AKBAR
A neighborhood oasis cocktail bar and nightclubAverage Reviews
About
Akbar, a neighborhood oasis cocktail bar and nightclub.
We are AKBAR. We believe in the power of rock and roll. We love guitars. We abhor homophobia. And hetero-phobia. We enjoy a cold beer. We cannot abide a mean drunk. We don’t get organized religion. We like disco. We despise racism. We cannot respect disrespectful behavior. We do not condone “velvet ropes.” We do not care who is a celebrity and who is not. We love our friends. We can be silly. We do not understand gay Republicans. We wing it. We try to obey traffic laws. We do believe variety is the spice of life. We do not enjoy excessive profanity. Damn it. We think we’re Ginger, but we’re really Mary Anne. We love a parade. We are AKBAR. Love it or leave it. We can tolerate a happy drunk but not a sloppy drunk. We do not like shrill voices, especially indoors. We are happy to open the door for you. We love a good martini. We sometimes fall down. We admire musicians. We are distrustful of rabid fans. We enjoy a night on the town. We think we all need more exercise. We skinny dip. We LOVE L.A. and we ♥ N.Y. We’re partial to scruff. We miss our dearly departed friends and family. We look forward to making new friends and family. We like to travel. We love coming home to AKBAR.
We are AKBAR. We believe in the power of rock and roll. We love guitars. We abhor homophobia. And hetero-phobia. We enjoy a cold beer. We cannot abide a mean drunk. We don’t get organized religion. We like disco. We despise racism. We cannot respect disrespectful behavior. We do not condone “velvet ropes.” We do not care who is a celebrity and who is not. We love our friends. We can be silly. We do not understand gay Republicans. We wing it. We try to obey traffic laws. We do believe variety is the spice of life. We do not enjoy excessive profanity. Damn it. We think we’re Ginger, but we’re really Mary Anne. We love a parade. We are AKBAR. Love it or leave it. We can tolerate a happy drunk but not a sloppy drunk. We do not like shrill voices, especially indoors. We are happy to open the door for you. We love a good martini. We sometimes fall down. We admire musicians. We are distrustful of rabid fans. We enjoy a night on the town. We think we all need more exercise. We skinny dip. We LOVE L.A. and we ♥ N.Y. We’re partial to scruff. We miss our dearly departed friends and family. We look forward to making new friends and family. We like to travel. We love coming home to AKBAR.
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Reviews
Based on 680 reviews
Hottesome (Quintin Ellis Jr)
23:14 04 Mar 25
Akbar is lgbtq+ owned bar lounge that's open to all. They have incredible friendly bartenders, staff and an awesome owner (David). Akbar puts on a wide variety of events including trivia nights, drag shows, gamer parties, film showcases, disco nights, awesome summer events and are all about support the local Los Angeles community including other small businesses with their vendor pop ups and non-profits like the LA LGBT center.I don't pop in as often as I could but love attending things like Bear Happy Hour, Bears in Space and Gaymer Night. They have a vintage jukebox, comfy tables, booths and various places to enjoy. It can fill up fast especially at night, but they do open up their dance floor/ nightclub-esque side later in the week as well as for certain events.The magic starts at 4pm everyday and goes until close (typically by 1:30/2am). There's parking in the area but the metro is easy (10-12 minute walk from Vermont/Sunset or a quick transfer to the LA Metro city bus #2). Ride share is also a great option.There's lots of great places to eat before or after the bar across the street and sometimes there's even a vendor here out front or in back for those warmer weather events with great options to choose from when the parking lot becomes and patio.Restrooms on both sides for everyone - single use.Amazing headshot photo wall of lots of infamous locals and legends of the past as well as present. It's always an easy going time with lounge bar jive.Note: They do check IDs so be prepared to show it to the door person.Dennis Curtis
16:21 28 Feb 25
Place has an awesome and unique vibe. The music was on point for a gay bar. Would recommend for a chill drink with some friends.Steven
21:56 12 Jan 25
One of my favourite bar in LA, really fun music and people here. The only reason why I’m not putting 5 stars is that they sometimes let too much people in and it becomes really impossible to walk around, let alone dance on the dancfloor on busy nights!Jack Galanty
20:20 01 Jan 25
One of the best gay bars in LA!Super chill and laid-back.I love the energy, the bartenders are very nice and service is quick!I love attending the events there as they are always a ton of fun and always different!I highly recommend it if you're looking for a very well-run bar, and want a more relaxed and fun atmosphere!!Susan P.
