i'm not gay, so i can't comment on that aspect of how gay-friendly it is or isn't, but as a bar in general, i think it could be a bit more inviting. the place just seems empty and odd, and while i didn't have any issues with any of the other patrons that were there, there just seemed to be a hodgepodge of people that i wouldn't trust any further than i can throw them. good selection of beers and awesome food, so at least there's that, but i wouldn't really bother coming back here unless i simply wanted to get drunk. read more

Incredibly rude staff. I went outside fairly early on in the night and wasn't allowed back in and they wouldn't give me any explanation what's so ever. Would not allow me to let the people I was with know that they wouldn't allow me to go back in, had to stand outside and wait. I can't figure out why I was treated this way. I don't know how people can treat others this way and still have jobs. People who see this review might assume to get kicked out I would have had to have been trashed or belligerent, that simply wasn't the case. The staff ruined their customers perfectly good night. read more

It's funny that workers, friends of and cast members of another bar/drag show are the ones slandering Jake's and the cast of the Jakette's. It tells me that they are jealous and afraid that the bar and/or drag show isn't doing that well. Yes there was a violent altercation that happened on the sidewalk outside of Jakes. Supposedly by a patron of Jake's who had LEFT the bar! That being said I don't condone the violence that happened outside of Jake's but as it is outside of the bar they don't have a responsibility to police the street and sidewalk. Everytime I have gone to Jake's I have never had a problem there. I go every month for the Drag show and never, while in the bar, have felt unsafe. It's when I go out front, out of the bar on the front sidewalk that I feel unsafe from the homeless population and drunks/ druggies. I have witnessed first hand people getting out of hand in the bar and the staff steps in right away and handles the situation. Yes, there are many straight people that go here for a good time but that doesn't make it any less of a gay bar. It's sad that people have to slander a business to get another business to prosper. That's all I see happening here. read more

They should call this "FAKES". It was a Saturday night, and my fags and I were just trying to have a good time. But everyone in there was straight and humping each other. Not a gay bar on the weekends and it is really sad. The music was pretty much really terrible hip hop that I hear at the gym. read more

Jake's is the ONLY gay bar in Olympia. This is what they have going for them. At least in some small way, we can feel comfortable. I really have a good time here. The music is good and the bartenders are generous (particularly if you are). My only complaint is that since it's one of the only places in town that has dancing, there are a lot of straight people there. Now, that may be good if you're straight. If you are not and you want to pick up a cute girl or guy - it can sometime be a bit more difficult than at the bars in Seattle. All in all, great place to be. And don't miss the drag show on the last Saturday of the month. Get there early if you want a table. read more

This place is a dive, but can be extremely fun! It's my go-to place for karaoke watching. I get uncomfortable when it fills with apparently homeless guys, but so far so good. I like it there! read more

I am a lesbian who occasionally visits this bar during the week, sometimes on the weekends, though it's a bit of a free for all on any given Friday or Saturday night. I do have a bit of a complaint about their policy on fighting. One Thursday evening, my (straight) brother went to Jakes with his girlfriend and a female friend. They were drinking, dancing, having a good time when it became apparent that their female friend had something slipped into her drink. She was eventually taken to the hospital and it was confirmed that she had been drugged. As she began displaying the signs of being drugged, another man came up to my brother and started getting aggressive with him. My brother didn't think anything of it and turned his back on the guy to help his girlfriend attend to their other female friend. The man proceeded to punch my brother in the back. My brother, not wanted to get into a fight in a bar(he is an experienced fighter, ex military, with training) went and told the bartender. Meanwhile, the man is following him, poking and trying to shove him. In front of the bartender. The bartender is about 5 feet tall, maybe a hundred pounds. When she tells the guy to lay off, he shoves her. My brother then restrains the man, and apparently this constitutes fighting(he never tried to strike or take the man down, just restrain). THEY KICKED THEM BOTH OUT OF THE BAR AT THE SAME TIME So now, my brother, who doesn't want to get into a fight at a bar, is out on the street with the dude who I'm assuming did the drugging, and who punched him and shoved the bartender. The guy not only attacked my brother, but put his keys in his fist sticking out between his fingers and punched him in the face and eyes. My brother had to choke the guy unconscious to get away from him. I don't blame the Jakes staff for the drugging, I don't blame them for the stupid guy. But I do absolutely blame them for my brother having to fight for his life on the street. Shame, shame, SHAME on you Jakes. He and the his female friend ended up at the hospital, and thank God my brother still has his eyes, and more importantly, his life. I couldn't be more disappointed in the staff at what used to be my favorite bar. It seems if you're a straight male they don't care if someone's giving you trouble, just get the **** out of the bar read more

Good music. Coat check. Great drinks. Great crowd. Lame dancers but I still get hype whenever the DJ finally plays a good song.

