Twist Social Club

my first & last time going to twist was for their halloween event, and i was shocked at how unsafe it was. first, they let way way too many people in. it was packed, and there was so little room that there would be a standstill by the exits to get in and out. a line to LEAVE. they waited too long to cut off entry. i'm talking wall to wall of people. my friend got groped on the dance floor and there wasn't enough space to get away from the guy. honestly there was a lot of non-consensual groping happening on and off the dance floor, and creepy guys catcalling girls outside the bar around closing. several times i was lifted off my feet trying to move around, and a few times i got squeezed because of people pushing or falling. because of how many people there were, it took 10+ minutes to get some water...they advertised a packed dance floor, but for some reason i thought they'd follow the fire code. second, they weren't checking bags when my friend and i showed up (around 10:30). after pulse, i don't think i need to explain why that's a problem. any real emergency and it would have been near impossible to get out without injury. third, someone i was with was having a health event and we needed help from security to escort her out. i couldn't tell who was an employee because they were either in costume or in all black without any clear "staff"/"security" markings. i went to the bartender for help, and after explaining the situation she said she would try to get an escort. i waited for several minutes before she came back and said they were too busy. luckily security came anyway and was there by the time i made it back. fourth, the bathroom is downstairs in an area with a narrow hallway. the line was long enough to be back up the stairs and to the bar. at some points the stairs & hallway were completely blocked, and people's response times are a lot slower when it's extremely loud and they're all under the influence. can't really fix the bathrooms being downstairs but i've seen other busy bars at least try to have an employee down there. they kept running out of toilet paper and some of the stalls were being hogged. something else awful happened that night but it's not my story to tell and i heard that staff is trying to make it right. what happened wasn't the fault of the bar/staff, but it was made worse by how many people were there and how inaccessible security was. i hope management begins taking safety seriously, both for patrons and staff. their target audience is one highly vulnerable to violence, so i hope for positive changes and a stronger commitment to the community's well-being. i've heard from friends that the pride event was just as packed, maybe even worse at points. safety over drink sales, please.

Unfortunately, having to write this review about this place makes me sad. I have been coming here on and off for 2 decades now, but in recent times (last year or less) the bar is going downhill fast. The place needs better managers for sure. You are blatantly allowing your employees and the patrons vape inside, indoors doors are closed and sitting right at the bar and randomly walking around vaping anywhere. The blonde guy Cody, all he does is smoke cigarettes, play on his phone and drink bourbon or whiskey all throughout his shift. The new round of bartenders are nice enough and friendly, but they need more training. If you don't have bartending experience, then people shouldn't be bartenders. Making a cocktail is a recipe and if you're just throwing liquids in a glass and hope it taste ok or know it's too damn strong is irresponsible bartending and your prices are ridiculous and not consist. You are losing your regulars and crowds daily, because of the shenanigans going on there. Your Happy Hours are dreary and just a bore. The music that is played in this establishment is questionable at varies times and days and needs to be better; especially during "happy hour"... It's the same thread, the same 7 songs and videos. It's HAPPY HOUR, make it happy, play happier music, change the weekly specials; because, it is the same old same old. Now, let's talk about the Browns Backers games... Which used to be a packed blast and a lot of fun...Almost zero crowds any longer and the few that are coming are certainly not regulars. Now, there's a couple smoking cigars on the back patio during the games...Really???. What kind of bar have you turned into. That's where it's time for better managers. Who wants to sit out there, when it's smoky, cigar laden and stinky. cigarettes are bad enough, but most people can handle that. The food is inconsistent, and really expensive. It's time to be better owners and managers and listen to your reviews and be more involved in what's going on at the Twist; because; it appears others' are also seeing and feeling similarly and taking their business elsewhere.

Twist Social Club is an absolute blast, and a must-visit for anyone in the LGBTQAI+ community looking for a vibrant and energetic night out. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. The music is fantastic, with DJs spinning a mix of current hits and classic dance anthems that keep the energy high and the dance floor packed. What really sets Twist apart is its diverse crowd. You'll find people from all walks of life, all coming together to celebrate and have a good time. It’s a place where you can truly be yourself, free from judgment, and just let loose. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. The bartenders are quick and efficient, and the drink selection is solid. The lighting and sound systems are top-notch, creating a real club experience. The space itself is well-designed, with plenty of room to dance and mingle. Whether you're looking to dance the night away with friends, meet new people, or simply enjoy a fun and lively atmosphere, Twist Social Club delivers. They regularly host themed nights and special events, so there's always something new and exciting happening. It's refreshing to have a space that prioritizes creating a safe and fun environment for the LGBTQAI+ community. If you're looking for a place to dance, party, and connect with like-minded individuals, Twist Social Club is the perfect destination. I always leave with a smile on my face and a ton of great memories. It’s a true gem in the local nightlife scene.

