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The Abbey

4 star rating
based on 462 reviews

Categories: American (New), Lounges, Gay Bars

Neighborhood: West Hollywood
692 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 289-8410
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Late Night
Music:
DJ
Best Nights:
Thu, Fri, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
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462 reviews for The Abbey

Review Highlights   

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"Everyone is so nice, not pretentious, polite, fun." (in 137 reviews)
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"The amazing mojitos with real sugar cane sticks." (in 41 reviews)
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"The best martinis I've ever had and a very cool venue." (in 50 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Angelica D.

 

3

13

Angelica D.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
11/29/2009

I miss places that don't have a cover charge!

I love how I was able to choose from a small jack&coke or a LARGE jack&coke.  of course i went with the LARGE! aaaaaaand got my buzz on too. woohoo! *drinks good...*

aside from watching the go-go dancers and people watching in general, i had a great time at this place dancing with my awesome friends.  music was great, too. and i would go back again!

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Photo of Kali M.

 

2

97

Kali M.

West Hollywood, CA

4 star rating
11/23/2009

Totally solid in everything that they do.  We always joke that we could pretty much spend 24 hours here and be set.  Sometime I want to!  Brunch, hang out, dinner, hang out, drinks and dancing, pass out... brunch.

I have a feeling they might not let us get away with the second to last bit.  Details, details.

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Photo of Jolie D.

 

361

148

Jolie D.

Torrance, CA

5 star rating
11/7/2009 3 photos

ok i CAN write about their beautiful, huge venue- their no cover charge (yay!)- awesome DJ-scrumptious house potato chips- yummy raspberry mojitos and hot bartenders...

But i am going to write about their cupcakes- cuz that's what i do...

For the special b-day girl, a cupcake tray was requested and we got to sample 6 different kinds of cupcakes- and they are HUGE!!! And these were not just any cupcakes- they were from Crumbs Bakeshop! I got to try their red velvet with buttercream frosting and some of their vanilla. They were delicious and fabulous!

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Photo of Christina S.

 

317

753

Christina S.

Costa Mesa, CA

5 star rating
10/27/2009

Does The Abbey need yet another review? In fact their 453rd review.I think not but I will. We came here after having a Davines color class just a block up at the Trust Salon. I swear if I worked at Trust I would be at The Abbey every day! We were a little hungry but not much so we stopped in with the idea that we would split food.  My friend and I split the BLTA and Chicken Satay.. All that I can say is that the food is/was amazing! Portions are rather large that is why we split it. Even with us splitting our food we still had to get a box to go! Prices are reasonable, the patio is nice.. Perfect for people watching or getting some of those warm rays of the sun.

Our waiter was really nice and I wish that I could of remembered his name. All that I know is that he and I had a little discussion about a piece that I saw hanging over the bar area. I couldn't help but to notice this big red blow glass sculpture which with the light reflecting was amazing. I instantly thought it was a Dave Chihuly piece. Which we discussed and hmm some say it is not some say that it is. Oh, well. It is still a beautiful piece... If it is not a  Chihuly ... then pity on the fool who  is stealing his style.

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Photo of Serina T.

Elite '09

84

240

Serina T.

Northridge, CA

4 star rating
11/9/2009

Wow I can't believe I haven't written a review for this place.  I used to frequent this place all the time back when one of my friend's just loved the whole West Hollywood scene and trying to convert gay guys.  Some things have changed...like now they have male go go dancers gyrating on the bars.  Nice eye candy.

Some things that haven't changed...
 * the music is still really good
 * drinks are still strong and well made
 * no cover and quick line to get in
 * hard to find street parking but there's a $10 lot not too far away
 * cool and chill place to hang out on the patio

It was my bf's first time at a gay bar.  He got hit on.  Now he knows how girls feel at a club, lolz.  I had forgotten how strong the drinks are...felt pretty sick but I didn't want to throw up my expensive meal at Cut earlier so I just slept it off.  Need to remember not to drink so much after a heavy meal.

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Photo of Q J.

 

1

8

Q J.

Beverly Hills, CA

4 star rating
11/16/2009

I love this place, the food and drink is incredible.  everyone that works there is super nice and friendly.  my only issue is that the the services isn't great, the waiters disappear and the bus boys try to take your plate before you are finished.

However, it is just so fun and delicious I can't stop going back!!!

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Photo of Rolling S.

 

1

20

Rolling S.