I walked in once around lunch time for a quick shot of whiskey while waiting for a bus I missed. The place was empty with a few people sitting at a table, and a few at the bar. I put my cash on the bar and politely waited ... and waited ... and waited. It wasn't until I made eye contact with the bartender and he didn't budge away from his casual conversation. Guess who walked right out the door and has no intentions of going back? This chick. read more

Update Update!! Jakes now has Coat check on the weekends, wha whaaa?! It's a buck but well worth the price to not have your loins stolen chopped and traded for shitty dope from some artsy graffiti filled alley. Congrat's jakes, give your self a pat on the back, down a jellow shot, and let the good times roll. You've graduated to 5-stars. Now lets just work on more variety in the music choices :) read more

There is a new dj that, well, has bad taste in music. That was the general impression of many patrons. I tipped him $5 for a single song request, he never played it. There was a bunch of loaded hooligans knocking everyone around and trying to start fights :( I've never experienced such negative vibes at jakes before. No more Fridays for us. 2 stars for the bartender in the back & one for the girl collecting cover charge (she's always awesome!). Here's to hoping Saturday has a better dj and nicer crowd read more

I like this place. I used to really really like it... But unfortunately it is has evolved from a gay bar/club to a bar/club. It's accepting of gay people so that's nice. But the military people, from JBLM, who go definitely dominate it on the weekends. I miss going and feeling like that chick is cruising me... Now when a girl asks you to dance her boyfriend is nearby to watch. The ebb and flow of a gay bar read more

I was scared at first when I walked up to the place. It's located in an area where I didn't even recognize it at first until my friend pointed out that this was the place. There were people standing beside it smoking weed and some people were looking rather shady than normal. I thought I was going to get mugged or something. I know first impressions are important but honestly I gave them the benefit of the doubt. When I finally entered the building, it was pretty lit by the looks of it especially the dance floor. I, for one, love to dance so that got me pumping. The drinks taste amazing and at a reasonable price too. One advice though is come here when it's around 11:00 pm (that's when everyone starts coming in). read more

Oh Jake's...there is no place like Jake's. Obviously, a gay bar. Obviously, a good time. The drinks are good (tip well-you'll get a longer pour) the music is eh, top 40-ish. Great crowd, with a great "cast" of regulars. Added bonus-you can get hot dogs inside the bar! read more

I absolutely LOVE this place! I had heard all about it before I was 21, but once I actually got to go in, oh man. Every time I go here, I have the best time of my life! The drinks are reasonably priced, the dancing is top notch, and the people are just amazing. All the girls go there because they want to get their groove on and don't want to be bothered by all the icky boys. When you dance in a gay bar, the guys leave you alone (if you're a girl) because you're not gay, and if the girls want to dance with you, its flattering! I just have a rad time EVERY TIME, and everyone should go to Jake's. Just a $4 cover charge, and the line is never too long. read more

I read some of the reviews on Jake's & almost didn't end up checking it out. I'm glad I didn't listen. Had a great time last night with my good friend. The DJ was great. The scene was pretty diverse. Both straight & gay people there. Makes it kind of hard to figure out who to hit on hahaha, but either way everyone was real fun. It was pretty busy on the dance floor, but there were plenty of places to squeeze in. Be fair warned, it's hot in there. read more

I came upon Jakes after rustling through the other bars they had down in Olympia. Clearly it is not the place for me but I stuck it out. I couldn't find a place that sold Stella Artois until I hit Jakes. I mean it was definitely the place for me. They had a pool table, Stella, and a dance floor with a pole in the middle. Awesome. read more

I really want to thank Rob for making this a safe and fun place to go to. Ask for Kerry on the weekends. The best part about it is that after your done partying or whatever is you can get something to eat at Oly Hot Dog....... read more

