History Not Forgotten at The Brass Rail

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

What started out in 1934 as a mainstream bar and restaurant in downtown’s former Orpheum Theatre at Fifth Avenue and B Street is today one of San Diego’s oldest LGBTQ nightclubs. It is now located at Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street in Hillcrest.

The establishment opened originally as The Brass Rail and remained under that title long after moving to Hillcrest in 1963. It reportedly began attracting a gay patronage in the late 1950s. A few ownerships later, the name changed to The Rail. But in early February, its latest owners, Urbano Pelicon and Isaac Vargas, decided to resurrect its history by going back to the original name while adding new, brass-plated signage.

The Brass Rail’s event and marketing coordinator, Joshua Simmons, told us that the ceremonial unveiling of the exterior signs last month attracted more than 500 people. They included Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and leading LGBT activists. The party that followed inside was hosted by Lady Ajax, a longtime drag performer and historian of The Brass Rail.

“The new signs bring a feeling of renewal to the bar, yet with a classic and timeless look,” Simmons said. “I expect that more people now will take note of the place.”