16:33 21 Dec 24
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!Ginny Van de Wall
10:07 14 Dec 24
Super fun vibes, great music and dancing! However, 4 people (including my sister) were pick pocketed while we were there. Be carefulTina T.
19:34 24 Nov 24
Great place to hang out or go dancing. Everyone is nice and very welcoming. Like that they have 2 full bars.Malachi Hooper
02:51 15 Oct 24
Men men men! Everywhere! Ahhh! Cover was only $10 and it covered a free drink dancing was LIT and very male. I got to dance with multiple fine gentleman and I think I might have to move to LA actually.Michael Morgan
01:07 07 Oct 24
My favorite gay bar in LA! The atmosphere and decor are really nice. Good dance floor on the weekends. Nice bartenders and moderately priced drinks!Emeris Pendragon
16:51 28 Sep 24
In between a dive bar and small club....... Akbar has survived through the years.Staff are always friendly, they carry a good selection of beers and liquor, they are next door to a great thai spot and allow you to bring food inside, and I always find new and interesting people to chat with.I hope they stay around forever.......George Carrasquillo
16:28 27 Sep 24
It's been ages!Totally chill for a Thursday, went in for a drink with my friend.The only bartender there (female) gave me Screwdriver/Tequila Sunrise when I ordered Margaritas. When I took it back, the guy behind the bar was super nice about it and offered to bring my drink back to me.He relays to me that the bartender always puts a little OJ in her Margaritas. I politely explained that there's no OJ in a regular Margarita. He brought me back a proper Margarita and apologized for the confusion.Other than that, good times and much needed departure from Weho.Danielle Ducharme
08:10 15 Sep 24
we were $2 short for the dance floor…. THE EMPTY …. dance floor. they did NOT let us in. which is wrong Tenaya Medeiros
16:37 01 Sep 24
Phone, keys, wallet all stolen out of my bag while I was wearing it. Be careful if you go! Not worth all the stress of having to replace all my belongings.Sara Montecino
04:47 14 Aug 24
Maybe just an off night, but the dance floor was empty on a Friday. They seemed to only place disco music. I'm probably just not the target audience.Arthur WG
18:04 03 Aug 24
Do not come here. Your phone will be snatched, Polo G style, buddy! Is doing guys is there stealing telephones having a good time at your expenses. Dont go. Go = lose a phone! Uh oh! but the appetizers is good.S M.
21:38 13 Jul 24
i met my current boyfriend there they have a cozy bar area and a fun intimate dance area the drinks aren't crazy overpricedQuintin E.
14:52 11 Jun 24
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,...Dan Mabashov
18:31 22 May 24
Love this place so much! Such an awesome queer spot to check out. The bartenders were so friendly and welcoming. One of my favorite spots in LA!Andrew D.
16:55 09 May 24
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...Louis F.
21:14 21 Apr 24
Fun local gay dive bar, always a good time to be had. Strong drinks and great dance floorHenry D.
01:00 18 Apr 24
Used to be great chill yet recently le fun police is in full force. Surprisingly gross vibe. Don't whistle or get asked to leave!Colette B.
01:12 10 Apr 24
Water was offered at the bar, with the optional lemon offered. Overall the water was cold and sufficient.Nicole V.
21:03 17 Mar 24
I love this bar. This is my very favorite bar in LA, staff are amazingly kind and it's a very safe place to enjoy and drinks are always great!J A
01:16 24 Feb 24
Went to Akbar for the first time yesterday and had the best time. The bar itself is very nice! The bartender Jennifer was AMAZING!! Super nice, very friendly and attentive! I will definitely be back more often!!!Garen M.
