Arlington Gay Bar Closes & Re-Opens

Update: 1851 Club is now re-open with new owners.

Af 20 years in business the owners of 1851 Club on Division Street in Arlington announced via social media that the bar is closing. This adds to other bar closings and restaurants to the victim list of of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For so many years, the 1851 Club has been our home away from home. A place where we can all feel accepted, be ourselves and feel safe. True “families were made here. Secrets were kept; loves were lost; true LIVES were found. Amazing parties! Heartfelt talks, life celebrations and crying embraces. This bar has been the place for all of us. Truly … ALL of us. We regret to announce that the 1851 Club will no longer be able to fare the times of this pandemic.”

The statement went on to explain that “The help out there does not apply to our business,” and that owners and management had “exhausted any and every route to try to save our home. It just can’t be done anymore. There comes a time when we just have to face the truth and close the door.”

The statement concludes, “They say everything happens for a reason … we can’t find that reason right now, but hopefully we will find it one day some were over the rainbow … Signing out. It’s been a good run.”

For so many years the 1851 club has been our home away from home. A place where we can all feel accepted, be ourselves and feel safe. True “Families” were made here. Secrets were kept, loves were lost, true LIVES were found.Amazing parties! Heartfelt talks, life celebrations and crying embraces.This bar has been the place for all of us. Truly…ALL of us. We regret to announce that the 1851 Club will no longer be able to fare the times of this pandemic. It’s a scary time for all of us but as it is said “business is business” . Not to us.. but there is little help for the actual small small businesses. The help out there does not apply to our business. We have exhausted any and every route to try to save our home. It just can’t be done anymore. There comes a time when we just have to face the truth and close the door. Please understand how much each and every one of you meant to the staff and fellow patrons. We were and always will be family. Please continue to be yourself, love yourself, sing and dance as much as you can and sit back and have a cocktail “once in a while” . They say everything happens for a reason… we can’t find that reason right now but hopefully we will find it one day Some where over the Rainbow. Love , Pride and Acceptance- Signing out… it’s been a good run -The 1851 Club