Regency East
Bar
1840 N Water
Milwaukee, WI 53202
State Region
Southeast WI
Year Opened: 1964
Year Closed: 1966
Exact Date Opened: Unknown
Exact Date Closed: Unknown
Clientele Primarily Identified As
Gay
The Regency East was a Milwaukee gay bar from 1965 to 1970. Located in an 1890s Schlitz tied house, Regency was dfescribed as "piss elegant" with potted plants, brass fixtures, and "square" old-fashioned music. Customers remember the neighborhood being quite rough, with harassment, break-ins, and muggings being quite common. The bar was owned by Dick Shannon, managed by George Diefenbach (who later owned Ten Hundred East) and staffed by popular bartender David Dudley. According to legend, Regency East closed because Shannon was "scared off" by the Balistrieri crime family, who wanted the location for August Maniaci's Little Caesar's Cocktail Lounge.
INPUT ALWAYS WELCOME!
We are always looking for photos of the exterior and interiors of Bars and other Places, as well as information about ownership, activities and opening and closing background info about Places. We welcome your input and photos!
"They used to have a joke about the Regency East: 'Have you seen the new Regency East Doll? It stands around with its nose in the air -- until 2 AM -- and goes home alone.'" - contributor Jason Le.
Note: For some reason, national gay guides repeatedly listed the Regency East at incorrect addresses. In 1964, Directory 43 lists the address as 1400 N. Water St. (which did not exist.) Multiple guides listed the address as 1840 N. Water St. throughout the 1960s, but this was the long-time home of the Five and Dime Tap (1933-2001.)
INPUT ALWAYS WELCOME!
We are always looking for photos of the exterior and interiors of Bars and other Places, as well as information about ownership, activities and opening and closing background info about Places. We welcome your input and photos!
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