The Eagle’s Nest became so popular because they really broke the tradition of gay nightlife at the time, which often was centered around dancing and being more flamboyant.
It was also a popular place for sports clubs and biker clubs to meet when they wanted an accepting, gay-friendly space that wasn’t your traditional gay bar. This bar was very different from other gay bars at the time, because it attracted gay men with a very masculine style and who often wore leather and other traditionally ‘tough’ clothing.
The space had formerly been a pub, but the owners decided to open The Eagle’s Nest there instead after the 1969 Stonewall Riots. This started in the 1970s, when the first Eagle Bar opened in New York City. If you like to travel, you may have noticed that there are gay bars in many different cities named The Eagle Bar or sometimes just The Eagle.