What was originally a longshoreman’s pub called the Eagle Open Kitchen, has been a significant establishment in the gay community since its transformation in 1970 by Jack Modica. Following the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which ignited a new wave of LGBTQIA+ pride, Modica revamped the bar into a leather and Levi’s venue, becoming known as The Eagle’s Nest. It quickly became a sanctuary for the gay community, offering a sense of belonging in a time when overt expressions of identity were often met with hostility.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, The Eagle fostered community in New York City through events like tea dances and served as a meeting point for various gay organizations and clubs, including motorcycle groups. However, the onset of the AIDS crisis and neighborhood gentrification led to challenges, and the original location closed in 2000. The Eagle reopened in 2001 at a new site on W 28th Street, housed in a historic building that retains much of its original charm and dark, welcoming atmosphere. It continues to be a popular spot, reflecting the enduring spirit and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.
