Attorney Robert Ader bought the place in 1980, and his sister Michelle took over in 1995 after Ader died of AIDS, according to the blog Friends of Ours. A predecessor to Candle Bar opened in 1958, but was closed the next year “for permitting ‘homosexual activities’ on the premises according to New York State Liquor Authority records.” In 1960, Ralph Pansini opened the space again as the Candlelight Lounge in 1960 it was still a gay bar but the new owner must have been more surreptitious. The last day will be June 22, according to DNAinfo. The bar at 309 Amsterdam Avenue is the only gay bar on the Upper West Side south of 109th street.
Candle Bar, the oldest gay bar on the Upper West Side, is closing its doors in about a week.
