The best thing about this bar is Karen! She is an amazing bartender. She knows how to make drinks, she can work the bar with ease, and she remembers the preferred drink of the regulars while she helps new customers. I hope they know what a gem of a bartender they have in Karen. read more

So comfortable. Come on by! I might return tonight. The staff was so very lovely. I would return. read more

See all

I came for the Baddie drag queens and I love it super amazing performace make sure you bring some cash but I didn't like that they didn't have menus and the one bar tender the man that look 900 months pregnant is super disrespectful to the women there and rude so I will not be getting any drinks read more

This could be the oldest continuously-operating gay bar but back when it was the death penalty for being gay, it might have a lot of stories that are sketchy about it. Leon's of Baltimore: With potential origins in the 1890s and documented LGBTQ+ service since 1957, it has a strong claim to near-continuous operation for over 60 years. However, details about its early years remain unclear. Julius': Opened in 1935 and has functioned primarily as a gay bar since the 1950s. However, it faced brief closures due to legal challenges and renovations, technically breaking the chain of continuous operation. White Horse Tavern: Opened in 1673 and has served diverse clientele throughout its history. While it became a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals during discriminatory times, it wasn't exclusively a gay bar throughout its entire existence, raising questions about continuous operation in the specific context of serving the LGBTQ+ community. read more

See all

A night to relax with a close friend moved here for some drinks and continued conversation. My husband was off at a wedding so I decided to come downtown for some drinks with a close friend. I've been to tons of local LGBT bars in Baltimore and DC but have not visited Leon's until now. We walked in around 8pm to about 50% capacity in the main bar. My friend had been there many many times and walked us on the backside of the bar against the wall. Great spot to sit, talk, and people watch together. Bartender was kind. Ordered Gin & Tonic. VERY strong pour. Similar to how pours are in The Castro in San Francisco. I'd say 80% Gin, 20% Tonic. Not complaining. Not the best selection though for some of the liquors. You can see their liquors in the middle of the bar. I asked for Hendrick's Gin, the best they could do was Bombay or Tanq., mayyybe Beefeater. Loads of Pinnacle options... not the prettiest sights lol. Overall though, for three to four hours of hanging out, chatting, and relaxing, a couple drinks in for less than $20, I was down! Had a good time. Would love to come back on an event night or just when there are generally more people to liven up the bar a little more. read more

Went out for drinks with a friend on October 12 and couldn't believe how little the bartender, Sven, cared. A customer knocked over a glass and it shattered onto the floor. He made no effort to clean up the broken glass despite multiple patrons asking him to. He kept saying "I'll get it after my shift." It was hardly midnight and he was just going to let a safety hazard sit there for another 2 hours. Someone could have easily gotten hurt. That's just not acceptable read more

******Has anyone at Leon's seen ERIK KIIK****** He left Frazier's on the Ave in an Uber to go to Leon's last night 1/30/22 around 6pm. We have not heard from him since around 9pm. This is not usual behavior for my friend...PLS HELP Office # 443-508-0039 if you can share any information. Thank you! read more

Love Leon's! The Most Fun Gay Bar on the East Coast!!! It is Muli-Cultural/Multi-Ethnic....Represents the Best Qualities of Baltimore City. Great Bartenders and Staff! Leon's will become One of Your Favorites after 1 or 2 Friday or Saturday Evening's or Night's Visits. Maxx Mann read more

Great prices on drinks. Wish they had more selections and offered some type of food options. Can't wait til they're back to operating at full capacity and hosting events, I'd love a drunk karaoke with the gays read more

I ended up at Leon's late one night while visiting my little brother. He said it was one of his favorite places so he wanted to take us there. He's a regular so he's familiar with some of the bartenders. We probably got there well after midnight on a Sunday. There was a decent sized crowd but it wasn't packed so the bartender (woman with a bunch of tattoos) greeted us immediately. I ordered a margarita (on the rocks) and my sister ordered cranberry and vodka. I can't recall what my bro ordered. Eh. The drinks were ok. Not great but certainly not the worst I've ever had. I didn't even finish mine because I ended up drinking my sister's vodka and cranberry. She didn't care for it so she didn't want it. My drink was $8 which seems average for Baltimore. The same drink in Chicago's trendy (LGBTQ neighborhood) Boystown would probably be about $10 so I wasn't complaining about the prices. The drinks were disappointing but overall the experience was enjoyable. It's a dive bar for sure but really comfortable and inviting. The lights were dimmed so I couldn't really see the interior that well but I appreciated the warm atmosphere. Our bartender was really friendly too. The karoke was diverse which was nice. The song selection was everything from Aerosmith to Notorious BIG. My brother sang a couple of songs and we had a blast grooving to many others. I'd probably be up for going to Leon's again the next time I'm in town. We had a nice time despite the drinks being less than stellar. I'm giving it 3 stars vs 2 for the overall experience. read more

