The Monster

Originally a Fire Island restaurant, The Monster evolved into a legendary Greenwich Village nightclub. Named after a Coney Island sea serpent, it rivaled Studio 54, attracting stars like Andy Warhol and Bette Midler. Joe Scialo, a native New Yorker, transitioned from beauty school to restaurant business, opening the original Monster in 1969. In 1982, he acquired a Sheridan Square nightclub, preserving its history. The Manhattan Monster expanded in 1985, becoming a dance-focused space. Joe supported HIV/AIDS charities, showing compassion for affected staff. Despite cultural shifts, The Monster remains a Village fixture, anticipating another 50 years of service.