Los Angeles: A Close up of Gay Life
reprinted with permission by the author:
Matt Mathrani
It's true. You'll find the most gifted plastic surgeons, the hippest gyms, the best beaches, the fanciest cars, superlative homes, and an army of talent agents in La-La Land. And the weather is just "picture perfect." But had it not been for the likes of Cecil B. DeMille, LA would've perhaps been little more than Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles , prized for oranges and oil. Thanks to the might of the silver screen, this semi-arid former Spanish settlement throngs with those skirting a world of make-believe. Gay men are among those flocking to this land of enchantment-- terra non-firma and smog alerts notwithstanding.
West Hollywood (Boystown)
Sprinkled with fairy dust, West Hollywood (WeHo) sparkles with the image- obsessed. A slew of bars and cafes laces Santa Monica Boulevard, the aorta of Boystown. But mind you, you almost need a gym membership to enter West Hollywood!
Clubs and bars
Here Lounge (696 North Robertson) located at Santa Monica Boulevard and North Robertson continues to be a phenomenon. Sister bar to G in New York City and an architectural delight in its own right, the place is usually mobbed. Specials during the week include Martini Club Mondays, Here Boy Wednesdays (targeting college boys), Size Sundays. This class-act of a place now even has a dance license to compound the fun. A detailed oft-updated roster of weekly events and pictures may be previewed at their web site.
About a block long, The Abbey (692 North Robertson Boulevard) is bent on getting even bigger. On weekends, you're bound to encounter a long queue just to get into this coffeehouse, restaurant, and full service bar offering plenty of open-air seating. Be it martinis, pot stickers, or oriental salads, they have plenty to choose from. Their cozy curtained cabins at the end of the establishment are great for making out.
Micky's (8857 Santa Monica Boulevard), a video and dance bar, draws a high-energy crowd. The 18-plus Tuesday and Thursday nights are always a hit. Go-go boys strut here most nights of the week, and the beer prices on Saturdays and Mondays make for much guzzling. Lunch is served here daily. On Sunday afternoons the barbecue specials on their patio are well received.
The aptly monikered Rage (8911 Santa Monica Boulevard) is a bi-level restaurant, daytime bar, and nightclub drawing a young crowd similar to Micky's all through the week. Rage "scorches" every Monday as well. They're also well trod for their 18-plus nights every Thursday and Saturday.
Revolver (8851 Santa Monica Boulevard) now approximating 23 years of the video bar and lounge biz, continues to appeal. Frequent video screenings of gay-popular shows are the thing here as are their Monday night karaoke nights.
One block down is Trunks (8809 Santa Monica Boulevard), a long-standing sports bar with the lowest drink prices in Boystown. It is home to several pool and softball teams, and the 12-satellite dish sport TVs make for much entertainment.
Kitty-corner from Rage, the cruisy Mother Lode (8944 Santa Monica Boulevard) is chocker on Sundays for their "mother of all beer bashes," followed by karaoke, 11pm on. Their weekly 3D Glow Show offers a delightful, amusing ambiance on Mondays. Mother Lode is expected to open a new open-air smoking area soon.
Factory (652 North La Peer) hosts circuit-ish parties thanks to lesbian promoters Sandy Sachs and Robin Gans. The large dance club is large, slickly designed, and contains several different areas with different moods.
BYOB (i.e. bring your own boys) to Numbers (8745 Santa Monica Boulevard), a bar cum restaurant, where the men are men and boys prefer to get paid for it! But the unescorted needn't be discouraged for there's many a take-out at hand!
Certainly not a boy bar, Gold Coast (8228 Santa Monica Boulevard) draws a more mature crowd. Every Monday the place rocks with music mixes from the 60s through the 90s.
FU Bar (7994 Santa Monica Boulevard) is very much a neighborhood place. Tuesdays tend to be more lesbian trammeled-- a good place of socializing all throughout the week.
As we go to press, O Bar (8279 Santa Monica Boulevard) is primping to open its doors. This location's last incarnation was called Felt.
LA's oldest bar Spike (7746 Santa Monica Boulevard), on the outer edge of Boystown, is best described as a Levi cruise bar. Sex is the theme at this supremely well-trod after-hours hangout, especially on Saturday.