OK...setting the record straight...well...gayley forward for the delusional. My take on jakes.... SO....Jakes CLAIMS to be a "gay bar". I myself am gay and it's a JOKE!! The bartenders are speedy, but the drinks are NOT cheap. The glasses are tiny! I don't mind going there, but I will not get my drink on there...anywhere else, but there. Many other bars have better drinks including the Urban Onion, brotherhood, and especially the China Clipper. Devin - You have a good review...but...If you're straight and want music that isn't "gay"...the Vault isn't that far away. U in the closet?? Nick P. - You should experience the club scene a little more. Jakes isn't all that. Sizzle all you want...then go to Seattle for a better taste of the club scene. Seattle or Portland has NOT given me the club experience I have experienced in other cities. Katie...Jakes is NOT the only gay bar in Oly. Most bars/clubs in Oly are gay friendly. BUT...Take a good look around Jakes on the weekend. The Urban Onion was the FIRST gay bar and continues to be a REAL gay bar. I agree that the drag show can be fabulous. I've performed with some of those queens before in Tacoma about 4 years ago...yay for BUSTY!! And...Nicky...what can I say. FK the hot dogs and go down 4th ave for some real food and a cool hangout. I can't believe someone would buy a slimy hot dog outside an open window on the sidewalk of a bar. Ugh...tragic. My 411... read more

Jake's is totally fun ... best gay bar in Olympia ... the bartenders will make you wonderful drinks if you say things like "I want something fruity" or I want a lot of alcohol, but I don't want it to taste like alcohol" ... It's one of the two bars I love in downtown Olympia read more

Came here for the first time this past weekend only to be assaulted and verbally & racially harassed by a staff member and some so called "regular patrons". Was forcefully shoved from behind causing injuries. Staff did not even call for medical responders knowing i was injured. Incident has been reported to local police. This poorly managed and staffed establishment is definitely in for a civil lawsuit. Not worth your time and money to visit this nutcase of a nightclub/bar. Good luck Jake's! read more

I use to go here all the time.. Over the years the place has become more and more trashy. Not just the place itself, but the people stink! Also, my last experience was FAR from good.. I was served glass in my drink and when I quietly let the bartender know, he was very rude and defensive. I wasn't trying to get anything for free. I was simply concerned about my safety as well as the other patrons.. Since that night (and my immediate departure to go to the ER to make sure I didn't swallow any) I have not and will NOT return. There are PLENTY of other gay friendly establishments (all of them) in Lacey Olympia and Tumwater read more

Are you haveing a Halloween drag show and what day and the cost to get in can someone please let me know asp thank you

I love dancing at Jake's. The coat check is super handy. The music is great. Even though I go with a group of friends, we always ended making more friends and expanding our group. It doesn't matter if you can't dance, it's about being yourself and having fun. The drinks are strong and delicious (I recommend the OJ Blow J). If dancing isn't your thing there is seating available, as well as pool to play. Everyone at Jake's is friendly! Be prepared and bring cash since they don't take cards. read more

I love this place because it's one door away from my work and has a decent happy hour. It gets a little sketchy at times and on dance nights it gets a little too straight, but the staff is awesome and I continue to go there. I love visiting my bro kerry! read more

A staple of downtown. Love this bar. Good music, friendly staff and owners . Best happy hour in town.

Wow probably the best bar in olympia. Great friendly staff, great food and great fun. I would recommend this bar to anyone.

This is a place were every one can go and enjoy oly night life. I was a very impressed. I love the layout of this place lots of tables and seats for everybody, the drinks were awesome the music was bumpin. The staff was pleasant and helpful. Something's that would make Jakes better would be a larger smoking room and a bigger dance floor. I am definitely going again and taking all my friends :) read more

Never again family members including myself have sufferd food poisoning on more then one occasion

Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, fries, tots, hot dogs. There is the menu in a nut shell, and everything on there is absolutely PERFECT! Plus the portions are huge. Even just a side of fries Will suffice for most people. Then you get to the burgers and chicken strips. Speechless. Lol and that's without even stepping foot in the bar. I've never met a member of Jakes staff that I haven't liked. And they have got to be some very patient people to put up with the 4th Ave bull on a daily basis read more

Drinking and dancing. This is a great place. Decent food and great music. Great place to go dancing on a Friday night. Will definitely come here again. read more