I’m sure it would have been great but the security guard wouldn’t let me and my friend in. He let the rest of our 10ish group in but claimed our IDs were fake (they aren’t). My friend called a police non emergency number to try to get someone to come scan them and after a while he told our friend inside that he’d let us in “if we promise to be respectful”, which of course we had been and were always gonna be. If he actually thought they were fake, he wouldn’t have eventually let us in, so idk what his problem with us was. Seems like a nice place, but that ruined the fun of the night.

A place to go and to be when you just wanna dance with somebody. And if that somebody is Whitney Houston’s manager or the otter bartender, that’s your prerogative! Show up during power hour for discount drinks (Harvey Wallbanger is a no go due to lack of Galliano but uh oh, get a remix on the low) and stay long enough to have your chairs pulled out from underneath your butt. In the spirit of dance, that is eventually understood and welcomed. Twist (reference to name of establishment) and sing your way through the evening, making glorious memories with your fav who’s had 1 too many amaretto sours and the stranger straight girl who’s had about 4 too many. Her pure love of the game is infectious and although she will be filmed FLASH ON by the gaggle of gays enjoying access to a table, she will party on. A queen raising the bar for all of us. Take a page from her book and mingle!!! We need connection more than ever. And although Twist needs a few Dyson Pure Cools suspended from the ceiling (not spon) the vibe is impeccable. Stay hot, stay drunk, and stay gay in this haven. WILL BE BACK!

I used to come to twist over twenty years ago when my husband and I were younger. I'm currently here attending a repast for a good friend John Cox. Knowing the bar staff constantly "ignored me" while aid at the bar waiting to be served? I was the one of three Black patrons paying my respect. Even the only Black waiter looked over me, and went to the White customers though I was there first? Really interesting, and sad. I expected better and equal service in 2024. The service was better in 2001 when we used to go there too hang out! The food was great though.

Fun atmosphere just remember higher priced drinks here. Drinks are cost more here then what I pay in florida and we're geared towards tourists not locals. Fun atmosphere and friendly guests

First time at a gay bar in Cleveland and meh.. I googled hiphop gay club and maybe just maybe 4 hiphop sings were played. Very rave vibes. Ppl were friendly however I don’t think this should come up if you’re looking for a gay hiphop spot. Drunk were $7 a shot which is crazy to me but I guess

Dance, dance, dancing!! If you want to move your body then Twist Social Club is the place to be. I first visited in October 2023 with some friends after leaving the MIX event at the CMA (museum). Twist had a 2000's music theme that night. My friends and I had a fantastic time dancing the night away. Fast forward to a year later to Saturday, 31 August 2024 and I'm back at Twist again for their white party for the labour day holiday. The 2024 labour day holiday white party was fun. I arrived at 10pm with a friend and we met 3 other friends there. We danced to a live DJ who spun tunes all night; however, I will say that some of the music choices were not the best because they were not ideal for dancing. At around 11:30pm is when the dance floor begun to be crowded. So as midnight approached, it became a bit uncomfortable to remain on the small(ish) dance floor so I moved towards the back by the bar. Although I don't drink alcohol, moving away from the dance floor towards the front door entrance by the bar was a good choice for me because I didn't feel as claustrophobic as I did when I was on the cramped dance floor. While I have been here twice, I don't know if I'll return because of how packed it gets and some dance floor behaviours by others was a bit much for me to witness. **** GOAL of 150 reviews in 2024 - 95/150 total reviews in 2024 - 744 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 29 September 2024

NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR GAY WOMEN! My girlfriend was shoved by a man and her friend was punched in the face by the SAME man after she told him to leave them alone. People had to hold him back from getting in her face or doing worse... while security and staff did NOTHING. Police showed up and security once again was absolutely no help. Completely disappointing and infuriating. Especially with how the world is right now, safety for LGBTQ women especially should be a priority at a place like this.

Came here to celebrate the release of Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER album! Great vibes and atmosphere - the bartenders were friendly and quick!

