Deja-Vu was a short-lived lesbian bar, in the space previously occupied by The Phoenix. This location was the southern anchor of an area of several gay bars in a 1 block area: also including C'est La Vie, Gary's/ Circus/ Club 219, and the BallGame to the north.

To the best of our knowledge, Deja-Vu existed for less than a year, from August 27(?) 1993 to between April and June 1994. The bar is not seen in bar listings after 'In Step' vol. 11-10 (the May 19-June 1, 1994 issue).

In the 1990's the area had lost ground as a gay mecca, mostly due to the neighborhood. The Club 219, which for a while was the largest and most popular gay dance club in Milwaukee, was eclipsed by La Cage, and that area (about 8 blocks to the south, around National Avenue) became the center of gay bars and activity. The neighborhood in this area also began to became gentrified, with condos and art galleries moving into the area; these detracted from the closed "gay neighborhood" feeling, and also greatly restricted availability of parking.

This space was first known as an LGBT bar when a popular bar called Oregon House occupied the space, followed by the long-lived Phoenix. Over the years, this space was occupied by at least six LGBT bars:

Oregon House (1976-1978)
Phoenix (1978-1993)
Deja-Vu a lesbian bar (1993-1994)
Dish a mixed lesbian/gay bar (1997-2003)
B-Side a bar "above Barossa" used by Miltown Kings for events (2004-2005)
Ginger a mostly lesbian restaurant/ bar (2008-2015)

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