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Soon after, she leased a small retail space on University Avenue and tried again.
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1983, The Menagerie opened its doors.
Meetup | Back to The Grind
IE Flows is a community spreading good vibes through flow and movement! But Madeline was undeterred.
Depending on your device, get turn by turn driving directions from Google, Apple, Waze.
About The Menagerie
In the early 1980s, Madeline Lee lived at the Mission Inn in Riverside, surrounded by a close-knit group of gay and lesbian neighbors.
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Social & More ^
Just get together and chat:
LGBTQ+ Coffee Meetup by Out!
Riverside – every third Saturday of each month from 9:30-11am at Back to the Grind. Instagram | Website
New LGBTQ+ community group in Riverside, CA for those who are interested in outdoor activities like kickball.
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**ON HIATUS** JOIN US AT IE Flows (Below) on Fridays.
Here for the community 🤝🏼
Join us every other Sunday @ 5pm @Fairmount Park, Riverside.
It was exactly what Madeline envisioned: a place where everyone could belong without fear of judgment.
By the late 1980s, The Menagerie had expanded to include a full liquor license and a restaurant. We are not affiliated with any of these groups or activities – they are all organized by other community members – but we know it's important to be able to find your tribe and list them here for your information.
Through the ‘90s, it became one of downtown Riverside’s most beloved nightlife destinations.
The club’s most famous feature—the neon “FABULAUS” sign—was a happy accident. Cassi eventually handed the spotlight to Raven, whose award-winning show Snatch! made The Menagerie a must-see destination. Single, dating, married?
With little more than mismatched sofas, a pool table, and a small beer-and-wine bar, it quickly became a cornerstone of Riverside’s LGBTQ+ community. Today, it remains the longest-running bar in historic downtown Riverside—a lasting tribute to Madeline Lee’s vision and to the generations of people who continue to make it their home.
We invite you to visit, raise a glass, and become part of The Menagerie’s story.
Cheers,
WE’RE BACK!
We’re open Wednesday through Sunday for drinking and dining — be sure and check out our new menu!
At the height of the AIDS crisis, The Menagerie was more than just a bar—it was a sanctuary.
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In 2003, Philip Bailey launched a Thursday drag show called All That Glitters, originally hosted by Cassi Phillips of Fant-a-Shes fame.
Up to date information guide and directory - sports bars, LGBT pride events, entertainment, parades, dance bars, cocktails, festivals, cruise bars, disco, nightlife, clubs, drag, country western, nightspots, tea-dance, nightclubs, video, party bars, pubs, lounges, GLBT community celebrations, bars, and karaoke.
Riverside, California vacation?
Madeline, martini in hand, shrugged and declared, “F*ck it, we’re keeping it!” That bold decision turned the sign into an iconic piece of Menagerie history, perfectly capturing its playful, resilient spirit.
In June 1999, Madeline passed the torch to longtime patron and friend David St. Pierre.
FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY
Please stay home if you or any members of your party have any COVID-19 symptoms including: COUGH, DIFFICULTY BREATHING or FEVER.
The following page lists some of the activities and gatherings we know of that happen on a regular basis. Any questions should be directed to the organizers on their respective pages.
Sports & Fitness
Sporting teams, groups, leagues that meet regularly:
A queer running club in Riverside that caters to LGBTQIA2S+ communities in Inland Empire.