I'm a little torn about my experience with Jakes. I went last night which was Saturday and had a GREAT time dancing. The music was AWESOME! They have a really great DJ and he's really nice. The drinks are great, and the bartenders are also really nice. Actually most of the staff there were really nice. MOST of them. One thing that keeps me coming back to places is if the people who work there are nice and treat you like a human being and talk to you as if you were a real person. However, the person in the coat check closet was SO rude. It was nothing specific that she said, but she just had this snotty look on her face when she took my things. I said Hi and she just kind of half smiled and seemed to be in a rush to get to the next person in line. There was no eye contact as she just grumpily took my things and gave me my number. She looked like she hated her job and didn't want to be there. That was kind of a buzz kill, but only temporarily because Jakes is AWESOME! I had such a great time dancin with my girls last night! I'll be back read more

The staff at Jake's are some of the greatest people I've ever met! Many of the reviews on here are about how straight the bar gets on the weekends but they all fail to mention how Jake's will do whatever they can to make all LGBT people feel safe while they're there. The staff tries to screen assholes at the door with a signs everywhere proclaiming "Gay Bar" and a long listed poster of unwelcome guests including "homophobic, transphobic, racist, bigots, assholes, etc". You get a stamp at the door but the door girl will remember you for the rest of the night, making you feel even more like family. My favourite night is Wednesdays for awesome dancing and $1 well drinks! Jake's has by far the most racially diverse crowd in white washed Olympia. Everyone is welcome as long as they are respectful of others, I love Jake's. Tip your bartenders! read more

Jake's on 4th has great bartenders and excellent prices on their draft beer. Jake's has a very busy day time crowd of interesting people and seems to be the in place to go in Olympia. read more

I had fun. Pretty good drink prices and the music is ok. The best part is the yummy hot dog stand right outside the entrance.

Jake's is the place if to go for dancing! Especially if you're just looking for a great time without feeling like you're at a meat market! I love this place and have some great memories with friends there! Their drinks are reasonably priced with fun bartenders to make them! read more

It's fun. I've only gone a couple of times but each time was fun. The drinks are good, the bartenders are friendly. Just be prepared to be really hot, because there is absolutely no air flow on the dance floor. You get a lot of drunk people, which can be fun, or not. The place is pretty small in my opinion for the amount of people. There's no room to walk without having to squeeze between people. And the music isn't really that great. Mostly trap music, not really a lot of stuff you can dance to. I found myself sitting out because the music was crappy. But other than that, it's a good place to have fun with your friends! read more

Unfortunately, Jakes is changing. They used to play a nice mix of rock, techno, hip hop n rap. Fast, medium and occasionally slow to cool off. Now they have 1 DJ who does that, Cassandra. If she's not there, music is too low or way, way too loud, mixed badly, (none of the other DJs seem to be aware songs have words), and it's 90% slow hip hop or rap. Very little variety. Don't ask, it's not gonna change, they get real indignant. Oh, they'll take written requests. But if it's rock or techno, prolly won't get played. Also, it's become a pickup joint. Lots of guys standing on the dance floor staring @ girls. Real creepy. All bars could be called pickup joints, but it's really creepy if Cassandra isn't there keeping the floor full of dancers. Gotta say, great, really fast bar tenders. Also, if someone puffs up, the bussers/bouncers are on it. Get them out fast. I've really appreciated them keeping the place safe. When I first started going there, there were lines to get in by 9:30. Now the lines are mostly gone. Not a good sign, Jakes. read more

I love this place! Great crowd, great staff. You can tell that every person that works here loves their job. A great gay bar that accepts everyone. Best prices in town, biggest dance floor and DJs that play what I like to dance to. At the end of the night, be sure to hit the hotdog stand out front! read more

Jakes is the place. This was the first club I ever went to regularly, the people are super friendly as is the staff. Suprisingly the most females I picked up were at jakes. Even if your not getting action thiers action to be seen wich is rare for clubs even out here in conservative la (i was suprised and dissapointed moving out here to la as of yet the most people making out ive seen is at jakes). Straight and bisexuals also frequent, its not just a gay scene but be carefull if your straight as thier can be some pretty convincing guys in drag. Sometimes it can be a malefeast, especialy saturday nights wich is usually drag queen night. Plus if you really cant meet people a great place to go is out back to the smoke area, even if you dont smoke wich is what every club needs. I miss that place as I dont live in olympia anymore. Best gay bar ever. First club I ever made out on the dance floor with females and picked up women at a club/bar. lol.good times, good fun. read more