Is the lizard lounge a gay bar

The Empire crew is decked out and ready to dig Psychedelic Wednesdays. Photo courtesy of Michelle Fabry.

Lizard Lounge's Last Act

It was built inas part of the original Toronto Fire Hall No. After the hall closed on Yonge, that building was occupied by retail businesses until the St. Charles Tavern took root in By the early s, the St. Charles was known to be a gay bar. It, along with the nearby Parkside Tavern, became a significant gathering spot that would help hasten the development of queer social life anchored around Yonge during the s.

The St. A club called Y-Not also operated upstairs in the mid s. Byfollowing years of neglect, the St. Charles was a shadow of its former self and closed. A year later, the upper level would re-open as Empire Dancebar, a versatile venue dreamed up by friends Dave Craig and Michael Marier.

Together, they produced events including The House, a weekly underground jam held at the Party Centre at Church and Shuter. Continue Reading…. All photos in gallery by Alice Andersen, Wonderland Photography. The area came alive at night, with numerous booze-cans and after-hours clubs drawing dancers to upper-level locations on Yonge and decadent discos on side streets, especially St.

Owned by Gunther Weswaldi, whose background was in the food and beverage industry, the Cheetah was short lived. It did not launch with a distinct identity. Photo courtesy of David Heymes. Article originally published December 14, by The Grid online. As a result, a number of details originally included were inaccurate or incomplete, as pointed out in comments from a number of Grid readers.

Some details have been updated as a result. But he hired wisely. Article originally published October 8, by The Grid online thegridto.