A biker bar is a bar that is frequented by bikers (motorcycle riders). Some are owned or managed by people who are friendly toward bikers.[1] Some bars and restaurants advertise that they are "biker friendly" to attract more bikers and motorcycle (bike) enthusiasts.[1] Biker bars are patronized by people from all walks of life, including bikers, non-bikers, and motorcycle club adherents, including outlaw motorcycle clubs.[2]
Biker bars provide a place for people to congregate, socialize, network, eat, drink and celebrate.[2] At times, biker bars may have many motorcycles parked in front of them,[2][3] such as during a motorcycle rally. This provides an opportunity for bikers to socialize, compare their motorcycles, mechanical customizations and modifications, and to discuss aspects of motorcycles and motorcycling.
Many biker bars have rules on whether they allow patrons to wear "colors", many biker bars do not allow "colors" as these are used to define one's position and/or alliance to one club over another. The "No Colors" club rules have become more popular over the years as a way to reduce tension between rival club members and potential security issues.
Motorcycle clubs
Motorcycle clubs may assign a club member to remain outside of a bar to guard their motorcycles from vandalism[2] or theft while the rest of the group congregates inside. Members of outlaw motorcycle clubs have been known to patronize biker bars.[4][5] Some motorcycle clubs, including outlaw motorcycle clubs, adopt public biker bars as their club bar; as a bar that club members regularly frequent.[2][6] This can provide opportunities for motorcycle clubs to meet potential prospects, or recruits, for their clubs.[2][6] Motorcycle clubs may cordon off an area of a bar as reserved for their members and those that they choose to socialize with, such as other select bikers, single women and friends.[2] This may also occur to provide club members with a vantage point to observe activity occurring in a bar and to spot potential threats.[2] Club biker bars also provide a space for members to meet and discuss club matters, and as a means to unify the group through socialization and camaraderie.[2] Sometimes arrangements are made between motorcycle clubs and bar managers or owners regarding the utilization of a bar in relation to the regular presence of club members.[2]
Motorcycle club members have also performed bouncer services at times in biker bars.[2] This can occur for several reasons, such as to protect their members or to prevent various conflicts from occurring or escalating. Sometimes club members work in unison with bouncer staff in bars,[2] and sometimes club members are paid employees as part-time bouncers.[2] Additionally, club members sometimes receive preferential service by bar staff, such as not having to wait in lines to get inside of a crowded bar while non-club members wait outside in a queue.[2]
The Hurley Mountain Inn in Hurley, New York was famous for its rough and tumble biker bar scene, but then a NY State Trooper barracks was sited directly across the street and the bar settled into a tame, family-style establishment.
^"Hollister police: Hells Angels bikers wanted after brawl at Johnny's Bar". KSBW News. July 10, 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013. Quote: "Johnny's Bar is included in history books about American motorcycles because it was around when the Hollister riot of 1947 happened and inspired the movie "The Wild One," starring Marlon Brando."
