Gay Friendly Cleveland

Come to Gay Friendly Cleveland when you want to hear one of the world’s best orchestras, catch a Broadway play that won’t break your bank, pay homage to your rock and roll idols, plunge down a 310-foot drop at 93 miles per hour at one of the best amusement parks anywhere, commune with Costa Rican butterflies year-round or savor a meal from a culinary innovator.

The word is getting out and Cleveland welcomes you with great pride. Discover the unexpected side of Cleveland Plus.


Where to Stay: Gay Friendly Hotels in Cleveland

Finding LGBT-friendly accommodations in Cleveland is no problem at all. In fact, the biggest names, from the Wyndham to the Renaissance to the Hyatt, have served as hosts or sponsors to Northeast Ohio’s queer events, including CLAW and Pride weekend.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, two bed and breakfasts in the heart of Ohio City offer rejuvenation just steps from lush dining, shopping and nightlife.

The Stone Gables (www.stonegables.net), founded in 2001 from a restoration of the 1883 Sarah Bousefield house, has five bedrooms filled with antiques and decorated with artwork, including that of Picasso and Chagall. And just a few blocks down the street is the J. Palen House (www.jpalenhouse.com), a 19th century Victorian home with four bedrooms done up with contemporary and traditional furnishings.

Both offer multicourse breakfasts, spa baths, wireless high-speed Internet and, of course, delightful hosts. And within a short walk you can visit the West Side Market, dine at fantastic restaurants like Flying Fig, Momocho and Bar Cento, or even cross the river to enjoy an Indians game at Progressive Field.

The Gayborhoods of Cleveland:

So how come Cleveland doesn’t have a gayborhood? The short answer is that LGBT folks hang out in all of the hip, happening spots in town.

You’ll find LGBT-centric or -friendly businesses, restaurants and bars across the city, including downtown, Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and Lakewood.

Below you'll find the scoop on the best places for food, music, shopping and attractions in each of our Gayborhoods:


Downtown/Warehouse District

If you’re here for Cleveland LGBT Pride, the Cleveland International Film Festival, a sporting event, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the marathon — chances are, you’re downtown. Lucky you.

Downtown is the most pedestrian-friendly of all of Cleveland’s neighborhoods. From any of the hotels, you can easily walk to games at Progressive Field, Quicken Loans Arena or Cleveland Browns Stadium. You can hoof it to Northcoast Harbor or quick-step to a show at PlayhouseSquare. And if you’re particularly ambitious, you can even saunter to concerts at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater or Nautica Pavilion.

When you’re ready to relax and enjoy a good meal, there are two areas in the downtown area worth noting.

First is perhaps the hottest location in the city — East Fourth Street (www.east4thstreet.com). Located between Euclid and Prospect avenues, you’ll find Lola, the premier restaurant from Michael Symon, winner of the Food Network’s Next Iron Chef. Zocala Mexican Grill and Tequileria literally spices things up, with chips that are divine. And the brand-new Greenhouse Tavern is actually green by using sustainability principles in preparing food. Plus, the Corner Alley takes bowling in a stylish new direction, and you won’t want to miss performances at the House of Blues.

Second, and just a few minutes toward the lake, the Warehouse District (www.warehousedistrict.org) offers choices from sushi to steak and international cuisine in between. You’ll find restaurant after lounge after restaurant along West 6th and West 9th streets between Superior and Lakeside avenues. Of note are Sushi Rock, Mallorca, D’Vine Wine and The Metropolitan.

Ohio City:

As you cross the mighty Cuyahoga River from downtown to the west side, keep your eyes open for the elusive hipster in its native habitat. Yes, you’ve entered Ohio City, but the cool people won’t bite — just don’t try to feed them (because they’ve probably skipped dinner in favor of delectably-crafted cocktails).

But food’s one of many reasons to visit Ohio City, starting at the West Side Market, home to a smorgasbord of fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat treats. The market’s location, at the corner of Lorain Avenue and West 25th Street, is a great entry to the neighborhood. But if you arrive at the north end of the neighborhood, across Detroit Avenue, Spaces Gallery provides an art “wow” factor with installations that innovate and, sometimes, baffle.

