The Hawk has been slinging drinks since 1933 and has become a premier gay bar in Cleveland. Enjoy the pool table, fully stocked jukebox, and a patio during a night out with locals.
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Dive
A real hole in the wall kind of bar. First time I have been there. May go back but not sure yet. Bartenders are all young. That's nice. But mostly a boring crowd. Awful music. Lots of chubs and old men. Men's room is filth from food bits in sink to piss all over the floor. Place looks like has not been cleaned in years. The crowd is not talkative unless they know you. Hard to meet any guys if you are by yourself. If you must go, the talk is that you must go Thursday night or Sunday afternoon.
Great place with real guys.
My partner and I go here all the time and have become somewhat of locals. The guys here are great guys with the only intention of talking and drinks - no hook ups or hit ups. Very respectable place with cheap drinks.
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.
I love this place
I would pick this place over Man's World anyday. Usually very crowded with a good mix of people on the weekends. Not the nicest bar in cleveland, but one of the most fun. Just be a little cautious entering the bar...alot of panhandlers, but ive never had any trouble.