The Finale was opened by two male lovers, Earl and Frank, and is remembered as a fun neighborhood bar that also drew a good crowd from throughout the city. The bar originally occupied just the front part of the building (entering the bar, the bar was on the right with tables against the wall on the left), but by January of 1976 had opened a second area a few steps higher in the rear half of the building, with dancing. The owners and bartenders knew their frequent customers well and had occasional after-bar parties for friends.

The bar was known for fun costume and dress-up parties for special occasions (Halloween, New Years, etc.) among a clientele who would typically make it a single stop night, staying until closing (as opposed to patrons of the downtown bars who would frequently bar hop on such nights).

The August 1976 issue of the local "GLIB Guide" describes the business as follows: "Elegant lounge, quiet chatter, neighborhood social, dancing."

The Finale was sold to Bobb Schendel (who had been a bratender) in 1983.

The bar was closed after a fire gutted the place in January of 1986. Manager Danny, who lived behind the bar, was treated for smoke inhalation.