One of the early landmarks of Puerto Rico’s gay nightlife, The Bachelor was a discreet but important gathering place in San Juan at a time when openly queer spaces were rare in the Caribbean. Operating in the decades before widespread visibility or legal protection, it offered a refuge for locals and visitors alike—sailors, artists, expatriates, and island regulars drawn together by music, drinks, and the simple need for a place to belong.
In a society shaped by Catholic tradition and conservative social codes, bars like The Bachelor existed quietly, often without signage or publicity, relying on word of mouth and community trust. Their survival made them cultural touchstones, helping to lay the groundwork for the more open LGBTQ+ scene that would later emerge in San Juan.
