History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Businesses - Bars and Clubs

 
Deb's Spare Time Bar & Grill
aka Spare Time
Location: 1303 Harrison Street, Oshkosh WI

Opened:
Closed:

November 2009
(still open June 2023)
Clientele:

Male/ Female
Bar/ restaurant

 

   
       
 

View the bar's Facebook page.

View the bar's HubBiz page.

"Deb's Spare Time Bar & Grill" bar at 1303 Harrison Street in Oshkosh first appeared in the Bar Guide of Quest magazine vol. 16-issue 19 in November 2009. However, the site 'HubBiz' lists the business as starting in 2000 and a 2007 photo shows the 'Spare Time' name, but it was presumably not openly LGBTQ prior to 2009.

Although as of this writing the bar has been openly LGBTQ for at least 14 years, little is known about it as they did no advertising in Wisconsin LGBTQ periodicals, and there are few other print references to it. However the bar has an active Facebook presence which presumably has been its primary method of communication with people in the area and its customer base. The few mentions we have found thus far are shown to the right and below.

It is known that owner Deb also invested in another bar named 'ReMixx' outside Neenah in 2014 (see photos).

Deb's Spare Time Bar & Grill is still open and active on Facebook as of June 2023. (It is described there as "Our friendly neighborhood bar welcomes everyone! Voted best breakfast in Oshkosh on the weekends"). The bar is also on 'HubBiz' where it is described as: "We are the best at what we do, we are unique because we offer fantastic home-made food, daily specials, seafood, and fish specials on Friday's. On the weekends we prepare delicious breakfasts that are guaranteed to start your day right. Our bar offers over 100 beers and one of the most extensive liquor selections in the area. Come on in and experience for yourself our friendly atmosphere and service, and start letting your life revolve around your "Spare Time!".

A visit to the bar early in July 2023 confirms its friendly vibe to all patrons. And although there are few references inside to it being an LGBT bar (just a small rainbow flag or two), the bar's patrons and staff are friendly and welcoming.

More information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.

Photo inside the business
(from Facebook page, Oct. 2016)
 
Photo inside the business
(from Facebook page, Jan. 2021)
 
 
Photos: entry and south end of business
(by the webmaster, July 2023)
 
Photo: tables painted by the partner of an employee
(by the webmaster, July 2023)
 
Photos: toward north end of business
(by the webmaster, July 2023)
 
Photo: front of business (view toward southwest)
(by the webmaster, July 2023)
 
Cover Article: Owner Deb also investing in new dance bar 'ReMixx' near Neenah
(Quest vol. 21-03, March 2014)
 
 
 


Photo: Building
(Google map image, Sept. 2013)


Photo: Building
(Google map image, October 2007)


Visited by Michael Johnston,
mention on column 'Cortdially Yours'
(Quest vol. 22-09, Sept. 2015)


owner Deb's Thanksgiving Eve Party
(from Facebook page, Nov. 2019)


Menu
(from Facebook page, March 2021)

Credits: web site concept, contents, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: July-2023.

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