The best lesbian bar and pickup spot options in Los Angeles

Skylight is not only one of LA's best independent book stores, it's also a great place to meet book-smart babes with inexhaustible vocabularies and an appetite for fiction. Nestled on the cozy Vermont block of Los Feliz (near Fred 62 and the Dresden), Skylight has an extensive art, erotica and LGBTQ selection and is a popular hangout for intellectual, creative women. To up your odds of finding someone well read, beautiful and brainy, attend one of Skylight's many female-centric events or book signings. On a good night, you can catch readings by Patti Smith, Aimee Bender or Tavi Gavinson, as well as the attention of the badass ladies who follow them on Twitter. If you're looking for your next good before-bed read —and someone to turn your bedside lamp off for you—this indie bookstore is where to go to snag yourself a graphic designer/writer/artist type.

Okay, bars aren’t always your best pickup option, but Akbar doesn't count. It's more like a completely uninhibited secret clubhouse where you go to escape stress and judgment, make out with an attractive stranger in the privacy of total darkness, and dance until you’re so sore the next morning that you probably burned more calories shakin’ it than you consumed drinking alcohol. Though predominantly frequented by gay men (who, by the way, will never leave you hanging without a dancing partner), the back room is a primal sweatbox full of ladies of all persuasions looking to let loose and blow off steam for an evening. Akbar's vibe is sort of like a mullet: business in the front, party in the back. If you're in the mood to be mellow and lounge with some cheap cocktails, good luck stealing a seat in the crowded front room. But if your agenda is more along the lines of gyrating to a Tiesto remix of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl," you're better off pushing your way to the back where the debauchery goes down. What happens at Akbar stays at Akbar.

Every Wednesday night, Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale hosts "Rainbow Skate Night," a gay friendly roller skating bonanza that draws an out-and-proud, fun-loving crowd that doesn't take itself too seriously. Running for more than 23 years, the event is heralded as "Los Angeles’ original and only weekly LGBT roller skate event," and is a perfect excuse to strip down to your finest gold lamé bike shorts, geek out to disco and eye a bunch of babes from behind without seeming obvious. Plus, it's a perfect platform for showing off your derby girl potential and skating circles around the competition. Gay Skate Night is from 8-11pm; admission is $9.75 and skate rental is $5. Don't forget your sweatband.

If you're not already enjoying the many perks of muttherhood, you need to get yourself over to the shelter and sign some adoption papers. Stat. You know how single parents bond with other single parents at the playground? Well, it's the same with dog moms, except you talk about doggy daycare instead of baby boogers. Silver Lake Dog Park is the epicenter of the Eastside lesbian dog mom scene, and your little rescue maltipoo won't be the only one feeling the heat. Although it's not always easy to differentiate the gay girls from the hipsters (asymmetrical hairstyles and all-season beanies can be misleading), we assure you there is no shortage of good-looking lesbians to shoot the shit (and pick it up) with. Tip: Make sure to clean up after your pup; no self-respecting lesbo likes a woman who doesn't ride for the environment.

It's no secret that lesbians love their green juice, which is exactly why this Silver Lake health and wellness refueling stop is a mecca for hot hippie chicks with that glow that only comes from a sex marathon (or Naturewell's signature kale and coconut shake). This place is perfect for post-hike girl-spotting and detox shots. Bring a book (something by Patti Smith or Anaïs Nin maybe?), hang out at one of the tables outside (space is limited), and watch as all the still-sweaty ladies stroll in with their cutoff tank tops and adopted mutts. Tip: Kill two birds with one stone (but not literally, you animal-loving vegans) and pop over to Flore Café next door for another LA lesbian favorite. You must try the portobello tacos—you're welcome.

Sure, WeHo plays host to some of the wildest lesbian club nights in Los Angeles. But did you know that it's also the birthplace of lesbian froyo? Yep. Lesbian frozen yogurt is now a culinary trend in your city; it's refreshing on a hot day and vehemently supports your girl-on-girl affections. Owned and operated by lesbian businesswomen Marta Knittel and Shoshana Joseph, Yogurt Stop is in the heart of West Hollywood. Knittel says, "We had the idea that in addition to being a tasty, healthful treat, enjoying frozen yogurt in a lively, social atmosphere with friends, family and neighbors would be the way to be unique. People came in and felt the vibe." With playfully named flavors including "Lezbionic Tonic,: "Milk My Harvey Chocolate," and "Orange U A Top? Orange U A Bottom?" Yogurt Stop's sapphic agenda is far from hidden. During the summer months, Yogurt Stop is chock-full of mouthwatering potential. And we're not just talking about the "Tipping The Velvet Mounds Bar." We’ll have a swirl cup with two scoops, please.

Jumbo's Clown Room is a mixed crowd dive bar with some erotic live entertainment in the form of beautiful, flexible, partially dressed vixens who also happen to be immensely talented at pole dancing. Although there's no nudity, these skilled performers have mastered the art of oozing sexuality without taking it all off. Jumbo's draws women of all spectrums of sexual orientation, including ladies who just like to throw back shots of whiskey and have a good time watching other women get frisky. This isn't your average adult entertainment bar; most of the dancers here are "alternative," meaning they have tattoos, piercings and other naughty adornments. Enter at your own risk (there's usually no cover charge).

It’s no mystery why Melrose’s bustling Urth Caffé served as inspiration for "The Planet" in Ilene Chaiken’s The L Word. Not only can you procure a piping hot, 100% organic green tea latte elegantly topped with a foamy heart-shaped swirl, but you’ll more than likely make eyes with a handful of lesbians: the actresses, executives, producers, writers and many entertainment industry power players who frequent the café for their morning dose of caffeine. Celebs are aplenty here as well: swing by for brunch and wait in line behind the always-hilarious Jane Lynch, or catch the stunning Amber Heard grabbing a bite with a friend. Whether your mission is to flirt, kill time or network, Urth Caffé is your best bet for a full belly and lots of eye candy. Bring a magazine and wear sunglasses for extra ogling discretion.