The best gay bars in Los Angeles

What is it? A longtime gay bar in Silver Lake known for its stylish, mixed-orientation crowd.

Why we love it: Since 1996, Akbar has been an oasis for the neighborhood’s queer community and a grungier, more laid-back counterweight to West Hollywood’s rowdy nightlife scene. The space previously held a piano bar and is part of Silver Lake’s long, illustrious history as a neighborhood for artists, activists and LGBTQ+ folks. In recent years the crowd has become a little more mixed, with revelers from nearby pockets of cool—Echo Park, Highland Park and other parts of Northeast L.A.—coming to dance in the backroom or have a drink and chat in the comfortable front room. The drinks are reasonably priced and the monthly calendar is full of recurring parties, game nights and other events, including Bears in Space, an outdoor DJ series from May to September thrown by locals Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez. 

Time Out tip: Check Akbar’s Instagram to find out about the latest themed dance nights and other interesting programming.

Address: 4356 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Opening hours: Daily 4pm–2am

What is it? A West Hollywood institution that’s widely considered one of the world’s best gay bars. 

Why we love it: For an entrance point into the Boystown nightlife scene, it’s all but necessary to hit up the Abbey. The drinks are notoriously strong (albeit pricey), there’s a plentiful food menu and the upscale, Gothic-Mediterranean ambience and hunky bartenders are all aesthetically satisfying. If there’s a downside to the Abbey it’s actually the bar’s success: A decade or so ago, it was the nucleus of gay life in West Hollywood, but as its popularity has grown, increasingly the crowd—particularly at night—seems to be made up of tourists. To its credit though, the Abbey famously announced in 2012 that it would ban bachelorette parties until marriage equality was achieved, which helped to shore up its gay street cred. Last year, it was certified by the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative as an LGBTQ+ safe space, which required bar management and employees to undergo extra training to promote safety and inclusivity. 

Time Out tip: The Abbey is also home to one of the best drag brunch shows in the city.

Address: 692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily 11am–2am

What is it? A gay sports bar in West Hollywood and Los Feliz with roots in the Bay Area. 

Why we love it: While Hi Tops is originally from San Francisco, the L.A. outposts both hit the sweet spot between neighborhood watering hole and queer nightlife destination. The spacious interior and patio is the perfect place for larger groups, and the cocktails and bar food—including the fried chicken sandwich—are better than they need to be. The gin-based Mr. Clutch made with rosemary cordial, grapefruit and lemon juice is a winner, and the Haterade (served in a take-home reusable bottle) is just the type of thing you need to keep going all night long. Just know that Hi Tops is an actual sports bar, too, which means it can get particularly crowded on game days.

Time Out tip: Stop by on Tuesday nights for trivia, a queer rock and post-punk music night on Wednesdays and live DJs every weekend.

Address: West Hollywood: 8933 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069; Los Feliz: 1714 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: West Hollywood: Mon–Wed noon–midnight; Thu–Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight; Los Feliz: Mon–Wed noon–midnight; Thu–Sat noon–2am; Sun 10am–10pm

What is it? One of the Westside’s only gay bars, which recently expanded to a much larger indoor-outdoor space in West Hollywood.

Why we love it: This fun little hole-in-the-wall is just a stone’s throw from the ocean, and it’s been serving Venice’s gay community for over three decades, long before Abbott Kinney—the street it calls home—was the fashionable address it is today. The staff can be notoriously rude, but still, this gem of a bar attracts a quirky bunch of artsy Venetians and Westsiders of all stripes, making it a refreshing choice for Angelenos in need of a change of scene or who just happen to be hanging at the beach. Hint: The back patio is an excellent option for whiling away a few lazy hours in the sun on the weekends. The newer WeHo outpost also serves a seasonally driven Cal-Italian menu that includes pizzas, sandwiches and classic appetizers like fried calamari and meatballs.  

Time Out tip: Stop by the original Roosterfish before 6pm for happy hour, which includes $12 cocktails and $10 well drinks. 

Address: Venice: 1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291; West Hollywood: 8948 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Venice: Mon–Thu 4pm–2am; Fri–Sun 2pm–2am; West Hollywod: Mon–Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 3pm–2am

What is it? A cavernous two-story nightclub in West Hollywood known for its drag show and late-night hours.

