed bar??? Ahoy, matey! All hands on deck suddenly took on new meanings for me but I'm Hooked (get it?).
Okay. I guess I spoke too soon. I just saw Hell or High Water's website and Instagram. This just might be *my* new favorite bar of all time. I had zero interest in returning to the United States but now I literally want to move to Denver just so I can participate in one of their Murder Mystery Parties. Wow!
I hope I don’t sound like a sycophant for saying this, but my favorite bars were gay bars. I blew out my knee in a gay bar when I was 19
Then, when I moved to Seattle in 1997, I loved the gay bar scene. My favorite bar was - I can’t remember the name of it - but it was the one that was in an old log house and they had country dancing on Sunday nights. I’m sure you remember it. That was so much fun!
I had to laugh because if I said I blew out my knee at a gay bar when I was 19, there would be a completely different innuendo! Hahaha!
And yes, that bar was totally Neighbors! Going strong since 1983, it's Seattle's oldest LGBTQ+ bar and an absolute institution. We used to go there every weekend, practically!
If it was the gay bar in the old log house (with the wood floors?) that did country western dancing . . . I think it must have been the Timberline! (Neighbors is more for pop music, club music and 80s nites). It closed awhile back, but I found this:
Those drinks look delish. Was the avo like a sort of emulsifier, or just for the rich flavor, both? The bar in Tirana looks cozy. I could go for a Manhattan there.
Not much to say on favorite bars here in BAR-celona. They all seem the same here, gay, or straight. The one place for me that comes to mind was in Los Angeles. It closed in the early 90's. It was called Ports. It was Santa Monica Blvd. across from Goldwyn studios, down the street OH yeah! Formosa! Kamikazis! West Hollywood.
Ports, was a nondescript restaurant / bar and you'd drive right past it if you weren't looking. It was dimly lit and intimate and they warmed their brandy glasses - my cognac obsession then. It sort of turned into an "industry" hangout because it didn't look like a big deal on the outside and it was around those studios.
The avocado was definitely for both texture and flavor and they were delish! If you ever make it to Tirana, we'll definitely take you to Radio Bar!
Never made it to Ports, but I do remember it in SM. Thanks for the souvenir of a time gone by! Cheers to that!
Cheers!
Without hesitation, I can say that one of my favorite bars in the world is The Formosa Cafe in Los Angeles. The aura of the Golden Age of Hollywood co-mingling with the dark underbelly of old punk rockers and dim lighting always put me right at ease. And that decor . . .legendary.
I love The Formosa Cafe! The perfect happy hour escape from L.A.'s scathing sun!
I have to choose The Wildrose in Seattle! One of the oldest and longest-running lesbian bars in the U.S. (and a place where *everyone* cool is welcome), The Wildrose is a Seattle institution. I have so many fond memories of shooting pool and listening to the Indigo Girls with my many, *many* queer female, non-binary & trans friends (and even a professor or two!) during my college days and after.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wildrose_(bar)
Great choice! Very fond memories of us and our "family" at the Wildrose!
Me too of course
Here's to Monday Night Football & Showtunes! Oh, and lil matchmaker me introducing you to your wife over a round of pool! Cheers to that! :-)
Well, this episode made me so happy! Wildstar, I’m so glad you enjoyed Housekeeping! Her writing is just the most gorgeous, languid, warm, hypnotic stuff there is.
And isn’t Boafa something?! I’ve never seen finger-painting like that. I was totally overwhelmed. Good sigh.
I LOVE the Wildrose too! I never miss a chance to visit anytime I’m in Seattle. I guess my favorite bar of late around here is Hell or High Water—I’ve not been to any other haunted gay pirate ship themed bars, but I’m sure it ranks in the top 5 worldwide.
!!! I am literally on the floor cackling about the sheer concept of Hell or High Water! Utterly delighted that such a place exists.
Thank you for your beautiful recommendations this week. I can't wait to read Housekeeping. And I absolutely adore Amoako Boafo's stunning art. You'll have to tell me more about the exhibit in Denver. Wish we were there with you!
And of course you know The Wildrose! I have so many great memories there and *so many* great stories to tell!
I want to hear them all! Happy hour soon?
Yes! Absolutely! Sending you an email soon.
Thank you Katie for the Housekeeping recommendation. Honestly, it just floored me it was so good. I haven't been that deeply engrossed in a book in so long. Her storytelling is simply spellbinding!
Also . . . um . . . did you say Hell or High Water is a haunted gay pirate themed bar??? Ahoy, matey! All hands on deck suddenly took on new meanings for me but I'm Hooked (get it?).
Okay. I guess I spoke too soon. I just saw Hell or High Water's website and Instagram. This just might be *my* new favorite bar of all time. I had zero interest in returning to the United States but now I literally want to move to Denver just so I can participate in one of their Murder Mystery Parties. Wow!
Isn't it incredible? I mean, what's not to love?
I’m going to rent American fiction tonight! Thanks for the review!
Great! Let us know what you thought of it!
It's so good!
I really don’t go to bars anymore (I’m old)
I hope I don’t sound like a sycophant for saying this, but my favorite bars were gay bars. I blew out my knee in a gay bar when I was 19
Then, when I moved to Seattle in 1997, I loved the gay bar scene. My favorite bar was - I can’t remember the name of it - but it was the one that was in an old log house and they had country dancing on Sunday nights. I’m sure you remember it. That was so much fun!
Not a sycophant at all!!! You're an ally!
I had to laugh because if I said I blew out my knee at a gay bar when I was 19, there would be a completely different innuendo! Hahaha!
And yes, that bar was totally Neighbors! Going strong since 1983, it's Seattle's oldest LGBTQ+ bar and an absolute institution. We used to go there every weekend, practically!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighbours_Nightclub
If it was the gay bar in the old log house (with the wood floors?) that did country western dancing . . . I think it must have been the Timberline! (Neighbors is more for pop music, club music and 80s nites). It closed awhile back, but I found this:
https://seattlegayscene.com/event/timberline-throwback/
Oh, yeah, the Timberline! I totally forgot about that place. Yes, it must have been the Timberline!
Neighbors?
As a proud PFLAG mom, I have always felt more comfortable in bars that catered to the gay community. The Exit in Amsterdam was a memorable experience.
Go PFLAG mom!!! The Exit is legendary! How fun that you have been there. We never have but we'll have to check it out next time we're in Amsterdam.
I love that you've been to The Exit. Never been there ourselves, but it's apparently quite legendary.
You’re right Ryan, it was timberline. But I also went to Neighbors.
Both were so much fun for dancing! :-)
Can I say any bar where Ryan Wildstar is the bartender? Is that cheating?
Ha! Not cheating! And we would totally include this wonderful comment if we hadn't just finished recording this Friday's podcast a few hours ago!