20:16 17 Feb 24
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...Mark W
12:52 31 Jan 24
Drink was $8, gave the bartender $10 ….and he never came back. I was going to tip, but clearly he decided to TIP HIMSELF. Finished my drink and left. Too sketchy for me. Found another bar where I wasn’t getting ripped off.stacy f
21:43 28 Jan 24
everything was great until we have a rude bartender who felt obligated to get a tip, yes we were going to tip although in cash but he had something to say before we even finished.KC M.
22:22 25 Jan 24
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...Steven H.
10:23 20 Jan 24
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...tim a.
23:15 08 Jan 24
Love this place, but they make the worst imaginable vodka martini (dreadfully sweet). The 1920's called and want their vermouth back.Richmond B.
20:12 07 Dec 23
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...Beau Von Hoffman
19:48 01 Dec 23
This spot is so great and has always stayed true to itself : it’s not a dive tho : it’s fun and clean just with the best lighting and ambiance! Jennifer behind this bar is like none other : such great make up and phenomenal jewels & has always made us feel welcomed! I also won a Madonna contest here! They hosted an actual Madonna trivia night and I dominated it winning the grand prize! As if a daily AKBAR Happy Hour : 4-7 Daily, wasn’t enough!Beau H.
11:47 01 Dec 23
This spot is so great and has always stayed true to itself : it's not a dive tho : it's fun and clean just with the best lighting and ambiance! Jennifer...Paul H.
14:40 13 Nov 23
Love this place! So much so that I arranged to have a private party there to celebrate my birthday. The management, staff and DJ were awesome and it could...Brent Armendinger
02:13 07 Oct 23
This is a gay bar, not a “gay friendly” bar. If anything, it’s a straight-friendly bar, but sometimes I wish it wasn’t. Great drinks, great crowd, and the very best jukebox in LA.Travis R.
10:33 26 Sep 23
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...Dae A.
21:43 30 Aug 23
Bartenders are inattentive! Will skip over you without even checking in or saying hello. Rude and horrible customer service. Interesting enough the...Ryan N
22:25 20 Aug 23
Went here for Madonna night for the first time since the pandemic last night. I love that they host this night! However, it was insanely packed and hot as a sauna on the dance floor. It's bad enough that there's no so AC so I don't understand why they can't but some fans in there at the very least. This is especially important in the post-COVID era to dilute viral aerosols. I hope they do something about this soon cuz I truly love everything else about this bar/club. It would be nice to dance the night away more comfortably and without fear of getting sick. Lastly, the DJ could have done a better job with song selection last night.Steven K.
07:38 18 Aug 23
Despite the "hipster" image (a curiously dated hipster image, actually) and the promise of being "inclusive" this once fun and rowdy little bar has become...C S
03:40 24 Jul 23
Akbar in Silver Lake is a fantastic LGBT bar that embraces the power of rock and roll and a love for guitars. With a fun atmosphere, cold beers, and a welcoming spirit, it's a great place to make new friends and enjoy a night out. Join the community at Akbar and experience a vibrant and inclusive spot to hang out and have a good time.C S.
20:40 23 Jul 23
Akbar in Silver Lake is a fantastic LGBT bar that embraces the power of rock and roll and a love for guitars. With a fun atmosphere, cold beers, and a...Josh S.
19:38 21 Jul 23
This bar is racist. They don't like hispanic people. They only like white people. They don't care if your gay or trans, if you are not white they won't...Val B
07:42 14 May 23
Had so much fun at the Eurovision viewing party yesterday. The bartenders are very welcoming. The drinks are nice and strong.Mark Bear
20:49 11 May 23
Love this space, but they jacked up their prices and I swear they are still watering down their alcohol bottles (which they've been caught doing in the past)Desiree Smith
07:41 04 May 23
Usually love this bar, but tonight my tab was 17 dollars, and when I just checked my bank account they charged me for 35. Super unhappy!Noona C.
22:29 02 May 23
First time coming here tonight and I am disappointed, the music is really bad and turns off if you're not constantly putting quarters in the jukebox which...Arlen F.
