The Pirate Ship was a mid-century Madison nightclub that officially operated as an "older gentlemen's" gay bar from 1969-ish to 1982. When the new owners of the nearby Velvet Swing (307 W. Gorham) became hostile to gay customers, a search committee went out to find a new home bar. Since Doc DeHaven's Orchestra had just concluded its long run, the Pirate Ship's owner said he'd give the gay community a chance to "prove it was worthwhile." The next weekend, over 200 gay men crowded into the bar to prove their economic power. The bar quickly became a straight tavern by day (serving downtown workers) and a gay bar by night (serving a community with limited places to go.)

Pirate Ship was known for its rustic, nautical-themed decor, rope rigging, wood-paneled interior, provocative murals, and a balcony designed to look like a ship's bridge. Although it was a cruise bar, the Pirate Ship closed early, so connections happened offsite and after hours. Customers remember Patty Rupp, a stern female bartender, who protected her "boys" with an explosive temper. Customers also comment on owner (William Ripp?) who capitalized on the gay community without ever truly supporting it. The Pirate Ship closed in 1982 and became another bar (Lundeen's) before becoming Dotty Dumpling's Dowry. The building was demolished for the construction of the Overture Center. We welcome any available information about this location.