The Stud is a legendary LGBTQ bar known for its epic drag shows, themed parties, and burlesque performances. The Stud was the first collectively owned queer bar in the country when it opened in 1966. It became a wildely popular drag bar and was a staple in San Francisco for many years. The bar was originally located at 1535 Folsom Street before moving to the corner of Ninth and Harrison Street in 1987. Unfortunately, the bar was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, as many businesses in SF struggled to stay afloat.
Now, several years later, the Stud is ready to party again after finding a new space. The collective announced they would be reopening in 2023 and now have finally set a date. On April 20th, 2024, the Stud will open its doors to its loyal customers. The bar announced its opening via Instagram, and while we’re still waiting for more details, we’re thrilled the bar is back in time for spring.
The new bar is located at 1123 Folsom Street, in San Francisco’s Leather District. The space has a quirky, unique history of its own, once being the home of a collectively owned vegetarian restaurant that was actually a front for an armed cult in the 1970s. The space then became home to Julie’s Supper Club in the 1980s.
Despite its strange history, the new space will be much bigger than the original locations. It will feature two bars, a revamped sound system, and plenty of room to dance your heart out.
The bar is currently hosting a fundraiser to help cover the cost of the reopening, including renovations, sound equipment, and more. They’ve raised over 70k through hundreds of donations but still need more to reach their goal.
You can check out the Stud’s website for more information, or follow them on Instagram for updates about the opening.