02:09 23 Apr 23
I supported this bar during covid when they asked the community for financial support, but after tonight with the rude staff, I will no longer support....Lauren Donahoe
00:01 26 Mar 23
The land of the queer hipsters! A fun dance spot with good drinks and friendly bartenders. The music is definitely not what you’d hear in a typical nightclub so it’s a nice change up.David Hopes
03:21 20 Mar 23
Really friendly doorman and wonderful ambience, including a drag show (Sunday evening). Unfortunately, the bartender was really rude - I deferred to people who were waiting before me, and then he refused to serve me!Sam M.
22:37 16 Feb 23
I love this bar every time I am here I am drunk AND gay so I would say 10/10 they stay true to their biz model.David B.
12:56 24 Jan 23
Crowd is fun, but the "DJ" on 1/20/23 sucked and wouldn't take any suggestions. It was basically a sucky version of the abbey that night.Sergei S.
08:39 16 Jan 23
This bar is very eclectic! It's not for everybody, but once you learn how to enjoy it, you fall in love with this place! I read these reviews that say "if...Julian Gonzalez
20:30 18 Dec 22
Nice decor , ok ambience, it gets packed quickly nothing outbof the ordinarily. A good place to unwind , good music and just a dim relaxed set up .Allie G.
10:16 16 Dec 22
DO NOT GO HERE! We went around 11pm on a Wednesday, at the recommendation of a friend who was with us & lives nearby & had been many times. One of our...Germaine Newton
11:44 15 Dec 22
This was my second time attending Planet Queer: Cosmic Cornucopia talent show at Akbar Silver Lake. I had such an unexpectedly outstanding time during my first visit, I couldn't wait to return this month for the last show until next Spring. The show was a Cornucopia of art forms: comedy, singing, acting, instrument playing, dancing, song writing, poetry, etc. Can't wait to put Akbar on my places to visit monthly in 2023 for art and entertainment.Rod Thomas
21:31 10 Nov 22
Just so fun, so welcoming and such an important bar in LA’s queer nightlifeJason A.
00:42 25 Sep 22
If you like like to feel as though you are dancing in a strangers living room while shoulder to shoulder with sweating people dancing to awful music than...Meadow S.
21:14 19 Sep 22
Bro...why are the bartenders so weird!! Hahaha like seriously I feel none of their vibes. But otherwise Planet Queer on the 3rd Monday of every month is...Matthew K.
16:55 25 Aug 22
Fav bar in la . Akbar is like family, im always comfortable here . Have the best time and meet the best people. The entire staff are like annointed gays ,...Alison Powell
20:36 22 Aug 22
Wowee zowee. A gay club in LA. And it happens to be a neighborhood bar. Wow. When I used to look up best 80's dance nights in LA this would always be number one on yelp. They have theme nights like free comedy with real guest stars on Tuesdays with Bruce and a board game happy hour with Marcel on Monday's. Fun times USA!Jeff Valladares
23:05 07 Aug 22
Just went to get vaccinated for monkeypox and waited since 2:15. They made us pay for entry first and then told half of us that there weren’t enough for everyone when they easily could have counted people outside and saved us 2+ hours of time. They literally cut off the line the person before me meanwhile people were jumping the line left and right. Completely disorganized. Horrible experience.Adam R.
17:52 07 Aug 22
REALLY AWFUL circumstance :We went in and the bouncer asked a friend of mine to go to the ATM and my friend went to get the cover. After she came back to...Guillermo G.
16:38 30 Jul 22
Very nice crowd, definitely different from WEHO. I had years not coming here. The bartender was not pleasant, I order my drinks, however a friend was...Cheryl A.
20:01 04 Jul 22
This was a fun, friendly environment. Drinks were great and inexpensive. Chill vibe. We will definitely go back.Cece J.
