The Hawk

Time to grow up

When I came out, the Hawk was one of the first bars I went to. It was a more or less fun place. Guys were easy to talk to. Once in while you could even find a trick. Yes there were a few unsavory types, but most were average or harmless. I've been to the Hawk a few times over the last couple of months and I have to agree with some of the reviews below,which is why I'm writing this in the first place. So many bars have closed recently, that I can't believe the Hawk is still in business! I can honestly say that I no longer feel comfortable there and I wish more guys would stand up and say enough is enough. Haven't gay men in Cleveland earned the privilege of having a clean and fun bar to go to, without bad attitude? The Hawks' customers are mostly obese, old, and gross- that's the truth, not a mean joke. I've heard guys talk about the Hawk being a place where you can meat regular guys or real men, but who are they talking about? A bear is one thing but a nasty fat guy is another. Few younger guys go there, except for queens in search of chubbies. I agree with the reviewer below about the drunks. Yeah it's a bar, but some of the men, and I use that term loosely, are way over the limit. That level of drunkeness ruins the atmosphere for everybody. Once you reach your late 20s, being stupid drunk is no longer humorous or cute. It's pathetic. Real men don't like drama. The Hawk is not a place for real men. Time to close that place down.

A Place for the Dead or Dying

At one time the Hawk was a diverse neighborhood bar. Now its more along the lines of patient that needs life support. Lots of men that are too drunk and should be cut off but the booze flows freely with no concern. Yes its cheap and sometimes watery but that doesn't seem to bother the permanent patrons. Some have been on the same bar stools all day and they smell but as long as they have money they will get served. The pool table area is more for romping around than playing pool if you ask people to move politely the tell you to F/off or grumble about why your playing. And it smells like Bleach all the time at least its clean?

The most horrible experience in a gay bar in my life!!! My friends and I stopped here as we made our way down Detroit Avenue, what a mistake! Why the hell does anyone with self respect go here?!

Why does this place exist?

The title "bears, twinks and smells" says it all. The Hawk tries to be everything to everyone, so it ends up being nothing. They play sports games on the TVs, but nobody watches. They play rock music, but everyone complains. Bored old guys and bears sip their drinks at the bar while twinks prance and play. Looks like some old queer dive outta the seventies. Not cool for 2010.

SEX

If you can't get laid at the Hawk, then you can't get laid anywhere (at least that's what "they all" say). In reality, it is a pretty loose place. There may not be someone for everyone, but the Hawk provides a wider variety of options! From white trash rednecks to the biggest fattest bears in the city, you will find someone to stoke your fire at the Hawk. Like with any gay bar, there will be some drama and nonsense, but of all bars in the city, the Hawk is the one and only bar where twinks and queens are outnumbered. As for all the "Nazi" references in the other reviews, I'm not sure what to make of all that, but then I'm new in these parts. All I can say is that I'm Puerto Rican, and I never felt ill at ease in the Hawk. Yes, one will hear the occasional racist joke and anti-Jewish slur and anti-black slur, but this is probably more of a reflection on the West Side of Cleveland in general than this bar in particular. If any one thing stands out in the Hawk's favor, it is that of any gay bar or club in Cleveland, this is the one place that offers anything close to a "regular guy" atmosphere. Try as they might, the twinks haven't been able to take over this bar, maybe they will. But until that day comes, enjoy some real men for a change, and don't be shy about approaching someone, because the Hawk has the most easy-going of any bar crowd in Cleveland. Enjoy!