She-males, unusual men, women, and their friends all party at 7969 (7969 Santa Monica Boulevard), where it's fun figuring out who's who and into whom... or which... or what.
Chico (2915 West Beverly Boulevard at Garfield) is the Latino bar/club in East Los Angeles. Located in the San Gabriel Valley, it's open Tuesday through Sunday. Wednesday Cockfights are a wild item here, with hot strippers battling it out and $2 Tecate beers cooling things.
What used to be the Probe is ICON (836 Highland), an almost circuit party every Sunday with an impressive array of DJs.
Cafes and restaurants
Mark's (861 North La Cienega) continues to shine with stellar California-Continental cuisine and a fetching staff. The indoor and outdoor bars, patio, and a look that's as au courant as the food contribute to the atmosphere. Special half-price dinner menus on Monday nights have become a legend here. Tuesdays are a hoot with comedy acts and a feisty Lorayne Love at the helm. Their Sunday brunch is no scoffing matter either. Voted as the place for excellent gay family values, as well as best restaurant, it has continued to successfully reinvent itself for the last sixteen years. And if you want their recipes, just cyber visit!
Just a merry hop from Mark's, Blue Palms (829 North La Cienega) offers dining with American, Asian, and Southern twists-- Tuesdays through Sundays. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining with an underlying philosophy "an evening of dining has to be more than great food."
The Abbey (692 North Robertson Boulevard), see more above under bars and clubs, serves meals as well.
There's a kicked back, relaxed atmosphere at the Fiesta Cantina (8865 Santa Monica Boulevard). Other notable eateries nearby include Cafe D'Etoile (8941 1/2 Santa Monica Boulevard) serving good ol' American food; Tango Grill (8807 Santa Monica Boulevard), with its Argentine beef creations; Bossa Nova (685 North Robertson Boulevard), specializing in Brazilian fleshy treats; and Benvenuto (8512 Santa Monica Boulevard), yet another Italian heaven.
WeHo Lounge/ Out of the Closet (8861 Santa Monica Boulevard) is a coffeehouse as well as an outlet for pre-owned clothing.
Yukon Mining Company (7328 Santa Monica Boulevard), a veritable kaleidoscope of a diner, is known for attractions ranging from fierce drag queens to bold-faced strumpets.
The French Market Restaurant (7985 Santa Monica Boulevard) shines as a shrine of cruise, an attribute that's as much a draw as the cuisine.
At Jamba Juice (8591 Santa Monica Boulevard) the selection of 20 smoothies with multi-vitamin boosts will get your juices gushing, not just flowing. Pastie-like treats that are perfect for those minding health and calories are also at hand.
Next door, the stimulants at Starbucks Coffee (8595 Santa Monica Boulevard) add to the high from watching men heading for a workout at the gym across the street.
Buzz Coffee (8200 Santa Monica Boulevard and 8000 West Sunset Boulevard) offers meals in addition to caffeine highs with wi-fi Internet access.
On Thursdays it's a toss-up between Lounge at the Standard Hotel (8300 Sunset Boulevard) and Cocky at Santo Coyote (9010 Melrose Avenue). Both offer dinner with entertainment.
Lodgings
San Vicente Inn-Resort (845 North San Vicente) is the exclusively gay bed-and-breakfast in the thick of Boystown. Accommodations at this tropical Shangri-la are cozy cottage suites around a pool area with a clothing-optional redwood sun deck and Jacuzzi. Most rooms are complete efficiencies with telephones, microwaves, refrigerators, TV, and VCRs. Continental breakfast is part of the pampering by a friendly staff. The San Vicente Inn is currently bent on reinventing the place in a more Euro style, with many upgrades in the offing. Their sister resort The Citadel (1491 S. Via Soledad) is a good choice in the Palm Springs area.
Le Montrose Suite Hotel (900 Hammond Street at Cynthia) is an exquisite, European-style hotel also in the heart of WeHo. Close to the action and far from the ordinary, Le Montrose is walking distance to many of the hot spots and quite the celebrity hideaway. Every room is a luxurious suite with all amenities you'd ever want including inexpensive wi-fi Internet access. A pool and sun deck, tennis court, plus a cozy gym complement the services offered. Readers mentioning The Guide may avail of special discounted rates.
