Barracuda Bar in Chelsea is closing permanently

Barracuda Bar, a beloved gay bar in Chelsea, will close its doors permanently after nearly 30 years. The shutdown is due to damage caused by construction for a luxury condo project at the site of a nearby movie theater. The owner, Bob Pontarelli, said the damage made it impossible to continue business as usual. When Barracuda opened in 1995, it was different from other gay bars in the city. It had a cozy, living room-like atmosphere created from furniture found on the streets. The bar quickly became popular with the Broadway community, hosting parties and performances that helped promote new musicals. Barracuda was known for its drag nights and frequent performances by both stars and patrons. Many notable names, like Nathan Lane and Charo, graced its stage over the years. The bar’s welcoming environment fostered connections, and many couples met there, including a man who shared his 22-year relationship story after meeting at Barracuda. Mullin noted that dating has changed, with many LGBTQ+ people now meeting online instead of in bars. He expressed nostalgia for the in-person connections that places like Barracuda facilitated. Pontarelli still owns two other venues but feels a deep sense of loss about closing Barracuda. “I don’t pretend we’re Stonewall, but Barracuda is a legend,” he said, reflecting on the impact the bar had on the community.