Having opened last November 2011, the Out Bar in Poughkeepsie is one of the area’s newest gay destinations. With a variety of special events and happenings that range from Professionals events to Drag Shows and other theme nights, be sure to become a ‘fan’ of theirs on Facebook to keep up with all their gatherings.
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Having recently returned to the Hudson Valley after spending fifteen years in the Capital District, I was excited to see a few new LGBT venues in the area. I first heard of the Out Bar via their sponsorship of the Hudson Valley Pride event in New Paltz and wanted to show them some love for that.
I cannot speak to the entertainment the venue provides, as I was there early, around 8:30pm, one Friday evening. I can, and will, say that the atmosphere is less than friendly and bordering on hostile.
There were maybe 10 people seated at the bar when I entered. I sat down and ordered a beer. After setting the bottle in front of me, taking my money, and walking away without a word the bartender proceeded to check the ID of the other bar patrons. I am a big dyke, there is no mistaking it. I am not someone who looks at all out of place or suspicious in a gay bar. I still can’t figure out what inspired the checking of ID on all patrons except myself, many of whom I am sure were regulars and obviously above the legal age.
As I enjoyed my frosty beverage I tried to strike up a conversation with the woman next to me. “Excuse me, I haven’t been here before. Do you know if they have a pool table?” I asked. Not a pick up line or loaded question– just innocent, honest conversation. She turned her back to me without a word. Maybe it was my use of manners in the city of Poughkeepsie that turned her off, seeming somehow foreign.
That having failed I walked to the back of the building to see if there was more to the place (or a pool table). I found a smal dance floor/ performance space and french doors that led to a lovely little patio. Both were empty. As I returned to my seat at the bar, most of the other patrons moved the party to the patio.
As I finished my drink the bartender returned and introduced herself, asking my name. I inquired about the crowd, was the bar always this packed on a Friday night? She told me it was early, things usually don’t get started until 10 or 11. She offered no information on upcoming shows or events and certainly no encouragement to come back. I left, still in search of a sense of Community in the Hudson Valley.
Thanks for your feedback, Sean Thomas. We’ve shared your thoughts with The Out Bar and hope that if you visit again you have a much more positive experience.