Leo's Bar And Lounge 1948 E Hillsborough Ave

Leo's Bar 1948 E Hillsborough Ave. Date unknown. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy of the USF Digital Collection

Alibi Lounge- 1948 E Hillsborough Ave 2022 Chip Weiner

Records indicate that Leo’s Bar at 1948 East Hillsborough Ave. opened sometime in the 1950s when this photo was taken. The location benefited from the rush of customers patronizing the large new Sears and Roebuck store across the street. The location remained Leo’s Bar and Package Store until 2011. By February 2012, they exhibited a banner outside advertising for adult dancers. The sign on the exterior wall read “Cleo’s Strip Club,” but the business was not eligible for strip club status, according to the city. By 2013, it was Goodies Gentlemen’s Club. In 2017, the building did a brief stint as the Lit Hookah Lounge and Bar. By May 2018, it had transitioned into the Alibi Gentleman’s Club and remains so today.