One of my favorite bars in Cleveland. The brunch shows have great food options from Landmark Bar & Grill next door and the bartenders are always very kind and even on a busy night will make sure you're taken care of. One thing I hate about bars is when the bathroom smells and that's not the case here, you can tell that the owners take pride in a clean but fun environment. Can't forget about the drag shows they're always very fun with a great line up of Cleveland's best queens. Even if you're just around town for a day or the weekend Twist is a must visit!

i've come here for nightlife before and it's always been so much fun! but i came for their weekend brunch and i have to say, it was AMAZING. the food was phenomenal, and our server max was the BEST! he took really good care of us and make us his ~signature~ cocktail that was literally life changing. i'm so happy there's an openly gay bar and restaurant for me to spend time in and i feel so safe here as a queer woman thank you for everything max!

excellent location, kind of the anchor to this area on clifton. huge garage doors open up when the weather is nice. it's a great place to stop in for a drink during the day when many places are closed. everyone is welcome and safe here, no prejudices. the owners are among the kindest people ive met. they bought us a drink. this is the kind of business that we like to support. they serve food from landmark next door. best fries ever! bunts is such a sweet and kind bartender always with a smile

Fun dance and social atmosphere! Drinks were reasonably priced and the bartenders were quick to serve! I ordered a pulled chicken sandwich, which was delicious! The fries that came with it were okay. I'll definitely be back!

Sunday Brunch, Drag Queen Bingo, Browns Backer Bar and ridiculous bbq you can't go wrong with Twist. Sure the decor has received a hella update from the 90's but it's a good thing. It's been a number of years since the last time I was at Twist so when we were invited to a birthday party we jumped at the chance to celebrate. It was a Sunday afternoon, brunch was still in full swing with a great selection of mimosas and Bellinis. I suggest the peach Bellinis, they were delicious. Now back to menu, Twist shares their kitchen with a scratch made bbq restaurant. Fresh cut fries, brisket, bbq sauce made in-house. Obviously no photos we ate just that quickly. Friendly staff, great atmosphere, music is on point with a great mix of patrons.

Went for afternoon cocktails and all the bar smelled was a Black and mild from a table outside but inside the fence. And they had no cocktails or food... wanted to spend more but not like that... ba

Love the Landmark food and that you can sit at the Twist bar and be served there by wonderful, friendly, and kind bartenders. So grateful that Twist is easily walkable from my home. Special shoutout to Max, Sam, Bunts, Jacob, Mikey, Herbie, AJ, Arden, and Andrew for being especially welcoming to me. They all emanate so much positive energy! Highly recommended!

I was disappointed there was only one non-alcoholic drink option available...ginger beer. Ginger is an acquired taste and may not be loved by all. And maybe one does want a Coke, Diet Coke, or Sprite. Please consider additional non-alcoholic options for us sober patrons to promote inclusivity. Thank you!

This is really the only gay dance night club around. If you're young and in your early 20s this is the perfect place for you. They have a DJ spinning on Fridays and Saturday nights that play House music.

Fun crowded. Expensive drinks but still a good time. Music is alright depending on what you're into

The Tasty Burger with bacon was very good, though slightly dry! Felt a little daring so I got the Pomegranate Bellini and she did not disappoint. And the fries? Ooh girl don't even get me STARTED. Red Robin been real quiet since these fries entered the chat.

The staff last night was HOT as hewl, you already know. I wasn't lyin when I said I was going to leave a review that says that and only that hahahaha. can't wait to go again soon

Max is such a good bartender! So nice and amazing service!!! Definitely recommend!! He's a great drink maker and helps recommend amazing food!!! Will be coming back very soon.

Thank you, Spencer and Joey, for being wonderful hosts and bartenders. My drink was served quickly, and tasted great. The food was fresh and hot. It really hit the spot. I'm new to Cleveland and just discovered Twist. From the moment I walked in, I felt 'at home.' I've tried a couple other bars. Twist is the best! The atmosphere, the wide-open layout, the attentive service, delicious food, and great selection of drinks. Although I came in third place at Trivia Night, you made me feel like a winner. Thank you! P.S. The fried pickle chips were awesome!

I guess the owners don't realize how horribly toxic that tar smell is in the back from the parking lot. It's so toxic smelling i would never eat food on that back patio in this heat it's horrible. Also, where's the gay techno club music??? I walk up in here and im listening to alternative rock and country... like im at a straight bar. hello???

