Starlight Lounge in Danger of Closing Forever
The Starlight Lounge, located at Nostrand Ave and Bergen St, in Crown Heights North, is Brooklyn’s oldest gay bar, and perhaps also Brooklyn’s first black owned gay bar. However, the future of this neighborhood institution is looking bleak. As reported on Gothamist, the bar’s manager, Tim Leviticus, is quoted saying, “Without us knowing, the old…
The Starlight Lounge, located at Nostrand Ave and Bergen St, in Crown Heights North, is Brooklyn’s oldest gay bar, and perhaps also Brooklyn’s first black owned gay bar. However, the future of this neighborhood institution is looking bleak. As reported on Gothamist, the bar’s manager, Tim Leviticus, is quoted saying, “Without us knowing, the old landlord sold the building — not even giving us the right to purchase it. We haven’t met the new owner yet, but we’ve heard he wants the building to be empty.” The Lounge opened in the 1960’s, and was a popular hangout for the black gay community, as well as welcoming to anyone else who came in. Today, it is popular with both new and old clientele, with dance parties and karaoke nights. The owners are now circulating a petition to have the building and the bar landmarked, to protect it from demolition, and to preserve the Starlight. Information and discussion can be found on the Brooklynian, and more history can be found here.
Brooklyn’s Oldest Gay Bar May Close[Gothamist]
Community Petition For Landmark Status[Brooklynian]
Photo:outaboutbrooklyn.com. GMAP
I’d love to go, you know me and the karaoke! Would MM take the mic?
if going let me know.
No comment on bar manager’s name being Leviticus?
Me too- I’ll go!
It would be really sad to lose the Starlight. Its an important part of the history of the neighborhood, one that is rarely heard about.
They should set up an official petition on one of the sites that creates them.
Jessi, I know. The building, in of itself, really isn’t landmark worthy, either, to be honest. I do hope they can keep their space, or at worst, move nearby. They really are an institution. If anyone wants to go, I’m in. I don’t do bars too often, so I’ve never been there.
It would be really sad to lose the Starlight. Its an important part of the history of the neighborhood, one that is rarely heard about.
snappy we should!!!
*rob*
Passed by this place for years – never knoew it was a gay bar. It always seemed empty, I guess I didn’t go late enough. Unless this is as important as Stonewall, landmarking it is a bit of overkill.
Have a brownstoner meet up there. A place named the Starlight Lounge sounds like it would make a mean brandy alexander and that is a good thing.