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If it’s December, it must be time for awards …
First of all, here’s a bit of an explanation: Getting a Mikey isn’t like getting something you need to run to your CVS pharmacist to have a private conversation about in the prescription drop-off booth.
Second of all, here’s a bit of a disclaimer: The Mikeys are not the official opinions of Spangle Magazine. They’re just from little ol’ me.
The Mikey Awards 2008: Part One — Nightlife
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN: Union
Hands-down, its redesign within the past year brought life back to a club that was quickly on its way out. It’s hip, modern and mature and a bright spot to show off to your out-of-town friends. Seriously, Union could put some of the West Sixth nightclubs to shame as there are plenty of places to sit and chat, the music is at the correct audio level, the lighting is mood-centered and flattering, and it serves food to boot! A great working-dinner kind of place, come to think of it. The owners get total props for this top-to-bottom overhaul. Now, it’s time for them to do the same with their website. BEST PATIO: (Front) Twist; (Back) Apex & Leather Stallion (tie)
Kind of like how shoes make the man, a good patio can make (or break) a great club idea.
Twist nightclub owner John Katsaros deserves medals for throwing off the brick walls and glass block of yesteryear that sealed up our community’s visibility for so long from the general public. The in-your-face front patio, with garage-door bays proudly thrown open even on the mildest of spring days, took Cleveland out of the closet and onto the Clifton Boulevard runway.
For back-patio excursions, Apex and Leather Stallion both have dumped the standard “here’s a picnic table and some plastic chairs we found” and actually applied some exterior design to their models. On a grand summer night, both patios are healthily filled and healthily enjoyable with fun clientele and upbeat atmospheres.
BEST GET-AWAY ROOM: Downstairs at Twist
For some reason, get-away rooms have always been designed as get-off rooms. Occasionally, we’d get a get-away-from-me room in our clubs for those trying to outrun an adamant stalker or avoid being seen by an ex. Finally, we have a room designed and, thankfully, functioning as an official get-away (from the rest of the club) room. Twist has nailed it with a comfy-chaired abode located downstairs from the main bar. Meet someone who is cute and want to get to know him without losing your voice by screaming over the D.J. for an hour? Head downstairs where the just about fully-stacked bar and (much) quieter surroundings will help you decipher (much faster) if he’s worth pursuing for the long run or just perusing later in bed.
BEST MAKE-OVER: Argos
Our first-ever gay sports bar struggled for far too long before, somewhat unintentionally, stumbling upon the gay African-American crowd in town, who also were frustrated for far too long to find their own place to hang. Sure, Argos still celebrates our local gay sports leagues, and if you want to watch the Browns or Indians pound a few balls, this is the place to go when a game is on the telly, thanks to the way-comfortable atmosphere and an interior rehab from Argos’ Longevity strip-club days that is almost unbelievable. Yet Thursday to Sunday nights, Argos is the place to go in Cleveland for anyone black and proud — and everyone else who went black and hasn’t gone back, for that matter.
BEST REASONS CLEVELAND IS A PROGRESSIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TOWN: The Grog Shop & The Garage
Exhibit No. 1 (The Grog Shop): I can now count on both hands the number of times I have been to all-ages shows at the Grog Shop to see rock, emo and punk rock bands, only to look around the room and catch same-sex couples holding hands or with their arms around each other. In full, plain-view, right there, and no one (from other concert-goers to staff) has even batted an eye. The Grog Shop gets total props for creating a progressive rock ‘n’ roll experience for everyone in this town. Rock was all about breaking down barriers, and, thankfully, this club backs that philosophy up.
Exhibit No. 2 (The Garage): Some in our community jokingly refer to this place as the Gay-rage, and maybe for a good reason. It’s nice to have a place you can go with your friends and be yourself and not have to be in a gay-themed atmosphere. West 25th Street’s rocker and (weekend) biker hang-out, the Garage is that place. A great jukebox, friendly staff and a diverse, hip, tattooed and open-minded crowd all inhabit this joint. A great place to stop after dinner, before the club or maybe instead of the club. More Mikeys next week!
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