Friday, May 30, 2008

Queer Paranormal Road Trip: Trax Bar

Known for being the "gay mecca" of the world, San Francisco is rich with history. The infamous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood saw the rise of the "hippie culture" in the 1960s... and has its share of spooks.

Right on Haight Street, you can find Trax Bar, a local gay watering hole in the middle of it all dating back to 1974. With it's "easy to get to, hard to leave" slogan, you can tell it's worth a visit. The drinks come cheap and the fun never ends. Yet there seems to be other spirits in this establishment, beyond those shelved behind the bar.

The bar itself dates back to the 1940s, when it was known as The Question Mark Cocktail Lounge. An old photograph discovered by workers hangs in the foyer, showing the original pub during the one-year anniversary. When the owner saw the picture, he noticed something familiar about it. He had seen the man who was pointing at the camera before... inside the bar.

There have been haunting rumors surrounding Trax for quite some time. Customers and employees have reported strange sightings. An ethereal man has been seen sitting at the end of the bar, watching the patrons. The same apparition has been spotted walking through the bar, into the office, and out the door. He doesn't seem to be an unfriendly presence, just a casual observer.

Perhaps a former patron who loved the atmosphere? Or even an old manager who refuses to leave?

Nevertheless, Trax has earned a spot on the Haunted Haight ghost tour and has more than it's share of visitors. If you can get beyond the drink specials, drag queens, and loud music, you just might find yourself face to face with the mysterious figure yourself.

Either way, you're guaranteed to have a good time!

3 comments:

Chris said...

sounds like a great place, a bar which is always fun and a ghosts which could make it even better lol

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a cool place. Go up and see this guy. Have a beer or two with him ;-)

Ken Summers said...

Woohoo! I can have a dead, alcoholic, gay boyfriend!! LOL!!