Bottoms Up opens as Kingston’s first queer bar since 2009

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

For the first time since 2009, a new queer bar has opened in Kingston.

Bottoms Up officially opened its doors on Saturday, Jan. 3, taking over the former University Tavern space in the lower level of the Renaissance at 285 Queen St..

While Kingston has long been home to LGBTQ+ events and inclusive venues, it hasn’t had a specifically queer bar since Shay Foo Foo closed its doors 17 years ago. While rumours of replacements to fill the gap have come and gone over the years, Bottoms Up is the first to make it a reality.

“It’s nice to have a space that you know is dedicated to your community where you can really let your hair down and just be yourself,” said owner and longtime local restaurateur Paul Fortier. “We’re happy to bring one back to Kingston after almost 20 years.“ 

Despite having only a few days notice, the community response was immediate, with around 120 attendees at opening night.

Looking ahead, Fortier says he’s optimistic that the momentum will continue, especially with students returning to Kingston after the holiday break and discovering the space for the first time.

Listen to the full story here.