The Eagle's wake

Friday night a buddy of mine invited me to what he said was the last night of The Eagle Tavern as we know it. Apparently the iconic gay bar in SoMa is closing after 30 years because the landlord has other plans for the location. Many articles and blogs have been written about the abrupt closure (even city supervisors have shown concern) and all are begging the same question: what's going to happen next?

Well, Friday night no one knew the answer, but a few gathered to say a final goodbye. It very much felt like a wake, even the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were there. Memories were written on the floor in chalk, one of them read, "I am going to miss waking up in the trough." I am unsure whether this meant an actual trough in the in bar, or the trough-like urinals in the restrooms; either one would make sense. Some talked sadly about the closure, others, like my buddy, just tried to get as much fun of the last night.

It is sad this bar is closing since it was more than a just a bar. It was a community gathering spot, where anyone was accepted whether they were gay, straight, male, female, into leather or not, and, yes, even the queens from the Castro. On Thursdays the bar would host live acts for its Thursday Night Live. Sundays was Beer Bust, where people would congregate for unlimited beer for $10 and proceeds would go to charity and organizations. It really is a pity that it's closing, but it is evidence of the changing forces and demographics of SoMA.

Appreciate the things and time we have, people, especially in a diverse and constantly changing city like San Francisco. The few times I have been here I had a real great time. I wish I would have spent more time here. I know that's how a lot of people feel at a wake, but hopefully this is not the last we hear about The Eagle. SFist, who first reported the closure, is now reporting that the bar might not close until later. We'll see how this will all turn out.