Don’t expect to be able to order food even though they advertise it now. :(
Hailey Indigo Burrows
so much smoking, im trans and my lungs have been hurting so bad since i left, it could kill me because of the meds im on for hrt, will not be returning, their "double shot" of amaretto was less than a single shot because of how much ice was in the shot glass, will be going to lucys place in johnstown from now on, it is worth the extra drive if i dont want to die from a blood clot in my lungs, i feel really excluded by this place, they even have a patio with chairs so why is smoking allowed at the bar, this place really lacks consideration for trans individuals
Tim Przybys
Love that place
Elise Gerhart
Last night was my first time at Escapde. I had high hopes. Unfortunately this bar is not safe! I went for a local drag show and the performance itself was good. I was worried for the queens safety though because any rando in the place was allowed to video. Patrons were hardly giving the queens any tips and queens were forced to pick up their own tips from the floor at times. On another note, I unfortunately wound up seated in the "cigarette pit" across from some guy wearing a confederate flag hat. I don't understand how a supposed queer space allows people in with that type of attire. No wonder there were hardly any POC there. The only person who seemed willing to speak up about the racist flag hat was subsequently assaulted by Escapade staff. I was shocked! There were so many failures on the part of the bar to make sure queer people have a safe space to gather and queens have a safe place to perform. Gays stay home. This place ain't worth it.
Angela V.
Really wish I could give this place a good review since it's the only gay bar in a six county radius, but it's trashy and feels unsafe in so many ways. First they allow smoking inside even though there is a very nice patio. So it's just disgusting in there. Second, they do drag shows every month, but it's like none of the owners have ever been to a real drag show because they don't designate a staff member to clean any money or costuming off the stage. Totally ruins the show if the Queens aren't being treated right.The worst thing though is that they freely allow expressions of hate speech as there was someone sitting front and center taking up a ton of space wearing a confederate flag hat. He never should have been let in the door with it. It made me and my friend I came with feel very unsafe. When I finally tried to address the situation on my own outside the bar, letting him know that pro-slavery propaganda upset me and offering a fair knuckle fight should he want to persist, the little punk ran into the bar and sent out two bouncers, one of whom called me a meth head (I don't even know what meth looks like folks and barely even drink) and shoved me onto the ground. I was wearing tall heels and fell back hard and my hands and elbows are now scraped and bruised. If I were the kind of person who involved police, that man would be catching an assault charge as he charged me out of nowhere, not a fair fight.Long story short, this stinky trashy venue will resort to cis man violence against afabs to protect symbols of slavery. This is not a safe place for most queer people, and it's extra sad because it's so so dangerous for us here in Central PA. This place makes us less safe, not moreso.
Justis T.
Low-key neighborhood spot with reasonably priced drinks, friendly people, and accessible atmosphere. While there is no set menu for the bar, the bartender was really nice and worked with me as I explained the flavor profiles that I typically enjoy. Over the course of the evening, she came up with three different drinks that I really enjoyed. Post-COVID, I don't think they regularly accept credit cards, but there is an ATM on site. Smoking is allowed indoors, and a number of patrons seem to do so regularly; however, there is a cute courtyard out front with plenty of fresh air. The music selection is fun and varied although there wasn't a lot of dancing the night I was there. Overall, a fun spot with nice people.
Michael R.
I was in the area during Pride and thought i would stop in check out the local gay bar. I dont drive so I use my passport for an ID but the bartender wouldn't accept it. Had my vax card which has my birthday on it too but she still wouldn't accept it and asked me to leave. I asked if i could wait while my Uber was coming was told sure, but then to add insult to injury two minutes I was told I can't wait inside and need to leave. Happy Pride to you too! No wonder small town gay bars are disappearing. Otherwise bar was dead and served only two types of beer, guess then did me a favor.
Brian Bookwalter
Amazing place to go with a group of friends for a great time and the bartenders and owner are amazing people???️????
Abbey Carr
This place is super clean, nice and well run inside! They know how to put on a good drag show! The bartenders are so nice and quick. Definitely will be back!
courtney hartsock
Absolutely love this bar. The bartenders are pleasant and friendly to talk to. Very non-judgmental environment where you can easily talk with others and feel safe. I've had a blast every time I've gone. Drinks are a good price and they have a convenient ATM for those who forget cash!
Always welcoming and friendly regardless of sexual identity or orientation. Seasonal drink specials and competitively priced drinks. Monthly drag shows that are always a community hit. The staff and other patrons make everyone feel welcome in this cozy drinking establishment.
Jason Adams
I have always received friendly service from the bartenders. The bar has a warm environment that feels like family. A nice place to relax with friends and have a good time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
DER3KownzYOURface
Definitely a great place to grab a drink with some friends! They have drag shows once a month and they do karaoke too! Love this place!
Christine Grager
I have been a patron for almost 9 years and just a few months ago became one of the staff! I hade never had a bad experience at Escapade and love everything from the events to the all inclusive atmosphere that this little hidden gem in Altoona provides!
