The Brass Rail Gears up to Celebrate 90 Years: An Interview with owners Urbano Pelicon & Issac Vargas

By JP Emerson

As Brass Rail gets ready to celebrate its 90th Anniversary in September, it’s clear that this beloved establishment is not resting on its laurels. With a strong foundation built on tradition and a commitment to quality, Brass Rail continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its patrons.

Looking ahead, the future of Brass Rail looks bright. Always striving to enhance the overall experience while maintaining the nostalgic charm that has made it an iconic part of San Diego’s history. From updating the interior decor to expanding the entertainment schedule with exciting new events, every effort is being made to ensure that Brass Rail remains at the forefront of nightlife in San Diego. 

Both Urbano and Issac have had plenty of experience in the San Diego bar scene, from working at Bacchus House, Numbers, SRO, and being part of the staff at the Brass Rail years before having the opportunity to become owners of the institution. We chatted with them as they spearhead the new era of this iconic San Diego Bar.

What motivated you to become the owners of The Brass Rail?

We both have worked in the bar/nightclub industry for the last 20 plus years. Since the beginning this was one of our dreams to own our OWN nightclub. Hillcrest and its community has been the location where we have worked all our lives in this industry. We feel that owning a venue in this neighborhood is best for us and the community since we are so in touch with it, and part of it.

How has your first year owning the club been?

The first year has been great. It did have some challenges but that is part of the process. We feel that the community is welcoming back The Brass Rail, and giving it a chance again. Many are new to our venue, and some are back after many years. They tell us stories about their past at The Brass Rail, how they met their loved ones here or even how they broke up and came here to drown their sorrows. We feel we did accomplish a lot in year one, but this is just a start!

Can you talk about the importance of The Brass Rail staying open in
the community?

The Brass Rail is the oldest bar/nightclub in the community. We feel that it has served more than just a bar/nightclub to our community. Many fundraisers, decision making gatherings, life celebrations, and first-time stage performing (for many) have happened at The Brass Rail. We want to continue this legacy and keep it as the institution it is, was and will be for our community.

What are your thoughts on this historic bar’s legacy and the fact that
it’s turning 90?

We are very proud that this bar is one of the few in the country still operating for that long. We see bars and nightclubs closing all the time, especially LGBTQ+ ones. Times have changed, with technology, music, festivals, and where and how people gather. As LGBTQ+ folks are more accepted, many go to other bars/nightclubs that might not be LGBTQ+ owned and operated. I think that’s fine, but we will continue to preserve our bar as it was, and keep its legacy, and have predominantly LGBTQ+ events to support our community, as they support us. We want this to last another 90 years if not more.

What do you want people to know about the new era of The Brass
Rail?

We want to invite everyone to stop by any time, any day. There is always something new or different here. From Happy Hour(s) to a Drag Shows, our legendary Latin Night, or just old school men’s night. We host different fetish events, lesbian dances, queer and trans nights. We like to have nights that support everyone, and everyone is always welcome. We want you to be YOU, and feel welcomed and comfortable here, this is your home. We are only one year into this, with our adventure, and we still have a lot to show you and offer. We have just started. It will get even better.

How can people stay connected and know what is going on at the
club?

Best way is to follow us on instagram, or on our website. Those resources are always most up to date with our events.