The Hollywood & WeHo Scene
The Beach Cities and the Westside
In Los Angeles, the “L” word is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. And why shouldn’t it be? Lesbians, like everyone else, are drawn to LA for many reasons, from the surf and sand to the countless attractions and venues that make this city famous. Of course, when it comes to a bona fide girls’ night out, there is never a shortage of gal pal hangouts. From laid-back bars to diva dance clubs, every night is ladies night in the City of Angels.
And in a city that rarely plays it straight, lesbians are sure to feel at home in most any part of the city. Whether you’re in search of lesbian-friendly venues or just want to mix it up with people of all persuasions, you can’t go wrong when you find yourself somewhere over the rainbow. Yes, Dorothy, you’re definitely not in Kansas anymore!
Explore all the things that these LA cities and neighborhoods have to offer lesbian visitors.
Silver Lake and Echo Park prove frequent stomping grounds for local lezzies. Their extensive LGBT history is not right on the surface but the long time local leather shops Rough Trade, primarily for men, and JT’s Stockroom, who branch out into women’s items, resonate with years past. Don’t worry, there’s a softer side to explore. In July, around Echo Park Lake, the Lotus Festival celebrates Asian Pacific Islanders with music, dancing, crafts and of course, food. Where do you think you’ll find the lesbians? Everywhere!
You don’t want to miss Silver Lake’s massive August street-fair, Sunset Junction, an oh so LGBT friendly event. One year, as soul heroes The O’Jays warned the crowd, “Mens hold onto your ladies. Ladies hold on to your ladies. Mens hold onto your mens,” and the most diverse crowd you can imagine beamed back at the stage, it crystallized, LA is a little slice of heaven.
What can you do everyday on the “East Side?” Shop in funky Sunset Junction, try Flore for exquisite vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Cru for surprising raw fare, Tantra for excellent Indian, El Conquistador, for well, margaritas above all else! For fine dining Café Stella won’t disappoint. Cafes include Casbah, with fresh mint tea and snacks, Pazzo Gelato, and Intelligentsia coffee. At night, music venues The Echo, Silver Lake Lounge, and Spaceland offer up-and-coming and established acts with LGBT performers as a regular guests.
Wednesday is a perfect night for walking. Try Malo for tapas and tequila or the Kitchen for awesome down home grub then, skip a few steps to fab gay bar/ dance club Akbar for Craftnight! A weekly lesbian helmed extravaganza for the creatively inclined. Make a wacky object d’arte whilst chattin’ it up with other ladies in an unassuming environment. After finishing your masterpiece, consider a flick at the beautifully renovated Vista Theater playing the most edgy new releases.
Downtown LA is thriving and two new lesbian fronted LGBTQ nights are the perfect examples. LEZ AT THE MEZ kicks off every month on the first Wednesday at the Mezz Lounge at the Alexandria Hotel. MUGSHOT rolls out the month the last Fridays at The Down n Out Bar.
Word of mouth travels far and fast in LA so chat up the locals for info on what’s hot and happening. Look for the 4th annual Dyke Day LA Saturday, June 11 at Barnsdall Art Park.
Moving west on Hollywood Blvd, pit stop in Thai Town for a cheap snack at one of the scores of scrumptious restaurants and in moments you’ll hit Hollywood where requisite shopping and tourist attractions entertain for hours. Take a trip through the Hollywood/ Highland mall, home to Oscar’s famed Kodak Theater or through the Wax Museum with its life-like but silent stars. Speaking of stars, the ones on the ground commemorate cinema’s icons. On Vine find Marlene Dietrich’s and muse on the first ever on-screen lesbian kiss, hers back in 1930 before “the codes” banned such “immoral acts.” The steep seats of the Egyptian Theater house Outfest Wednesdays, a screening series in conjunction with LA’s July LGBT festival showcasing the year’s most salient works. Outfest also presents Fusion, dedicated to the powerful filmatic voices of LGBT people of color. For a massive mainstream adventure, check out Universal Studios where much mega movie magic has been made. The all-new King Kong 360 3D ride purports to be a new high in theme park entertainment.
