One of the best bars in LA. They have amazing events and it really functions as an unofficial queer cultural center presenting drag, dancing, theatre, performance art, a visual art gallery, craft nights and more. Depending on when you go it can be quiet, quaint and cruisy, or packed to the gills with artsy alt type patrons. A treasure of the city! read more

I stopped by this bar briefly for a friend's birthday and had a really concerning experience with one of the security guards. To be clear - this is not about being denied entry. I understand ID policies. I had lost my ID and only had photos of my passport and identification, so I asked politely if there was any way I could come in. I also mentioned I wasn't drinking just there for a friends birthday. What followed was honestly one of the most uncomfortable interactions I've ever had at a business. Instead of giving a simple yes or no, the security guard began loudly berating me for several minutes in front of a full line of people. He repeatedly said things like "what kind of person doesn't bring their ID" over and over again, questioned my intelligence, and spoke about me to my friend instead of addressing me directly. I stayed calm and kept saying it's completely fine if the answer is no - I just needed an answer. But he continued escalating, repeating himself, and making the situation more and more uncomfortable. At one point, people in line were visibly confused and reacting to what was happening. I ended up leaving crying, shaken and upset, which is not something I've ever experienced from simply asking a question at the door of a bar. I have never been so confused and shaken up this is such concerning behavior. Again, I fully respect policies. A simple "no, sorry" would have been completely fine. This review is only about the way the situation was handled. It felt unnecessarily aggressive and honestly unstable, and it created a very uncomfortable environment not just for me, but for everyone standing there. I hope management is aware of how their staff is representing the business, because this kind of interaction leaves a lasting impression. read more

Akbar - Unstable security at Akbar - very scary ans very concerning - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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It was first experience at Akbar was unfortunately overshadowed by the poor customer service I witnessed from the bartender working Tuesday night. The older female bartender behind the bar was, at minimum, unprofessional, dismissive, and unnecessarily combative toward a guest who had been waiting quite a while just to be acknowledged -- despite the bar not being particularly busy. What made the situation especially uncomfortable was that she appeared to intentionally skip over him to serve others first. When he politely mentioned that he had been waiting and believed he was next, she responded in a belittling and authoritative manner, eventually telling him she would not serve him at all. Since she was the only bartender working, it effectively meant he was excluded from being served altogether. From what I observed, the woman was previously engaged in a very drawn out conversation with another person without pouring a drink, the guest remained calm and simply expressed that he was next and then she began the rude treatment. I later spoke with him and learned he was only trying to order. The interaction felt completely unnecessary and left a very negative impression. Service was already extremely slow, and instead of handling the situation professionally, the bartender escalated it with attitude and hostility. As a first-time customer, witnessing that level of treatment makes me hesitant return on nights when she is the only person working behind the bar. This isn't about the bar being busy. Either discussed was the only person actually waiting at the time before someone else approached, and she preferred to serve another before she became extremely combative and abrasive and territorial for simply speaking up that he was next. This was really a bad representation of the bar. I hope she learns to be kind to her customers. read more

Great vibes!!! Came here with some friends on Saturday night and had a blast!!! We grabbed drinks from friendly bartender Jennifer picks some songs and settled in. The place has great music, good drinks and a popping dance floor. The crowd varies in age and types but it's a fun mix and everyone was having a great time. We had so much for here and will definitely be back!!! read more

Akbar - Jennifer at the bar joining in the fun - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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BEWARE! My phone was stolen from my purse while I was wearing it within the first 5 minutes after walking in. The staff did not care at all and told us at least 13 phones were stolen in the weekend prior. Horrible. These are professional pick pockets who know what they were doing. Find my iPhone was disabled and my phone was turned off immediately. Don't go here. read more

I hadn't been here in ages, it was never really my jam but I was in the area and felt like reliving my youth. So we stopped by for a quick drink. Drinks are still strong and affordable. Service is ok. It's super small so if you and your party want a table be alert as others likely want it too. Dance floor has a cover, which always annoyed me, so I've never actually seen it. This spot is traditionally a gay bar but has more of a local hipster vibe as well. It's nothing to write home about and I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, especially since parking is terrible, but if you live in the area, definitely a decent enough place to get a nightcap. read more

Such a fun, inclusive gay bar with amazing music, great servers, and an always-packed dance floor. The energy is immaculate, people are friendly, there's usually a fun dj, and the vibe just feels good. Whether you're going to dance or hang, Akbar is always a good time! ‍ read more

Well I had not stumbled into this place in years! Then I was with a friend older than I and I just remember couches. this time we sat at the bar and ordered drinks rather than go to the couch room and pay a cover. It is one of the closer LGBTQ bars in my area. I am always amazed at cocktail prices. $$ I had tequila rocks and my friend had a vodka seven. As soon as the drinks were served the bartender was off to the opposite end to be with his besties the other bartenders. Maybe a nice place to see the show but I wasn't WOWED either time. I will go back alone as when the show let out I was able to talk to some fun people. My friend said I was drunk and we had to leave. He was driving so "I'll be back". read more

