Rascal’s has been a dedicated safe space for the Appleton-area LGBTQ+ community since it was opened by owner Todd West in 1992.
When current owners Karen Blodgett and Jim Derks took over the bar and grill in 2021, they didn’t make many changes to it, wanting to hold on to its history as a quintessential LGTBQ+ space.
“It’s a great place to come to,” said Jim. “It’s more of an icon. It’s been here since 1992. Just like everybody knows Cleo’s downtown, everybody knows Rascal’s in town.”
Outside of the bar at 702 E. Wisconsin Ave., several pride flags are proudly displayed, inviting both those who are a part of the community, and even those who aren’t.
“Everyone’s welcome at Rascal’s and we make sure nobody feels out of place here,” Blodgett said.
What makes Rascal’s an iconic spot for the LGBTQ+ community?
Aside from its welcoming atmosphere, owners of Rascal’s have taken steps to ensure the bar continues to be a safe space.
“The bartenders are very vigilant and watch the bar to make sure there are no issues,” Blodgett said. “We’ve done safety training as well.”
Rascal’s also hosts community events that are beneficial to the LGBTQ+ community.
“We do HIV testing events up to twice a year,” Blodgett said. “We also raise money for the LGBTQ community and put on holiday dinners like Christmas and Thanksgiving.”
Previously, the bar sold merchandise with proceeds going towards the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project Landmarks program. Customers can also attend the annual customer appreciation party where the bar provides free food and entertainment.
The biggest change Rascal’s has seen since the Blodgetts took over was the addition of the outdoor patio and the expansion of the kitchen.
“We did a complete remodel on the patio, adding a full bar back there with about four tap beers,” Derks said.
“The kitchen’s gotten way busier,” Blodgett said. “We have a full menu and we’re open every day of the week, every day of the year.”
The menu at Rascal’s includes typical bar favorites like burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, chicken tenders, fried appetizers, and on Fridays, fish fry dinners.
Throughout the year, the bar hosts several fun events for its customers.
“We just did the pride Brewers bus and it was a good time,” Blodgett said. “We’ll be hosting a Madonna album release party soon and we often do dog adoption events here as well.”
Rascal’s has attempted to host drag shows in the past, but Blodgett said the layout of the bar makes it hard for everyone to see the performers.
Although pride month is wrapping up, Blodgett and Derks continue to welcome customers to Rascal’s safe and welcoming environment.
“There are a couple of gay-friendly bars in the area but we’re the only ones officially known as a gay bar,” Blodgett said.
For more information on Rascal’s and its upcoming events visit rascalsbar.com.
Reach Jelissa Burns at 920-453-5107 or jburns1@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @burns_jelissa or on Instagram at burns_jelissa.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: This Appleton bar has remained a safe space for the LGBTQ, even under new ownership
Reporting by Jelissa Burns, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jelissa Burns, Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY Network
