Sailor Ann's

Bar Food | Cruising | Sailor Bar

222 W Florida St
Milwaukee, WI 53204

State Region

Southeast WI

Neighborhood

Walkers Point

Year Opened: 1900
Year Closed: 1962

Exact Date Opened: Monday, October 01, 1900
Exact Date Closed: Sunday, July 01, 1962

Clientele Primarily Identified As

Gay

Logo:

Sailor Ann's, formerly the Sail and Rail, was a legendary sailor bar opened by Anna "Sailor Ann" Gravelijn in 1900. On the edges of acceptable society, it attracted rough-and-tumble sailors and railroad workers, while also serving as a space for men seeking men. Throughout Prohibition, the untouchable Sailor Ann operated a notorious speakeasy and casino. After the "Queen of the Marine" died in 1944, the neighborhood became Skid Row. Her nephews reopened the space in 1958 as a nostalgic theme restaurant. Having lost their longtime clientele, the business strugged until closing in 1963 and being demolished in 1964.