The Mint Bar had one of the longest histories of a gay bar in the Milwaukee area. Opening in 1949 on State Street in downtown, 20 years before Stonewall, the bar was an early beacon for gay men in Milwaukee. In 1971, when the GPU News began publishing its monthly GPU News, the bar immediately began advertising, calling itself a "male bar". It was managed for many years by Angel (Angelo Aiello), until his death in 1978, when his wife Betty Aiello took over.

The August 1976 issue of the local "GLIB Guide" describes the business as follows: "Plain. One of the oldest gay bars in the city."

Very early in 1986, the area in which the Mint was located was targetted as the site for a new Bradley Center Complex (a new sports and entertainment arena), and the Mint Bar was forced to relocate.

The Mint Bar moved to the near south side, where gay bars were becoming more common. But it survived for just another 3 years on S. 2nd Street; other bars were becoming both numerous and popular, and the historical draw of the Mint no longer held sway with younger gays and lesbians, and celebrated its 40th anniversary there in May 1989.

Shortly after celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Mint became Angelos, and then was taken over by new management which first called it BJ's Mint Bar and finally just BJ's.

Recollections: The following are recollections of others who have been kind enough to submit their personal memories to the webmaster. You are welcome to do the same!