Bounce Night Club

After a return of two years, I was excited to see how this club has progressed. On a recent Saturday night, it was predominately female (I am not) with very young in-betweens males (20ish) and a lot of straight folk. The music was overly ethnic--not usual techno dance music--more of what you'd hear on a popular radio station. It was not inviting, the people were clique-ish and I agree, the sad drag show was just a waste of time and way too long. I felt like I was having a ghetto experience.

Upon entrance, all of the staff was rude, unappreciative and regimented. I was stuck in a line with teens (I am over 30) and had to be carded, stamped and wrist- tagged with a cover immediately upon entering the door. You cannot even enter this place for just a simple drink without going through the 3rd degree and having to pay a cover-charge. The neighborhood is NOT safe with or without Cleveland P.D.? They are not the most responsive department and I feel that they are just sucking up extra-job pay.

There has to be an alternative dance club in Cleveland for out-of-towners.

Pros: I didn't experience any

Cons: Read the text below

Forget it if you're not gay! We waited downstairs 20 minutes but the bartenders were fair as possible and waited on everyone as they saw them coming up to the bar...go upstairs and that concept went right out the window. I waited for over 20 minutes patiently at the end of the bar and when I was told by another woman that maybe I should move closer to the midde of the bar to be served, was refused by the woman server and told that it didn't matter where I standing to wait my turn, I was quiteupset that she served the gay guy standing next to me who had been there for less than 2 minutes. She then told another woman server that she refused to serve me and that she should serve me, only to have her also refuse to serve me. Needless to say I went downstairs to complain only to be given 2 free passes to get in to the club that the bartenders upstairs refused to serve me in. Now honestly, why would I go back there??? To be treated like crap?? I don't think so...

Pros: ok music

Cons: don't expect to get served if you're straight

Aesthetic analysis:
Bounce has two main parts, Union Station and the dance floor area. Union Station is a combination bar and restaurant, and has a small raised dance floor. The dance floor has two levels and the upper level has a bar. There is also an outside patio with a nice little sitting area and tables where drinks and cigarettes can be taken. There is no smoking inside.

Personal analysis:
The drinks are strong and for the most part worth the price, and if you are looking to go there regularly, I can guarantee you will make some great new friends. The atmosphere is very friendly to every orientation and the place has something for people of every level of wild!
For those of you who are looking for a more relaxed hangout, I don't recommend Bounce. The demographic is Generation Y with a low count of people over 35, and the music is always very loud.
There are frequent drag shows but the dancing isn't too bad, and the floor always opens back up afterwards. As a straight 21-year-old woman, I always go with a group of friends and we have a blast! I do not recommend driving by yourself, because it's true that the area isn't the best. There are police on standby at the door, but it helps to have all your bases covered. Overall, this is a fun getaway for a weekend.

Pros: Great drinks and friendly regulars!

Cons: During the week the big dance floor is not open.

Seriously, don't even bother with this place. The setup is kinda cool and the drinks are strong, but the staff and the crowd S*CK. A very snobby bunch, and the majority of the crowd is extremely clique-y. A lot of younger people not very interested in socializing or dancing, just trying to show off their "gayness." There isn't a good variety of music nor do the dj's seem interested in what they are doing. The drag shows are way too frequent (basically every night) and TOO LONG. The queens s*ck, not very funny or interesting and are always set to find straight guys in the crowd. Dude, you're a chick with a d*ck, there is a reason you are at a gay bar. THE STAFF IS REALLLLLY RUDE and not very welcoming, making the atmosphere uncomfortable as soon as you show your ID.

Like I said, don't waste your time. The bad neighborhood isn't worth risking.

Pros: Strong drinks

Cons: Staff, Music, Crowd, Neighborhood, Parking

Well for starters the club is in a bad part of the neighborhood, parking is limited, and the club itself is very small with limited staff. I went there on pride and you would have thought they would have been prepared to provide service but not only were they ill prepared they had horrible attitudes. On the weekends you find a lot of teeny boppers (under 21). First timers be ware!! And if you have a car love be careful and definitely don't drive down by yourself!!! ALSO A FEW PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT (IT IS 2 BLOCKS FROM THE PROJECTS) IN THIS AREA AND MAY HAVE BEEN TARGETED BECAUSE THEY WERE GAY!!!

Pros: NONE

Cons: BAD NEIGHBORHOOD, UNSAFE LIMITED PARKING, SMALL CLUB ON THE INSIDE

Being new to the bisexual community, I thought this place was amazing. It's a younger crowd which works great for me as I'm 21. The drag show on ladies' night (Wed) was a lot of fun, and Saturdays are tons of fun when the place gets really crowded and the Bounce nightclub portion is open. I'm looking forward to returning there sometime in the next couple weeks! The drinks are entirely too strong, but other than that, it's a very fun atmosphere. You get the liquor you're paying for but... maybe stay away from the mixed drinks.

Pros: Parking right across the street, fun scene, drag shows, tight community

Cons: Neighborhood, drive

This the the gay place to be on Friday nights. They also have a full-service restaurant with a good selection. Restaurant opens at 5 PM. Video cafe & pool tables in front w/ lots of room & Bounce Dance Club in back with weekend drag shows before lots of dancing.

Pros: Lots of hot guys on Friday nights & great food

Cons: Bathrooms can get messy with the crowds.