A single building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, stands as a silent witness to centuries of transformation. What if brick and mortar could whisper tales of ancient burial grounds, clandestine speakeasies, and vibrant community sanctuaries? For one iconic establishment, Metropolitan Bar, its walls hold echoes of every era, making it far more than just a place to gather.

It's a living testament to resilience, a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community, and a fascinating journey through the very soul of this ever-evolving neighborhood.

For those seeking a dynamic gay bar in Williamsburg Brooklyn, Metropolitan Bar is often the first name that comes to mind.

Nestled at 559 Lorimer Street, it has been a cornerstone of the borough's queer nightlife since its opening in 2004. Yet, its significance stretches far beyond modern-day revelry, deeply rooted in a past that's as rich and complex as Brooklyn itself. This article delves into the extraordinary history embedded in Metropolitan Bar's very foundations, exploring how the land it occupies has continually served as a space for those on the fringes, finding community, solace, and celebration.

The Unseen Layers: A Land Steeped in History

Long before the first espresso machine hummed or the first drag queen graced its stage, the ground beneath Metropolitan Bar held a different kind of solemnity.

Believe it or not, this site was once part of an Old Dutch Reformed Church burial ground. Picture it: the quiet solemnity of a final resting place, a stark contrast to the thumping beats that resonate there today. This hallowed ground speaks to Williamsburg's deep colonial roots, dating back to the arrival of Dutch settlers who established communities and worshipped here.

Indeed, the history of Williamsburg as a whole is one of ambition and growth.

In 1802, Richard Woodhull laid the groundwork for what would become Williamsburgh (later simplified), naming it after the man who surveyed the land. While Woodhull's initial venture didn't fully take root, it sparked the imagination of others. By 1827, Williamsburgh was an incorporated village, blossoming into its own independent city by 1852 before ultimately being absorbed into the greater expanse of New York City.

A Taste of Italy (and Illicit Spirits): The Milo Family Era

Fast forward to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and New York City experienced an unprecedented wave of immigration, particularly from Southern Italy.

Fleeing poverty and disease, millions arrived seeking new opportunities. Among them were Gennaro and Maria Milo, a tailoring couple who, after decades of hard work and journeys back and forth to their homeland, embarked on an ambitious venture: opening a restaurant and bar at the now-famous Lorimer Street location in 1923.

An ambitious venture, indeed, considering it was the height of Prohibition.

Imagine: a seemingly innocuous sandwich shop by day, bustling with neighborhood families and the aroma of Italian cooking. But step through a hidden door, perhaps descend a narrow staircase, and you'd find a secret world of whispered conversations, clinking glasses, and illicit card games.

The Milo family, resourceful and resilient, brewed their own spirits, transforming their establishment into a clandestine speakeasy, a haven for those defying the era's alcohol ban.

Whispers of the Past: The De Silva Tragedy

Yet, even in this hidden sanctuary, darkness found a way in.

The Milo family lore carries a chilling tale of a fateful night in May 1928, when a patron, reportedly named Albert De Silva, died during a violent quarrel with another man, Salvatore Fariellio. While historical records confirm a tragic incident involving an ice pick and thrown furniture, the Milo family's recollection painted a vivid picture of blood spilled and a partner banished to Italy with a fistful of cash.

For generations, the younger Gennaro Milo remembered a palpable chill descending the staircase, a fear of the ghosts who might linger from that tumultuous past. This dark secret became interwoven with the very fabric of the building, a testament to the raw, unfiltered life that once played out within its walls.

Even after Prohibition ended, the Milo family continued to adapt.

A decade after the tragedy, they renovated, pushing out walls and creating a layout that, remarkably, still largely defines the space used by Metropolitan Bar today. The younger Milo remembered the front room for coats, a jukebox, a rounded table, and eleven tables bustling with families—predominantly Southern Italian, Irish, and Polish immigrants—from the neighborhood and beyond.

The bar occupied the left side, much as it does now, while what is currently the drag performance stage likely served as the kitchen, complete with an oven, stove, and pizza table. Though the faces and performances have changed dramatically over the decades, the architectural bones of the building have remained a constant.

A New Chapter: Williamsburg's Queer Heartbeat

As the 20th century drew to a close, the Milo family began their own migration, eventually selling the bar.

After passing through a few owners, witnessing new forms of "violence" - the early waves of gentrification - the establishment ultimately transformed into what we know today as Metropolitan Bar. It quickly emerged as one of the few mainstays of gay nightlife in Williamsburg, a neighborhood undergoing profound demographic and cultural shifts.

