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Debbie Cubbyhole, located at 281 West 12th Street at the intersection of West 4th in Manhattan's West Village, is considered New York City's oldest lesbian bar, having initially opened in 1987 as DT's Fat Cat. Cubbyhole, despite its small size (less than 1,000 square feet), is a popular gay spot in New York City, with a colorful piñata and ornament-festooned ceiling that attracts a large crowd.
The Origins Of Cubbyhole: From Modest Beginnings To Vibrant Community Hub
The original Cubby Hole debuted in 1981, shortly after Bonnie & Clyde's closed, and the pub earned its name from the tiny area itself—360 square feet in total (about. 12′ x 30′). The pub was gloomy and devoid of ornamentation, and it got fairly smokey inside, considering that smoking was still permitted in bars, and the bar itself was, well, a lesbian nightclub. Cubby Hole customers would arrive in the center of the space, with the bar on the right and a mingling area on the left. By 1989, the area had been updated with a video screen that displayed music videos, a novel attraction at the time.
History And Inclusivity Of Debbie Cubbyhole: A Safe Space For All
Tanya Saunders and Debbie Fierro, proprietors and operators of Cubbyhole, first started it as DT's Fat Cat at 281 West 12th Street in 1987. While Cubby was initially known as a lesbian bar and for its significance to the lesbian community, Saunders and Fierro envisioned it as an inclusive refuge for all patrons when they opened the bar, and it has consistently felt like a warm, welcoming space to anyone who has ever stepped inside. I can speak for myself when I say that Cubbyhole is the only lesbian bar near me I've ever attended where I felt completely at ease in my own flesh.
The Evolution of Cubbyhole: From Iconic Lesbian Pub to Inclusive Bar
What many people don't realize when they enter the chaotically adorned Cubbyhole is that the present Cubby Hole was not the first. In 1994, Saunders purchased the moniker ‘Cubbyhole' from her friend Elaine Romagnoli, who owned and ran The Cubby Hole (two syllables), a lesbian pub at 438 Hudson Street that closed in 1990. Romagnoli was a lesbian nightlife icon in the city, having established numerous other lesbian clubs, including Bonnie & Clyde's in the 1970s and Crazy Nanny's in the 1990s, among others.
Discovering A Place: A Transformative Night At Cubbyhole
Though I had already visited several gay men's clubs in the city, such as Splash and Rush, after coming out my freshman year of college, it wasn't until my sophomore year that my two lesbian friends, Chloe and Mallaigh (we called ourselves the Three Musketeers), dragged me to Cubby so they could go meet girls. I'm still not sure where I fit into that equation—perhaps as a wingman? However, I was the one who fell in love that fateful night. There, I could chat with gay individuals of all types, bond over similar but diverse experiences, and learn how to be happy with my homosexuality without feeling pressured to take off my shirt or go home with a guy.
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Stormé Delarverie: The Legacy Of A Pioneering Figure In Lgbtq History
Stormé DeLarverie, now a renowned figure in the LGBTQ movement, worked at Debbie Cubbyhole as a security guard and bouncer. For those who do not know, DeLarverie was a butch lesbian of color whose skirmish with police, according to DeLarverie and many eyewitnesses, was the spark that sparked the Stonewall rebellion, propelling the crowd to action. Many refer to her as “the Rosa Parks of the gay community,” yet before Stonewall, DeLarverie had a long and remarkable career as a male impersonator in the Jewel Box Revue, including performances at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Romagnoli eventually shuttered the first Cubby Hole in 1990 and went on to launch her next enterprise, Crazy Nanny's. Interestingly, the Cubby Hole location was later converted into another lesbian pub, Henrietta Hudson, which is still open today. Lisa Cannistraci, who had been bartending at Cubby Hole since March 1985, worked at Crazy Nanny's until reopening 438 Hudson Street with her partner, Minnie Rivera, as the much-enlarged Henrietta Hudson in 1991. DeLarverie, meanwhile, continued to serve as a security guard there.
