Bar None: 10 LGBTQ Nightlife Destinations Beloved by Los Angeles
Bar None: 10 LGBTQ Nightlife Destinations Beloved by Los Angeles originally appeared on L.A. Mag.
L.A.'S LGBTQ+ nightlife has been in a state of flux lately, but for every changeover and closure, there's a queer bar (old or new) that's thriving. Beyond the euphoric lights and thumping dance beats of the circuit scene, these watering holes remain vital, connecting the community over cocktails, conversation and intimate club vibes. Here are 10 spots worth visiting, not just during Pride Month but all year long.
The Abbey The legendary WeHo spot is more of a restaurant and nightclub, but early evening visits are more Cheers-like (for the queer community). Come for: the most atmospheric outdoor patio in town. 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, theabbeyweho.com
Akbar The gayborhood is not what it used to be, but the pansexual pretty boys (and gals) still pack this favorite thanks to employees who took it over from the original owners in 2023. Come for the killer jukebox, stiff drinks and the audacious adjacent dance room. 4356 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, akbarsilverlake.com
The Bullet Touting itself as a 'no attitude Levi's and leather bar,' this NoHo boîte just celebrated its 27th anniversary. Come for RuPaul's Drag Race screening parties, hot go-go boys and 'Bear Happy Hour.' 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, bulletbarla.com
Eagle Leather-loving boys feel right at home at this infamous cave, which has housed gay bars since the late '60s. It became Eagle L.A. in 2006. Come for: testosterone-fueled theme nights and beer busts. 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, eaglela.com
Honey's at Star Love Maintaining the wild energy of its former dive bar home (White Horse), Honey's offers sexy DJ nights, live entertainment and a cool community feel where hip lesbian, trans and nonbinary babes gather. Come for welcoming regulars and the stripper pole! 1532 N. Western Ave., Hollywood, honeysla.com
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Kiso After Redline shuttered last year, DTLA thankfully birthed some new gay grottos. This one, in the old Score space, joins long-standing Jalisco Bar nearby, attracting a dancey Latinx crowd. Come for drag shows and diva tributes that slay. 107 W. 4th St., Downtown L.A., kisolosangeles.com
Mother Lode A Rainbow District staple since 1979, this fave serves strong drinks for the after-work crowd and builds steam with themed dance nights later. Come for guest sets by DJs Josh Peace and Danny Lethal. 8944 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, @motherlodebar
Or Bar The black and gold, crystal-adorned oasis brings out foxy and fluid figures with its disco sounds and sultry sights. Come for door royalty Constance Cooper on Friday nights. 8228 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, theorbar.com
Precinct Maybe the loudest and proudest bar in L.A., Precinct's 'Gay Ass' bingo, trivia and karaoke and 'pup parties' are riotous fun. Come for: Meatball's hot mess monthly bash called Fat Slut. 357 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A., precinctdtla.com
Roosterfish One of the first gay bars in Venice, the former dive got a stylish reboot in 2018 via new owners, and its queer scene is more spirited than ever. The team even opened a sister bar in WeHo last year. Come for: tasty mixology and a welcoming beachy boho scene. 1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, roosterfishla.com
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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