Just around the Korner

Korners
7101 S. Broadway
St Louis, MO 63111
(314) 352-3088

The proverbial neighborhood pub may not hold the glamour of the large dance clubs or have the draw of the large bars which straddle the Manchester strip, but it remains an important part of the St. Louis gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. Such places offer an intimate sense of kinship and are oftentimes a touch stone, of sorts, for the patrons who frequent them.

Such is the case with Korners. Since 2005 the South St. Louis bar has operated out of the old Blake’s (now Hummel’s Pub) at the corner of the deliciously named Broadway and Blow and earlier this year unveiled their new digs a few doors down at 7109 S. Broadway.
Owners John Claus and Kevin Benear wanted to provide a welcoming space for their South Side patrons, and in want of more space bought and rehabbed the former jewelry store at 7109. The 1800s brick framework building was completely gutted and during construction workers discovered railroad tracks three feet below the current street level which are believed to be related to the old Iron Mountain Railroad. Working closely with their architect, Claus and Benear meticulously oversaw the complete transition from an antiquated jewelry store to a fresh recreational venue, and then shifted their business from the building at the corner.

Walking through the frosted pane front doors on a recent Friday night, my partner and I found Korners to be a warm and welcoming space. Clause and Benear make great use of the shotgun style building which seems quite spacious through the use of light woods and exposed brick.

Korners is a refreshingly attitude-free drinking establishment, void of what my friend Rob calls the “St. Louis stink eye.” One can easily strike up a conversation with someone at the bar or be welcomed to a crowded table at the cabaret where female illusionist Sable Sinclair holds court with a cast of notables on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bartender John welcomed us with a disarming smile and we soon found out he is the proprietor of the fabulous vintage clothing store, Retro 101 on Cherokee Street. He also proved to be an equally fabulous cheerleader for St. Louis and its GLBT community keeping us engaged in a great, informative conversation about St. Louis gay bars back in the day.

Korners’ website describes the bar as “somewhere between charming and refined, but with a touch of class.” Indeed, its clientele represents every stripe of the rainbow from gay, lesbian and transgender to supportive straight couples. Their regulars include a strong draw from South St. Louis and nearby South County including patrons from all over the metro area who come to see the weekend’s entertainment.

Korners, which is open Tuesday through Saturday 4:30 P.M. until 1:30 A.M. offers a well stocked bar at reasonable prices, a great juke box which is always humming and darts and shuffleboard for those looking for a quick game.

Claus likens Korners to television’s Cheers where everyone knows your name and I found that to be true as the animated camaraderie among the clientele can’t help but put a smile on your face. Korners is well worth the visit and a great place for drinks and a conversation whether waiting out rush hour or a night out on the town.

For more directions or further information check them out on the web at www.korners-stl.com.

You can email Colin Murphy at colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net