21 Best Bars in West Hollywood, Fairfax, and Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles

The Abbey in West Hollywood is one of the most famous and friendliest LGBTQIA+ bars in town. Seven days a week, a very good-looking crowd comes to eat, drink, dance, and flirt, with a bevy of theme nights and parties. Creative cocktails are whipped up by buff bartenders.

Reservations are definitely required for this swanky, New York–style space in West Hollywood. Waiters in white coats serve a mix of upscale American cuisine, but the true reason to come happens a little later when live jazz and burlesque dancers turn the night into a sultry singles scene that's visited by a see-and-be-seen crowd.

At this dark and sultry elegant supper club, you'll enjoy a fine dining French meal crafted with the finest ingredients, while watching an entertaining and sultry cabaret show. Sit in one of the semi-private booths for two while sipping refreshing cocktails and enjoying French cuisine paired with California and French wines. Watch how music, dance, and sultry burlesque collide into a titillating show. After dinner the space turns into a lively nightclub with a live DJ.

Right at the start of the Sunset Strip, Bar Marmont at the Chateau Marmont is a partygoer's staple. Get fancy and come here with a group. The kitchen serves a changing menu of classic French-style dishes.

Three stages give seasoned and unseasoned comedians a place to perform and try out new material. Sometimes big-name performers drop by just for fun. The front bar along Sunset Boulevard is a popular hangout after or between shows, oftentimes comedians mingle with fans.

Walk into this neighborhood sports bar and grill for an elevated experience to foster connections, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. Each night is a festive theme such as Karaoke Monday, Taco Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday, Thursday $3 Hot Dogs and live DJ, Fish Friday, and Ru Paul's Drag Race Viewing Party. Weekend brunch is popular with food and shot specials. Order from a variety of snacks like breakfast sandwiches, salads, or build-your-own burgers (beef, chicken, turkey, or Beyond).

This comedy club is not technically in Hollywood, but it brings Hollywood stars such as Ali Wong and Dave Chappelle popping in to try out a set in development. The club features theme nights throughout the week, so check the schedule online.

All-star stand-up comics regularly appear at this Sunset Boulevard mainstay, often working out the kinks in new material in advance of national tours. Stars such as George Lopez and Tiffany Haddish sometimes drop in. This venue has theme nights like Chocolate Sundaes and Tehran Thursdays that are extremely popular, with comics performing more daring sets.

The intimate vibe of the Troubadour helps make this club a favorite with music fans. Around since 1957, this venue has a storied past where legends like Elton John and James Taylor have graced the stage. These days, the eclectic lineup is still attracting crowds, with the focus mostly on rock, indie, and folk music. Those looking for drinks can imbibe to their heart's content at the adjacent bar.

Open since 1920, Barney's Beanery is an iconic spot along the original Route 66 that drew legendary regulars Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison (among others) to its doorstep. There's an extensive menu, but all anyone talks about is the famous chili and the list of more than 85 beers. There are plenty of distractions, including three pool tables, a foosball table, and arcade games. There's great trivia on Tuesday.

This tiny hip hop space has cozy red walls and an all-around good vibe. The music usually gets going by 10 in the evening, and can span the decades. Come on Sunday night if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. The small food menu is priced well.

This spot offers a chic craft cocktail and zero-proof mocktail program with a robust comfort food menu. Local favorites include fried pickles, an aged cheese board, and pizza. Save room for the spiked espresso martini tiramisu custard with chocolate and the right amount of vodka.

Italian food and serious cocktails are the mainstays at Jones. Whiskey is a popular choice for the classic cocktails, but the bartenders also do up martinis properly (read: strong). The Beggar's Banquet is their version of happy hour (10:30 pm to 2 am, Sunday through Thursday), with specials on drinks and pizza.

Being located next door to a long-running music venue, the Roxy, helped cement this bar and restaurant's status as a legendary watering hole for musicians of The Who, Guns N' Roses, Poison, and KISS. Many others have passed through the doors, including their entourages and groupies.

Located right on the corner of Santa Monica and San Vicente, Rocco’s is a premier destination for the LGBTQ+ community in an industrial looking spot with a covered patio. Enjoy a burger, pizza, wraps, salads, and sandwiches at this popular tourist destination. It's ideal for a fun night out with friends, weekend dance parties, or Drag Brunch on Sundays.

This friendly gay bar hosts theme nights such as speed dating evenings: arrive at 7:30 pm and hopefully by 9 pm, you'll have found a new friend or flame. The menu features pizzas, pastas, protein-based dishes, tapas, and salads at affordable prices.

This beautiful poolside bar is well worth a visit, but it can be a hassle to get into if you're not staying at the hotel, on the guest list, or know someone who can pull strings. The drinks are on the pricier side, but in this part of town that's to be expected, and the views might just make it all worthwhile.

This is the place to watch a big game on the main floor, or enjoy a cigar at the premier hookah lounge overlooking the Sunset Strip. Come for cocktail hour and the piled high nachos, chili cheeseburgers, and BBQ chicken pizza. Date night guests might order the steak frites or rigatoni alla vodka. Upstairs in the attic there are weekly comedy shows, live music performances, and other exciting events.

At Trunks Bar, the drinks are strong and so are the bartenders; see for yourself as these shirtless muscly men pour your drinks. Open for more than 25 years, the space is welcoming and the staff is friendly. People come here often to watch a game, play pool, listen to music, and meet friends.

This 21-plus live music rock club on the edge of the Sunset Strip has been around for more than 30 years; legends like Tom Petty and Lenny Kravitz have performed on the stage. Today the venue books rising alt-rock acts and cover bands.

Lines form outside early to enter this hard-core metal and rock venue, where Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Van Halen, the Doors (they were the house band for a short stint), and Frank Zappa have all played. On the Strip for more than five decades, the club books both underground acts and huge names in rock.