Gay bars in iowa
The history of Iowa’s oldest gay bar has been made into a documentary. Here's how to watch
On a representative Friday night at the Blazing Saddle in Des Moines’ East Village, tightly packed bodies crowd around the bar’s main stage, hands poking out from the throng to give cash tips to performersdressed in drag. It’s the Saddle Gurls & Friends show, and once the artists take their terminal bow (or more commonly, dip into their most impressive split), the spotlights cut and the tune bumps. Bargoers turn the stage into a technicolor dance floor, strong drinks in hand, staying right to the bar's motto: "Always a double, never a cover."
The Blazing Saddle is Iowa's oldest operating gay bar. It just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Opened in by Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry, it’s been referred to as the “Gay Cheers” and has seen Iowa — and the nation — through decades of change for the LGBTQ population: from the beginning — and end — of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, to the outbreak of the AIDs epidemic, to the legalization of gay marriage and the more recent passing and signing of anti-LGBTQ la
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Bars and Nightlife
Gay Bars and Clubs
Blazing Saddle ( East 5th Ave), If youre looking for a friendly LGBTQ+ prevent in Des Moines, then youve set up it! The Saddle is open days a year featuring daily Happy Hour, Trivia Night every Tuesday, and monthly charity events for non-profits. Additionally, Latin Nites and various types of Queenly Shows every Wednesday through Sunday. Spot the Blazing Saddle Calendar of Events.
Buddy's Corral ( East 5th St) is a mixed, relaxed neighborhood bar with jukebox, karaoke, located next to Blazing Saddle.
The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge ( E Grand Ave) is an LGBT+ owned and operated business that is home to a host of amazing talent with an outstanding legacy. The Garden suggestions a wide variety of entertainment and a full kitchen menu.
The Locust Tap ( E Locust) embodies the designation "dive bar" nearly perfectly. Between the years of graffiti on the walls, original tile floor (amongst other things) dating back 60+ years, cheap drinks, and no-frills atmosphere, what you spot is what you g
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By 4starcashier - Sun Mar 15, pm
Hey there, everyone. Rumor has it that Le Boi Lock has been bought, and will be opening as "The View". Can anybody provide input on this? It'll be nice to have a fourth gay lock in Des Moines again!
By wmjindsm - Mon Mar 16, am
I've heard that but also heard there was an accident last night and a vehicle hit the building. Also heard this is the second moment that this has happened recently. Will try and post pics I saw on Facebook tomorrow.
By Ingersoll - Mon Mar 16, am
By wmjindsm - Mon Mar 16, pm
By BJazz