The Eagle bar originally was a longshoreman’s pub called the Eagle Open Kitchen at 142 11th Avenue at 21st Street from 1931 to 1970. In 1969 the stonewall riots in Greenwich Village produced a new found pride in being gay and the closet doors were slowly opening. In 1970, the Eagle Open Kitchen was acquired by Jack Modica who turned the pub into a leather/levi bar. With a few coats of black paint and an old beat up motorcycle for decoration, an institution was born.
As with all businesses, the Eagle experienced its ups and downs over the years. With the onset of AIDS in the 80s, sexual habits were changing and the gay community was reassessing itself. By the 90s, the neighborhood was evolving and the frontier was now being gentrified. Old warehouses were converted into upscale loft buildings or art galleries. Landlords were not renewing old leases and by the year 2000, Jack Modica chose to retire rather than to reopen The Eagle elsewhere. The Eagle’s closing party at 142 11th Avenue was March 3-5, 2000.
On Friday, October 5, 2001, The Eagle reopened at 554 W 28th Street. The overwhelming response evidenced by the long lines to get in testified to the enduring popularity of The Eagle. The current Eagle is housed in a two-story building that was originally a horse stable dating back to the late 19th century. The mood is still dark and sleazy, the music is still heart pounding and the studs are still coming. The pool table is back as is that old beat-up motorcycle. Mr. Eagle continues to compete at IML and the community service continues. Its roof deck opened in 2002. The Eagle has landed.
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