Who doesn’t like to be served meat in the dark room?
Each year, the Eagle in New York City throws an annual holiday party with a full spread, right in the middle of the dance floor.
One diner took a picture, which was shared on social media:
One of the most beautiful aspects of the LGBTQ+ community is the advent of the chosen family. Faced with persecution, gays choose one another, and celebrate holidays and life events in kind.
But that doesn’t mean you have to eat Christmas dinner at the same venue in which you also eat, well… you know.
That seems like a recipe for cross-contamination!
:/
— bi vers twunk (@LakeshoreTwink) December 15, 2023
An iconic gay establishment, there were once almost 50 Eagle bars worldwide. They are in nearly every gay mecca: Los Angeles, London, San Francisco.
New York City’s Eagle was transformed into a leather bar in 1970, one year following the Stonewall Riots. While it was a beloved water pole and place for debauchery, it was also an institution. The bar held benefits for gay organizations and other charities, catering to the community’s most marginalized.
It was open seven days per week, so patrons always had a place to go.
As the leather community blossomed — thank you Tom of Finald — the Eagle only became more popular. But like many gay institutions, it struggled during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The original owner closed the joint in 2000, citing widespread gentrification.
But just one year later, it reopened in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, and the throngs of revelers returned. The Eagle remains one of the most popular gay destinations in NYC, throwing special themed events throughout the year.
But does Friendsgiving qualify? For some, apparently it all depends on the paella.
Unbound by tradition, gays are free to create their own holiday experiences. Eating at the leather bar is certainly unique!
Hopefully everybody’s harnesses still fit following the big meal.
I’m jealous of Americans and this experience 😭 like this is great. I need an Eagle that has holiday food to eat
— Louka ✨ (@loukapls) December 15, 2023
This is ONLY for tops
— ATLrebel92 (@Rogue_1826) December 15, 2023
Diplomat
Though I never had an above the belt meal at an Eagle, I’d love it nonetheless. Portland Oregon had a severely hot hopping Eagle. Seattle 180m north was known to be “hit w the ugly stick” but a tiny handful of hot buds found their way down to seriously hot guys in Portland on weekends. In Seattle’s defense when Amazon moved in it was a major upgrade to the local hot boy talent. Like, breathtaking.
phx3rings
‘Tom of Finald’ ?!?!? 😉
bachy
I’m not so sure about this. Do the revelers put their shirts on before dining?
theaterbloke
The Eagle is on West 28th Street. That’s not even in Hell’s Kitchen, never mind the heart.
Adam
28th Street and 11th Ave. isn’t Hell’s Kitchen; it’s Hudson Yards.
Signed, Regular Eagle Patron