Opening in December 1983, New Bar was a popular two-story video bar located within Madison's Hotel Washington. Rodney Scheel was praised for recapturing the vibe of his earlier club, Back Door. New Bar featured a large dance floor, large video screens, a landing that doubled as a stage and dance spot, and an upstairs lounge, as well as easy access to the neighboring Rod's, Barber's Closet, and Cafe Palms. The bar was a regional magnet for queer youth, who frequented its popular weekly Teen Nights. The New Bar was still thriving on February 18, 1996, when it was destroyed by fire.