Why we love it: Micky’s is a Boystown institution. In 2007, it literally burned down, but it came back bigger, better and gayer than ever, as if it had never missed a beat. Last fall, the nightclub was sold to Dale Warner and Ruben Lopez, who currently own Hamburger Mary’s and have yet to make any major changes to how Micky’s is run. The club has two notable distinctions: Its various stages, boxes and showers are always filled with an abundance of scantily clad boys in every imaginable shape, size and proportion, and it’s the only place on the entire boulevard with a regular after-hours that goes until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. Like other Santa Monica Boulevard gay bars and clubs that have stood the test of time, Micky’s also has a loyal base of regulars, which makes it an excellent spot to get to know some of the local boys.

Time Out tip: Some events have a cover charge, but many others don’t—check Micky’s online calendar for more details.

Address: 8857 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–2am

What is it? A queer, femme-friendly bar in East Hollywood that took over longtime speakeasy Star Love.

Why we love it: With the recent closure and revamp of the Ruby Fruit as a neighborhood grill, this lively queer bar is one of the last remaining lesbian-oriented bars in Los Angeles. Plant parents and disco divas alike will enjoy a spin on the lavish dance floor while semi-wallflowers chill at a pass-through window. There’s an adjacent stage partially illuminated by a projector where you can strut yourself, belt your heart out on karaoke night, or catch a movie or awards show screening. Introverts looking to avoid these high-traffic areas will love the little alcoves expertly strewn throughout. From cocktails to wine and beer to spirit-free options, the bartenders have a deft hand, good taste and an adventurous spirit that complements the bar.

Time Out tip: There’s no food served, but Honey’s is only a short walk away from a Leo’s Taco Truck.

Address: 1532 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Thu 8pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 8pm–2am

What is it? A laid-back dive bar and West Hollywood staple that has withstood the test of time.

Why we love it: Mother Lode is built around a pool table and stash of video games, and it’s has been around so long that it has come full circle: from “it” spot to out of favor, to “it” spot again with a few facelifts in between to keep things fresh. The bar balances out its more stylized, upbeat neighbors with a low-key dive bar atmosphere; sturdy, plentiful mixed drinks; and a crowd that tends to run on the older side. Elsewhere in Boystown, attitude and preening may best define the current posture of patrons, but not at Mother Lode—here, the vibe, from the bartenders to the crowd, is casual and the only attitude allowed is “friendly.”

Time Out tip: From Monday to Friday, Mother Lode offers some of the lowest happy hour prices in Boystown, but be careful: The drinks are quite strong.

Address: 8944 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily 3pm–2am

What is it? A queer-oriented cocktail den and daytime coffee shop in West Hollywood.

Why we love it: Taking over the old Gold Coast space, Or Bar skews more cocktail lounge than high-energy nightclub. A glittering chandelier overhead and plush banquettes makes the act of sidling up with a friend (or a date) feel glamorous as hell. While the cocktails here run more expensive than the main Boystown corridor slightly farther west, the crowd of handsome daddies and well-made drinks mean Or Bar is a great place to have in your queer nightlife arsenal. On birthdays and other special occasions, the bartenders and managers will go above and beyond to make sure you and your party feel welcome and taken care of, including special touches like custom-made drinks and accommodations for last-minute celebrations.

Time Out tip: During the day, Or Bar serves a full espresso and tea bar and offers plenty of space to spread out with a laptop and get some work done.

Address: 8228 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 8am–midnight; Thu, Fri 8am–2am; Sat 10am–2am; Sun 10am–midnight

What is it? A Silver Lake leather and BDSM bar that caters to daddies, otters, bears and those who enjoy a good pair of assless chaps. 

Why we love it: If you prefer beer to cocktails and like your strippers hairy and in harnesses—or some form of leather—then the Eagle might top your list of favorite bars in L.A. Formerly known as the Gauntlet II, the Eagle has become the haunt of choice for a cross-section of L.A. leather daddies, bears and sexy alternative Silver Lake types, all of whom play well together in this dark, sweaty, no-frills space that really packs in a crowd on the weekend. Popular monthly events include Cruise Nights (check the online calendar for exact dates of these and other events).

Time Out tip: Bring some bills or be prepared to shell out on an ATM fee—the Eagle is a cash-only establishment.

Address: 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Opening hours: Daily 4pm–2am

What is it? A popular Mexican restaurant and bar in West Hollywood known for having two different happy hour periods. 