But back to food. With so many unbelievable options, we can’t list them all. The short list: Bar Cento/McNulty’s Bier Markt, with fantastic thin-crust pizzas and Belgian brews; the Flying Fig, where the cuisine and service are impeccable; Great Lakes Brewing Co., with the finest handcrafted beers by the pint and in the food; and Le Petite Triangle, home of delectable crepes and other French bistro cuisine.

After-dinner cocktail options are plenty. Try Garage Bar, which features a vibrant summer patio that attracts a mix of straight and queer patrons.

Tremont:

“Drink, and eat, and drink again” should be your motto when visiting the west-side area of Tremont. Sure, the spires of some of Cleveland’s most majestic churches are a great view as they rise above the rows of buildings that once housed the families of steelworkers. But the neighborhood, now the location of some of the priciest real estate in the city, is a hot spot for fine dining and hip night spots.

Just a few of the many fantastic options include Fahrenheit, where the pizza is tempting but the steak is even better; Parallax, a choice for fantastic sushi and seafood; Lolita, Iron Chef Michael Symon’s other Cleveland locale; Southside, a great spot for casual dining and watching the game; and Lucky’s Café, where you can’t miss with brunch.

Did we mention drinking? You’ll often find a deejay spinning cool beats at Lava Lounge. If a wide selection of beer is more your style, check out the Treehouse. And Prosperity Social Club pleases with its upscale, karaoke-loving crowds.

Of course, it’s not all about food and drink. Keep your eyes open for a dozen or more art galleries throughout the neighborhood. For an organized tour, check out the Tremont Art Walk, the second Friday evening of each month. (www.tremontartwalk.org)

Detroit Shoreway (www.dscdo.org)

Does it get any queerer in Cleveland than Detroit Shoreway? The neighborhood, which stretches from West 45th to West 85th streets north of Interstate 90, is the home of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland (www.lgcsc.org). The Center, now in its 34th year, also resides in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District, at the corner of West 65th Street and Detroit Avenue. The district includes Cleveland Public Theatre (www.cptonline.org), a nonprofit dedicated to performances that are often politically motivated and raise consciousness and compassion. Plus there’s the new Capitol Theatre, a three-screen renovation of a historic movie house offering indie faves.

A few minutes south is the Lorain Avenue Antiques District, with dozens of stores selling classic furniture and retro accoutrement to deck out your pad. And just north is Edgewater Park, where the hot summer sun attracts hundreds of sunbathers, swimmers, inline skaters and boaters. If you don’t find a gay man walking his dog, check your ‘dar and look again.

When you get hungry between antiquing and tanning, some great locations to nosh include Latitude 41n, which is lesbian-owned and serves an awesome brunch; Gypsy Beans & Baking Co., a fine place for coffee, sandwiches and pastries; and Minh-Anh, which boasts the area’s best Vietnamese cuisine.

Cleveland Heights

If you’re heading to the arts and cultural attractions of University Circle, keep traveling five minutes farther east to Cleveland Heights. There you’ll find a community that prides itself on its devotion to independent retailers, the arts, the environment and other progressive causes.

Two areas provide the opportunity to stroll, shop and eat. The first is Coventry Village (www.coventryvillage.org), which stretches south from the corner of Mayfield and Coventry roads. Along Coventry you’ll find Big Fun, a store that satisfies the playtime urges of kids from 2 to 102; Mac’s Backs Books and Record Revolution, two independent stores that specialize in hard-to-find items; clothing stores like American Apparel and international retailer City Buddha, which imports affordable, hand-crafted home goods from around the world. You’ll also be satisfied with a tasty sandwich from Grum’s, brunch at the Inn on Coventry, or the extensive vegetarian options at Tommy’s.

Five minutes away is the Cedar Lee district. You’ll easily find parking at the corner of Cedar and Lee roads, then walk up and down Lee. Along the way you might take in a show at the Cedar Lee Theatre, Northeast Ohio’s home for independent film - you can spend many nights catching up on your films in advance of the queer Super Bowl, the Academy Awards. You can also browse several art galleries and boutiques, and enjoy the fine upscale Mexican food at Lopez or the phenomenal Pad Thai at Lemon Grass.

