80s & 90s Awesome Fun Bars That Are Gone Now. What Were They?
Here is a fun thought that Reddit Grand Rapids created.
Think back to the 80s and early 90s, when we were somewhat young and innocent, right? What were some of the fun places, bars, that you remember fondly? Remember, you had a lot of fun. You grew up, of course, but sadly the bars are gone as time marches on.
Where did you go? Where were your fun hangouts?
Some great thoughts from that Reddit conversation are:
Who can forget he Orbit Room.
Did you know it originally was a movie theater, Eastbrook Theater. I remember seeing Jaws there! At any rate, with movie competition too much to sustain it, owners turned it into Club Eastbrook. Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and so many greats played there. But that faded as well, and it became the Orbit Room. Do you remember the Pepsi Dance Trax local TV show that came from there?
Another great memory from a reader was Raggs to Riches, downtown! They said, quote, "I spent a week there one night."
How about Top of the Rock, Electric Avenue, or Monte’s on Bridge Street? Hot spots back then.
Of course there was Magoos, on Division, somewhat close to the court house, downtown. They opened a second location is Wyoming by Ramblewood, THE apartment complex in its day. Party central for sure.
The White Rabbit on Wealthy was a great memory for many. It was said to have a pot hole out front so big a VW bug could of fit in it.
The original Intersection Bar in Eastown was one of the most popular spots. PcuJau91024 wrote: "The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving was as legendary as owner Tom Zanella. And right across the street...Yesterdog, a necessary palliative for all the damage done." The late Tom Zanella's Z's Bar and Restaurant is still going strong downtown.
We can't forget Cleo's, Club 911, the Grotto, 54th Street Lounge/Bucking Beaver, and Shout!
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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz