Cleveland Gay and Lesbian Bars

Out and About in Cleveland

By Sandy Mitchell

Updated 11/12/17

Cleveland has a number of gay and lesbian bars, ranging from dance clubs to those with karaoke nights to leather bars. Each has its own specialty. Here's a look at some of the most popular. (in no particular order.)
  • 01 of 07

    Twist

    Twist, located on Clifton at W. 117th St., just steps away from the gay-friendly suburb of Lakewood, is a two-level social club. In the summer, the fun spills out onto the front patio, a great place to watch the parade of food traffic in the interesting neighborhood.

    Regular promotions include Happy Hour Monday- Saturday from 9am to 8pm and the Sunday "Build your own Bloody Mary" bar.

    Twist is also headquarters for the annual "Dancing in the Streets" gay party held each summer.

    Twist
    11633 Clifton Blvd.
    Cleveland, OH 44102
    216 221-2333

  • 02 of 07

    Bounce/Union Station Cleveland

    Bounce and Union Station are located just west of downtown, across the Detroit-Superior Bridge. The huge complex includes a cafe, a cabaret stage, a dance club, even an Internet cafe. It's open evenings, seven days a week, from 5pm.

    Regular promotions include karaoke on Monday nights, all-male reviews on Tuesday, and Drag Divas on Sunday.

    Bounce/Union Station is one of the more popular bars in town, but in my opinion, they try to be too many things. The several times I have visited, I found the service preoccupied and the food barely edible.

    Bounce/Union Station Cleveland
    2814 Detroit Ave.
    Cleveland, OH 44113
    216 357-2997
  • 03 of 07

    Leather Stallion Saloon

    Located just east of downtown on St. Clair Ave., the "LSS" is a "boys-only" bar for those who prefer leather. More social than scary, the saloon is not nearly as rough as similar bars in other cities. The patio is a favorite meeting spot in the warmer months.

    Leather Stallion Saloon
    2205 St. Clair Ave.
    Cleveland, OH
    216 589-8588
  • 04 of 07

    Cocktails

    Cocktails, formerly called Rockies, is a typical corner bar, only with a gay, primarily male clientele. Regular promotions include karaoke on Wednesday nights.

    Cocktails
    9208 Detroit Ave.
    Cleveland, OH
    216 961-3115
    Continue to 5 of 7 below.
  • 05 of 07

    A Man's World/The Shed/Crossover

    This three-bar complex is geared primarily towards men. Upstairs is a dance club; the main floor is a social bar; and the downstairs is a leather bar. Man's World hosts the "Rainbow Wranglers" country line dancing group each Sunday at 6pm (women welcome).

    A Man's World/The Shed/Crossover
    2909 Detroit Ave.
    Cleveland, OH
    216 574-2203
  • 06 of 07

    The Hawk

    The Hawk
    11217 Detroit Ave.
    Cleveland, OH
    216 521-5443
  • 07 of 07

    The Rec Room

    The Rec Room
    15320 Brookpark Rd.
    Cleveland, OH
    570-6580

Editor's Note: If you're thinking what does a straight girl know about gay bars (a valid question), I've actually visited most of the above places and have solicited opinions from gay and lesbian Cleveland friends for the clubs that I've not seen. Does your opinion differ? Send me an email