Discover LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Los Angeles

Utterly breathtaking, this iconic establishment was crowned LOGO's "Best Gay Bar in the World," 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.

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.

This laid back neighborhood bar draws a leather and bear crowd to NoHo. Come to Bullet Bar and enjoy $3 domestic drafts and $4 well drinks and domestic bottled beers every weekday during their Happy Hour with Max. Try your luck at Bullet Bingo every Saturday from 2-5pm on the back patio, or shake your tail feather to the best '80s, '90s, and '00s jams during Nostalgia Mondays starting at 8pm.

When it opened in 1973, Jewel’s Catch One was the nation’s first black gay and lesbian disco. Since then, it has maintained a reputation as a historic landmark of LGBTQ+ nightlife. After a brief stint as UNION - a massive nightclub that attracted promoters like the mighty A Club Called Rhonda - the venue honored its storied past by rebranding itself as Catch One with a varied bill of dance shows and live music that attract a diverse crowd in terms of genres and orientations. EBM powerhouse Das Bunker hosts industrial and post-Goth music nights that have traditionally welcome the more adventurous/alternative LGBTQ+ clientele.

Located in Silver Lake, the scene at The Eagle is more for bears and the leather community. Highlights include the popular Sunday Beer Bust starting at 2pm with $4 domestic beers (no cover); B Bar on Thursday nights, and Gear Night on the 3rd Friday of every month, where the leather/fetish dress code is strongly encouraged.

This historic Spanish flamenco and tapas bar in Sunset Boulevard, while not a gay venue per se, El Cid hosts some fabulous gay-themed shows that are not to be missed. Hosted by Mario Diaz and Adam Ramzi, the weekly Hot Dog Sunday runs from 4pm to close. El Cid also hosts special events like Sappho's on Sunset, "where all are welcome, and fear and gender are myths."

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.

A low-key, cruise-y dive bar Mother Lode claims to be the oldest gay bar in West Hollywood. Expect cheap- but strong- drinks made by WeHo's friendliest bartenders and eclectic jukebox selections. Belt out your favorite tune on karaoke Thursdays or snuggle up in the patio with one of their loyal regulars.

One of the most exciting, unpredictable nights of drag in L.A., EXPOSURE presents themed shows at The Offbeat, featuring an expansive lineup of new and veteran performers. Mondays at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $5 cover, 21+. The Offbeat also hosts RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties every Friday night at 8PM.

It's a fun, chill space with shockingly inexpensive drinks, and the taco truck parked outside is always a welcome find. Pro Tip: Plan to carpool with a designated driver, or share a Lyft with friends, as parking can be challenging around York Boulevard.

Opened at 4th and Broadway in May 2015, Precinct describes itself as a "rock n roll gay bar" in Downtown L.A. Spanning 10,000 square feet on the second floor of a historic 1902 building, Precinct hosts numerous themed events like Over Easy Drag Brunch and Bear Bust.

Located on 6th Street in the Historic Core of Downtown L.A., Redline is a lively 2,000 square-foot venue with double height ceilings, full bar and a gastropub menu. Weekly events include Thursdays Are a Drag, Throb with Resident DJ Josh Peace on Saturday nights; and Served Drag Brunch hosted by Rox and Militia on Sundays from noon to 4pm.

Founded in 1963, Silver Platter is the oldest queer bar in McArthur Park area and has been a safe space for queer and trans immigrant Latinxs for decades. This unassuming dive bar is a great place to play pool, watch fantastic performances, and show your moves. Silver Platter was prominently featured in Wu Tsang’s ‘Wildness’ documentary, which chronicles how the bar has adapted to the changing dynamics and gentrification of Westlake.

If watching a game is your vibe, Trunks has been West Hollywood's go-to sports bar for over 30 years. With a 7-hour (yes, seven) happy hour during weekdays, this neighborhood haunt boasts sexy bartenders serving traditional and house cocktails, a recently added outdoor patio, and plenty of screens to cheer on the Dodgers.