In 1977, New York City was a spectacle of glitz and grit. Disco balls spun, reflecting light onto sequined dresses and platform shoes. But tucked away from the mainstream clubs, another scene thrived – the world of topless go-go bars. Photographer Meryl Meisler ventured into these dimly lit spaces, capturing a raw and honest glimpse of life beyond the glitter.
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_1.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_2.jpg)
Meisler’s photos aren’t just about the dancers and the customers. They tell the story of the staff who kept these clubs running – the waitresses, the bartenders, the bouncers. These were the people who saw it all, the good, the bad, and the downright outrageous.
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_3.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_4.jpg)
One such witness was Jupiter, a former waitress at a topless bar called “9”. Her memories paint a vivid picture of what life was like on the other side of the stage. “It wasn’t always glamorous,” she recalls. Long hours, demanding customers, and a constant hustle were all part of the job. Jupiter’s experience wasn’t unique. She also worked at Playmates and Winks, two other popular go-go bars in the city.
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_5.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_6.jpg)
These clubs attracted a diverse clientele, from everyday folks to high-powered businessmen. Jupiter remembers the lawyers and bankers from nearby Citi Corp who frequented Winks. “They’d spend thousands on us girls,” she says. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone – these men, pillars of the financial world, indulging in a world that was considered scandalous by many. Their patronage became so embarrassing that Citi Corp reportedly paid the owner of Winks a hefty sum to shut down.
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_7.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_8.jpg)
Meisler’s photos document this era with unflinching honesty. We see dancers in elaborate costumes, their faces a mix of boredom and fatigue. We see waitresses navigating crowded rooms, balancing trays of drinks. We see the quiet moments backstage, where performers prepare for their next set.
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_9.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_10.jpg)
While some may dismiss these clubs as seedy or exploitative, Meisler’s photos offer a more nuanced perspective. They show us the human side of the industry, the people who worked hard to make a living and create a space where people could escape from the everyday grind.
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_11.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_12.jpg)
![A Peek Behind the Curtain: NYC's Go-Go Bars in the 70s through the Lens of Meryl Meisler](https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NYC_Go-Go_Bars_1970s_13.jpg)
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