Need an excuse to shake off your midseason doldrums and remember that life is a cabaret, old chum? Visit the many LGBTQ+ bars across our city, from glam new entries in the gay bar scene such as the Or Bar to classic brunch spots (The Abbey 4 Ever!) where the mimosas continue to flow with gusto. There's also two new lesbian-identified bars: have a toast with orange wine at Ruby Fruit or a dance sesh at Honey's. While West Hollywood is a known LGBTQ+ mecca, we are happy to inform you that there are many other LGBTQ+ communities, neighborhoods and areas to explore, from downtown's Latinx community hotspot the New Jalisco to Venice's craft-cocktail offering Roosterfish. So no matter where you're headed out, or what you're in the mood for—dancing, noshing, drinking, watching a drag show—there's something for you among this collection of 21 of the best LGBTQ+ bars in Los Angeles.
The 21 Best LGBTQ+ Bars in Los Angeles
One even doubles as a remote work space
1. The Abbey
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: Boystown gay mecca with an packed weekend brunch
Yes, we’re starting with the one and only, The Abbey. This iconic WeHo spot has been awarded the MTV Logo Best Gay Bar in the World Award not once but twice. From concerts to drag shows to brunch to happy hour, The Abbey literally has it all. The best part is there are options: you can get lost in the crowd on the dance floor or you can chill on the patio. Whatever happens, we guarantee you’ll leave with a story to tell—and that the tech entrepreneur who bought the place in late 2023 is committed to keeping the 33-year-old hotspot thrumming.
692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; theabbeyweho.com
2. The Or Bar
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: opulent interiors, daytime remote working space
This newish entry into the WeHo Boystown nabe is a fun hybrid. During cocktail hour from 4 to 7 p.m., it's an upscale lounge where an attractive crowd comes in to chill over drinks. Then as the evening wears on, fun events like Tuesday trivia night or speed dating might be on offer (or on Saturdays, a cocktails-and-bonsai tree crafting workshop). Then weekdays starting at 7 a.m. and weekends beginning at 8 a.m., the space operates as a remote working space with La Colombe coffee and snacks like acai bowls served all day until 4 p.m.
8228 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; the orbar.com
3. Precinct
- Location: DTLA
- Best for/Known for: Thursday night drink specials for jockstrap wearers
When Precinct opened in 2015, it finally brought an LGBTQ+ home to DTLA. Precinct’s events and drag shows are one-of-a-kind—just look at the line that typically forms outside to get into them!
357 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90013; precinctdtla.com
4. Honey's
- Location: DTLA
- Best for/Known for: girl bands and dance parties
This "queer, lesbian and trans-inclusive watering hole" is a bar that has been hailed (along with queer bar Ruby Fruit, below) as resuscitating the American lesbian bar with its cheerful vibes, welcoming feel and dancing-til-2 a.m. fun. While the $16 cocktails and $9 beers on tap aren't inexpensive, there's nods toward inclusivity with a robust NA drinks list (alcohol-free beers and no-booze craft cocktails) as well as activities for the non-dancers in the midst, including karaoke and comedy nights.
1532 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles 90027; honeysla.com
5. Akbar
- Location: Silverlake
- Best for/Known for: packed calendar of theme nights
Silverlake is the home of the hidden Queer gems, and while Akbar isn’t exactly hidden (it’s been around since the '90s), it is the definition of dive-y (but with a dance floor). Whether you want to go to dance your heart out or socialize at the bar, Akbar fits all the moods. This bar means so much to the LGBTQ+ community—just ask about the heart-warming story of the couple who met here and later got married at the very same spot.
4356 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90029; akbarsilverlake.com
6. New Jalisco
- Location: DTLA
- Best for/Known for: muscle boy lap dances
There are plenty of LGBTQ+ bars in L.A., but none cater to the Latinx community quite like the New Jalisco Bar in DTLA. Described using the term jotería, a Mexican phrase describing a gender non-conforming identity, this space is dedicated to inclusiveness in the downtown Los Angeles nabe. The vibe? Everyone’s your uncle and they all want to dance.
