Our Story

Welcome to Memphis' #1 Gay Bar

On February 11, 2001, The Pumping Station was born. For the past 21 years, we’ve become a staple in Midtown Memphis. Our home, in the Crosstown neighborhood, has been a host of diversity throughout the years. We continue to be a place that not only caters to our community but also gives back to it. Come by and see us.

Our Story

Welcome to Memphis' #1 Gay Bar

On February 11, 2001, The Pumping Station was born. For the past 18 years, we’ve become a staple in Midtown Memphis. Our home, in the Crosstown neighborhood, has been a host of diversity throughout the years. We continue to be a place that not only caters to our community but also gives back to it. Come by and see us.

Colorful History

The Pumping Station follows a tradition of businesses overcoming prejudice. The building located at 1382 Poplar Avenue was built for a Jewish couple who owned a liquor store. They were evicted from a previous location by a landlord who was afraid of what his preacher would say. After they retired, the landlord rented to two lesbian bars, The Pipeline and since February 11, 2001, The Pumping Station. Our home location has been a host to diversity throughout the years and continues to be a place that not only caters to the community but gives back to it also.

Over the years, the bar has been a supporter of Mid-South Pride, Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), The Outflix Film Festival, MGLCC, Friends for Life, The Focus Awards, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Crew

The Pumping Station has been voted the #1 Gay Bar in Memphis by the Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis reader poll several years. A popular neighborhood hangout that caters to all is home to locals has even been featured on national television and in local and regional publications.