Club 1220

I am gay and have frequented 1220 here and there in the past and I am an acquaintance of Michael the DJ.  I know that they have a karoake night on Wednesdays.  Being an avid singer, I decided to go sing.  I got there close to 9 p.m. and found out the karaoke doesn't start till 10 p.m. so I decided to have the drink and the bartender (forgot his name)  was real friendly and made me a nice strong drink.  I sat at the bar and was having a great conversation with a guy sitting there.  But a little later, on returning from the bathroom, a young straight couple were standing at the bar in front of my chair, they appeared to be ordering drinks. When I approached them they seemed friendly and we briefly chatted and I mentioned I was sitting there and asked them if they were waiting for their drinks and they replied yes.  I waited patiently until their shots arrived and then they kept standing there and I asked them again to please move which they finally did.  Meanwhile, I put my name in to sing and Dave the KJ was very professional and friendly and took care of me.  On returning from singing my second song back to my seat, the same young straight couple were again standing in front of my chair.  When I approached the girl rudely said to me, "Oh you again!"  And I said I would like to sit down which they then left for the dance floor looking back at me and motioning rude gestures at me.   I soon left the bar disgusted.

I love everyone but this couple was so rude showing no respect for me.  They make straights look bad.  If they are going to act like this, they should stay in straight bars.  Makes me not want to venture back into 1220 where I should feel at home, safe, and respected.

I saw great potential in this place, but that's the keyword: Potential. Cool decor (love the giant sofa!) and a nice mix of both gay and straight.  There were two bartenders; girl and a guy.  Guy made drinks so weak I wondered if there was any alcohol in them.  Girl made them STRONG, like CRAZY strong.  (That's what I'm talkin' about!) So, I definitely recommend having this chick mix your drinks if you go.  (I'm sorry I didn't catch her name!)

As for the minuses,  I'm not sure if we just caught this place on an off-night, but it was very empty for a Saturday.  Everyone just looked sad sitting at the bar alone and playing with their i-phones.  I saw very few couples and/or groups of friends.  NO ONE was on the dance floor and I mean NO ONE.  The DJ was playing salsa almost exclusively, so maybe that was it?   Really cool gourmet pupusa stand that sets up outside around 9:00.  The best part is they let you bring food into the bar, I really appreciate that.

THE BEST GAY BAR IN WALNUT CREEK.  Well, ok, the ONLY gay bar in Walnut Creek I have found, but they live up to the reputation of gay bars, weird things happen, awkward moments always come from drunk people making passes, conversations get wild, and drinks are strong enough to drop even the most alcoholic person ever.  Mondays have free pool, which is fun.  They also do karaoke some nights, dancing, etc.  If you want to dance, watch Ru Paul's drag race, have a smoking area where you can drink, or generally just love gay bars, it is the place to go.  Also, and this might just be me, the cover on weekends does not seem all that strict.  It seems likely they would rather just get the business if you seem like you are going to walk away from a cover.  Also, Holatta (I hope she still works there, I haven't been on a Monday in a little bit) is amazing! Her fruit loop drinks are killer, and she is hilarious!