Akbar - Before the show let out the place looked abandoned. Except for a couple of essential workers. - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Akbar we meet again! ... "That's that me, espresso!!" Showing up early for a Sunday Funday event I partook in adult beverages, small vendor supporting, drag performance recording and a magical day behind McDonald's (nextdoor) in the Akbar patio/parking lot as well as inside in the lounge with friends and friends of. The music was amazing with great DJs for the day. I stuck with Hella (good) canned margarita cocktails - the Hella Habanero being the best... yes, the name of the beverage is Hella. Restrooms inside both near the exit to the outside patio and inside near the lounge. Beverages are powerful and so is the welcoming energy . Parking in the Los Feliz/East Hollywood/Silver Lake area is what it is... Rideshare, public transit and carpooling is all your friend - still lots of fun food closeby such as Garage Pizza (open until 2/3AM), My Vegan Gold, Bulan Thai, fast food cuisine, Indian and once and a while an awesome street vendor. It was my first time at Akbar's Bears In Space event running into so many amazing people including the owner David who I met last year. Seeing Meatball (the drag queen), shopping at Horse & Horn and living it up was beyond fun and then some! Be back soon for a Bear Happy Hour Thursday, Craftaoke (craft night + karaoke), Disco Night or one of the many amazing events they put on as well as vendors they support with space to share and sell their quality services and/or products. Turn up that Sabrina Carpenter track and let the music play! #SupportLGBTQOwned #SupportYourLocalWateringHole read more

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This is a great place for drinks and dancing (although the dance room is a little tight, but that leaves more to the imagination). It's like a magic oasis on the East side of town where many gay and mixed bars exist. It reminds of that song, "Ain't Nobody Straight In LA" by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. So cool and you feel so natural in there it doesn't matter who you are or what you do -- just feel it. Especially when Tony Powell jams it to you with his outrageous house sessions. Thank you Akbar for the many ongoing great memories! read more

Akbar is a local LA gay bar favorite of my partner and I if we're trying to go out and be around gay people but don't want to go to a crazy busy club in WeHo. It's usually not too busy earlier in the night but I have seen it get super packed on a weekend later in the evening. I love that there's a lot of seating, from the bar, to the back couches, to the side room with additional seating as well. People are usually pretty friendly, both the clientele and the wait staff. I like that they have a pretty extensive event calendar by the bar for all to see and that they usually have themed nights or decorations depending on the season or what's being celebrated. Have never eaten here but have gotten drinks before, and must say they are pretty strong (as is common of gay bars). Love that everyone hangs out and smokes out front and love that there's conveniently a McDonalds next door that I've parked at a few times w/o problems. Would definitely come again. read more

Jennifer @ Akbar is everything! She makes string cosmos and her personality is as stunning as her jewelry. We have been frequenting Akbar for over 15 years but Jennifer reminds you on why this spot is so very special! I love the decor so much as it does lean towards the whole 'midnight at the oasis' vibe! We recommend you check out their dance nights and appreciate their daily 4-7 Happy Hour! read more

Loved this bar! It's a very popular gay bar in Silverlake LA where everyone is welcome. I ordered an Old Fashioned and it was excellent. Really liked the bartender too! read more

Akbar - So much fun! - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Beware of this bar! They take real IDs and demand you go back the next day to pick it up. The bouncer refused to give the REAL ID back until we were on the phone with the police. Xenophobia at its finest. the bouncer refused a real California ID and, only gave it back when we called the police was kinda lame too lol, don't come here read more

Thank you bill for everything. DO NOT CONFRONT THE FRONT STAFF They will do their best to retrieve your personal belongings. read more

Akbar is the ideal spot for friends of any sexual identity to intermingle over strong drinks. What I like: The juke-box: the music ranges from 70s disco, 80s New Wave, to early 2000s alternative rock. I would bet money that the day this juke box is laid to rest, so will Akbar itself. The bartenders: from Forrest, Stephen, to the rest of the lovely gentlemen running things behind the bar, the bartenders are always welcoming and will get you tipsy in no time. What I could do without: Dance floor cover fee: Look, I get it: Akbar is a business. That noted, most weekends come with a cover fee for the dance floor. With the recent spike in drink prices, paying a cover fee for the dance floor isn't worth it, especially when the music is significantly better on the other side of the bar, courtesy of the jukebox. I can go to West Hollywood to listen to Britney, Gaga, and Rhianna for free. Bathrooms: Don't even bother. From the line to the smell, take your chances at McDonald's or Del Taco instead. I love Akbar, and the pros will always outweigh the cons. I recommend this Silver Lake gem to anyone with decent taste in music and looking for a strong drink to unwind going into the weekend. read more

Akbar - Fun times at Silver Lake's coolest neighborhood bar. - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A staple bar in the Los Feliz / Silverlake area. I love their disco/ throwback nights. Always a fun night. Their dance floor is always lively and fun. Drinks are relatively cheap and the bartenders are always nice. They do have different nights so following their insta is recommended. Some nights are paid and some nights a free to get in. The bar has two sides, a more relaxed; sit and talk area and a dancing area where it can get crazy! read more

