Val's Lesbian Bar Set to Open in Queen Village Spring 2024, Filling Void Left by Toasted Walnut Closure
After two years of planning and fundraising, Val's Lesbian Bar is finally set to open its doors in Queen Village this spring. The new venue, located at 605 S. Third St., will be the sole lesbian bar in Philadelphia, a gap left vacant since the closure of the Toasted Walnut nearly five years ago.
Val's owners Julia Harris and Clover Gilfor have been working tirelessly to bring their vision to life, hosting several fundraisers to meet their goal. The couple has secured a lease and is now poised to begin operations with $15,000 in crowdfunding, which will cover most of their first month of rent and security deposit.
"This is an important chunk," Harris and Gilfor wrote on Instagram. "Val's is opening because of you."
The bar takes over the space from Reef Restaurant & Lounge, a Caribbean restaurant that has been at the location for 22 years. In a heartfelt statement, the staff at Reef expressed their gratitude to customers, saying they will "close our doors with full hearts and deep gratitude" as they move on.
Val's is part of a growing trend in cities across the US to bring back lesbian bars, with only 36 operating nationwide. The venue will be a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community in Pennsylvania, filling a gap left vacant since the closure of the Toasted Walnut.
For those involved in the fundraising process, it's clear that Val's is more than just a bar - it's a symbol of community and resilience. As one supporter noted, "The costs of starting a new bar are huge... this is an important chunk." For Harris and Gilfor, the support has been invaluable, saying "Val's is opening because of you."
With its unique blend of community, creativity, and inclusivity, Val's Lesbian Bar is set to become a staple in Queen Village.
After two years of planning and fundraising, Val's Lesbian Bar is finally set to open its doors in Queen Village this spring. The new venue, located at 605 S. Third St., will be the sole lesbian bar in Philadelphia, a gap left vacant since the closure of the Toasted Walnut nearly five years ago.
Val's owners Julia Harris and Clover Gilfor have been working tirelessly to bring their vision to life, hosting several fundraisers to meet their goal. The couple has secured a lease and is now poised to begin operations with $15,000 in crowdfunding, which will cover most of their first month of rent and security deposit.
"This is an important chunk," Harris and Gilfor wrote on Instagram. "Val's is opening because of you."
The bar takes over the space from Reef Restaurant & Lounge, a Caribbean restaurant that has been at the location for 22 years. In a heartfelt statement, the staff at Reef expressed their gratitude to customers, saying they will "close our doors with full hearts and deep gratitude" as they move on.
Val's is part of a growing trend in cities across the US to bring back lesbian bars, with only 36 operating nationwide. The venue will be a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community in Pennsylvania, filling a gap left vacant since the closure of the Toasted Walnut.
For those involved in the fundraising process, it's clear that Val's is more than just a bar - it's a symbol of community and resilience. As one supporter noted, "The costs of starting a new bar are huge... this is an important chunk." For Harris and Gilfor, the support has been invaluable, saying "Val's is opening because of you."
With its unique blend of community, creativity, and inclusivity, Val's Lesbian Bar is set to become a staple in Queen Village.
! I'm so down on val's lesbian bar taking over that spot in queen village it's been too long since we've had a proper lesbian bar in phila, and honestly toasty walnut was kinda a loss when it closed, but this is like a dream come true. $15k from crowdfunding is huge, i mean who doesn't love a good crowd fund, and these chicks julia and clover are low key heroes for making this happen. the vibe they're going for sounds super inclusive and community-focused, which is exactly what we need more of in phila. can't wait to see this place come together and become that safe space everyone's been searching for 
finally we have a place that feels like home for our lgbtq+ community 
it's crazy how many bars just closed down and now val's is stepping in to fill that void 
and the fact that they're being super transparent about their fundraising process and thanking everyone who supported them 
it shows that they value their customers' love and support 
can't wait to go there and celebrate with my friends! 
let's give it up for these two amazing women who are putting their heart and soul into creating something special 
. But these two ladies, Julia and Clover, have put in the work, and it shows - they've got a real community vibe going on. And 15k from crowdfunding? That's just amazing 
. It's clear that everyone involved is super passionate about bringing this place to life. I'm hyped to see what the future holds for Val's, especially with Philly's growing LGBTQ+ scene 
finally we're gonna have a lesbian bar in Philly that's all our own 
!! I know it's been two years of planning and fundraising, but trust me it'll be worth it 
. Let's give Julia and Clover all the love and support they need to make this happen 
. But hey, Val's is gonna fill that void and then some 
. Can't wait to see what kind of vibes Val's will bring to Queen Village 
that alone is a major chunk of their first month 
Val's promise of inclusivity and creativity is exactly what we need more of 
it's been years since the place closed and now some new owners are gonna try to make it happen... i'm not getting my hopes up or anything tho