I came here for karaoke on a Sunday night and it was amazing! It was packed for a Sunday and the people were so friendly. The drinks were good and a decent price. There's a front bar and a back bar where the karaoke is at. It's a gay bar but everyone treats you with respect. Karaoke was so much fun with my friends. read more

I was staying at a hotel across the street with my wife and kid. I ran in to see what was happening in the colts-patriots playoff game. I asked three guys, who won the packers Seahawks game? Nobody knew. Wow. And it was a killer game. Overtime and everything. Bar packed. No women in the bar. Cool. A gay bar. I used to hang out in them when I lived in SF, CA for 8 years. This was a most congenial gay bar. Everyone was friendly. But when I lived in SF, the gay men loved the 49ers, but would say stuff like ""Dear lord, another huddle?!" This bar had no football lovers. But the game was on the tv. Had some typical gay bar characteristics. You can't see inside from the outside. Each time I ordered a drink I was brought two. When I explained I ordered only one, I was advised that it was two for one. Nothing wrong with that! Canned beer, another gay bar trait. No draft beer. Flavored vodka on the top shelf, good whiskey on the bottom. You know what, it tasted just as good from the bottom shelf! Well, fancy that. I had a great time. But I was a little disappointed, because despite my black leather jacket, de rigeuer in the gay world, nobody hit on me... read more

This bar is pretty cool. It is not super young but it is really very nice and with two moods. I attended a karaoke, a drag show. The music is pretty good and the prices are super affordable. I recommend this establishment (gay or not) read more

In Baltimore for a conference, a semi-colleague and I headed out to dinner. On the way back to our hotel (Brexton) we elected to stop here for one more drink. It was empty save for a couple of bartenders and an equal amount of patrons. I left said colleague at the bar while I went to go to the restroom. Which was right near the best vending game machine on the planet. Let's just say I am disappointed that I did not win a ring. Returned to my colleague at the bar, and FINALLY came to the realization that I was in a gay bar. SO AWESOME. I don't know how the colleague felt but since he is rather pretty, it could go either way. Had a drink (his choice) then retired to the hotel (separate rooms, you perverts). If you're staying at the Brexton, regardless of which way you swing, this is a great place for a drink. Wonderful staff and decent prices. Oh and win me something, will ya? read more

This is the gay Cheers of Baltimore. Go on Friday for happy hour, maybe Wednesday, and Sundays around 7 or 8. The place will be packed with Baltimore men, socializing and drinking. All other times, there will be maybe three patrons in the whole place. It's either feast or famine here. Drinking, did you say? Why yes, indeedy. Leon's runs a two-for-one happy hour for something around $5. That's two. Cocktails. For $5. Don't expect quality for that price, but after the first round you won't mind a bit. And best to stop after two rounds. Any more than that, and you're risking a VERY exciting evening. read more

This was right across the street from our hotel. Very divey, and we were told to go to Eagle, before we even went in the door. It was divey and oversized for such a small older crowd. Their back bar had a dj, but maybe two other people. The drinks were strong and cheap, but definitely not a memorable or exciting place. read more

If I could, I'd narrow this review specifically to the bald bearded awful bartender working this afternoon. I am not the sort of person who would take the time to do this kind of review but... So, before, when it was still steam punk alley, this bar was mine and my former boyfriend Jason Lewis favorite bar ever. Tina and Mikey were the best, and going out meant without question going to stream punk. That is...until Jason dies on Christmas Eve two years ago in a tragic accident. It's been a while since I've been back because the memories make me want to cry. So a few weeks ago, someone fell asleep driving on the highway and totaled my car. I had errands to run in the city and was in a rush leaving and I'll advisedly wore jeans and a hoodie to take the train downtown and end up doing a LOT (like miles) of walking in like a million degrees weather. So before heading back to the train station I decided to take, according to my phone, a 1.7 mile WALKING detour to steam punk. When I arrived, I politely asked for a glass of ice water. The man said"you have to get a drink I'm not just handing ice waters out" I assumed he knew I knew that and I laughed it off and said "yeah of course I used to be a bartender" I was hot, exhausted and parched and alcohol could wait for a glass of water and a trip to the bathroom while I decide what cocktail I want, right? Wrong. He stared at me after I politely waited for him to finish up with his other customers and he asked me what drink I wanted. I said I hadn't decided yet, just water for a minute and I have to use the bathroom to which he cut me off and said "you know what, do me a favor and get out" I was so embarrassed and stunned and surprised that my feet carried me to the door before I could even think. I paused and almost turned around to just order a beer but everyone was staring at me as if I was some piece of garbage so I just left in tears. Whoever you are, bartender, you really hurt my feelings. Compounded with the trouble I took out of my way to patronize your establishment, you ruined my day and made me feel like less than a person. I hope this prevents you from doing the same to someone else in the future. Who knows, maybe you were just having a bad day. But that's not something you should pay forward. read more

