"Fine" Mentionables

Bike Stop Inc.
Gay biker meets modern-day hip.

Every night at the Bike Stop is a new adventure. Some nights celebrate motorcycles, leather and chains, while others pay homage to bears, drag queens and divas of all flavors. Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a quiet drink or watch the game with some friends. Couples and singles, gay, lesbian, and straight are all drawn to one of the most open-minded and inviting gay bars in the city. The back-alley charm of its location on Quince Street hints nicely at dark and alluring insides. The ground floor bar is tame enough, with TVs, pool tables and extra-large beers on tap -- even if there are motorcycles hanging from the ceiling. Up one flight is the rather by-the-numbers sports bar. Those looking for love, or just some more intense conversation, can cruise downstairs in the Pit Stop, guarded by a sign that reads "No Sneakers -- No Cologne." Upstairs is the dance floor where DJs regularly spin to some of the liveliest crowds in the city. Oh, and right next door is the Gear Box, in case you want to outfit yourself better for your next visit. -- Nathaniel Friedman

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By Sono Motoyama (Daily News Staff Writer)

What: The Top of the Stop

Where: The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., 215-627-1662

The scene: Its Web site crows that the bar has been at the "heart of the leather community for over 18 years." This gay-oriented spot may seem intimidating to those who have only peered into the ground floor bar, with its motorcycle suspended from the ceiling and big guys in leather giving each other the once-over (not to mention the even more cruisey Pit Stop in the basement). But make your way past the completely unthreatening sports bar on the second floor to the top-level dance floor.

DJ Puppy presides over the spacious dance floor, spinning progressive house. On entering with two male friends, one guy offers me his stool and calls me "little lady," to boot. What could be more gentlemanly?

Maybe there's a guy outfitted top to toe in PVC, and maybe there's a person of questionable gender in a black leather skirt, and maybe the rotund bartender, when you turn away for a second, has for some reason removed his shirt and inched his trousers down to reveal, um, hairy cleavage, but it's still a great, not-too-mobbed place to dance. And yes, there are some women here. I think.

On your way out, you may want to stop off at the Gear Box to pick up some, eh-hem, marital aids.

Overheard pickup line: "Hi, big guy, where are you from?"

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Bike Stop 
Rough around the edges and liking it that way, this Levi and leather spot is inviting no matter what you're wearing.

Take a Cruise
On weekends leather and Levi enthusiasts hang out on the cruisey first floor as well as down below in the even more cruisey Pit Stop. The basement entrance is guarded by a sign that reads "No Sneakers-No Cologne."

Moving Up
The second floor sports bar is much more relaxed. A mixed crowd of average joes, bears, and leather dykes watch the game on TV, play pool and shoot the breeze. DJ Puppy spins on the third floor on weekends.

Have no Fear, Dorothy
Even if you don't fit into the Biker or Bear category, it's still a good place to hang out. The second and third floors are definitely more comfortable for those who are leather- or fur-challenged.
Dave Cooksey

One of Philadelphia's Best
Nominated for Best Gay Bar, the Bike Stop is a welcome change from Center City's more pretentious and image conscious bars.

Woof!
The local chapter of Bears meets on Tuesday night for hugz and suds.

Kirk Loves Spock
Wednesday night at the Bike Stop is host to Star Trek Night. Gather around the video screen for drinks and an episode.

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Bike Stop, Philadelphia
(The Pit Stop, 206 Quince St; 215/627-1662)
Pennsylvania's leather headquarters, the Bike Stop, is actually four bars -- The Pit Stop, within the complex, is the most strictly leather. Pennsylvania law prohibits dress codes and/or door policies, but rarely will the white-sneakered, over-cologned contingent crash the party.

Who's There:
Plenty of leathermen, bikers, muscle boys -- and their admirers. Dedicated crowd of regulars. A higher percentage of women than at most leather venues. Very mixed age-wise, crowd is especially young on Wednesdays.

Best Night:
Saturday is the most crowded.

Alternate Night:
Wednesday attracts the most trick-oriented crowd.

Average Friday Attendance:
6-700 people

Price of a Miller Genuine Draft:
$3

Famous Patron:
Scott Tucker, IML `86 calls the Pit Stop his local, Erasure's Andy Bell has visited a few times.

Special Event:
Wednesday is Star Trek Night, Monday is Jock Strap Night. See www.thebikestop.com for details.

Chance of going home hitched:
Not bad. According to one bartender, "I never seem to have any problems."

Chap Factor:
About 15% of patrons in chaps on weekends.

Defining Characteristic:
Patron loyalty. These guys and gals love this bar, and regulars--a growing band -- are very enthusiastic.

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