SF's Badlands Closes

[+ Lucky]

After 45 years in business, one of San Francisco's most popular gay bars, Badlands, has closed permanently. It seemed to have survived allegations of racism against its owner, but the pandemic took its toll. The Castro has been losing its "gayness" over the years, but this seems like a big blow. The question now becomes what will take its place.

https://sfist.com/2020/07/30/storied-castro-nightclub-badlands-closes-permanently-after/

[+ carlos45]

Even before this idiot pandemic took over, I wasn't going out much. The closing still makes me sad, though.

[Lchnsf]

This isn’t a bad thing. The owner of Badlands has been accused of racism and has kept his properties in the Castro empty for years and in one case decades - The Patio Cafe. He also evicted clients using the Ellis Act.

 

There is already a plan for an opening of a new bar in the space which will be announced after the pandemic.

[maninsoma]

I liked the old, cruisy Badlands. I only went to the reopened and sanitized Badlands once. This is no great loss as far as I am concerned, though I guess it is for those who liked dancing to the music they played.

[+ Axiom2001]

After 45 years in business, one of San Francisco's most popular gay bars, Badlands, has closed permanently. It seemed to have survived allegations of racism against its owner, but the pandemic took its toll. The Castro has been losing its "gayness" over the years, but this seems like a big blow. The question now becomes what will take its place.

https://sfist.com/2020/07/30/storied-castro-nightclub-badlands-closes-permanently-after/

 

I received an email from https://www.ebar.com earlier today where there was mention of the closing of Badlands, a venue where I haven't been in many a year. Perhaps it's unfortunate for the younger crowd who have yet to experience a gay bar experience.

 

...was in the Castro last week on business and shuddered when I meandered and noticed an almost "ghost community" accompanied by the "Going Out of Business" signs that were posted on some of the shops. Castro Street had very, very few folks walking, etc. I just cringed and thought about COVID-19 and how it has adversely impacted everyone and everything.

Edited July 31, 2020 by Axiom2001

[+ sync]

I fear many popular gay venues will vanish due to the financial collapses brought on by the C19 pandemic and the ineptness of our government's leaders response to it.