I walked in and immediately felt at home. Bar tenders were all insanely friendly and didn't rush me to choose a drink. I travel a lot and I rarely feel so good about a bar so quickly. highly recommended for out of towners or new people to town. read more

I just love Leon's I am a straight acting guy with a secret love of men mostly gay men. Any time I am free I head to Leon's. I love the feel I get as soon as I walk in the door. I really love the warm dark intoxicating locker room scent of all these men together. I have to admit I also crave the loving flirting glances from a guy checking me out and the shared excepting smiles or wink we share as I pass. I like to pick a spot at the bar with an empty stool next to me. The last few times I was here I met the sweetest welcoming men. I love how two guys can feel so comfortable coming on to each other and how good it is to feel a man rubbing my leg and telling me how pretty my eyes are and then softly kiss me. Leon's is just a great place where men who love men can go and be together and maybe spend some fun time later at his place. read more

Great dive bar! Baltimore has some fantastic dive bars and this place is one of them! Never a dull moment and the drinks are prices great and made well! It's a bar the caters to everyone no matter what your preference you will feel comfortable here! read more

Horrible place in Baltimore. They pick and choose who they want to wait on. Certain bar staff only wait on regulars.

You say you only have 20 bucks in your pocket?!? Good!!! You'll have a great time at Leon's. The drinks are the cheapest you'll find in the neighborhood. If Joe or Marc are working, you'll definitely have a fun time. Joe has a special skill for finding the two people that came in alone, and introducing them so nobody has to feel lonely. Marc tells great jokes, and his American Horror Story nights are unbelievably fun. Sunday is, by far the busiest day (usually between 6 and 10). Oh, and bring your jukebox money. read more

We spent 3 nights here. Very comfortable and friendly. We will be back! Busy but nice. Both bar tenders were great. Lots of guys

What a dump smells like piss no heat no ac. Just dirty. The bar is not what it once was. A sad tragedy.

Cool old school dive - gay bar. Food's ok but go for the fun people- but please clean your bathrooms( yuk). Great happy hour(s) also!

Awful management with poor leadership skills and professionalism, but than again they do manage the nastiest gay bar in Baltimore. $8 dollars an hour must suck. The bathrooms are gross, the drinks are weak, and it smells like throw up when you walk in. Better off going somewhere else. read more

The bartender is pure rude.... sorry... no music playing. Like we are just annoying him

Leon's of Baltimore. It was the first and still is a gay bar in Baltimore that is now owned by a straight man named Ron, who it seems is more interested in saving a few dollars rather then spending a few dollars to make his regular customer feel comfortable. Its 80 degrees outside and 200% humidity and he will not allow his bartenders to turn on the AC unless the thermometer touches 80 degrees. Oh Well this is Baltimore and us gays do like to see our men with their shirts off and dripping sweat down from their chests to their stomachs. But on the cooler side, there is Mark. The most gorgeous, gracious, polite, hairy bartender, with double nip rings and who has this amazing Irish/Scottish accent and who fills out his Levi's very well! What a fantastic personality. I can forgive Ron for making me sweat in the bar. But I respect Ron for having Mark as Leon's Manager and bartender. I'm in love, but so is most of the regulars. Mark has a wonderful boyfriend and Mark makes all of his customers feel special and comfortable and he really tries to get to know everyone. Once you talk with Mark, you will want to come back again and again. This is the Bear, Burly, Gay Cheers Bar of Baltimore, but without the AC, at least it was not on today. If it is warm or hot outside and if the humidity is up there and if you see the doors open, take off your shirts and come on inside. Mark will remember your name. read more