
My first visit to Plato’s Retreat was in 1978 when the new swing club attracted throngs. Plato’s moved to a huge new location across from a MacDonald’s on W.34th street. Folks joked Plato’s could also boast that it served millions. Some couples claimed it saved marriages.By 1985 founder Larry Levenson was in jail, and A.I.D.S. struck fear in the population. Plato’s “Night of the Unusual” was a last hurrah.…Read More