The Abbey

Its lush Moorish patio, breezy cabanas and deliciously strong drinks are what make The Abbey the grand dame of gay bars. But while the scene may skew gay, straights also frequently inhabit the bar’s various distinct areas. The outdoor bar and patio are usually the busiest and best if you want to order from The Abbey’s menu of comfort food. The bar lounge is great for drinks, which range from their extensive fruit flavored martini selection to their generously made mojitos. House music often permeates every inch of this place, so for quieter conversations, curtained cabanas are available in the back. It’s a relatively easy warm-up to a night of glamour at next-door Here Lounge or the dive-bar pleasures of Mother Lode around the corner. Nearby Bossa Nova and Hedley’s Restaurant may offer more interesting fare, but when Elizabeth Taylor visits the neighborhood (which is not infrequently), she chooses to grace The Abbey.

TIPS: If you’re not lucky enough to snag a metered street spot, try the lots at the Pacific Design Center, 627 N Robertson, and 8727 Santa Monica Blvd.