Why we love it: The fun to be had at Fiesta Cantina is far from secret. In fact, Fiesta Cantina is often packed to the gills with patrons taking advantage of one of the neighborhood’s best happy hour deals: two-for-one drinks from 4 to 8pm, then again during late-night. Fiesta Cantina offers a main floor and a rooftop deck for mingling, intermittent dancing, solid Mexican food options and walking bartenders that offer shot specials. Just a stone’s throw from the Abbey and never dull, Fiesta Cantina is a popular spot for a reason—strong drinks for cheap, a lively crowd and an upbeat vibe from noon till close.

Time Out tip: For the best bang for your buck, order one of the 36-ounce Mega Margaritas, which are also discounted during happy hour.

Address: 8865 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily noon–2am

What is it? A tiny, mighty South Beach-inspired gay nightclub and lounge in West Hollywood.

Why we love it: In the mood to go out and party somewhere in WeHo with major Miami disco vibes? Look no further than Beaches. With all the booming club music and infectious energy in the air, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight onto Ocean Drive here with the lounge and bar’s surprisingly delicious, Cuban-inspired kitchen menu and tropical feel. Think dishes like Cuban nachos, which swap tortilla chips for plantains and pan con lechon—which combines roast pork, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and mojo sauce between two halves of bread. In the evenings, Beaches plays a pop-forward, EDM-heavy mix of Top 40 hits that will keep you on your toes until it’s time for last call.

Time Out tip: Beaches tends to attract a Gen Z crowd—so if you’re looking for slightly older men, head elsewhere. 

Address: 8928 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily noon–2am

What is it? Pasadena’s only gay bar and a queer gathering space that’s a world away from the Silver Lake and West Hollywood gay nightlife scenes. 

Why we love it: Boulevard Bar isn’t your average queer nightlife destination. A little off the beaten path and far outside WeHo’s party-heavy orbit, this long-standing Pasadena hole-in-the-wall is favored by locals young and old, from Gen Z twinks to silver foxes. The Boulevard offers karaoke, a pool table, drag shows and a bar patron’s holy grail: a heavy pour for a cheap price. This San Gabriel Valley spot may not be the wildest of bars, but it’s perfect for an evening of entertainment where you can make new friends and hang out with old ones. The bartenders and patrons at the Boulevard are friendly and down to earth, and are unafraid to belt it out at karaoke.

Time Out tip: Locals flock here for the no-cover Friday night drag show, which starts at 11pm.

Address: 3199 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 8pm–2am

Why we love it: The New Jalisco boasts the cheapest of drinks, a raucous dance floor, regular drag and strip shows and plenty of Latinx flavor. The Downtown L.A. nightlife scene might be a little down-and-out, but the New Jalisco is an enduring bright spot in the area’s gay nightlife scene. With a largely local clientele, cash-only drinks and music ranging from pop to cumbia and reggaeton, this Downtown institution guarantees a night of uninhibited good time, no matter who you are or what neighborhood you hail from.

Time Out tip: Bring some cash to tip the dancers—they can get a little pushy if you don’t. 

Address: 245 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9pm–2am, Sun 4pm–2am

What is it? A self-dubbed “rock & roll gay bar” in Downtown L.A. 

Why we love it: Precinct serves as a cool update for a turn-of-the-century building that once housed the Department of Corrections by going classic in décor: exposed brick, lots of black, and a red arrow above the door to mark the spot. The expansive 8,500-square-foot second-floor space includes a bar, dance floor, performance space and its best feature, a wrap-around terrace with commanding views that feels more Bourbon Street than Downtown L.A.—and serves as the perfect place to swig back a few beers and hang out.

Time Out tip: Precinct also hosts a ticketed drag brunch on Sunday afternoons. 

Address: 357 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6pm–2am, Sun 11:30am–2am

Why we love it: Located in the same space that once housed Score, a gay nightclub that was popular back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Kiso is holding down the fort for Downtown’s tiny but vibrant gay nightlife scene. The venue opened last December and offers two different bars, a lounge area in the middle and a dance floor towards the back. Though Kiso is a self-proclaimed gay bar, the space is welcoming to queer folks of all kinds and also runs a stacked weekly lineup of events that includes drag shows on Wednesday nights, a Sunday Funday afternoon and rotating themed dance parties on Friday and Saturday nights.

Time Out tip: Kiso is within stumbling distance of both the New Jalisco and Precinct, so why not spend your night doing a little bar crawl?

Address: 107 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 6pm–2am, Sun 3–9pm