Also worth a visit: Discover the region’s best jazz at Nighttown, or try to stop your dancing feet at Cain Park, a summer musical theater destination. And don’t miss La Gelateria, where dessert can be summed up in one word--yum.


What to See/What to do in gay friendly Cleveland:

“Culture” in Cleveland Plus doesn’t meet snooty. In fact, arts organizations in the region make an effort to open their doors to as much of the public as possible.

Take the Cleveland Museum of Art (www.clevelandart.org). Because of its endowment, the permanent collection is always free (you might pay a nominal fee for some special exhibits). In summer 2009, the museum opened its massive new East Wing, which expands the space devoted to modern art and photography. The major expansion is on top of a renovation of the original building, which opened last year. You can definitely spend an entire day strolling through the many galleries and admiring the striking new architecture.

Just steps across Wade Oval in University Circle, you’ll find the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (www.cbgardens.org), which offers lush landscapes and flowers year-round. In spring, summer and fall you can stroll through the rolling outdoor gardens — but the spectacular Glasshouse is a great venue during the cold winter months. Inside is a reproduction desert and rainforest, where tropical flowers, birds and butterflies delight even as the snow is falling outside. It’s a great boost to the soul when spring seems so far away and it’s a romantic place for a wintry first date.

A minute away is Severance Hall and the Cleveland Orchestra, rated among the top orchestras in the world. If classical music is your passion, you’ll enjoy performances in the acoustically magnificent Severance Hall. But in summer, the orchestra moves to Blossom Music Center for a residency under the stars. There, it loosens up — you can experience opera, Broadway and music from Hollywood. So pack a picnic, spread your blanket on the lawn and cuddle up next to your sweetie for a magical evening.

Queer music isn’t just Elton John and Madonna. Of course, if that’s what you consider queer music, you’re in luck — both are past inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (www.rockhall.com), Cleveland’s music gem on Lake Erie.

While the gorgeous I. M. Pei-designed building is all glass, white walls and perfectly proportioned black lines on the outside (which any design-loving LGBT person can appreciate), inside it is a shrine to America’s most-popular music of the past few generations. Exhibits rotate, but you can always expect artifacts from fabulous costumes to awesome album art.

But what about those artists we LGBT folk adore? Well, other inductees include Queen, Michael Jackson, Billie Holiday, Blondie, the Mamas and the Papas, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Ma Rainey, the Supremes — and a list of performers who need but one name, including Dusty, Tina and Aretha.

Since you may never have the chance to get close enough to surreptitiously snag a celebrity hair for that shrine you’re secretly building in your spare room, here’s your chance to almost touch stardom. Almost.

After spending some time with rock legends, you are sure to be imagining show tunes, sequin-covered costumes, intricate choreography and sharp harmonies. A guaranteed, over-the-top drag performance . . . Imagine what you’d expect from a fabulous gay men’s chorus — and then add more sparkles.

Well, you don’t have to imagine it at all. For more than two decades, the North Coast Men’s Chorus (www.ncmchorus.org) has entertained thousands with its blend of camp, humor and heart-tugging emotion. With three yearly concerts (holiday in December, Pride in June and a “wild card” in April) the chorus attracts sell-out crowds that come for an emotional roller coaster that includes rollicking laughter and moist eyes –at least for every queen in the house whose heart isn’t entirely turned to stone. And, of course, they really energize their fans at the Cleveland Pride festival each summer.

A smaller group within the chorus, the Coastliners, often performs as part of the three main concerts, but also has its own benefits during the year. You might see them supporting other events in the LGBT community.

Located almost directly between the performance capitals of New York City and Chicago is a theater scene that rivals those cities for diversity — at much more affordable prices.

If big-budget musicals are your thing, PlayhouseSquare offers its Broadway series with professional touring shows. It’s also a fantastic destination for one-off concerts, from music to comedy. Just steps away in its new, spectacular Hanna Theater home is Great Lakes Theater Festival, which produces Shakespeare and other classic works with top-notch casts and production values. Its unique seating options include the opportunity to catch a show while relaxing at the bar, or on a couch with friends.