Don’t expect to be able to order food even though they advertise it now. :(
so much smoking, im trans and my lungs have been hurting so bad since i left, it could kill me because of the meds im on for hrt, will not be returning, their "double shot" of amaretto was less than a single shot because of how much ice was in the shot glass, will be going to lucys place in johnstown from now on, it is worth the extra drive if i dont want to die from a blood clot in my lungs, i feel really excluded by this place, they even have a patio with chairs so why is smoking allowed at the bar, this place really lacks consideration for trans individuals
Love that place
Last night was my first time at Escapde. I had high hopes. Unfortunately this bar is not safe! I went for a local drag show and the performance itself was good. I was worried for the queens safety though because any rando in the place was allowed to video. Patrons were hardly giving the queens any tips and queens were forced to pick up their own tips from the floor at times. On another note, I unfortunately wound up seated in the "cigarette pit" across from some guy wearing a confederate flag hat. I don't understand how a supposed queer space allows people in with that type of attire. No wonder there were hardly any POC there. The only person who seemed willing to speak up about the racist flag hat was subsequently assaulted by Escapade staff. I was shocked! There were so many failures on the part of the bar to make sure queer people have a safe space to gather and queens have a safe place to perform. Gays stay home. This place ain't worth it.
Really wish I could give this place a good review since it's the only gay bar in a six county radius, but it's trashy and feels unsafe in so many ways. First they allow smoking inside even though there is a very nice patio. So it's just disgusting in there. Second, they do drag shows every month, but it's like none of the owners have ever been to a real drag show because they don't designate a staff member to clean any money or costuming off the stage. Totally ruins the show if the Queens aren't being treated right.The worst thing though is that they freely allow expressions of hate speech as there was someone sitting front and center taking up a ton of space wearing a confederate flag hat. He never should have been let in the door with it. It made me and my friend I came with feel very unsafe. When I finally tried to address the situation on my own outside the bar, letting him know that pro-slavery propaganda upset me and offering a fair knuckle fight should he want to persist, the little punk ran into the bar and sent out two bouncers, one of whom called me a meth head (I don't even know what meth looks like folks and barely even drink) and shoved me onto the ground. I was wearing tall heels and fell back hard and my hands and elbows are now scraped and bruised. If I were the kind of person who involved police, that man would be catching an assault charge as he charged me out of nowhere, not a fair fight.Long story short, this stinky trashy venue will resort to cis man violence against afabs to protect symbols of slavery. This is not a safe place for most queer people, and it's extra sad because it's so so dangerous for us here in Central PA. This place makes us less safe, not moreso.
Low-key neighborhood spot with reasonably priced drinks, friendly people, and accessible atmosphere. While there is no set menu for the bar, the bartender was really nice and worked with me as I explained the flavor profiles that I typically enjoy. Over the course of the evening, she came up with three different drinks that I really enjoyed. Post-COVID, I don't think they regularly accept credit cards, but there is an ATM on site. Smoking is allowed indoors, and a number of patrons seem to do so regularly; however, there is a cute courtyard out front with plenty of fresh air. The music selection is fun and varied although there wasn't a lot of dancing the night I was there. Overall, a fun spot with nice people.
I was in the area during Pride and thought i would stop in check out the local gay bar. I dont drive so I use my passport for an ID but the bartender wouldn't accept it. Had my vax card which has my birthday on it too but she still wouldn't accept it and asked me to leave. I asked if i could wait while my Uber was coming was told sure, but then to add insult to injury two minutes I was told I can't wait inside and need to leave. Happy Pride to you too! No wonder small town gay bars are disappearing. Otherwise bar was dead and served only two types of beer, guess then did me a favor.
Amazing place to go with a group of friends for a great time and the bartenders and owner are amazing people???️????
This place is super clean, nice and well run inside! They know how to put on a good drag show! The bartenders are so nice and quick. Definitely will be back!
Absolutely love this bar. The bartenders are pleasant and friendly to talk to. Very non-judgmental environment where you can easily talk with others and feel safe. I've had a blast every time I've gone. Drinks are a good price and they have a convenient ATM for those who forget cash!
Restaurantji Recommends
Always welcoming and friendly regardless of sexual identity or orientation. Seasonal drink specials and competitively priced drinks. Monthly drag shows that are always a community hit. The staff and other patrons make everyone feel welcome in this cozy drinking establishment.
I have always received friendly service from the bartenders. The bar has a warm environment that feels like family. A nice place to relax with friends and have a good time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Definitely a great place to grab a drink with some friends! They have drag shows once a month and they do karaoke too! Love this place!
I have been a patron for almost 9 years and just a few months ago became one of the staff! I hade never had a bad experience at Escapade and love everything from the events to the all inclusive atmosphere that this little hidden gem in Altoona provides!
Awesome place