Jimmy's Hi-Fi Lounge

Bar Cocktail Lounge

1187 N 68th St
Milwaukee, WI 53213

State Region

Southeast WI

Year Opened: 1964
Year Closed: 1974

Exact Date Opened: Unknown
Exact Date Closed: Unknown

Clientele Primarily Identified As

Gay

Logo:

Jimmy's Hi-Fi Lounge, later known as Swittel's Tap, was a tavern located near 68th and State in Wauwatosa. The establishment featured a gay bar on the upper level and a straight bar downstairs. Patrons needed a password, "looking for the red room," to access the upstairs lounge. Hosted by Jimmy Swittel (1920-2014,) a professional singer, the Hi-Fi was known for sophisticated decor, exotica music, and specialty drinks including Zombies, Sidecars and Scorpions. Throughout the 1970s, it was listed in national gay guides as "Swittel's" and was open only on weekends. The building is no longer standing.