On December 31, Seattle's beloved Cuff Complex and the newer but equally beloved Queer/Bar will open their doors for New Year's Eve parties.
Since its opening in 1993, the Cuff Complex, also called the Cuff, has become a staple of Seattle's Queer scene and a favorite on Capitol Hill. It was established by two men, Tim F. and Scott R., who sought to provide "a positive social outlet for people who were into leather, Levi's and uniforms."
In its day-to-day operations, the Cuff offers patrons space for casual drinks or dancing. The venue features four bars, two dance floors, and a full kitchen, as well as pool tables, darts, and a patio area. The bar also acts as a meeting and events space for local kink and/or Queer organizations like Northwest Bears, POZ Seattle, Seattle Men in Leather, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. In social media and online statements, the Cuff has described itself as "one of the oldest LGBQT+ clubs in Seattle with a mission to provide the best Queer experience in the city."
The party on News Year's Eve begins at 7 p.m. and will wrap up around 3 a.m. Resident DJs Alfonso Tan, Morgan J, and Kolman will be mixing throughout the night, and the Cuff's party announcements say they will have a "fully-loaded go-go crew." With all this spanning multiple bars and dance floors, a memorable night is surely in store.
Just a few blocks away, the Cuff's sister venue, Queer/Bar, will also be hosting a New Year's Eve party from 8 p.m. While the Cuff can serve a large crowd, and attracts a predominantly Gay male crowd (but all are welcome!), Queer/Bar caters to the broader LGBTQ+ community and tends to draw a more diverse crowd. Hosted by Jane Don't, the evening will star local favorite drag performer Bosco as well as an MX line-up featuring Irene the Alien, Norvina, MyAiko, Kennedy Colby, and Kitty Glitter.
With 2023 closing in, people across the city are all looking for exciting places to ring in the new year. For those who are still deciding where to spend the evening or even looking for more spots to bar hop between, the Cuff Complex and Queer/Bar will offer music, drinks, and entertainment well into the night. If the Cuff is on your list this NYE, consider grabbing tickets online ahead of time to skip the line and jump right into the fun.
The New Year's Eve party will be on Saturday, December 31, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Cuff Complex building at 1533 13th Ave. Queer/Bar, at 1518 11th Ave., will open its doors at 8 p.m. For more information about these events and ticket sales, please see https://www.cuffcomplex.com/ and https://www.thequeerbar.com/.