indieboy2011

Everybody's home

The Hawk takes in everyone without attitude. It's the kind of place where silver daddies and polar bears are at home with twinks, guppies, hipsters, cubs, and boys next door. Most of the bartenders are nice- there are two exceptions, sadly. You'll have fun, with two conditions: don't take yourself too seriously, and you have to like men. This isn't Twist or Bounce. The bar looks and smells like men. Take one look at the restroom and you will know why. Yeah, the owner should fix the place up a little- a general thorough cleaning is way overdue. One small but important thing I would change- tone down the lights. The place is too bright. This kind of bar works best in the dark. The last thing you need to know- the mood of the evening seems to be determined by two or three people. Little clumps of regulars, who should probably stay home and get drunk there, cling to the wall tables or certain spots at the bar. If certain men show up, they ruin the night for everyone. One portly black gentleman for instance gets wasted and literally dances like a wounded seal and touches all the young white dudes he can. One couple- white and black 30somethings- carry on and take over the jukebox. One other older man- tall, dresses in a suit, yells and drunkenly causes scenes. Other than these mentioned, most people are cool. No it's not a classy, sophisticated bar, but it's a Cleveland kind of place. If more younger guys would hang ouit here, and cut some of the dance music, the could definitely become- wait for it!- a cool gay bar.

Need more Cock in Cocktails

Whoever Ohiocub77 is, I agree with a lot of what he has to say in his reviews. James is about the only reason to come here (Saturdays and Sundays I think). Transexuals camp out at the bar every Friday and Saturday. The area is seedy, but i"ve never had any trouble either, yet I would caution guys unfamiliar with the area to keep their eyes open and not park too far away. The biggest reason not to come here is it's just plain boring- the biggest crime in a gay bar. Most of the bartenders prefer canned music over letting customers play the jukebox, it seems. Guys are playing wii, which occupies much of the floor. Why? Stay home and play your video games, this is a bar. That's what I mean by more cock in cocktails. At one time gay bars were all about sex. It's good to have some moderation, but most of us aren't asexual creatures. Cocktails is not conducive to cruising. And considering the neighborhood, if I'm gonna get drunk, it will be somewhere safer.

Does anyone go here anymore?

Been there different days of the week and always the same. Some promising moments during CLAW last year, but that was it. Even Sundays last summer were less impressive than other summers. What's happening? This used to be the legendary Stallion, shining star of Cleveland's gay bars. There are never more than 5 or 6 men in the bar whenever you go. You would think that being near Cleveland State they would try to attract a younger gay crown. In other cities after all leather bars put out the welcome mat for cubs and otters. At the Stallion though they barely get the bears, just old men, chubs, and silver daddies. Not that these groups should be unwelcome, but whatever happened to the regular daddy types? Cubs need bears after all. Come on already!

Over-rated

Twist looks cool and NYC-style, at least on the exterior. Inside, bitches rule the joint. One bartender only had a nice attitude- they rest were borderline, one was flat out cold. The customers think they are ultra-cool shit or something. No one will talk to you. If you walk in alone, prepare to stay alone for the entire time. The prices they charge aren't justified. It's a place to show off your face, your clothes, or your friends. Not a place for conversation with real people. Skip it.

A "Man's" World?

I've never owned or managed a bar, but as a regular customer of a few, I think I know what works and what doesn't. Some bar owners just don't care, about their patrons, their service, whatever. Man's World must be owned by one of those guys. I put "man's" in quotes above because on the last few nights I went there, the place was full of women. No joke. Whether they were mixed straight girls and lesbians, I don't know, but a few trannies too. My question is why??? And ditto to the comments below about safety. Yes, Bounce is virtually across the street, but a couple of blocks makes a lot of difference in this neighborhood. They used to have a guy watching the door and the parked cars, but he was not around last time I was there. You can't always be sure if the guy at the bus stop is really waiting for the RTA or if is waiting to steal your ride. There really is not much reason to come here, unless you're looking for "white trash" hustlers. The place has seriously declined. When the downstairs was open, you had at least a reason to drop by. Not anymore.