Gay nightlife in LA is diverse and offers something for everyone, whether you opt for the LGBT hot spots in West Hollywood or prefer the neighborhood feel of Silver Lake. Check out these can't-miss, LGBT-friendly favorites and tell your friends back home that there's no place like LGBT Los Angeles.
The Abbey
Atmosphere: Hot and happening
Utterly breathtaking, this iconic establishment has won the title of LOGO's "Best Gay Bar in the World" two years running, making it a must-see in LA’s gay nightlife scene. Once a busy coffeehouse, this jazzy joint has attracted a crowd that loves the limelight. You'll come across luxuriously chic fireplaces and cabanas, as well as a list of delicious martinis and mojitos. Get ready to pose, strut and smile — and check out why The Abbey has gotten so much press.
692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
310.289.8410
Akbar
Atmosphere: Unpretentious lounge, weekend dancing
This is one of LA’s favorite places to chill out for cocktails and music. The mixed crowd at Akbar is trendy but not snobby, which comes as a relief to those who love its Moroccan-themed interior, cushy couches and laid-back vibe. There’s a definite neighborhood atmosphere for those who need reminders of their watering holes back home. You’ll meet everyone from business consultants to drag queens, and a sure-fire topic of conversation is always Akbar’s ever-popular jukebox selections. Weekends boast a small but raucously raging dance floor.
4356 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 90029
323.665.6810
The Eagle L.A.
Atmosphere: Dark and sexy, pool and cheap beer
Los Angeles' premier leather bar, The Eagle doesn't play around when it comes to uninhibited, sexy fun. A popular hangout in L.A.'s Silver Lake neighborhood, any day of the week one can find cheap drinks, a friendly crowd and an even friendlier staff. While weeknights can be pretty low-key (customers make use of the pool tables, pinball machines and video poker), the weekends are raucous and raunchy. A must for those in the fetish and leather communities.
4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, 90029
323.669.9472
Faultline
Atmosphere: Fun but dirty Eastside fun
Los Angeles' other well-known leather bar, Faultline is known for its constantly changing roster of promoters and parties. Every day of the week — besides Mondays and Tuesdays, when the bar is closed — features a different, quirky party. On any given night, though, you're sure to find sexy go-go dancers (generally of the hairy variety), upbeat music and ridiculously cheap drink specials. Depending on the night, the crowd may run older — or pants-less.
4216 Melrose Ave., Silver Lake, 90029
323.660.0889
Fubar
Atmosphere: Intimate and friendly
Fun is the name of the game at Fubar. No matter which day of the week you walk into the bar — whether it's karaoke on Tuesday, rock 'n' roll on Wednesday, raunchy fun on Thursday or non-stop dancing on Friday and Saturday nights — you're in for a treat. Fubar has long prided itself on its fun mix of friendly Angelenos. The bar's dark, intimate setting has been known to result in a loss of inhibitions by its patrons, making Fubar the most 'East Coast' of its WeHo sister bars.
7994 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90046
323.654.0396
Here Lounge
Atmosphere: Sexy and chic
Don’t worry — the gorgeous crowd makes up for the lack of conversation at Here Lounge. True to its name, the LA favorite boasts a lounge atmosphere kicked up a notch, especially on weekends, when the music starts pumping. Treat it as a pre-clubbing spot, but be warned: the vibe is so hip you might just end up staying here all night. Thursday and Friday nights are ladies nights, with Kyss and Truck Stop, respectively. The other nights are mostly men, but mixed.
696 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
310.360.8455
Jewel’s Catch One
Atmosphere: Diverse
When it opened in 1972, Jewel’s Catch One was the nation’s first black gay and lesbian disco. Since then, it has maintained a pioneering attitude, raising money for its nonprofit medical clinic, the Village Health Foundation. The good karma has apparently paid off, attracting a diverse crowd that loves to dance and mingle as long as there's music.
4067 W. Pico Blvd.,
Los Angeles, 90019
323.734.8849
Micky's
Atmosphere: Dancing with drinks in hand
Micky's has long been a WeHo institution — even after a destructive fire that saw the bar out of commission for a couple years — partly because it has something for everyone. The soundtrack is mostly Top 40 tracks and fun, danceable pop jams, but for those who may not be looking to tear up the dance floor, there's always the expansive outdoor patio and the swanky upstairs lounge. We recommend a trip to the dance floor though — a good time is guaranteed.
8857 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
310.657.1176
Oil Can Harry's
Atmosphere: Uproariously fun
If you're in the Valley, your first stop for LGBT nightlife should be Oil Can Harry's, possibly one of the most talked-about country/western bars in Los Angeles. It's all about the two-step here, and the down-to-earth crowd keeps the dance floor friendly and fun. For first-time shufflers, take advantage of free lessons three times a week, or swap out the cowboy boots for platform shoes on Saturdays, when the music shifts gears to '70s disco.
11502 Ventura Blvd.
, Studio City, 91604
818.760.9749
The Palms
Atmosphere: No-frills and friendly
Those who scoff at the glitz of gay clubs often end up at The Palms, LA’s no-nonsense lesbian bar. Its reputation for friendliness still holds true, and perks like karaoke and '80s flashbacks make it a fun place where anything goes.
8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
310.652.6188