For more traditional productions, head to the University Circle area, where you’ll find the Cleveland Play House. Especially popular is the organization’s adaptation of the cult classic tale of a quest for the “holy grail of Christmas presents,” A Christmas Story. You might also want to check out the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood (www.beckcenter.org), which stages a mix of musicals and plays with casts that include professionals and local amateurs.

The biggest LGBT events in Cleveland draw visitors from around the world, many of whom have such a fabulous time, they come back year after year. Many events crop up last minute, so some check the events calendar at www.positivelycleveland.com.

• LGBT Pride (June 2010). The second-biggest Pride event in Ohio usually draws about 8,000 attendees, and Cleveland’s parade and festival offer heart and a community feel that’ll stick with you long after it’s over. In fact, many out-of-towners proclaim it the best Pride they’ve ever been to. You’ll find multiple performance stages, more than 100 vendors and zones for families and teens. And the beer garden. That’s where the best party is happening, so you don’t want to miss the beer garden. www.clevelandpride.org

• C.L.A.W. (April 22-25, 2010). The Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend is now one of the most-admired LGBT fetish events in the world. (It was picked “Event of the Year” at the Pantheon Awards and the host hotel is sold out weeks in advance.) There’s no title competition, so its four days offer ego-free bonding, fellowship and hotties — plus plenty of parties. (And everything else you might expect from a leather event.) www.clawinfo.org

• The Cleveland International Film Festival (March 18-28, 2010). The 34th annual event will continue its long-running, enormously popular “10% Series” of LGBT films. But you’ll also find nearly 250 films you’ll never see at your local suburban 20-screen multiplex. There’s a reason a record-breaking 66,000+ people bought tickets last year. www.clevelandfilm.org

• Other notable LGBT events:
o 22nd Annual G.I.F.T. Cruise (June 12, 2010). www.clevelandgift.org/cruise.html
o North Coast Softball Drag Ball V (June 20, 2010). www.northcoastsoftball.org/dragball.html
o Dancin’ in the Streets (August 2010). www.twistsocialclub.com/dancinginthestreets.aspx
o Cleveland Black Pride Weekend (August 2010). www.bgpcleveland.com


Gay-Friendly Dining:

Visitors new to Northeast Ohio will be surprised to learn this fact: Cleveland Plus is a foodie’s dream. Innovative chefs will wow your taste buds and owners have created sophisticated, chic environments in which the local LGBT community feels welcomed. Visit any of these places and you’re bound to stumble across fellow members of “the tribe.”

Located in Detroit Shoreway, the hottest LGBT neighborhood in town, is Luxe — which has also become one of the hottest restaurants in town during the past year. Expect a hip environment that mixes new with recycled décor and an energetic crowd that is fashionably East Coast while also friendly Midwest. Food is surprisingly affordable, signature drinks are irresistible and the patio is fabulous in summer.

Five minutes away in Ohio City you’ll find Momocho, a Mod Mex establishment known for its tasty assortment of guacamole and addicting margaritas. Better bring a designated driver. Or, if your tastes skew more toward Brazilian cuisine, check out Sergio’s Saravá just east of the city in Shaker Square, where you can take in a full dinner or enjoy small plates over drinks at the bar.

Further west is Brothers Lounge, a gorgeously renovated establishment that books live entertainment throughout the week. Rock out in the back or enjoy a quiet, divine meal in the wine bar up front. Finally, visit Lakewood’s nationally-recognized Melt, where you’ll find numerous variations on grilled cheese sandwiches (that look nothing like buttered Wonder Bread and Kraft Singles and everything like crusty concoctions of deliciousness). Chef/owner Matt Fish is working on opening a second, east-side location to keep up with demand. Whichever location you visit, with its wide-ranging selection of brews, you’ll roll out of there full and satisfied.

At Player’s on Madison, you’ll finish your first glass of wine before the server finishes recounting all of the tempting specials. Here you can go high-end with a filet or seafood, or be more modest by building your own pasta dish (there are literally thousands of combinations).

At Fat Fish Blue you can gorge yourself on Louisiana Creole cuisine while jamming to live jazz or blues. A perfect before- or after-the-game destination.

