Friendly Bar
Milwaukee
Summary
The Friendly Bar at 819 S. 2nd Street appears to have been the earliest of many LGBTQ-friendly bars to occupy its building. Originally opened by Croatian immigrants Mike and Julia Stjepanovic, it passed through several operators; it is believed to have become a gathering place for gay men, nicknamed 'Friendly's,' beginning with Robert Krumbers's tenure around 1944. Recollections describe a dark, quiet, candle-lit bar popular with World War II servicemen.
It closed about 1947, after which the location went through many later transitions, eventually hosting a long line of LGBTQ establishments.