If you thought Los Angeles was just all about Hollywood stars and surfers, you're in for a fabulous surprise. LA's LGBTQ+ nightlife is like a wild party where everyone's invited. It's as diverse as a bag of Skittles and has something for everybody.
Ever wanted to rub elbows with the glitzy crowd in West Hollywood? Or maybe you'd prefer to soak up some history in the vibrant Silver Lake area? Or perhaps, you're keen on exploring potential hookups in Los Angeles within the safe and welcoming ambiance of gay clubs. Whatever your style, LA's got an LGBTQIA+-friendly spot that's just perfect for you.
And trust me, after a night out in LA, you'll be telling all your friends back home, "There's no place like Los Angeles." They might even start thinking you've clicked your ruby slippers together a few times.
LA's LGBTQIA+ nightlife is like a blockbuster movie that never ends, and you've got a front-row seat. So, get out there and let LA show you a good time!
Top Gay Bars in Los Angeles
Let's face it, when the sun sets and the neon lights flicker on, gay bars in downtown LA are the undisputed heavyweight champs of West Hollywood's queer nightlife. But hey, LA's gay scene is like a colossal, multi-layered rainbow cake, there's a lot more to it than just the tequila-drenched blocks of Santa Monica Blvd. that your out-of-town pals are always itching to hit. Trust me, there's a whole dazzling array of tasty layers to discover!
Here are my top favorite gay bars in Los Angeles:
Experience the unique rhythm of The OFFBEAT.
Alright, folks, buckle up because I'm about to introduce you to one of the wildest, most unpredictable gay bars in Los Angeles: EXPOSURE at The Offbeat. Imagine the most fabulous, themed parties, with a lineup of performers that's as diverse as a box of crayons, from fresh-faced newcomers to seasoned drag royalty. This is what Monday nights at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. look like here. Just a tiny $5 cover and you need to be 21+. That's it!
But wait, there's more. The Offbeat also hosts viewing parties for RuPaul’s Drag Race every Friday night at 8 PM. And who doesn't love Mama Ru?
Now, you're probably thinking, "This sounds great, but what about drinks and food?" No worries, my friend. The Offbeat is a laid-back spot with shockingly affordable drinks. Plus, there's always a taco truck parked outside, serving up some delicious grub. It's like the cherry on top of your fun night out.
A word to the wise though parking around York Boulevard can be as elusive as a unicorn. So, gather your friends, decide on a designated driver, or split a Lyft. That way, you can focus on having a fabulously good time.
Get ready for an unforgettable night at Micky's.
Looking for Dancing All Night gay bars in LA? Meet Micky's. The Phoenix of WeHo! This place has seen it all. Even a fire that had it down and out for a couple of years couldn't stop it. Now it's back and better than ever. Why? Because Micky's is like a party buffet - it's got something for everyone!
If you've got rhythm in your soul and love shaking your booty to Top 40 and danceable pop tunes, you'll feel right at home on Micky's dance floor. But hey, if dancing isn't your thing, no worries! Micky's has got you covered. You can kick back on their huge outdoor patio, or feel fancy in the swanky upstairs lounge.
Although, between you and me, you might want to give that dance floor a whirl. Trust me, it's like a ticket to a good-time city. Micky guarantees it!
Trunks, where every evening is a new adventure.
Alright folks, let me introduce you to the granddaddy of West Hollywood's gay sports bars and gay dating - the one and only, TRUNKS! This place is all about chill vibes and great cocktails, minus the snobbish attitude. Plus, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump away from a bunch of other gay bars, so bar hopping is a total breeze!
Now, you might be thinking, "It's been around for over 25 years? Isn't it one of the… older gay bars in downtown LA?" Well, let me stop you right there! TRUNKS is still serving up a storm of fun times and killer cocktails. The atmosphere is as welcoming as your grandma's house on Thanksgiving, and there's a new outdoor patio where you can sip on your drinks under the stars.
And the cherry on top? Their super friendly bartenders are shaking and stirring up drink specials from 1 pm to 8 pm every single day. That's right, it's happy hour for practically half the day! So what are you waiting for? Come on down to TRUNKS and let the good times roll!
Akbar feels like home, just with way better music and a livelier crowd.
Ever had one of those nights in gay bars in LA where you're up to your eyeballs in $15 vodka sodas and surrounded by more blonde-haired boy bots than in a sci-fi movie? You start thinking, "Maybe it's time to book a flight back to the comforts of my hometown." Well, hold your horses, and put that phone away. I've got a much better idea: head to Akbar.
Nestled in the heart of Los Feliz, Akbar is the dive bar that will make you believe in nightlife again. It can get a bit rowdy when it wants to, but it's a breath of fresh air compared to the stand-and-stare culture that's invaded most of Weho.
The crowd at Akbar? They're as chill as a cucumber. No pretentious vibes here. People actually talk to each other (imagine that!) and are always ready to have a ball. And let's not forget the potent, wallet-friendly drinks and the back dance floor that's always ready to turn up the heat.
So forget about booking that flight home. The antidote to your Weho woes is right here at Akbar.
The Plaza isn't your everyday kind of place. It's where 'regular' takes on a whole new meaning.
Ever had that sinking feeling of déjà vu on a Saturday night? Like, "Haven't I been to this bar a zillion times before?" When your weekend bar routine starts to feel as stale as last week's bread, it's time to shake things up. And my friend, Plaza is the place to do it.