Before any show at PlayhouseSquare, Bricco, a local Italian hotspot will be packed with theater-goers enjoying a fine meal or delicious cocktail. If a performance isn’t in your plans, stop by after show time for a more relaxed environment.


Cleveland was named in September 2009 by the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) as the host of the 2014 International Gay Games - the world’s largest sporting and cultural event for the LGBT community. Cleveland’s 2014 Gay Games IX Sports & Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place August 9 – 16, 2014. The eight-day event will feature 30 sports, four cultural events, opening and closing ceremonies at Cleveland Browns Stadium and community and cultural events throughout the Cleveland and Akron metropolitan areas. Visit now and get a sneak peek of Cleveland Plus before the event, or start making your plans now to celebrate with members of the LGBT community from all over the world.

Whether it’s the nightlife, the theatre scene or the wide variety of delicious restaurants, there are so many ways to discover the unexpected fabulousness of Cleveland Plus.

Cleveland: Gay-Friendly Nightlife

You’ve spent a morning picking up international foods at the West Side Market. An afternoon sailing on Lake Erie. An evening dining on East Fourth Street, followed by a show at Cleveland Public Theatre.

Just one thing would make your Ohio day complete: Drinks with some fellow gay and lesbian folk!

Settle down. Cleveland, like many mid-size cities, has a gay nightlife scene that’s constantly changing. Rather than tell you which bar is best on what night, we offer this advice: If you pick one destination and are underwhelmed by the crowd or the digs, don’t give up. The party is probably ten minutes away at another pub.

Most LGBT nightspots are located on the west side, although a few of them are either downtown and spread out to other areas. Here are the top picks:

Union/Bounce: Cleveland’s biggest LGBT bar, Union/Bounce is actually a twofer — a restaurant up front with a dance club in the back. Lately it’s skewed a bit older than its traditionally young, young, young crowd. (That’s actually a good thing.) And it’s the most mixed of all of the bars. Fridays and Saturdays are often the big nights, but Showtunes Sunday is a longtime legend. If you like drag, this is the place for you.

Twist: This upscale lounge also brings in some of the area’s most interesting deejays, and in the summer the front windows roll up to let the party spill onto the sidewalk. One of our favorites, it is fun in the winter, but best when it’s warm. Newly renovated, it now has more space for mingling.

Bottom’s Up: In what’s clearly the best-named LGBT bar ever, Bottom’s Up offers a mix of shows (drag and dancers) with multiple pool tables and typical bar-food fare. The basement opens on weekends for dancing.

5 Cent Decision: Nicknamed “The Nickel,” this ladies’ bar has a welcoming neighborhood feel. Look for live bands on some weekends.

Lady Z’s: Cleveland’s newest bar for women-folk also has a full menu and private patio. The club also tries to shake up the scene with new entertainment, such as nationally-known comedians.

Leather Stallion: From its name alone, we think you know what you’re getting. Cleveland’s oldest leather bar, it draws a broader crowd on Sunday evenings in the summer. In fact, you’ll likely find us on the patio at sunset, enjoying a hot dog from the grill and a super-cheap domestic bottled beer.

The Shed/A Man’s World/Crossover: More leather, and this time they mean business. Three bars in one, and on the weekends the basement is off-limits to anyone not following the dress code. Yeah, we’ve been in the basement. Don’t judge.

Club Argos: Sporty gays, this is the bar for you. If a big game is on, the TVs are tuned in, for sure. It’s a handy five-minute drive (or 15-minute walk) to Quicken Loans Arena or Progressive Field, if you’re pre-gaming.

Square: Akron, our sister city to the south offers this stylish lounge, which features Wii tournaments, drag queen game nights and dancing on the weekends.

Interbelt: A movie theater turned dance club, the Interbelt usually gets hopping during its legendary dance parties a few times a year. (You’ll find the deejay booth up where the projectionist used to perch.) A huge outdoor patio provides a respite from the crowds during summer months.

For a complete list of PrideCityGuide gay bars in Cleveland, please visit the "Nightlife" tab on the City Directory on the top of this page.

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