245 S Main St, Los Angeles 90012; @thenewjaliscobar
7. Micky’s
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: go-go boys
For those of you looking for a place where you’re going to make some bad decisions, Micky’s WeHo is the place for you. The dancers, the UV lights, the drinks...it all makes for a night you will never forget. Their music choices range from top 40 to Latin hits, so it is impossible not to dance at this WeHo institution that's been open since 1989. Bonus: You just might run into a RuPaul Drag Race contestant or two.
8857 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90069; mickys.com
8. Ruby Fruit
- Location: Silverlake
- Best for/Known for: brunch, wine and mingling
It's a surprise to out-of-towners, but Angelenos know that the most interesting dining and drinking spaces open in otherwise ordinary strip malls. That's the case with this lesbian-owned wine bar that opened in 2023 and thrives as a meeting space for nonbinary, gender-nonconforming and trans people. (Basically, our idea of a perfect second date spot.) The name is a reference to Rita Mae Brown’s 1974 coming-of-age classic, The Rubyfruit Jungle, and there's a playful feel to the goings-on up in here with trivia nights, queer co-working parties, open mic nights, even a sip-and-sketch afternoon. Funky lunch and dinner offerings (think cheffy vegan hot dogs and tofu sandwiches) are on offer along with red, fortified, white and orange wines, as well as NA craft spritzers.
3510 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90026; therubyfruit.com
9. Roosterfish
- Location: Venice
- Best for/Known for: killer cocktails
LGBTQ+ spots in trendy areas like Venice Beach are hard to come by, which is what makes a place like Roosterfish Bar so special. Roosterfish draws crowds from all over the coast, and that’s because the place has been open since 1979. (That's back when this area was crime-ridden and nicknamed "where the debris meets the sea.") Now that the Abbot Kinney address is a mecca for high-priced retail, the place charges $17 for delicious craft cocktails containing fresh-squeezed juice and housemade herbal shrubs—we’re fans of the Mezcal-infused The Abbot and a great time.
1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice 90291; roosterfishla.com
10. Catch One
- Location: Mid-City
- Best for/Known for: theme dance parties
Perhaps one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ bars in L.A., Catch One’s history is as inspiring as the events they book. Founded by Jewel Thais Williams, this was the longest-running Black gay dance bar in Los Angeles for 40 years. Since the new ownership in 2016, it has become an event venue for those looking for an evening with a killer live show.
4067 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles 90019; catch.one
11. Rocco's
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: must-stop for out-of-towners
Located on one of the busiest corners on Santa Monica Boulevard, Lance Bass’s Rocco’s is a favorite queer hangout for locals—and by locals we of course mean celebrities. Despite its NSYNC roots, Rocco’s is actually a pretty chill sports bar. It just tends to get a little wild sometimes, OK? There’s a full menu and plenty of beer and wine to go around, but their Bloody Mary’s are not to be missed.
8900 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; roccosweho.com
12. Fiesta Cantina
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: non-ironic football watching
Proclaimed as the bar where Mexico meets West Hollywood, head to Fiesta Cantina for killer margaritas, loads of cervezas and a famous happy hour with two drinks for the price of one (4 to 8 p.m.). And no, it never gets old. The patio has a whole vibe during the summer, and it’s got some of the friendliest staff—plus giant TVs for those who want to catch a game.
8865 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90069; fiestacantina.com
13. Heart
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: packed dance floor
Lance Bass is at it again with his takeover of the former Rage spot, Heart is a thumping LGBTQ+ dance bar in, you guessed it, WeHo. You may even feel like you’re on stage at an NSYNC concert given the immersive lighting setup. We’re big fans of their RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars viewing parties.
