I’m on a work trip to South Bend, IN. First time here. I figured that since it is a college town (Notre Dame), there has to be a gay bar somewhere. I got on Google and searched for one near me. One came up…Jeannie’s Tavern. I was a bit tired Friday evening so I said I’d go on Saturday. Saturday was a work day and I knew I’d want a drink afterwards.

I got an Uber and headed over. Believe me when I say I started getting concerned when we went into a community. What the hell is a bar doing in the middle of a community? The car pulled up in front of this place and my brain did flips. Corner door. Some windows on the side. Saw a few people inside. Opened the door and walked in. “Hey, how are you?” Tension immediately eased. Got a Jack & Coke from the really nice bartender. Talked for a bit. I asked about the owner, Danny, whose name was dropped multiple times in the Google reviews. The lady said he was one of the older guys at the end of the bar. So I go to introduce myself.

When I say welcoming, the word doesn’t quite cover it. Danny and his husband, Gary, took me in as basically one of their own. I had a few drinks and Gary showed me around the bar. I swear, we talked from the time I walked over till I left shortly after midnight.

This bar should be a model for what bars are today. Never once did I feel like I was out of place. I was just one of maybe eight people in the place but couldn’t have felt more part of the crowd. Small place…of course. Comparatively, much smaller than many other bars. Especially those in Atlanta. But that’s just it. In this case, size doesn’t matter. The small bar and the amazing atmosphere made it like a second home. And Danny and Gary…salt of the gay Earth. I learned that they cook and serve food for the customers on Sunday. Just because it’s a great and humanly thing to do.

Could you really ask for much more from a gay bar where the regulars are family? I don’t think you can. Come on in. Sit right down. You’re home and loved.

Oh…did I mention it’s been going for 50 years?! That screams volumes.