Plato's Retreat

Went to Plato.s in Oct 1976 before nayone knew about it. I saw a two line ad in the Voice. It was held in the basement of the Kenmore Hotel on 23rd or 14th st. My first time is still my favorite as I went to all their other locations.

Oh ya! Met my now husband and went there on our first date, and what a date that was.
So much fun, pre aids crisis. Wonderful swimming pool. That was my first time there and to tell the truth, exciting. No alcohol and the must have a towel rule made me feel comfortable. The option to wear clothing or not was great too. I had my swimsuit on as I am the shy type. We are happily married now, 31 years. Would not change a thing.
Thanks for the good times.

I would like to get the record straight Bacho and I were the first DJ's at Plato's. I was there at the beginning on 72nd St. and then 34th St. I to met many celebrities and played some very interesting parties. Bacho was the heart of Plato's and I was the soul. I do miss it was a great time and great experience.

BklynTom P

Here is a little bit about me you did not know.

Hello I'm Steve Banan,
I would like to dedicate these pages to many of my friends, that are no longer with us. Larry Levenson, Frank Pernice, Ira Wasserman, Waylon Flower, Wolfman Jack, Andy Warhol, Steve Rubel, Dr. Timothy Leary, Bobby Hollander, Truman Capote and all the rest, that made the '70s, the years that we all, will never forget.

To really accept and get into those wonderful and glorious years may I suggest turning on the audio player, sit back, relax, read an excerpt from my autobiography “The Early Years”, soon to be released by Morgan Fayne Publishing and listen to PLATO'S RETREAT recorded by my friend Joe Thomas and produced by Steve Alamo for TK Disco

Steve Banan

The year 1977, you had the blackout, Son of Sam, The Yankees won the World Series and Plato's Retreat opened in New York City.

As for me I will start at the beginning. It was a typical summer in 1977; New York City was hot and humid. The Son of Sam was terrifying couples and the streets were empty. We had to endure the blackout; the Yank’s won the World Series and disco was the rage. Ian and Steve brought Studio 54 to New York City and three other guys, Hy Gordon, Larry Levenson and Frankie Pernice, did the impossible. "Plato's Retreat."

It was unreal, unheard of. WPIX, WABC, WCBS and WNBC news got a hold of this story. Lines around the block were forming outside the doors to the Continental Baths under the Ansonia Hotel on the Upper West Side. It was the beginning of something the outside world did not know about. The alternative lifestyle, people were showing their faces and reporters were interviewing them while they waited on line to enter. One of the owners, Larry Levenson, declared that he was the King of Swing. He proclaimed Plato's Retreat, to be the biggest sex feast in the world! Unbeknown to the general public, the club almost did not open, due in part because the contractor was not able to fulfill their obligation. never the less, it did in fact open. Death threats started pouring in.

Steve Banan

You must understand, up until then the swinger’s lifestyle was in a hotel room. Couples would gather together, throw the keys from their rooms into a big circle, and begin to party. These three guys brought this lifestyle out from behind the rocks and the people in the mainstream did not like having this forced down their throats.

So began the many interviews on Donahue and in the press. This is where my life, I guess, really began. I was definitely not a virgin, when I met Larry and Hy. I felt like a kid in a candy store. They offered me a job, as HOS and you know I quickly jumped on that. The first night I saw so many nude women. After a while though, I was able to manage myself.

The club was large. There was a hot tub, private rooms, an Olympic swimming pool, a buffet and of coarse Charlie and Annie. I will never forget Annie. She kept that place running like a general, and there were few that would dishonor her. You did not want to get thrown out of Plato's. Bacho, the DJ was in charge of keeping the Disco hopping. "I Will Survive", "Last Dance" and “Loves In The Air,” would be some of the current music gyrating on the disco floor.
My friend and partner David Levy and I, managed a musical group called FOXY who were on TK Records.

I remember one evening, when many member's, well wishers and friends came up to congratulate me, on what, I did not understand. Linda, a writer for Rolling Stone Magazine came up put her hands around my head, kissed me and congratulated me. It seemed, that I was unaware that Foxy's new Disco single GET OFF had gone to number one with a bullet. It was "Get Off" that finally de-thrown Donna Summers and Last Dance.

The celebrities came most every night. Richard Dryfuss was there the night after he won the Academy Award for "Good Bye Girl." I sat with him, we talked in great length. I could not believe, that a kid from the projects in Brooklyn was chatting with the man, who I just saw the other night, win the Academy Award for Best Actor. Mr. Dryfuss, maintained an apartment at the Ansonia, so it was an easy task for him to come on down, and he did many times. But I must acknowledge that Mr. Dryfuss never engaged in sex at the club. At least I wasn't privy to that.

In the photo below taken by Bobby Hollander, that's me with star Jane Alexander. I was chasing her around the set that day, like a puppy dog in heat. Just off to the left, my friend Jamie Gillis, was cracking obscene jokes. It was really hard for me to maintain my composure, so Bobby could get the shot off.