From the outside, Plaza might look as ordinary as any other bar on La Brea, but step inside and it's like entering Narnia! There's a ginormous dance floor just begging for you to strut your stuff, a full proscenium stage (because we all need a little drama in our lives), and a cash-only bar serving drinks cheaper than a fast food combo meal (generally under $7).
But here's the cherry on top: every time you order a drink, they give you chips. Yes, you heard right. Chips! It's like the universe is saying, "Go ahead, enjoy yourself. You deserve it." So, if you're looking for proof that a higher power exists, look no further. She's at the Plaza, and she's ready to party!
At Hi Tops, it's not just about meeting friends, it's about being part of the game.
Let's be honest, we all have a soft spot for a bar with a name that makes us chuckle, and Hi Tops certainly checks that box. And hey, while you're there, remember it never hurts to dress a bit rich and make a statement.
This joint is a transplant from San Francisco and is still a newbie on the West Hollywood scene. And you know what they say about the new kid on the block - it's always swarmed with curious folks!
Imagine a high-school cafeteria, but make it chic. That's Hi Tops for you. The space is as roomy as a football field, perfect for people to engage in the age-old ritual of checking each other out until someone finally takes the plunge.
Now, don't be surprised if you see folks deeply engrossed in a sports match, and I'm not talking about watching it ironically. Nope, these guys are genuine sports enthusiasts. Oh, and did I mention their Tuesday night trivia is as hot as a summer BBQ?
But the real kicker? It's gotta be their killer craft cocktails. So, why not ditch your regular vodka soda for a change? Treat yourself to the smoky, mezcal-infused Magic Hour, or get adventurous with The Claw, a gin cocktail with a hint of cardamom bitters. You'll be thanking me later!
Stache, oh it's an experience alright. You've got to see it to believe it!
Queer spaces in Weho are making a comeback faster than a pop diva's career revival! And they're not just returning, they're returning with a bang. From Lance Bass’s colossal Heart Club to the newly relocated Gym Bar, they've dusted off the pandemic blues and are ready to sparkle.
And the glittering gem in this shiny comeback crown? That's gotta be Stache. Stache isn't just a bar or a restaurant or a performance space—it's all three wrapped into one fabulous package. And let me tell you, the programming here isn't just fun, it's a "hold-my-beer-I'm-going-in" level of fun. I mean, where else can you find bearded lady cabarets, queer movie nights, and DJs spinning tunes every night?
But wait, there's more! If you've got a thing for day drinking on the weekends (and who doesn't?), then you'll fall head over heels for their Wig & Waffles drag brunch. They've got everything from protein-packed pancakes to breakfast burritos that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. And the best part? They've got $25 bottomless mimosas until 4 pm. I mean, if that's not a day-drinking dream, I don't know what is.
Ever heard of the New Jalisco Bar? It's where you'll want to write your next story.
Ever had one of those nights where you're at a "meh" level of fun and you're just itching for things to go from zero to a hundred real quick? Well, that's when you need to head over to this legendary Downtown Latinx dive bar. It's been around longer than your favorite Netflix series and is the perfect spot to crank up your night from "just okay" to "Oh my gosh, what just happened?!"
Now, this cash-only bar might be on the smaller side, but don't let that fool you. It's like a party Tardis - small on the outside, but inside, there's a dance floor that's a total groove factory. Plus, they've got a performance space that hosts some of the best drag shows and queer events in the neighborhood. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
The Abbey isn't just a venue, it's a whole community where everyone knows your name.
Ready to have your socks knocked off? Let me introduce you to The Abbey. This isn't just any old bar. No, siree. This place is one of my personal favorite gay bars in Los Angeles.
This place started life as a humble coffeehouse, but now? It's a jazzy joint that attracts a crowd shinier than a disco ball. Think you can handle the spotlight? Then The Abbey's your kind of place.
Inside, it's like stepping into a luxe lifestyle magazine. Chic fireplaces and cabanas abound, and the martinis and mojitos are as delicious as they are Instagrammable. So, dust off your best outfit, practice your model pose, and strut down to The Abbey.
And if you're wondering why it's gotten so much press, well, there's only one way to find out. Time to dive into the LA gay nightlife scene and see what all the fuss is about!
When you're in the mood for a chill night, Bullet Bar is the place to be.
Alright, folks, let's mosey on down to NoHo, where Bullet Bar is the neighborhood's laid-back hero. This place is a magnet for the leather and bear crowd, so if that's your scene, prepare to feel right at home.
Now, let's talk about their happy hour. It's like Christmas every weekday with Max, and he's Santa Claus with a generous pour. We're talking $3 domestic drafts, $4 well drinks, and the same price for domestic bottled beers. It's like a drinks sale, but every single day!
Feeling lucky? Then saddle up for Bullet Bingo. Every Saturday from 2-5 pm, their back patio transforms into a Bingo paradise. Who knew the path to glory was paved with little numbered balls?
And if you're the type who loves to shake what your mama gave ya, you're gonna love Nostalgia Mondays. Starting at 8 pm, they're playing the best '80s, '90s, and '00s jams. So dust off those old dance moves and get ready to groove like it's 1999 (or 1989, or 2009) at Bullet Bar!
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