Planning your next night out? Check out these iconic LA queer bars!
Pride doesn’t end when June does. Across the city, the queer community has historically utilized bars and event spaces as life-saving sanctuaries for self-expression. Feel the generations of LA queer love at OG spots like Roosterfish and Micky's, or meet new queer space innovators like Honey’s. There’s a little something for everyone!
Photo: Mario Diaz on Facebook
4356 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
For anyone who can’t make the trek to WeHo on a whim, Akbar is one of LA’s most iconic gay bars on the East Side and has been since the 90s. Impressively beating the pandemic’s rampage against small businesses, Akbar is the place to be for a night out. It’s stood the test of time and gentrification, founded by longtime friends and onetime couple Scott Craig and Peter Alexander. The chic ambiance and cheeky decor welcome Angelenos from all walks of life for dancing, cheap drinks, and a good time guaranteed.
Photo: Michelle Groskopf for The New York Times
3510 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Everything about Ruby Fruit, the lesbian wine bar, is designed to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No reservations are required, and standing-room-only nights are encouraged. The menu features bottles from small-production wineries in France, Italy, and Spain, alongside a German pinot noir on tap and a white traminette from a North Carolina vintner.
Photo: Honey's at star love
1532 Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Honey’s is a new queer bar at Star Love on Western. It’s lesbian-focused, but everyone is welcome. There are events every night, so you don’t have to wait until Friday to start the weekend, and happy hour is from 7 - 8 pm. Practically every surface from the bar to the dance floor has a funky pattern or arty feature, so dress to impress and get ready to boogie the night away.
Photo: Precinct
357 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Precinct is Downtown's go-to gay bar. The large industrial space has all the necessary ingredients for a great night out on the town – theme nights, drag shows, cheap drinks, and tons of people who are down to dance until the wee hours. You’re sure to get sweaty in the best way.
Photo: The Plaza
739 N La Brea
Los Angeles, CA 90038
The Plaza has some of the best drag shows and dancing in the city, but you wouldn't know it from the outside. It’s practically hidden on La Brea, but follow the signature thump of perreo music to find your way to the dance floor. It’s affordable, safe, warm, and always lively.
Photo: Mother Lode
8944 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Mother Lode is one of WeHo’s busiest dive bars that gives the more upscale venues a run for their money. Leave your pretentious snotty attitudes behind and embrace the chaos of the Mother Lode. The drinks don’t play around, and the crowd will keep you out till you’ve lost track of all time.
Photo: New Jalisco Bar
245 S Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Walking down Main Street Downtown any night of the week, you’ll feel the New Jalisco Bar before you even step up to peer inside and debate whether you should check it out. The answer is yes, always yes! Since owners Maria Rosa Garcia and Sergio Hernandez bought the venue in the 90s, it’s been a staple for the local queer Latinx community. Whether you’re here for a drag show or to enjoy some of the steamiest dancers in town, you’ll walk in and stay put till closing time.
Photo: The Boulevard
3199 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
The Boulevard is Pasadena’s premier gay bar. They're outfitted with a high-tech karaoke system, complete with projection and video monitors throughout the bar. There’s a patio outside for when you get too hot or need a smoke (it's got heaters, too, for those chilly Pasadena nights), and a pool table for when you’re ready for a break from dancing. Come for a drink, stay for a song (or five), and leave with a smile and a hoarse throat.
Photo: Micky's
8857 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Micky’s is already on everybody’s must-see gay bar list, and for good reason. It’s been the heart of WeHo since 1989, and the party has not stopped since. In fact, it’s the only gay bar in WeHo that’s open after 2 am (on Fridays and Saturdays, but still)! They’ve got everything you could possibly desire out of live entertainment, from go-go boys to drag shows to top-notch DJ sets to community fundraisers. With two dance floors, the hottest drag queens around, and, of course, an impressive food and drink menu, you’ll have the night of your life for sure.
Photo: Roosterfish
1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
When Roosterfish opened in Venice in the 70s, it quickly became a haven for queer Angelenos to escape the bigotry of the times and celebrate themselves unabashedly. Now, it's one of the oldest spots on Abbot Kinney and welcomes people of all sexual identities to enjoy specialty cocktails, make new friends, meet some old ones, and take a load off. They recently reopened after having seemingly closed for good, so go help this iconic queer bar keep the lights on!
