Queer Bakersfield

Stage two of our whirlwind trip through Bako was the Field’s premier (and only???) gay club, Casablanca. Located on the outskirts of downtown at 1825 N. ST , Casablanca isn’t much too look at outside but boasts a huge dance floor and lounge area. A fully stocked bar dominates the back wall with the DJ booth perched up top. A hallway connects the main area with a side lounge that has a stage, juke box and pool tables. This side room also doubles as a smoking area, which was a shock to me but I suppose it’s better than having to go out into the cold when one has a nicotine fit.

Also a quick aside: how the hell do clubs come up with these names? Casablanca is neither white nor homey, its an effing club for Cher’s sake! And references to Moroccan cities or a 1940s Humphrey Bogart film do not good club names make. So for any future entrepreneurs out there name your club something interesting (My two cents: Tip of the Spear would be the best gay club name ever… just sayin’).

All-in-all Casablanca is pretty standard fare as far as gay clubs go, cage and pole for the attention seekers or go-go dancers, Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas blasting from the speakers and boys with faux-hawks and tight shirts wandering about. The people were pretty friendly and the drag show performers were better than most I’ve seen in Fresno (though I’d venture to say it was 45 minutes I would have rather spent dancing). The $7 cover was a bit steep but when you’re the only gig in town you can probably charge whatever you want.

In the end though Casablanca leaves you wanting more and for all you queers that venture to WeHo in search of a good time, I can’t say that I blame ya. Yet for a town like Bakersfield I’d think I’d rather have Casa than nothing at all.