I came here on a Friday night quite a bit ago after a hard day of work; I brought a few friends from work to enjoy the place. We had a great time! I wasn't drinking that night, so I can't speak to the libations, but the environment was fantastic. There was a pretty diverse crowd, and the music was excellent; the volume wasn't overpowering, a common feature of many bars like this, unfortunately, though Twist was smart enough to keep the music low enough for people to have a conversation. In addition, they didn't stick to just chart toppers and played an interesting variety of music: Whitney Houston, Olivia Newton John, a few disco hits, and some top 40 stuff. Minimal rap, which I appreciated. There was something for everyone (except the classical music fans, I guess!). Perhaps more importantly, the crowd felt friendly. My boyfriend and I were able to strike up conversations with a bunch of people in other groups. I understand that's out of the control of the bar, but it mattered to me. A dance floor also seemed to spontaneously form in the large open area of the bar, which was great. The night was a blast, and I'd love to come back here on another night off!

The thing is, I like busy clubs or bars, but this isn't it for me. It's patronage is often standoffish, remaining to herds. There isn't much socialness at this social club, which confuses me, because it's not at all a gay bar either (or really a place to dance). It's more a place for hags to come let their freak flag fly or whatever. When I go to gay bars, I wanna socialize with everyone, it's just not as possible here. There are pros, though. 1. The staff is so so lovely, often times busy, but what can you do? 2. I love that I can order food from Landmark if I ever felt the need. 3. The patio is magnificent and roomy (with a bar!)

Visited Twist during my first-ever visit to Cleveland on a work trip after being referred by a coworker. Got to the bar around 4:30pm and didn't leave until after 9pm due to the amazing time I had thanks to bartenders AJ & Joshua. In looking for a place to go, I'd expressed wanting a relaxing and friendly environment that was more of a bar than a club and that's exactly the element Twist provides which reminded me of my favorite neighborhood gay bar at home. Drinks were delicious and it wasn't overly noisy until late in the evening (I was there during a Browns game.) AJ & Josh were phenomenal servers and made my visit incredibly enjoyable as they were highly engaging and personable. I had such a nice time I didn't want to leave and will definitely make this a stop during any and all future visits.

Not the same gay bar anymore. Where's Beyoncé night or lady Gaga night? The food isn't the same and the vibe is way more bland. New owners I heard !! That don't want to identify as a gay bar but that's fucked up.

The ongoing disappointment at this "antisocial club" continues. It's such a lovely day that I thought it would be nice to sit outside and enjoy a nice cold tall cider. It being outside the other hours that I've been there to suffer the indignities of their dismal customer service, I thought hell, I'll take a chance. Well, I wasn't expecting much and it definitely lived down to my expectations. Upon selecting my cider, passing on the ones I didn't want, guess what...I get what I didn't want. Personality free bartender decided by his little old self to pour the one I would have definitely not ordered, an overly sweet pineapple infused monstrosity. Perhaps it's just me and my many years of customer service training and experience, but I was pissed. He remarked that they were out of the one I ordered, but here you go. Not want to be a bigger dick than I already am, I just took it. My mistake as I should have stuck to my guns and made my own selection, making him pour me something more to my liking. Dude's just and asshole I guess. This will be my last review of this joint as I'm only a glutton for so much punishment and won't be coming back.

So I started going here 3 days ago, Day one I couldn't get service cause I forgot my i.d. ok my fault. Day two I finally get service and a guy asks me and the bar manager to blow a line with him then he does one himself at the bar. Day three is Disney karaoke and the bar manager rushes me saying I have to go because 4 people say I "threw up on the stage." Which is false. And on top of that the guy who was doing coke the night before TRIED to check me. Wtf is this shit? You throw out tipping customers for no reason?

A fun gay bar in South Beach, very fun bartenders and crowd, lots of hot guys, several rooms with different music.

This place was great! We went with a group of friends while I was visiting the area, and I could NOT have had a better night! The crowd was lively and fun and the staff were really kind! I was also shook by how affordable alcohol is there, but I live near downtown Chicago so I'm used to $12 beers.. Good music, good vibes, super friendly people. There was nothing not to love. I personally had an amazing time.

My wife and I stopped in for the first time and were absolutely delighted by the prompt & GENUINELY friendly service provided by their upbeat, knowledgeable staff. The place was clean, music was fresh & eclectic and the food...was AMAZING! WE will definitely be back!!!

Twist Social Club offers a selection of food, drinks/ beer with a modern contemporary feeling and old world feel. The bar is an island bar with friendly bar tenders who will greet you with a smile. Friendly gay atmosphere. This is a must stop when you travel to Cleveland.

So nice to have a lgbtq+ friendly place close to home. Never anything but a great experience here.

If you love your customers and community, stop giving them tinnitus/hearing damage. Absolutely no excuse for why the music should be so loud the speakers distort night after night. If the amps are clipping or the speakers are distorted, it's too loud. Period. Drunk people can take it but just try going sober. I can't be in here for more than 20 minutes and leave without ringing in my ears for a day.