John Chancellor, d*** Shaft and Patty Chayefsky, showed up together one evening, just to check the place out. Also, they did not participate. I was in total awe of these three giants and it was my privilege to escort Mr. Chancellor around the club. You always knew when “The Wolfman” was in the house. You could hear that incredible voice. You could always check out Professor Irwin Corey, in the o-r-g-y room. Madam, a close friend of mine, would drop by at least once a week. Of coarse, she was just a dirty puppet brought to life by the mastering of a puppeteer named Waylon Flowers. Everyone would certainly get a big trill, when Madam would sit down on their lap and quickly bury her head in their crotch. Just ask Don Benn!

Celebrities in the early years of the adult industry, would frequent Plato's. On certain nights you could mingle with Ron Jeremy and Pat Reshin or Bobby Hollander and wife, "High Society Magazine publisher Gloria Leonard". On chance, you might run into s**** Magazine publisher Al Goldstein, Sharon Mitchell, Herschel Savage, Serena and husband Jamie Gillis, Freddie Lincoln, Laurie Smith, Amber Lynn and Luc Wylder just to name a few.

My days with Larry Levenson were without a doubt confusing at times, but always enjoyable at its conclusion. For me, I spent a lot of time and some precious moments with him. He would confide in me, things and ideas that he couldn't tell anyone.

After a brief time the managerial position fell on my shoulders and for a short time I engaged in a lifestyle that was beyond belief.

Frank Pernice, well what could I say about Frank. I really did not get to know him. In fact, he always seemed to me to be preoccupied. His rugged outer exterior intimidated many at the club. His family ties with many of the people in and out of the headlines and the men that he hung with in the early years. I really think during his early years many people were not able to get close. But one thing was sure, You always knew who was calling the shots.

In 1997, I had the great pleasure to meet with him again at Plato's Repeat, in Florida and that would be for the last time. At first I didn't recognize him, of course he was older. He appeared to be smaller in stature. When I told him, who I was and that I worked for him at Plato's New York, he wouldn't or couldn't remember or acknowledge me. I really felt alone, because many of my most wonderful years were spent at Plato's. My wife, Nicole Moore and I, met with some of my old friends from the Plato's days that evening. They could not understand Frank's reaction. Later on in the evening, I was sitting alone at the bar. Frank came over, sat down beside me. He then leaned over, put his arms around me and said very simply, "where the hell you’ve been kid?"

We spent a beautiful evening together, reminiscing about the times at Plato's New York, my family, grandfather, mother and my uncles. He introduced me, to many of the workers around the club, as one of his men, that worked for him at Plato's New York. He made sure to tell me again, as he did for many years. That he ran Plato's Retreat and Larry worked for him. And then he gave me the biggest grin. He was so right.

Hy Gordon, well I never again saw Hy, but I always missed him. Many a late night after the club would close and the members would leave. Hy would be waiting for his love Fran to close up. Larry would be engaged in his private room in the back with his girl Rosie. Hy and I, would sit and chat. I don't know what Hy saw in me, except I was a young kid, with many ideas and dreams. He always listened, gave me his time and his advise. I truly feel that Hy Gordon liked me, as if I was one of his sons. It was not until later in 1997, I learned that Fran, took a header off the roof, of a New York apartment building.

We never wanted it to end, but of course all good things must come to an end. And it did each evening, when Larry got up and brought the evening to a close with his signature song, GOODNIGHT MY LOVE As well, Mayor Ed Koch closed Plato's Retreat reciting the newly enacted AIDS Prevention Bath House Law. Since Plato's Retreat fell into that category, IT CLOSED.

My life for the last twenty some odd years, has been filled with joy, sadness, hope and kindness. I have and continue to meet, many interesting and famous people throughout my life. That is what I believe, keeps me young at heart. The saying to "Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk", rings true for me, as my life takes many paths and I make many changes.

-Steve Banan

This is a question for Linda Cafarella:

I saw a great documentary, "American Swing" about Plato's Retreat. What did you think of it, was it an accurate account?

We have something similar called "Sanctuary" here in Vancouver Canada, but I don't think any place now could compete with the music and vibe!

I sure wish I was of age in NYC back then to check it out.

It was sometime in 1979. My first visit to New York. The cab driver suggested the place as I was on my own.

What an eye opener! Immediately met a South American girl...

Those were the days and I was privileged to be one who experienced it.

Oh yea! I think I fell in love there once,no twice..no, maybe 4x`s...Ah! those were the days...

I was the DJ at Plato's Tom parisi with Bacho

I just saw the documentary...The guy reminds me of my grandfather in a way. Had everything than when the empire well down, only certain people were around...hhhmmm people only look at you for what you have not whats inside. I loved this film.

Hey...don't forget dj Joey Aponte as well

My friends dad was Larry "The King". We were there all the time after partying in the city.

At 23 yrs what an eye opener! Walk around with towels on. HUGE jacuzzi, Big pool... Bacho spinning the tunes, Moush at the door and NEVER smiling! I was there the night Sammy D walked in and I was the first to shake his hand! He also got up and danced to a few songs!

