7 Best Gay Bars & Restaurants in Cleveland, OH
While Columbus may be the epicenter of the LGBTQ community in Ohio, Cleveland also has a lot to offer as well. Some of these gay and lesbian venues and bars have been open for decades. Whether you’re looking to meet people or you just wanna go out and have a fun night with your friends, gay bars and LGBTQ-friendly spots are always a blast. So let’s not waste any time and jump into our list of the 7 Best LGBTQ-Friendly spots in Cleveland!
Twist Social Club
11633 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44012
(216) 221-2333
From Trivia Tuesdays to Karaoke to themed parties every single month, Twist Social Club is a neighborhood bar and nightclub thats focuses on serving and providing the LGBTQ community of the greater Cleveland area a place to eat great food, meet exceptional people, and have a fun time. As far as the food goes, you don’t get much better than here. That’s because Twist Social Club’s kitchen is run out of Landmark Smokehouse next door! If you didn’t know, Landmark has some of the best BBQ in all of Cleveland. What’s not to love about Twist?
Cocktails Cleveland
9208 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 961-3115
With it’s small stage for performances and weekly drag shows, Cocktails Cleveland provides a friendly and welcoming vibe for everyone. Cocktails has Karaoke on Wednesdays and will also have potluck dinners on Sundays! The space has been undergoing some remodeling recently as the basement has been closed. That being said, Cocktails has been around for years and many will tell you that it’s the best Gay Bar in Cleveland!
Vibe Bar and Patio
11633 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111
(216) 476-1970
You probably shouldn’t be shocked that a place called Vibe Bar and Patio cares greatly about its vibe. Well, you’ll struggle to find a more inviting, welcoming, and friendlier vibe anywhere. No matter who you are, you’re welcome at Vibe and you’re gonna have a good time. The drinks are great and the prices are even better. Many of the people that come here are regulars, once you go you’ll see why people can’t stop coming back.
The Symposium
11794 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107
(440) 857-0969
The Symposium has been wowing diverse crowds since the 80’s. Now, it’s a central part of the blossoming LGBTQ community that’s growing around the Lakewood neighborhood of Cleveland. With a truly gay dive bar atmosphere, The Symposium is a welcoming and affirming place for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. They have trivia nights, drag shows, leather events, live music, and more. It all combines to make The Symposium a one stop shop for entertainment and good times.
Leather Stallion Saloon
2205 St. Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 589-8588
Opened in 1970, The Leather Stallion Saloon is one of the oldest running leather bars in the Midwest. It has long established itself as the home of the leather community in Cleveland. But don’t let that intimidate you! The Leather Stallion Saloon is open and welcome for everyone, leather or not! The staff and crowd are friendly and make you feel at home.
The Fieldhouse
1384 Hird Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 801-4286
The Fieldhouse is brand-new to the greater Cleveland area. The entire development is being built to serve as a centerpoint for a new LGBTQ community. Currently there are four spots that are open and located within the complex. Eat Me Pizza, Muze Gastropub, The Kitchen, and Trellis Rooftop Bar. Each has its own culinary specialties but all are packed full of flavor and made with love and local ingredients. Fieldhouse also regularly hosts events such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, Drag Shows, Culinary Workshops, and more!
Nano Brew Cleveland
1859 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 862-6631
Nano Brew Cleveland has delighted patrons for over a decade with their delicious food and beer. What people may not know is that Nano Brew partners with Black Mass Cle to host a monthly “Brew Babes” drag show! Aside from the entertaining performers, the main attraction is the burgers. Fresh, never-frozen, and 100% Angus Beef topped with a potato bun, these burgers have their ingredients locally sourced from Ohio farms. They’re so good that they’ve been voted the most unique burger in Cleveland!
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Cleveland page here!
Featured Blog Posts
10 Restaurants Worth the Splurge in Cleveland, OH
Are you planning a night out in Cleveland where money is no object? Rest assured that the city is ready to satisfy your desire for splurging. However, you don’t want to waste money on hype when there are so many well-known restaurants and hidden gems that are definitely worth the bill. Check out this guide to 10 restaurants worth the splurge in Cleveland, OH.
7 Most Spectacular Speakeasies in Cleveland, OH
The allure of a speakeasy is obvious to anyone who visits one of these hidden-in-plain-site bars. Finding an obscured or unusual entrance, providing a secret word or using a special door to enter, only to be rewarded with a swanky bar, spectacular cocktails and an unmatched prohibition-era vibe. Some of the most fun spots in Cleveland are these sometimes-underground gems, the spectacular speakeasies hiding right underneath our noses.
Bellie Up at Cordelia: The Best Meal in Cleveland
My plan was to get a burger. Instead, I ended up eating one of the most impressive meals I’ve ever had. Join me as I recount my remarkable experience enjoying the Cordelia “Bellie Up” tasting menu.
A Guide to Downtown Cleveland’s East 4th Street
Right in the heart of downtown Cleveland lies East 4th Street, a revitalized pedestrian-friendly street jam-packed with restaurants, bars, and people. When it comes to food, it’s hard to miss, whether you’re craving a slice of pizza or a multiple-course chef’s table dining experience. Here are our favorite places to eat and drink on East 4th Street.