The Finale, opened by partners Earl Paulich and Frank Thalacker, was a popular neighborhood bar that also attracted a city-wide crowd. It expanded in 1976 to include a second-level dancing area and was known for its lively costume parties. Described as an "elegant lounge," it fostered a close-knit community where patrons would sometimes stay the night at clandestine lock-in parties. The bar is remembered for playing New Wave music before MTV even existed. In 1980, Frank Thalacker left to open the acclaimed Shadows Bar. The Finale was eventually sold in 1983 and tragically closed after a fire in January 1986.