Esquire Bar

I’ve been coming here at least once a month since I moved to Lansing, and I’ve never had a bad experience. It’s always made me happy that they offer low-quality frozen pizzas and microwave popcorn, and they’re accommodating to me as someone who doesn’t drink but goes out with my queer friends who do. The vibe of the bar definitely feels centered around older, cis-gendered gay men, which is fine, but I don’t feel quite as welcome as a younger, femme-presenting nonbinary person. But hey, at least it’s felt a bit more welcoming than your average straight bar. Unfortunately, I was floored at how I was treated upon my most recent visit. I made the mistake of bringing in my reusable water bottle. To preface, I understand that I made the mistake of not reading the sign out front that said no outside drinks are allowed. Totally on me. However, the older man with glasses who is always checking IDs didn’t have to absolutely berate me and treat me like garbage over it. He could have just said “hey, you can’t have that in here. Can you take that to your car?” Instead, after I simply apologized to him and told him it wouldn’t happen again, he became increasingly angry and wouldn’t stop going off on me. I did not once argue with him, so I see no reason why he couldn’t have stopped after my apology. He decided to rant at me, do his best to dress me down, and told me he “didn’t want to have to start yelling.” It felt like there was no way to escape from him acting like this, because no matter how many times I apologized, he wouldn’t stop berating me and getting angrier. Me and my group decided to leave at that point. Not because I couldn’t accept my mistake, but being chastised by an older man who was becoming increasingly furious with me when I was only trying to profusely apologize and repeat that it wouldn’t happen again was a horrible experience. Especially as someone who frequents this bar. I’m still completely taken aback at the way I was treated.

This is a Lansing classic! A staple! I'm so glad we still have the establishment. The atmosphere is great not too loud and not too quiet, everyone here is friendly. I haven't been to Lansing in a while but when I was a local it was the only gay bar available. Joel behind the bar pours the best and he's hilarious and very kind hearted.

Tried to go here with my friend last night during Pride. Older guy with glasses working the door checking id’s was so unbelievably rude and disrespectful towards us. He IMMEDIATELY kicked us out and told us we couldn’t come back bc my friend had a BOTTLE OF WATER in her hand. She doesn’t even drink alcohol. So she tried to drink the rest of the water before entering. He then told us we were BANNED and couldn’t come back bc he could get his liquor license revoked?! I am so disappointed and disgusted with how we were treated so poorly, and have NEVER experienced such terrible customer service in my entire life. I used to love coming to this bar, but will never be back due to this incident. I’m just floored that a business can treat customers this way.

I went there for the first time and David made the experience so worth it. Best cocktails I’ve had downtown by far!

I walked in by accident, had been in another bar down the street and was exploring ( I'm not from Lansing) . Played Keno, hit a 6 spot that paid $2200. Bought the BAR a drink since I had free money. Google the place next day and discovered it was a " gay bar " . I'm straight. Still pissed because as attractive as I am, no one hit on me ! LMAO. Great place. Go spend an hour there.

One of the bartenders, Gregory Fink, and a friend of his found my phone in the street out in front of the bar. After going through my phone and finding my " last search" that I had done , and finding my picture in my photo gallery, they found me here! I give kudos and thanks for going out of their way to do the right thing (: This shows the rest of the world Human Kindness Lives!

Never new this existed thought it was a party store stopped in on Jazz night very cool!

Great atmosphere and staff! Bingo night on Thursdays is fun and approachable. Support your local gay bar!