The Decision bar is largely a mystery.

We have located only a single advertisement for the bar as "Decision", in the April 1976 issue of "GPU News". Its only other mention in LGBTQ media of the time is the August 7, 1976 issue of "GLIB Guide", which describes a new business "Hideaway" as: "Two young guys, Mike and George, host cozy male rumpus room." The "Summer Brings New Bars" column in that same issue goes on to say that "Across the street from the Black Forest (bar and restaurant), the bar that was formerly the Descision (sp) was reopened by two young owners and renamed the Hideaway."

So the bar as "Decision" appears to have existed for only a month or two (or perhaps even just weeks) in early 1976.

This location has been host to a long tradition of LGBT establishments. The first was apparently "Friendly Bar" (1944-1947). It was operating as 'The Hustler' in the early 1970s, which may also have been somewhat gay friendly (additional research is needed). But its run as well-documented LGBT establishments really began when it was briefly opened as 'The Decision' in early 1976. Next it was Hideaway for the last six months of 1976, after which for a time no longer housed a gay business. Its string of housing LGBT businesses resumed with the relocated Mint Bar II/ Angelo's (1986-1991), followed by BJ's Mint Bar (1991-1993), Zippers (1993-1998), and finally Fluid in 1998-- which is still open in 2024.

More information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.