Downtown gay bar

However, a new and exciting addition to the scene is set to revolutionize the way visitors explore the city. 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. 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.

The drinks don’t play around, and the crowd will keep you out till you’ve lost track of all time. They're outfitted with a high-tech karaoke system, complete with projection and video monitors throughout the bar. Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Sex and the City and morw along with drag queens, hosts, stops at gay bars, games ,lip sync battles and much more.

Hop on board "The Slay Ride" and embark on a luxury bus equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and entertaining journey.

You’re sure to get sweaty in the best way. 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

Honey's at Star Love

1532 Western Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Honey’s is a new queer bar at Star Love on Western.

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. It’s practically hidden on La Brea, but follow the signature thump of perreo music to find your way to the dance floor.

Photo: The Plaza

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.

No reservations are required, and standing-room-only nights are encouraged.

Pride doesn’t end when June does. In fact, it’s the only gay bar in WeHo that’s open after 2 am (on Fridays and Saturdays, but still)! It’s stood the test of time and gentrification, founded by longtime friends and onetime couple Scott Craig and Peter Alexander. 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.

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

Precinct

357 S Broadway

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Precinct is Downtown's go-to gay bar.

There’s a little something for everyone!

Photo: Mario Diaz on Facebook

Akbar

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. Leave your pretentious snotty attitudes behind and embrace the chaos of the Mother Lode.

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. 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

The Ruby Fruit

3510 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Everything about Ruby Fruit, the lesbian wine bar, is designed to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Photo: New Jalisco Bar

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. It’s lesbian-focused, but everyone is welcome.

Across the city, the queer community has historically utilized bars and event spaces as life-saving sanctuaries for self-expression.