(Founded in 1968, it was the oldest gay bar in Los Angeles-and a launching pad for performers from k.d. Overstreet and his business partner also owned Oil Can Harry’s, the landmark Country Western gay bar in Studio City that shuttered last December after 52 years. All three establishments were owned or co-owned by controversial real-estate baron Monte Overstreet, the so-called “king of Boystown,” who came under fire for taking a hard line in rent negotiations with his COVID-strapped tenants. The legendary dive bar was the third gay landmark on the thoroughfare to shut down during the pandemic, following the closure of Rage and Flaming Saddles a month before. The best rotating parties include the pansexual palace of A Club Called Rhonda, Ostbahnhof, and Spotlight.When West Hollywood’s Gold Coast bar shut down after 40 years last September, many speculated that the once-thriving gay scene on Santa Monica Boulevard was down for the count. If you're looking for a leather daddy or cub scout, The Eagle and Faultline will not disappoint.ĭowntown, sip speciality crafted cocktails at Bar Mattachine while watching hot go-gos read books, or try Redline for the Spanish-infused Top 40. Silver Lake hosts the long-standing Akbar with few frills but commendable drink prices and a well known “Bears in Space” party on select summertime Sundays. The Bird Cage in Santa Monica is a safe haven on weekends for West Side LGBTs with a spacious day-drinking patio. When you're in the mood to get away from the crowds in West Hollywood, head to nearby Santa Monica, Silver Lake or DTLA. Whatever your scene, there are plenty of gay clubs in Los Angeles to choose from! One of the longest-standing weekly parties, it brings the right amount of kink, with shockingly clad go-go boys, a backroom photo contest, and decently-priced drinks. At Micky’s bar, its “Showgirls” Monday nights is a classic drag performance with many RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni turning up… bring your single bills, hunty! For a more riotous and alternative party, visit “Queen Kong” Friday nights in DTLA’s Precinct club, where the ghoulish Boulet Brothers host a devilish show infused with downright sickening performers.įor all the size queens out there, FUBAR’s “B.F.D.” (Big Fat Dick) Thursdays can’t be missed. It wouldn’t be Los Angeles without queens. Because of its global success, The Abbey recently opened The Chapel, a separate bar under the same roof, targeted toward a specifically gay clientele. From its infamous brunch celebrations with mimosas by the pitcher to heated weekend nights with acrobatic go-gos, this establishment attracts LGBTs and their straight friends. The Abbey, West Hollywood, takes the cake and also serves the cake (!), as one of the most famous gay bars in the world.
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Although the city is best known for its WeHo nightlife, there are plenty of other alternatives to find surfer boys, fishy queens, Instastuds and mustache-donning hipsters. It really is a must-see for any LGBT traveler. The streets and bars of this stretch are completely packed Thursday through to Sunday night. Los Angeles has a strong reputation for its gay bars and clubs, with an entire strip dedicated to gay establishments on West Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard.
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Although the city is best known for its WeHo nightlife, there are plenty of other alternatives to find surfer boys.