Loose Ends opened in February 1986. Opened by Karen, Harry and Loren Buettner on Fond du Lac Avenue on the north-central side (the business had formerly been known as "Gloria's Place"), it drew a good and steady business from area residents, although it didn't typically draw LGBT people from the downtown bars segment. Its typical listing in Bar Guide listings had codes "GS, MW, F" meaning Gay & Straight mixed, 1/2 men and 1/2 women, with Food service.

According to 'In Step' magazine v3-03 (Feb.-Mar. 1986) in the 'Carl Camps Out' column (p20), the bar had no dance floor, but the juke box was well stocked with a wide range of music and patrons were seen to be doing the two-step to a song by the band Alabama. There was plenty of seating in the bar, which also had games such as a dart game. The bar was "done very nicely with hanging plants and lanterns". Made up for Valentines Day at opening, it had "hearts and cupids hanging from the ceiling and from the mirrors that are behind the bar".

The bar had an annual Corn Roast which was quite popular, with live music and utilizing its outoor space.

This bar was one of the few gay bars situated that far west. Jimmy's Hi-Fi Lounge (aka Swittel's Hi-Fi Lounge) was farther west but less "gay", and the previous farthest-west bar was the popular Beer Garden, which was still in operation about 6 blocks to the east (at 3715 W. Vliet).

This bar had an unfortunate incident when a patron, William (Bill) Edwards, was shot dead on June 6, 1992 during an attempted armed robbery inside the bar.

In December 1992, the bar was bought by new owner Jean Stellick.

The bar held a "Beer Garden Reunion" party in March 1993, to celebrate that famous and long-popular bar and restaurant which had closed 3 years earlier.

Loose Ends bar was dropped from the Bar Listing of 'In Step' magazine after issue vol. 12-24 (December 1995), so it apparently closed quietly late in 1995 or early in 1996. It was replaced by the 10% Club which operated in the location from 1996 to 1998.

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