19:16 03 Jul 22
Friendly staff. Felt welcomed. Easy spot to make new friends. Love art and craft night with JP.Shahrzad hadian
08:13 02 Jul 22
They are based on nonsense, i thought it would be one of those casual bars that you can bar hope into, but they didn’t let me in because i couldn’t access my vaccine card on the spot. From the outside it looked wacky,Dimitri S
17:36 26 Jun 22
Nobody asks proof of vaccination anymore…except you! Stupid! Loosing clients! Good luck!Kemi A.
16:16 15 Jun 22
As a cis queer woman, going to a club that caters to gay men, you sometimes don't know if it's going to be welcoming to you. This was during Pride and the...Chelsea R.
12:00 12 Jun 22
TLDR: Pickpockets on site. Watch your belongings closely. // I typically love Akbar. But last night at the Dyke Day afterparty, someone pickpocketed my...Alyssa Erin
20:48 07 Jun 22
Ordered a vodka water for $8… Pricey compared to where I’m from, but boyyy was that a stiff drink! So totally worth it. The sweet bartender (wish I could remember her name…) gave me my second drink on the house as a welcoming gift to LA! Only took me two drinks before I had to dash out before I got too drunk. 😂 Will definitely be back soon! I’m going to make this spot my go-to. Didn’t explore too much as I was alone and scoping out my first queer bar in LA, but I’ll drag my new friends out here with me for sureee. 🙂Joshua
04:36 20 May 22
The Mohawk bartender was rude for no reason lol. I asked for an adios, she gave me a face, and I asked what that’s supposed to mean. She said that’s not ordered here. Then the person next to me asked for help and she told him “sorry I’ll be right with you, these people are ordering complicated drinks.” Despite all this I kept an appreciative demeanor and tipped against my judgement. Wouldn’t recommend. First and last time. I get better service at Mickys. MICKYS! Godspeed.Robert S.
18:14 15 May 22
Great vibe of the place and fun clientele but the bartender serving us tonight was beyond rude! Came into the place with the positive attitude for a...Alex K.
17:49 15 May 22
Very nice and friendly crowd. Not very nice and very unfriendly staff! I'm sick of seeing this unfriendly attitude even in a gay barKimberly L.
02:36 26 Feb 22
I've been here for for years and I have even donated in the times during the pandemic to keep this bar open because of good memories and the environment of...Jeremy N.
02:30 26 Feb 22
For being supported by your community your staff seems very ungrateful. Coach your staff on how to handle guests. Your security is very rude and...Alex Shvarthsman
08:41 15 Feb 22
A small and unassuming place. We ordered two drinks with a friend and left good tips. A friend asked for another drink and the bartender told him he drank too much complained to the guard and we were taken out. What is there a bar for if not to drink in addition that is really nice and we left them lots of tipsWyatt K.
13:05 25 Dec 21
I enjoy any opportunity to sip a nice cocktail while disco blares in the background, and Akbar ticks both of those boxes. It has low lighting and gorgeous,...Matt-Calvin Phair
06:51 18 Dec 21
First time out on the West Coast in many years, Club Akbar is definitely a spot to try. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Very diversified crowd, great music, drinks well priced very cozy atmosphere.Nicole Asaraf
07:03 14 Dec 21
Seriously such a fun time! The DJ played bangers the whole night. Danced for hours. Ended up closing out the bar!Theodore M.
03:50 28 Nov 21
pretty busy place. wish i had actually talked to people when i went. not for the socially awkward aka shyFern Deleon
19:09 12 Mar 21
This bar was a great place to be inside and outside. Fantastic music, cold beers, and funny people to hang out. A simply great place to dive into a world that doesn’t exist in our business world that much. All you have to do is go there, and I am sure you will feel the same way. This bar is a must!Keith H.
21:28 17 Dec 20
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...Joel V.P.
02:49 28 Jan 18
This little bar it is the most friendly so far. You got to be here. Manager ( Jeff) super nice. Doorman super cool. Bartender amicable. The whole theme it is great. ZERO ATTITUDE!!!!! Drinks. Snaks. Close to everything.
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Today Open now UTC-7
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Monday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Tuesday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Wednesday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Thursday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Friday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Saturday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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Sunday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
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