Akbar - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Usually love this bar and vibe but me and three people tonight got pickpocketed at around midnight. I was foolish and drunk and in the tight bar someone just took my wallet. Devastating experience that's gonna keep me from going to this place read more

Never coming back here again. Bouncers on a major power trip and will take your real ID and claim you're lying. They never admitted fault and continued to argue. If you're looking for a good place to spend your $$, this is not the place. So many better places elsewhere too. read more

Worst drinks I've ever had. $8 for Vodka Cran the tastes like just cranberry and no vodka, not to mention the smallest glass with full ice . Never again! 1 star and that's being gracious read more

Akbar - a glass of water and a candle on a table - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Staple gay bar in the Los Feliz and Silverlake adjacent. Went with my sister and her two lesbian friends. The bartender was so nice and bought us our first round. Hard to describe, but it's not a friendly place for straights, unless you're comfy with yourself and others and/or come with friends. Security was rude and didn't let us check out the dance floor, and didn't use words - just stuck his arm out and was rude. Other than that, it got pretty packed. Had to just check it out once! read more

Akbar - a group of people at a bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The best local neighborhood bar, friendly owners, great prices and the best juke box in town.. a must visit!

I personally don't like how crowded and musky it gets during their busy times, but as far as gay bars go, I'd say this one of the better ones in this part of LA. I have only come when it was packed, though, so I did not have a great experience. Plenty of free street parking at night, so there is one plus, just lock your doors. The theft in this area can be high. read more

My friends wallet was stolen here on August 15. The security guard and bartenders shrugged. This is supposed to be a lgbt "safe space" but it's the opposite. Appalling treatment of the customers. Avoid this place if you value your items. read more

Great times. Great people! The dj was really the music right everyone was up dancing. We had fabulous time.,waiters were on time! All good! Mama Fierce! read more

Had my phone stolen 5 mins into walking in. NOT A SAFE PLACE. Learned after talking to bouncers and bartenders this happens ALL the time and they are not nice about it. No one checked my ID when walking in. Also it's a bit messy inside. There are way cuter bars to go which are more safe. The last thing you want to feel when you are dancing and enjoying with friends is that groups of people are watching you and waiting to steal or take advantage of you. BE CAREFUL guys. I sat back and watched the crowd for a while to see if I could find my phone. Lots of weird people scanning the crowd a lot. read more

It's been several years since I've lived in Los Angeles, and I can safely say Akbar is still my favorite gay bar in Silverlake. It's odd to say that given that it's been closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and like many nightlife establishments, Akbar is in danger of not surviving this pandemic. When I lived on the Westside, heading to Akbar was often one of the joys of heading east. A dark, packed bar with friendly bartenders, affordable drinks, and a great dance floor was all I was looking for, and this bar delivered in spades. I still have fond memories of the conversations I had and the random connections one can make in a space that is so welcoming. I'm looking forward to the day that Akbar (hopefully) reopens, and when it does, I hope you get to experience the joy it can bring! read more

My friend's phone was stolen here the night of May 16th. Beware!! Upon informing the security guard at the front door, All he could manage to say was " that's been happening a lot". This is not OK and bars and clubs like Akbar must take more action to prevent theft and pickpocketing. read more

I always loved this bar. It feels so comforting and welcoming. Every other bar or club in LA has some specific click it caters to and although this does seem to bring an older crowed, it really has a little bit of everybody. It's a small cozy place but enough room to dance. It always feels so safe here and everyone is always so friendly. This is definitely the bar to come to if you're also going solo. There's always a few solo or duo people and it's so chill so you won't feel awkward or anything. There's also a stage in the back I believe but I haven't been in a while so not entirely too sure. The drink prices are pretty decent as well. This is a great place to pregame or if you want to talk and hang with friends. It can get busy and loud so that's not always the case but either way a fun bar. read more

Love this place, but they make the worst imaginable vodka martini (dreadfully sweet). The 1920's called and want their vermouth back.

I love the vibe in this bar, the folks that visits this bar are chill and the bartenders too are cool!

Came once again and met Joshua he's amazing and super sweet thank you for the flaming homo drink

GOT MY PHONE STOLEN. Bouncers acted like they had no idea what was going on and didn't even let me look. I will never ever ever recommend this place also there are way cooler and better queer parties with actual quality dance music. read more

i met my current boyfriend there they have a cozy bar area and a fun intimate dance area the drinks aren't crazy overpriced read more

Very small inside but fun. I went last night for trivia and damn. If you like trivia you need to go. It was the most fun, thoughtful, and engaging trivia I've ever participated in. The guy who does it deserves every single tip he gets. Can't wait to go back. read more

Great place to hang out or go dancing. Everyone is nice and very welcoming. Like that they have 2 full bars.

Fun local gay dive bar, always a good time to be had. Strong drinks and great dance floor

Water was offered at the bar, with the optional lemon offered. Overall the water was cold and sufficient. read more

Akbar - Water - Gay Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It was amazing. Enjoyed my drink and the vibe. Will be returning. Would recommend it to anyone. Also service was amazing. The bartender was so kind and attentive. read more

Smelly just full open armpit smoke vibe pretty terrible edm DJS too even for a Dive Bar it's mid