8911 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; heartweho.com
14. Beaches
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: toes-in-the-sand outdoor mingling
What do you get when you mix an LGBTQ+ bar, slushies, Cuban food and a great happy hour? You get Beaches. The ‘80s Miami disco-themed hotspot can only be described as…sexy. The cocktails are banging and while a mojito is always a great choice, if you want to step out of the box, try El Manisero Martini. You will not regret it.
8928 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90069; beachesweho.com
15. The Bayou
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: casual Southern vibes, two-for-one tequila Tuesdays
For a New Orleans-themed evening of fun, hit up The Bayou in WeHo. No really, it feels like you’re in a little dive bar in the Big Easy. This hole-in-the-wall haunt has been around since 2012, offering up a good time with music, a crowd, Cajun grub and cheap drinks make for a very good time.
8939 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; thebayouweho.com
16. The Plaza
- Location: Fairfax District
- Best for/Known for: drag shows
A stone’s throw from the famous Pink’s Hot Dogs, this hidden-in-plain-site dive bar is full of surprises—like one of the most fun drag shows in town. We highly recommend sipping on a very fairly priced spicy margarita while dancing to the meringue and salsa music. They’re currently open Friday through Monday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and pssst, cash only!
739 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles 90038; @plaza.dance.bar
17. Eagle
- Location: Silverlake
- Best for/Known for: leather lovers
Eagle is a bear and leather bar, bursting with burly men, but all are welcome in this lively East Side establishment. Every night is an experience, from Thursday’s Bear Chest Contest to Sunday’s more laid-back Swap Meat with cheap beer and no cover. Inside, it has that strangely welcoming classic stale beer aroma, and outside there’s a large patio, which offers a more relaxed vibe.
4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90029; eaglela.com
18. Revolver
- Location: West Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: go-go dancers, video screens and great happy hour prices
This corner spot on Santa Monica Blvd. has been a WeHo staple for the past 30 years—no food service, just quality drinks. Of course, when the music gets going, mainly top 40 and other popular mainstream hits, dancing ensues. For the kink lovers out there, there’s the Cruise LA party every third Saturday night with the staged demonstrations, as well as guest DJs and dancers every week. They offer the typical weekly 5 to 9 p.m. happy hour; weekends, Revolver offers $3 tequila shots on Saturdays from 3 to 9 p.m. and $3 vodka drinks on Sundays from 3 p.m. to midnight.
8851 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90069; revolverweho.com
19. Boulevard
- Location: Pasadena
- Best for/Known for: inclusive neighborhood bar vibes
A visit to Pasadena’s only gay bar will make you feel right at home. Patrons praise this bar for its welcoming environment and positive energy. Not to mention, the heavy-handed drinks at affordable prices. Grab your crew and get ready to sing your heart out. Their karaoke is top-notch, and their Friday 11 p.m. drag show hosted by resident drag queen, Borgia Bloom Facade, is not to be missed.
3199 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena 91107; @boulevardpasadena
20. Redline
- Location: DTLA
- Best for/Known for: devoted downtown patronage
Redline is a DTLA local fave that has offered everything from drag shows to brunch since it started in 2015 and started a Queer business renaissance in Los Angeles. Saved by donations from their GoFundMe during the pandemic, the popular bar's owners have opted not to renew their lease when it elapses in 2024, but are instead focusing on a new downtown Queer bar called Kiso—so watch that space for more dancing, drag race viewing parties and more, all without having to trek to WeHo.
131 E 6th St, Los Angeles 90014; redlinedtla.com
21. The Bullet Bar
- Location: North Hollywood
- Best for/Known for: friendly bear hunting grounds
This Valley bar attracts leathermen, bears and the gents who flock to them, along with other subculture enthusiasts who enjoy the Bullet Bar's inexpensive drinks, indoor-outdoor socializing space and refreshing lack of attitude. When last we checked, patrons were vying for the title of Mr. Bullet Leather in a weekend-long Bar-Bear-Ian Pageant. All are welcome at this bar open daily from noon to 2 a.m.
10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood 91601; bulletbarla.com