The Rebirth of Cubbyhole: A New Era in LGBTQ Bar History
The new Cubbyhole (one word) was given this name in 1994 when owner Tanya Saunders altered the name of her bar with Romagnoli's agreement and blessing. Saunders had previously worked in advertising and real estate, but in 1987 he decided to start a piano bar. She took over the lease for a pub called 12th Night at 281 West 12th Street and renamed it DT's Fat Cat. Originally meant to offer live entertainment, it evolved into a jukebox bar and became a lesbian hotspot. Lisa Menichino began working at Cubbyhole in 2000, and Saunders passed the bar to her upon her death in 2018. Menichino continues to own and run Cubbyhole today.
The Unique Charm of Cubbyhole: A Celebration of Eclectic Décor and Vibrant Atmosphere
The small Cubbyhole is distinguished by its tightly packed throng, green walls, flagstone floor, jukebox, and festively decorated ceiling. In fact, the distinctive ceiling at Cubbyhole is likely its most distinguishing feature: what began with mementos acquired from their holidays, the ceiling's décor grew into what NYMag characterized as appearing as if Sanders had “raided a thrift shop the day after Mardi Gras.”
In a 2004 review of the restaurant, The Villager observed it “combined with the soothing wall colors and dark wood of the bar, the thatch of Japanese lanterns, model airplanes, oversize goldfish (which match the covers on the bar stools), and at least one lobster suspended from the ceiling makes the place look more like some sort of fantastic forest.”
Cubbyhole: A Beloved Community Hub For Lgbtq Conversations And Connections
In a 2020 Business Insider piece, Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn, said she had been going to Cubbyhole for 20 years. “I enjoy sitting here and talking to everyday gay, lesbian, or queer women about the challenges that affect that cause,” Lentz said. “I believe that many of our leaders do not have those conversations. They don't sit there and chat to someone who makes less than $30,000 per year. Lentz elaborated on what makes Cubby Hole so unique: “To me, where Stonewall is an iconic fantastic bar that I own and am proud to represent, this [Cubbyhole] was a very ‘Cheers'-like neighborhood local, lesbian hangout.
This location lends itself to talks since it is so tiny that you will engage and converse with individuals of all ages, women, people of color, and trans women.
For many years, Cubbyhole has nearly single-handedly held down the fort for gay women in New York City. Up until 2022, it was one of just three remaining lesbian bars in New York's five boroughs, along with Henrietta Hudson and Ginger's in Park Slope. Thankfully, circumstances are changing, and numerous new locations have opened in the last year, including The Bush, Maite, and Mary's.
Patrons, however, will always laud about Cubbyhole in their reviews:
Stephanie S: “This place is a colorful sanctuary for any member of the rainbow brigade.” We dropped in for Monday Happy Hour and were not disappointed. Deb, the bartender, was incredible and made everyone feel comfortable. We took some green tea shots for Miley Cyrus Mondays, ate a fantastic complimentary pizza, and finished off the Blue Moon draft beer (sorry, Deb). We will definitely be returning. Everyone should stop by and see Deb.”
Cecile T: “I have been coming here for more than a decade. I feel comfortable, happy, and welcomed here. The visitors are wonderful, and the staff is even better! Join the family. The more LGBTQ individuals, the better; that is why I feel secure here.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Debbie Cubbyhole
Q: Are there any notable features about Debbie Cubbyhole's facial expression?
A: Debbie's facial expression is notably joyful. She has a wide, genuine smile that reaches her eyes, creating prominent smile lines. Her eyebrows are slightly raised, adding to the overall expression of positivity and engagement.
Q: How would you describe Debbie Cubbyhole's overall demeanor?
A: Debbie's demeanor is overwhelmingly positive and energetic. Her pose, with raised fists, coupled with her broad smile, conveys a sense of triumph, joy, and enthusiasm. She appears to be someone who might be known for her uplifting presence.
Q: What age range does Debbie Cubbyhole appear to be in?
A: While it's not polite to speculate too specifically about age, Debbie appears to be a mature adult, likely in her 50s or 60s. She has some visible laugh lines but maintains a youthful energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Debbie Cubbyhole stands out not only for its rich history and significance in the LGBTQ community but also for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. The bar's distinctive decor, characterized by its festively adorned ceiling and warm ambiance, creates a welcoming space for all patrons. From its humble beginnings to its current status as an inclusive refuge, Cubbyhole continues to foster a sense of belonging and celebration among diverse individuals. As a beloved establishment, it remains a testament to the enduring spirit of community, creativity, and acceptance within the LGBTQ movement.
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