Hank’s Cafe

in Bars, Clubs, and Discos

Hank’s Cafe, an “upscale bar” and “progressive-style dance club,” opened at 11729 Detroit Avenue in 1988. Hank’s Cafe (“Dance-A-Teria”) was co-owned and operated by Hank Berger and Dick Korn. Hank’s Cafe was decorated in a “funky” style that borrowed heavily from 1930s and 1940s-era Hollywood aesthetics. Hank’s bar contained a “50-foot granite-style bar, booths, 1940s furniture, and up-to-date lighting and sound.” Hank’s Cafe closed in early 1990.


Additional information coming soon.

Resources

  • Brunstedt, Mike. The Cleveland Flats.
  • Cullinan, Helen. “Mural Sets Dancing Tone.” Plain Dealer. January 20, 1989.
  • Glaser, Chris. “Chapter 13: Hank Berger.” Purple Armadillos: The Intellects, Entrepreneurs and Oddballs of Northeast Ohio’s LGBT Community in the 19th and 20th Centuries. June 21, 2010.
  • Hill, Edward. “Burning Down the House.” Plain Dealer. April 21, 1989.
  • Hill, Edward. “From Hank’s to Club Coconuts: The Good, Bad, and Boring.” Plain Dealer. August 11, 1989.
  • Scott, Jane. “Dancing into the ’90s.” Plain Dealer. February 18, 1989.
  • Scott, Jane. “Hank’s Cafe, Hits Open Doors.” Plain Dealer. February 17, 1989.
  • Scott, Jane. “Lakewood Club Promised.” Plain Dealer. December 16, 1988.
  • Strassmeyer, Mary. “3 Cheers for Hank’s Cafe Plans.” Plain Dealer. December 30, 1988.
  • Strassmeyer, Mary. “New Gay Dance Club is Opened.” Plain Dealer. September 7, 1989.
11729 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107

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