Valadon (8822 Cynthia Street) is proud of its Old European traditional style while also offering voluptuary suites, a rooftop pool/spa, a little gym, high-speed Internet access, and more.
Ramada Plaza West Hollywood (8585 Santa Monica Boulevard) has Art Deco-style rooms and deluxe suites, mostly two-story lofts. In room DSL, movies, and refrigerators are standard. It's strategically located on Santa Monica Boulevard across from the 24-Hour Fitness. Fine restaurants and an outdoor heated pool are part of the offering.
Next to the International House of Pancakes, Holloway Motel (8465 Santa Monica Boulevard) is "good bang for your buck." Free cable TV, voice mail, continental breakfast, and parking are part of the pampering.
Coral Sands Motel (1730 North Western Avenue), an exclusively gay semi-resort motel in the Hollywood area, offers sixty rooms surrounding a private courtyard including a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. Direct dial phones, TVs with cable programming, and free coffee around the clock are part of the inexpensively priced package.
Just a bit of shopping...
The huge Pacific Design Center (8687 Melrose Avenue), fondly known as the Blue Whale, houses over 100 designer showrooms and always has interesting exhibits. Melrose Avenue, especially between La Brea and La Cienega, showcases some outrageous boutiques and clothing stores, defining up-to-the-minute trendiness. Mall rats will appreciate Beverly Center, south of Melrose at Beverly and La Cienega, and be enthralled by The Grove (189 The Grove Drive) at Farmer's Market-- it redefines the outdoor retail and entertainment experience in LA!
Pop in at Drake's Books (8932 Santa Monica Boulevard and 7566 Melrose Avenue) for innovative and erotic goodies. Videos are available, and competitive prices for everything from dildos to clit ticklers keep the business thriving.
The friendly, no-attitude staff at Unicorn Books (8904 Santa Monica Boulevard) makes buying mags, videos, erotica, and accessories a breeze.
Different Light (8853 Santa Monica Boulevard) is a gay and lesbian book/magazine lovers' heaven. Stocked with over 15,000 books and magazines, you always end up with what you're looking for (and, often times, much more). Open since 1979, A Different Light has served the community as a bookstore, social hall, sanctuary, and lifeline.
Circus of Books (8230 Santa Monica Boulevard) offers videos and literature tending toward the erotic.
665 Leather (8722 Santa Monica Boulevard) is an adult leather retailer with custom made and bespoke creations. A range of accessories from anal toys to whips, paddles, and wrist-pads complement the shopping experience.
For an assorted selection of magazines, specialty items, gifts, leather goods, condoms, love toys, and the like, there's the renowned Pleasure Chest (7733 Santa Monica Boulevard). This giant adult store has everything to tickle one's erotic interests.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center (1625 North Hudson Ave) is the focus of much of LA's gay organizing and makes a good stop on one's visit.
Physical pleasantries
In addition to Slammers (see the Silverlake section following), the LA area vaunts many facilities dedicated to carnal pleasures.
Zone (1037 North Sycamore Avenue) is the city's slickest sex club around. Tucked discreetly in a modest 6000 square feet space (with 50 feet tall ceilings) it has been imaginatively designed. The dimly lit space has nooks 'n' crannies, relax areas, plus dark rooms galore. A recreational vehicle squeezed into the club serves as a sex-mobile, and ten private booths with glory holes add to the wantonness. DJ Mark Avila steps up the rhythm every Saturday night. Sunday specials comprise $2 cover at 2pm that goes up by a dollar every hour. But come Monday it's the busiest place in Los Angeles!
Offering three floors of sight and sound, Hollywood Spa (1650 North Ivar Avenue) is a glamorous sauna often remembered for "that large great staircase." Their loyal clientele is an international blend. This large pleasure palace also vaunts a DJ nightly and a new assortment of special rooms with two-way mirrors. The all air-conditioned North Hollywood Spa (5636 Vineland Avenue) is its sister club in North Hollywood. Both clubs contain fitness centers, pleasant cafes, and new erotic-TV lounges. North Hollywood Spa has just had a major overhaul and offers brand new rooms, a newly refurbished cafe, plus a totally new sundeck. For more information, call 800-SPA-CLUB from anywhere in the US.
