They were frequented by both tourists (sexual and otherwise) interested in seeing how the “other half” lived as well as “queer” and gender-non-conforming New Yorkers. A newspaper account at the time referred to the Slide as the “lowest and most disgusting place on this thoroughfare” and “the wickedest place in New York.” The two bars had live sex shows and prostitution, featuring “degenerates” who cross-dressed for the entertainment of the audience or the sexual pleasure of their patrons. These two bars were located on a stretch of Bleecker Street south of Washington Square that was infamous for debauchery and vice during the 1890s. The Black Rabbit and the Slide, 183 and 157 Bleecker Street Google Street View of 157 Bleecker Street, today a restaurant/bar called Carroll Placeġ.
