The Right Corner: How A Downtown Mainstay Suddenly Boomed!

You walk into 105 East Third Street and there is a conversation among a small family of friends about still having a ‘Christmas Tree  up in my living room.’ Everyone laughs. The bartender, today it’s DanaThompson, a sweetheart of a guy who is beloved by his patrons, mixes another vodka tonic and smiles. ‘This is what we do. We share our secrets.’

The Right Corner is
having a renaissance.

Placed perfectly for the revitalization of Third Street, its booming.

‘We are a neighborhood bar. Truly. It’s interesting to see the change in our clientele over the years. Suddenly, everyone stops in. It’s great for us.’ Dana says.

‘It’s all about family here.’ says Amanda Kayne, one of Right Corner’s disciples and sometimes performers. ‘The word family is true. We all care about each other, and this is our place to keep in touch.’ As I talk with her, she laughs with the folks around and in the background Joan Jett blares out ‘Crimson and Clover’ from the jukebox. ‘I try to come here 7 days a week.’ she goes on, ‘I don’t want to miss anything or anyone.’

The Right Corner is rich in its history. In 1994, ‘Changes,’ another downtown hot spot, which sat across from Spaghetti Warehouse, was purchased by Reynolds and Reynolds. The owners, in turn, bought the space that would become the Corner. ‘We have a lot fo the former ‘Changes’ in here.’ says Dana. He points out a phone booth, a gorgeous wall relief, and then the stunner…’see these mirrors that make up our back wall….that was the dance-floor at ‘Changes.’

(What the……I remember in my youth dancing on that wall…uh ,that floor….and it lit up!!)

Its’ apparent that the Corner knows what works. Little has truly changed over the years….but the crowds are bigger. ‘In the last 3 years, we have seen a huge uptick. It’s been amazing. Especially Fridays.’ Dana goes on, as he mixes a Makers and 7….this time for me! They have an amazing Happy Hour….M-F 1p-8p, uh-huh, 1p-8p.

‘Many people are coming to realize the bar is more of a neighborhood bar. We like strays and straights.’ says Jay, a regular. ‘By far, this place has the friendliest atmosphere, no pretense, down-to-Earth clients, and the best bartenders.’ Certainly, the bartenders are the most experienced. Between the 3, there is 110 years of bartending.  Dana quips, ‘Young people walk in and see an older bartender and they roll their eyes. Then I make them their favorite drink….it changes their tune real quick!’

For many in the Fire Blocks District, it’s all about growth and a new entertainment area. For the Right Corner it’s ‘Something we look forward to, but we like who we are and what we are. Everything can change around us, we want to be the ‘Right Corner!’

Another frequent visitor, Robert, chimes in. ‘There is always someone to chat with here. I know for most of us, if we have friends from out of town, this is where we bring them. they love it! Its so respectful, even our mothers love it in here!’

Subtle and modest, the Corner has a much-loved patio that sits oddly in a parking lot. A pool table, popcorn machine and television are the entertainment…unless it’s a show night. ‘We have great drag shows, three to four times a year. Great stars like Amanda Kayne and Dana Sintell.’ says the bartender.

The Right Corner does one thing very well…it brings on the family vibe. They have monthly birthday parties for their fans. ‘We give cards and we make a special dinner for monthly birthdays. It’s important to make people feel cared for.’

Barbara has been a fan for a while. ‘My husband (who passed away last year) and I have been coming here for 23 years. I have always felt loved here. I love this place. So much so, they call me ‘Norm!’ Appropriate for a place many have called a ‘gay Cheers.’

As I finish my Makers, I begin to realize how much I love it here. It’s warm, and inviting. You see members of the WGI and stars from area theater in here. You sense that its special, a strange kind of Shangri-La.

Perhaps its Anthony who hits the nail on the head. (by the way, Thanks Anthony for buying my drink! That was way too kind!) He says it like this, ‘Not only is it a happy, friendly family, the Right Corner is community and civic minded. They care for anyone who walks in the door.’
Yep. A neighborhood bar…and they are neighborly!

 

The Right Corner is open 1pm to 2:30a 365 days a year.
Check out their Facebook Page!