Tennessee Williams, William S. Burroughs, Ian Fleming and Jane Bowles often drank here. A retreat for writers and drinkers back when Tangier was a place where anything went. “Debauchery and throwing up in the corners” was how Burroughs described a Monday morning here at the infamous Dean’s Bar. Opened in 1937 by Joseph Dean, former drug dealer and rumored British spy, it was the bar that was reputedly the inspiration for Rick’s Bar in Casablanca.
Pushing aside the wooden beaded curtain reveals a dim and smoky bar with a few local men sitting around on stools. Old pictures of famous stars drinking at Dean’s line the walls. It is surprisingly small and most of it feels like traveling back in time 76 years. Only a new TV on the wall prevents the perfect illusion.
This Monday afternoon is quieter than in Burroughs’ description. That could change, as we order a bottle of red to accompany our writing. Words flow to the pages of our journal. The Beats are now only ghosts here, but we are happening now.
Yes, I will have another glass.
10 Comments on “The Beats of Dean’s Bar”
If only the walls could talk, the storys they tell us
Very true!
Told like the epic story tellers that you guys are little buddy! 🙂
Thanks big buddy!
Sounds like my kind of place. Putting it on my bucket list. ~ Mark
Would definitely be a good place for a Friday Noir shoot too!
My mother and friends used to go to Dean´s Bar during the 50ies. It seems it was lots of fun. Funny, strang, elegant people. Piano. And Dean was charming, very comunicative e amusing.
That is a great story, thanks for sharing!
Do you happen to have the address? thx
Google says the address is 2, Rue Amérique du Sud in Tangier, but it looks like it might be closed permanently.