Club Terris

Bar Drag

521 W Wells
Milwaukee, WI 53203

State Region

Southeast WI

Neighborhood

Westtown

Year Opened: 1933
Year Closed: 1960-02-14

Exact Date Opened: Unknown
Exact Date Closed: Unknown

Clientele Primarily Identified As

Mixed

Logo:

Operated by the legendary Tom Terris (1895-1979,) Club Terris was one of downtown's most unlikely queer nightspots. Featuring a wrestling ring, burlesque shows, live music, and drag superstars, the venue attracted queer crowds for a variety of reasons. After nearly three decades, Club Terris closed after a destructive Valentine's Day 1960 fire. The building was redeveloped as Time Insurance Company. Tom Terris went on to open the Riverboat Restaurant (later known as Melanec's Wheel House.)