1350 Club (510 West Anaheim, Wilmington), the only men's "health club" in the South Bay, draws a randy crowd all the time, anytime. Rooms go for half price on Wednesdays. The outdoor garden and multi-channel videos (with both gay and increasingly popular straight ones) add to the zip. Free sexual counseling as well as therapy for coming out and self-esteem issues is proffered here and at sister facility, Melrose Spa.
The newly re-done video lounge, exhibitionist room, show room for performers, deluxe-room with sling have rendered Midtowne Spa (615 South Kohler Street) even better. In the heart of downtown LA, it has plenty of action and a full pool. The parking garage exclusively for patrons is handy. On Tuesdays rooms are half-priced. Some of the specials include Monday strip shows at 8pm, Sunday strip shows at 3pm, and a JO show on Thursdays at 8pm.
Melrose Baths (7269 Melrose Avenue) is conveniently located in Boystown. Early-bird specials (usually in the wee hours of the morning) make it a bargain (usually half-off). Other crowd-pullers include half-price rooms on Mondays, $9 lockers from 9am-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and half-price lockers from 5pm-11pm on Wednesdays. Confidential HIV and STD testing is available in all three facilities under the Midtowne umbrella (1350 Club, Midtowne Spa, and Melrose Baths).
Also open 24 hours, Flex Complex (4424 Melrose Avenue) has a relaxed atmosphere. Their garden oasis has an out-door Jacuzzi, sun deck, and pool for open-air pleasures. The many booths indoors also smolder with passion. Flex Complex offers a super gym with free weights and machines in addition to steam, sauna, and video. Free sex therapy and counseling is also available here.
A vibrant gay on-line "date" scene is also on the agenda. Many swear by www.m4m4sex.com . It has thousands of members, who instant-message, chat, or e-mail each other for modest fees. Members may also place and respond to Sex Now listings. All ads include at least one photo, and membership is required, so it's advisable to place your ad before arriving.
Hollywood and Silverlake
Arena (6655 Santa Monica Boulevard) are locally nicknamed "Hispanic heaven," and vaunt a decidedly Latin air.
In Silverlake, Faultline (4216 Melrose Avenue) reigns as the leather, fetish, and uniform bar. There's also Gauntlet II (4219 Santa Monica Boulevard), another levi-leather bar that continues to thrive, as does Cuffs (1941 Hyperion Avenue). Slammers (3688 Beverly, near Vermont Street) is a well-trod sex club in the area.
Akbar (4356 Sunset Boulevard) is an alternative bar in the area with a blend of curious straights and gays. An unassuming motel exterior belies a kitschy yet hip bar inside.
Long Beach
An hour's drive (non-rush hour, that is) from downtown LA lies the coastal community of Long Beach. Many gay venues are at hand.
Visitors will appreciate the hospitality at Silver Fox (411 Redondo Avenue), a contemporary gentleman's video bar thronging with locals thanks to its easygoing atmosphere. Wednesday and Sunday Karaoke nights are well received. On their outdoor patio, smokers can light up! The owners' investment in the community has continued to generate invaluable goodwill for over 22 years. The recent tasteful facelift to the facade with fiber optic lighting (designed by theater architect Joe Musil) has rendered it glamorous.
Club Ripples (5101 East Ocean Boulevard) is promoted as "the bar with the motion that rocks the ocean." And it very well rocks all of Long Beach between two floors that include a dance floor and an outdoor patio.
Fire Island (3325 East Anaheim), currently the largest video dance club around, offers free Country/Line dancing lessons on Wednesdays and a Nocha Latina Thursdays. Their High NRG Saturdays are popular, too.
The "Broadway Corridor" as the locals of Long Beach call it, is home to a growing number of gay-owned businesses. Located, as you might guess, on Broadway, it is just three blocks north of Ocean Boulevard. and vaunts coffee houses, restaurants, and bars such as Hamburger Mary's (740 East Broadway), Paradise Bar/Restaurant (1800 East Broadway), Falcon (1435 E. Broadway), Club Broadway (3348 E. Broadway), Sweetwater Saloon (1201 E. Broadway), Mineshaft (1720 East Broadway), and Brit (1744 East Broadway), as well as gift shops, insurance, pet stores, and gay owned postal services. Beachrunners' Inn (231 Kennebec Ave at Broadway), the first gay owned and operated lodging facility in the city of Long Beach is also tucked within the corridor.
