Essinger's
Milwaukee
Summary
Essinger's was a West Side Milwaukee tavern that operated as a gay-and-straight bar for under a year, first appearing in bar listings in December 1984 and last listed in September 1985. An older family tavern that "came out" in the early 1980s, it ran rock-bottom drink specials and quirky advertising aimed at nearby Marquette students. Reports indicate the bar dropped its food service in 1985 and considered removing its pool table to add a dance floor.
Heavy competition from the nearby 27th Street Danceteria likely hastened its closure. The 1925 building still stands.