What an awful place. My friend was assaulted here and when we stood up to the perpetrator we asked to leave but they were allowed to stay. The service was lousy as well.

Cool, fun and atmosphere, bartender AJ is the best.... order his specialty strawberry starburst I loved it.

Twist is a mainstay as far as gay bars go and I've been to Twist dozens of times. It's a gay bar, but there is a generally transphobic clientele. I was referred to as a man in a wig before here by a patron. As a trans person this isn't my favorite gay bar, but it's probably the best Cleveland has to offer sadly. I was there last night and I was using the ladies room while I got to have 2 gay men have sex in one of the stalls in the women's room right next to me. It was quite frankly disgusting.

For visiting Cleveland for the first time, this was my favorite bar to hang out at. The staff was super quick to get us drinks and were exceptionally friendly and told us about all the best spots in town- LGBT or not! They frequently have fun events like Ariana Grande yoga, DJ dance parties, and drag shows. Twist made me feel confident in moving to Cleveland and knowing I'll have a go-to spot for going out any night of the week.

This place is fantastic! I wish they had a bigger happy hour crowd but the bartenders are very friendly! Nothing like drinking a Double IPA and having Cher play! They have a great selection of beer and it's ever changing!

Loved this neighborhood gay bar. We were headed to a different one and our Uber driver mentioned this. Neat street patio.

Service is good. Everyone is very polite. Vibe is solid. Music is a little too "boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats" for me, but it was still fun to dance a little. I wouldn't make this my final destination, but it was nice to drop in for a couple drinks on our way to meet friends. Not your "typical" gay bar, but nothing that will change your life either.

Well I would never go to this establishment because they kick you out if you fall to the ground hitting your head and Don't even bother checking on the patron. When calling to talk to owner about it twice was told would be looked into and no response back either time.

The bar tenders are awesome, the food is quite good. It is lovely in the summer with the large patio doors open.

We are visiting Cleveland for the weekend and this place is fantastic. I would highly recommend.

Fun place! Usually the go-to in Cleveland or the first stop on a hop. Either way its always a great time. That bathroom situation though....gurl.

This place is super fun, clean, and cheap! My go to gay bar when In Cleveland. Lots of space inside and more outside space than you would expect. Music is loud but not so loud that you can't think. If you want to have some fun go here!!

Looking for new places after being a recent transplant to the Cleveland area and can definitely say that I will be coming back to Twist. My partner and I stopped in on the 4th and it wasn't too busy, but the atmosphere there seems really nice. Didn't need to wait too long for a drink and the prices here weren't bad at all. I love that they have a patio with the open concept from the bar especially on a nice summer night. Definitely found the large Jenga and Connect Four to be a unique thing. The staff and patrons there seemed to all be friendly. Will definitely be coming back again.

The music here is terrible & they won't take anyone's Request so i wouldn't recommend anyone to come here to dance I would go to interbelt in Akron for much better music & decent priced drinks!

Perfect hang out bar, especially during the warmer months when the front opens up. Wednesday night karaoke is always a good time and the staff is super friendly. One of my personal favorites.

This place was such a disappointment. I went on a Saturday night around 11:30pm when it was busy. The layout is poorly constructed. What they consider the dance floor is not even enough for 20 people. It's so small that people kept bumping into me, stepping on my feet, someone spilled their drink on my back. If you wanted to dance, even if it wasn't on the "dance floor", hardly impossible without bumping into someone else. There's a side room, but I don't know what the purpose of it is. The bathrooms are downstairs and are also very tiny. There is hardly any privacy in the men's bathroom. My friends went to the bar to get 3 drinks and that took like 25 minutes. I would think with such a large bar they would have more or faster bartenders to support the size. The only enjoyable thing was the music.

Gay bar....clean smells great, lots of parking and safer walking distance to hawk and Days Inn Bartender is friendly mixed age group...Dinner next door and nicer restaurants close by

The theme party nights are fun and get pretty busy around midnight and on. The bar is always well staffed. The bartenders, despite a full house, are attentive and provide quick service. Drinks are made well and the prices are fair. The space is clean, well decorated and therefore right up there competing for my attention with Cleveland's other nice bars. There is lots of bar stool seating around the square bar, a quieter side room with a cash only bar, and a large floor space for dancing later in the night. I'm a fan of this place and have enjoyed the last couple of events I've gone to. There are free rear and side parking lots.

Seems like a older crowd some nights when it is less busy, but overall pretty diverse group. When it's nice out, the patio out front is everything. Never had a problem getting a drink, service is great.