Ron Jermey, Mark ? Mr. 10, Venessa Del Rio, Amber ?, Tiffiany Clark...! WOW! Crazy fun stuff, never forget it!

I used to go every saturday with my wife at the time. She was hot and got alot of attention, so there were no dry-spells for us ha-ha. I remember how hot the dancers were but they never indulged in the "action". That didn't keep me from trying though. :-)

Some of the events they hosted at that place were fun to be at too!

Wow - I too went to Plato's Retreat with friends in the early 1980s. I went strictly for the music and environment. I loved Bacho, the DJ! I met great people there.
Great Place!

I was last there in 1983. I went many times with my wife and friends. It was the best! Lots of fun with no hassel. You could smoke a joint but booze in the open was a No-No. I also still remember the night my wife and friend tried to distract the DJ..... Fun!

I worked at Platos Retreat. It was the best two years of my life.

One of the Original Owners of Plato's in NYC opened up Plato's Repeat down in Ft. Lauderdale some years ago. He has since passed away and his wife was running the place.

I, too, remember it as if it were yesterday! A guy I was dating wanted to go, so I went with him as men couldn't go alone then. It was definitely the 80's...When we entered, and changed into towels, we walked around a bit, checking out the place; I then told the date to go off on his own, as I would, and we could meet up at 4AM, maybe, to leave. I had a BLAST! Oh, the good ol' promiscuous days of my youth...aaaah! Definitely was lots of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll!!

I remember the night like it was yesterday. As you entered, you went to the lockers and wore nothing but a towel. I experienced some great events that night. The group rooms... the buffet of food was impressive as Ron Jeremy sat down beside me to watch the lady on stage. I got in as a single male and enjoyed the night to the fullest.

Plato's Retreat was the club that almost closed NEW YORK. The city government was so repulsed by what would go on inside, that they tried to pass City ordinances to close them. Lawyers and the courts stopped them, but Plato's Retreat was so indecent (to city fathers) that it almost ruined everything. A complete revolution of sex and drugs. The sound system? I never heard it. The light show? I never saw it. That wasn't why you went to PLATO'S RETREAT. Those were the days my friend.

FUN... FUN... FUNN... FOR EVERYBODY...
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.
MANY OF THEM VERY FAMOUS AND WELL KNOWN SO FAR...
NEW YORK WILL NEVER HAVE ANOTHER CLUB LIKE PLATO´S.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING...
RESPECT AMONG EVERYBODY...
"DON´T NEED TO KNOW HER NUMBER JUST NEED TO KNOW HER BODY, YOU CAN PLAY THE BEAT AT PLATO´S RETREAT"

...MARVELOUS...!

I remember Plato's disco dance floor with sofas on the side with couples doing their thing. The 0rgy room, the back rooms the pool, suana, steam rooms, the massage tables.

It was the best night club ever the people were down to earth. You did or didn't no one cared. So many beautiful men and women.
I miss it.

Ah, did the dream have to die?

i remember the zoo, beleive it was on 52 street between broadway and 8th ave, been there onc or twice in th early 80's. pictures of animals with bars painted over them to look like a zoo seen. a big lion sticks out in my head. then again i know alot of my brain cells were lost in that era

On Monday nights single men were allowed in. Walked around and... That was heaven!

I still have pieces of the RLA system that was in there. bought it after it went under

i remember plato's SOOO well! i went every 2 weeks and boy oh boy! i wish those days were here now!!! and the food was THE BEST! once a bad girl always a bad girl.......

Does anyone remember The Zoo in times square?

thay was talking about it on vh1s ny in 1977 the coolest year in hell.thats where I saw it.at.

Used to go there every with two weeks on business stopped in at 9PM left at 3 am escorted. Everything you hear is true!!!!....WOW unbelievable fun...the year was 1982 coooooooooooooooooooooooool

It was an experience seldom aperson feels in his life it was great and exciting, we do miss it

Went to Plato's Retreat a few times in the 70's. A male friend wanted me to go as his escort so he could get in.
I was free to go and do while he did his own thing. I remember the swimming pool. Also people dressed in towels dancing alongside of others dressed to the nines. Great music and everybody was so friendly. I had a T-shirt that was black and white with the words Plato's Retreat on it. Whenever I wore that, it got a response. It was a really wild place where you could let go and have fun.
Linda Cafarella

I was the frist DJ to play at the club for then 3yrs started at 72st.

Wow is right. I starting thinking about the club when I found an old match book. Which I promptlly stored someplace safe. I was there all the time. A short long legged blond wearing a white silk robe when not engaged in play. :) I miss the 80's waaaaaaa lol

I remember waiting outside for the "New" Plato's to open on their opening night. Used to go to Plato's when Larry was at the Ansonia Hotel. The new club was great, especially the pool in the middle which wasn't open for the grand opening. And YES.......the things that went on in there.....WOW.

Wow when i think of the days at the retreat, Bacho hi sweetie....... Do i miss these days

Oh, the things that went on at Plato's Retreat... Those were the days my friend, we thought they never end...