Currently: The Academy
Previously: Academy; Balcony; Cardi’s
2166 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94114
Status: The Academy, a private membership club
History
Summary
| Name | Dates of Operation |
| The Academy | 1984 – 1987 |
| The Balcony | 1977 – 1983 |
| Cardi’s | 1975? – 1977 |
Details
2166 Market Street was at one point a restaurant/bar called Cardi’s. The dates of operation are unclear; Uncle Donald’s Castro Street says it was just open in 1977; Out in the Castro reports it being open from 1975 to 1977.
In 1977, it became the Balcony, a restaurant that soon became a bar catering to the leather community until 1983.
Then from 1983 to 1988 it was the Academy, a men’s sex club.
For many years, it was Klotz Watches & Clocks.
In 2017, it became The Academy, a private, inclusive social membership club. In their words, they are “focused on promoting genuine social interactions while offering engaging programming in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and leading community members.” They are open to anyone who wishes to apply, and aspire to have a membership of diverse ages, races, genders, and social standing. The name was chosen in homage to the location’s former name in the 1980s.
Sources
Academy-sf.com, accessed August 11, 2020.
Leyland, Winston, Out in the Castro: Desire, Promise, Activism, Leyland Publications, 2002, ISBN 0-943595-88-6.
Location
2166 Market Street, San Francisco