On Sunset Blvd, Amoeba Music sells a massive selection of new/ used music and films. Catch in-store performances from new artists and iconic favorites like Patti Smith. Steps away, the lush and stroll worthy Hollywood Farmer’s Market kicks off every Sunday morning. You are sure to spot a slew of lesbians ambling amongst a rainbow of fresh produce and food stands. If you love amazing fresh food, don’t miss famed lesbian chef Susan Feniger’s STREET. This restauranture and Top Chef Masters finalist has created a new establishment of simple food inspired by international cart cuisine. She’s of course put her own unique spin on these dishes and made them all the more worthy of high accolades and a sophisticated palate. Reservations recommended.
In Hollywood film flickers everywhere. If you’re fixing for unique experiences Hollywood Forever Cemetery screens classics outdoors amongst the dead. Along with a gaggle of other LGBT movie lovers, you’ll picnic under the stars, this time the ones in the sky! These nights are always busy and it’s a good idea to bring a picnic and some blankets and cuddle up.
Gleaming atop the hills of Griffith Park, the newly renovated Griffith Park Observatory! Visit to enter the cosmos or simply hike on park trails to break a sweat and see all the way to the Ocean! For the bold: hop upon a gentle rescued steed at nearby Sunset Ranch and ride through the park for dinner. After Mexican and margarita’s your mount will convey you back to the ranch and call it a night, while you may go out on the town for hours.
The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center features community services and events including art shows, screenings, and performances. This stylish yet comfortable shop offers informed customer service and regular workshops. On Melrose, buy gifts for friends or watch trend-setters text each other from across the street. Don’t miss Fleuvog shoes where stellar heels stand poised next to men’s shoes in small sizes. Pink’s summons the hungry with tried and true hot dogs; they even have vegan ones! If dogs aren’t your dish, swanky M Café De Chaya serves delicious macrobiotic fare and a possible L Word cast spotting. Stick around for La Plaza, a Latin drag bar/ dance club with LGBT clientele.
South of Melrose bubbling La Brea Tar pits and the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art will suck you into a whole mess of fun. Also in the Mid Wilshire district, check out Vegan Village Café right by the famous lesbian nightclub Jewel’s Catch One where you can dance the night away.
Now you’ve slipped right into West Hollywood, so gay you might forget to go home. The Abbey hosts gay men and women drinking huge fruity cocktails side by side. Sit for delicious food and great people watching. Next door, Here Lounge, pumps for the ladies Thursdays, and Fridays, then on Saturday nights there’s Girl Bar, a nightlife institution. You can also hit The Midnight Girly Show at Eleven Restaurant and Nightclub on Thursday nights. East/West is the place to go for Thursday night socializing with stylish industry lezzies. Then the bars, we cannot forget the bars! For more than 30 years lesbians of all kinds have frequented the Palms, which boasts events from dance nights to stand-up comedy to daytime beer busts. Here Bar boasts a long-standing Thursday night women’s night, and there are always gaggles of girls at the Abbey right next door.
To the beach with you! While away a day on the Venice Boardwalk. Shop, gawk, or rent a bike or board to move a little faster. This colorful quarter features many restaurants from which to choose or head inland a few blocks to Abbot Kinney for coffee, pizza, or dinner at AXE. Your cute waitress may be batting for your team. The Roosterfish, serves mostly gay men but you can still grab a drink and play some pool. For a less commercial beach experience, follow the PCH North to Will Rodgers State beach, an LGBT hot spot and read that book.
Nearby, Westwood’s attractions include UCLA and UCLA LIVE performances from around the world, the edgy Hammer Museum, and a tucked away treasure: Pierce Bros Westwood Village Memorial Park. Get directions before paying respects to, among many other fallen stars: Marilyn Monroe, Roy Orbison, Carroll O'Connor, and Truman Capote.
