Gay bars downtown madison wi

Rod's bar became a gay icon and legend among gay men in the 's and 's Madison. Early on, "Rod's" took on a "tradition" of the bartenders holding surprise "spot checks" for men wearing underwear- which, if found, were promptly removed cut off and hung over the pipes on the ceiling of the bar. In no time the pipes running in the main bar room were draped with countless cut-off underwear.

The bar became an extremely popular destination for men throughout Wisconsin and even from northern Illinois. Over time, the bar opened additional rooms in the back, one of which showed adult male i. On the seedier side, Rod's "men's room" had its own little tradition: on occasion one might find, downtown the walls holding the urinals, someone kneeling: aficionados of "water sports" were to be found that night!

An outdoor patio was a very popular addition. The patio also became "the place to be" the Saturday evening and night of the annual Pride celebration in Madison. Toward evening revelers would begin dancing, and at nightfall a spectacular laser light show would excite dancers and onlookers alike.

Through it all, Rodney and his staff had a knack for coming up with new and unique events and bar specials, which other bars could never seem to match. The Hotel Washington had became a complex of activity, in addition to Rod's madison bar. On the same level, "Club de Wash" was popular with the straight community, and frequently had live bands performing.

After the success of Rod's, the upstairs of the hotel gay became the setting for The New Bar, which quickly became "the" dance bar in Madison. Several rooms in the upper level of the hotel were also available for renting by out-of-towners during special events and weekends such as the annual pride weekend.

But Rod's continued to be the ultimate mecca for gay men throughout the area. Unfortunately, the owner and focus of festivities at Rod's, Rodney Scheelbecame ill. Rodney died in after a long and drawn out battle, having not set foot in his bar or successful hotel complex for almost a year.

Rod's brother Greg took over and carried on ably.

Gay Nightlife in Madison, Wisconsin: Best LGBTQ Bars, Clubs, & More

The final chapter was to take place a few years later. In the bitter cold, the fire department called several alarms, but to no avail-- by morning the remains of the complex were a few badly charred and leaning walls, somehow with a pride flag still flying. Although there was talk of rebuilding, that was not to be, and Rod's named legacy came to an end.

Inside Rod's, circa Underwear check at Rod's In Step volJune Rodney at the "watering trough" In Step volFeb. Hotel Washington fire Wisconsin Light vol 9 issue 5. Credits: contents, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb. Last updated: September Opened: Closed:.