In the early 2000s, as Williamsburg's reputation as an artistic and bohemian hub solidified, young people flocked to the area, and with them, a burgeoning LGBTQ+ community.

Metropolitan Bar opened its doors at a pivotal moment, offering a much-needed space for connection, celebration, and solidarity. Since 2004, it has served as an essential gathering point for gay men in Brooklyn, establishing itself as a beloved and enduring institution.

Metropolitan Bar: A Beacon for the LGBTQ+ Community

Metropolitan Bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a vital community hub.

Its laid-back, inclusive atmosphere, combined with lively events like drag shows and dance parties, has cemented its status as a go-to gay bar in Williamsburg. But it's not the only spot enriching the diverse Brooklyn queer scene. For those looking to explore further, other notable gay bars in Brooklyn include:

• Lovegun: A newer, spacious two-story venue on Montrose, born from the minds behind other successful NYC spots like Eastern Bloc.

  Once a fish market, its high ceilings now host vibrant parties, with a main bar downstairs and a more intimate mezzanine with a DJ booth and VIP area upstairs. Its events often feature cutting-edge DJs and artists, attracting a fashion-forward crowd.

• The Exley: A cozy, more intimate spot offering a relaxed vibe.
• Montrose: Another popular gay bar nearby, known for its friendly atmosphere.
• Union Avenue Bar: A casual option for a more local feel.

These establishments collectively contribute to a vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ nightlife, but Metropolitan Bar often holds a special place due to its history and consistent presence.

It's a space where people can feel safe, authentic, and celebrated, a stark contrast to some of the challenges faced by the community outside its doors.

Navigating Change: Gentrification and Resilience

Williamsburg's rapid gentrification has brought both opportunity and tension.

The arrival of major retailers like Whole Foods and Apple stores near the Bedford Avenue L train stop in recent years transformed the neighborhood into a commercial magnet, driving up rents and fundamentally altering its character. While new businesses flourish, long-time residents and establishments often grapple with rising costs and changing dynamics, including noise complaints from new, often wealthier, residents.

Metropolitan Bar, like the neighborhood it calls home, has navigated these turbulent waters.

It's a space where the past literally meets the present, with noise from revelers sometimes clashing with the quiet expectations of new residents living in apartments above. Yet, its spirit, much like the "spirits" the Milo family once brewed, remains potent and enduring.

The bar's resilience is particularly poignant given the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Even in a seemingly progressive area, incidents like the 2018 hate crime against two gay men leaving Metropolitan Bar serve as a sobering reminder that safe spaces are still vitally important. Despite such threats, the bar persists as a sanctuary.

From a somber Dutch graveyard to a hidden speakeasy, and ultimately to a celebrated gay bar in Williamsburg Brooklyn, the land beneath Metropolitan Bar has consistently served as a sacred place for those on the margins, a haven where individuals can find acceptance and belonging, regardless of their wealth or power.

More Than Just a Bar: A Living Legacy

Stepping into Metropolitan Bar is, in many ways, stepping into history. The blue and white china shards excavated from the property hint at the diverse lives lived there before the Milo family, painting a picture of a rough-and-tumble Williamsburg built by waves of immigrants.

This spirit of resilience, of creating a home and community against the odds, lives on within its black wood floors.

It's this profound sense of continuity—from the clandestine sips of Prohibition-era wine to the joyous clinking of glasses celebrating queer identity—that truly defines Metropolitan Bar.

It's a place where echoes of past lives mingle with the laughter and music of the present, where every dance step adds to layers of history. It remains a testament to Brooklyn's ability to evolve while honoring its diverse heritage, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand the pulsating heart of Williamsburg's LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Exploring Williamsburg's Vibrant LGBTQ+ Scene

While Metropolitan Bar holds a special place, Williamsburg and wider Brooklyn offer a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ venues waiting to be discovered.

Whether you're seeking a high-energy dance floor, a cozy corner for conversation, or a spot to enjoy a live show, the borough's queer scene offers something for everyone. Be sure to explore:

• Metropolitan Bar for classic Williamsburg vibes and a rich history.
• Lovegun for a cutting-edge, two-story club experience.
• The Exley for a more laid-back, intimate setting.

These spaces, collectively, ensure that Brooklyn remains a vibrant and welcoming hub for the LGBTQ+ community, where history and progress dance hand in hand.