While Woody’s, Voyeur (previously Pure), Tabu (previously Sal’s), ICandy (previously 12th Air Command) have all undergone major transformations, the neighborhood as a whole bears a split personality – posh clubs and cleaned-up neighborhood bars, where U bar intends to fall. Uncle’s renovations are in keeping with a current remodeling trend that’s been sweeping “Midtown Village” (Gayborhood) for the past few years. In addition to the renovations, the Tavern Group plans to make the pre-existing kitchen in Uncles basement operational, meaning that bar food will be part of the U Bar’s offerings.
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Scheduled renovations include a new ceiling, wide plank hardwood floors, refurbished bathrooms and new large, hinged windows on the west wall. Our customers come here for the great priced drinks, great staff and great conversation, so we want the redesign to preserve all that and increase the utility of the space.” “It’s a small bar, so the renovations are intended to be properly to scale. “We’ve done a complete gut of the entire first floor,” Randal said. “We’re all about customers, which is why we’re keeping the renovations clean, cool and simple,” said Randal, Director of Operations at the Tavern Group. If you’d ever been to Uncle’s, you may have noticed the decor was neighborhood bar a la Philly: the Feng Shui of thin commercial carpeting, mirrored walls and the Formica bar top open street-front windows letting in soft, midday light stiff, cheap drinks and friendly staff. At that time, the refreshed establishment will be dubbed “U Bar”. Steve Carlino, Uncle’s Owner and Principal at the Tavern Group (owners of Tavern on Camac and Terra Restaurant/Ascend Lounge), put in the order this summer to commence renovations at this space, which are estimated to be complete in the next few weeks. “Representation across all areas of public accommodation - including our vibrant social spaces - is critical to ensure our diverse LGBTQ+ communities feel seen, heard and respected.Uncle’s Bar has remained virtually unchanged in its 25 years of business at Locust & Camac – until now. “While these new openings represent a small but meaningful level of progress, the fight for a more inclusive and equitable city is something we’ll continue driving long into the future,” Morrison said. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who are shocked.”Ĭould the diversifying nightlife scene help rid the Gayborhood of racism? Director of Philly’s Office of LGBT Affairs Celena Morrison thinks it’s a step. “It’s like, ‘Guess what, this is brown-owned,’ ” Krishnan said. That way, people stopping by for the bar’s fruity drinks, Latin-inspired food and regular drag performances can tell that it’s run by people of color. Krishnan purposely stations either himself or his husband, general manager Kamath, at the entrance of Cockatoo. “But we’re like, ‘Hey, we’ve got this.’ ”
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“Everybody says 13th Street is not gay anymore,” said Cockatoo owner Krishnan. “You literally pick your day and you’re able to have a place to go that you can identify with.” She hopes this is just the start of a diversifying Gayborhood.
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“I do appreciate the inclusivity and just the variety,” Evans said. Level Up regular Shonda Evans said she makes the trip from her North Philly home to the Center City bar two or three times every week.
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“Thick and Sexy Night” is centered around body positivity.Ĭustomers have noticed. There are regular parties for lesbians, and shows designed to welcome trans people. The Walnut Street club hosts events most nights of the week - each one geared toward a different demographic from the LGBTQ community.