Aunt Charlie’s Lounge stands as the last remaining queer bar in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, a vibrant oasis preserving the memory of a once-thriving community hub.
Bar manager Joe Mattheisen reminisces about the bar’s neighboring establishments, pointing out the locations of former icons like the Blue and Gold, Ram’s Head, and the Sound of Music, which have fallen victim to time and changing city dynamics.
Initially opened in 1987, Aunt Charlie’s took over the space that once housed the Queen Mary, embodying the spirit of a neighborhood that was once a haven for the LGBTQ+ community.
Significant cultural landmarks, including Compton’s Cafeteria and a prominent bathhouse, have been replaced by nonprofits, hotels, and convenience stores, signaling the drastic transformations within the Tenderloin.
Inside Aunt Charlie’s, the atmosphere contrasts sharply with the streets outside.
The warm glow from the lights bathes the bar in a welcoming hue, and pride flags adorn the ceiling, celebrating the diversity and strength of the community.
“It’s a good, hometown feeling. Everybody knows your name,” expressed Olivia Hart, a drag queen and part-time waitress.
However, the bar, previously owned by Bill Erkelens, now faces an uncertain future following his tragic boating accident last year, which left the establishment in trust to his widow.
At 76, Mattheisen is navigating the complexities of transforming Aunt Charlie’s into an LLC with plans to secure a new license to sustain the bar for a few more years.
“I think I probably still have four more good years. At least until I’m 80,” he stated, reflecting on his tenure behind the bar since 1997.
Mattheisen’s extensive background includes two decades working in various gay bars across Los Angeles and Phoenix before finding a home in San Francisco’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
His journey began after serving in Vietnam, where he discovered that nothing compared to the unwavering support and stability he found at Aunt Charlie’s.
Many of the bartenders at the bar, including himself, have remained due to serendipitous circumstances.
“Each job I got was because somebody didn’t show up for work and I was there,” he recalled.
Despite the slow rhythm of a weekday afternoon, hums of laughter and clinking glasses gradually fill the space during the evening hours, particularly as patrons flock for the bar’s renowned $5.25 well drinks and engaging drag shows.
The Hot Boxxx Girls, whose performances have become a weekend staple at the bar, take the stage every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.
Star performer Davida Ashton, who has graced the San Francisco stage for over 53 years, charms audiences with her heartfelt ballads and dazzling attire.
Her initial performances at Aunt Charlie’s were guided by the late Vicki Marlane, a legendary figure among San Francisco’s drag queens, who emphasized strict professionalism and careful choreography.
“When I first started, the queens were not very nice,” shared Ashton, who at 75 still captivates audiences.
While some rules still govern performances—like no obstructing a queen’s path and ensuring generous tips—the atmosphere has evolved into one of playful irreverence and spontaneity.
During a recent performance, Hart, dressed in a vibrant red gown, seamlessly transitioned from hostess to performer, eliciting cheers as she engaged her audience with a medley while adorning herself in a colorful costume.
The bar continues to attract a diverse clientele, shifting its focus to a younger demographic with events like Aunt Charlie’s Angels on Tuesdays and DJ nights on Thursdays.
However, the decline in foot traffic and the long-term impacts of the pandemic have placed significant pressure on the bar’s operations.
The obstacles extend beyond the pandemic, as longstanding LGBTQ+ venues have shuttered, and many queer individuals now prefer to visit establishments closer to their own neighborhoods.
Aunt Charlie’s, once a lively hub opening at 6 a.m., now awaits the afternoon to welcome patrons frequently, with business suffering due to the broader challenges impacting the Tenderloin.
Despite such adversities, the bar’s loyal regulars, like Aabbee Aa’Bbee, who has frequented the establishment for over two decades, maintain a strong connection, drawn in by the sense of community, affordable drinks, and vibrant atmosphere that Aunt Charlie’s provides.
“We take care of ours,” she affirmed, encapsulating the enduring spirit that Aunt Charlie’s Lounge continues to foster amid changing times and challenges.
image source from：missionlocal
