A Glimpse into the Gritty Glamour of West 4th Street's After-Hours Scene

Nestled near 2nd Avenue, a seemingly ordinary building once concealed a vibrant chapter in New York City's gay nightlife history. This unassuming space was once home to a legendary after-hours haunt.

Let's delve into the captivating story of a place that epitomized a bygone era of grit, glamour, and a touch of danger.

From Revues to Revolution: The Rise of Club 82

Before its transformation, the building hosted lively revues. However, the arrival of impresario Stephen Franse marked a turning point.

Franse, a seasoned veteran of the cabaret scene, previously ran a gay-friendly cabaret called Club below the Yiddish Arts Theatre. He moved into the space to create Club 82. This venture would become a cornerstone of New York's after-hours landscape.

For over a decade, Club 82 reigned supreme, boasting the biggest drag show in America.

While the performers and many patrons were gay, the crowd was a captivating mix of the adventurous and elite, including celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Judy Garland.

A Dangerous Liaison: Mob Ties and Dark Secrets

The club's story takes a darker turn when we discover a dangerous partnership.

Stephen Franse's business partner was none other than mob boss Vito Genovese. Genovese, like many mobsters, saw opportunity in the city's gay bars, which were often starved for legitimate funding due to the era's homophobia.

Genovese used Club 82 for nefarious purposes: laundering money, blackmailing patrons, and even stashing heroin in the basement.

He installed his second wife, Anna, as manager. But when Anna sought a divorce, Vito's fury was unleashed. On June 20th, after leaving his club, Franse was found murdered.

The Changing Tides and the Legacy of the Bijou

In the years that followed, Club 82 began to wane as the gay community turned its attention toward fighting for their rights.

The club eventually closed.

The space later was briefly revived as the Bijou, an unmarked gay porn theater. The Bijou offered a glimpse into a past where cruising spots in private booths were the draw.

Exploring the Vibrant LGBTQ+ Scene Today

While Club 82 is gone, the spirit of New York's LGBTQ+ nightlife continues to thrive.

Here are a few of the bars that continue to draw crowds:

• The Stonewall Inn: A historic icon.
• The Duplex: A bar with a piano.
• Cubbyhole Bar: A cozy, welcoming spot.
• Henrietta Hudson Bar: Another welcoming spot with lesbian vibes.
• Hell: This Hell's Kitchen bar is one of the city's longest running gay bars.

This curated list reflects the bar and nightlife scene of downtown Manhattan.

Reach out to us if you want to know of more gems!