Profile

When WXOU first opened, it seemed like a strange idea: a straight bar in a predominantly gay neighborhood. But now that the boys in leather have migrated ten blocks north to Chelsea and yuppies have swarmed into the West Village with baby prams in tow, the folks who opened this bar are looking like soothsayers. The small spot, with old-fashioned tiled flooring and a long bar, welcomes all comers, but clearly has a very loyal local clientele. The bartenders know the majority of their customers by first name. — Charles Runnette