Fremont, CA

4 star rating
11/25/2009

Me and my friends love going to this place and it's usually packed. The down side is the pricey drinks and the looooooong bathroom lines. I had 5 different conversations waiting in line to use the ladies room one night and the vendors in there charge on some nights. Bottom line, hot people, good vibes, and worth the time

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Photo of Xuan T.

Elite '09

88

168

Xuan T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/18/2009 3 photos

My goodness.

Came here after the AIDS walk to refuel the cells before taking another hike back to the car.  Naturally, before looking at the menu, I ordered a mimosa.  It tasted clean and refreshing.  It really hit the spot and perked up my energy.

As I was looking at the menu, I noticed that most of the items didn't really appeal to my wallet.  Then finally I looked at the soups.  A cup of French Onion soup for $5.  All right, I'm sold.  Oooooh... Parmesan cheese fries for $7?  I think that would pair nicely with the soup, don't you?

The soup was savory but not too salty.  The broth was smooth and almost sweet... and it made me feel like I was at home again.  Huzzah!  I think I'm revitalized.  The fries were perfectly seasoned and made not too crispy or too soggy.  I think it added juuuuuust enough weight to the meal to keep me satiated but not heavy.

The food here was fantastic; I am glad I was able to find decent eats at a budget.  The waiter was a total sweetie attending to our needs with nonstop smiles and enthusiasm.  The vibe of the joint is relaxed... cool... and welcoming.  I'll be back if I'm ever in the neighborhood again.

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Photo of Judd T.

 

15

90

Judd T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/18/2009

At here today after a six-mile walk for AIDS.  Ordered the vegetable soup because I filled up on so many carbs before and during the walk - the sponsors gave away so much free food including cookies and ice cream - that I was in the mood for something light.  I asked the waiter if the soup was tomato based and he said no, but it came out spicy.  I would expect if I'm asking if it's tomato based, a waiter could make the jump that I have special dietary needs and tell me the soup is spicy, but he didn't.  Suffice to say I didn't like it.

But my girlfriend ordered the French Onion soup and it was to die for. She also ordered the fries, and I got filled up on those - sooooo tasty!  

All the waiters are like buff guys - oh yeah, this is a gay bar, no wonder.   The waiter was quite funny though.

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Photo of Martin V.

 

24

49

Martin V.

Long Beach, CA

3 star rating
10/6/2009

When the Abbey comes as topic of conversation, i often find myself saying how this place is for posers, fake, rude people and desperate wanna be's  who cant think of a better thing to do.

Interestingly enough, i always have a good time here.  I came to the conclusion this past weekend that, its not the place itself that makes the experience better or memorable but the people you are with and/or the expectations you have as you walk through their doors..

just get there, bring some friends, sit and have a drink, make fun of posers, laugh out loud, dance to the music and more importantly fucking relax!  The food is not bad, aint great either but i dont know one single person who goes to the Abbey for the food ( the meat is a different story lol) the drinks are pricey, ok they are but if you are driving your ass all across town to have a drink, fukn pay 2 dollars more.... and finally, the posers... once on your 2nd drink they will make a great topic of conversation...

relax people... life's short

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Photo of Traci C.

 

7

15

Traci C.

Anaheim, CA

5 star rating
10/24/2009

Went here for a friend's birthday party and this gem is aptly named since it is a little slice of heaven.  Great place to have a gay old time even if you're straight!  Spectacular decor and the staff is lots of fun.  Best thing about the Abbey (other than the bartender with the rapier wit) is the frickin' 14 oz. Green Appletini I had the pleasure of pouring down my gullet ....only took one o' these bad boys to get me buzzed, breathless and barefoot.  

The best part of the evening?  Watching my husband get chickenhawked by some very merry drunk who apparently digs beards as much as I do.  He swayed up to him and yelled, and I quote, "Hey, Blue Eyes!  You're fucking HOT!"  This was SO funny after having that aforementioned hugegantini that I didn't even notice a wily stealth ninja guy swoop in & slip his number-on-a-napkin into my mister's coat pocket!  Impertinent?  You bet your ass!  Hilarious and just another wacky Weeho happening?  Absolutely!  My good humored husband took it all in stride and actually bought drinks for both guys....what a champ.

I love this place after dark and highly recommend you visit them soon!

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Photo of Rochelle R.

Elite '09

61

390

Rochelle R.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
11/10/2009

For as long as I lived out in LA, I have never eaten in WeHo.  It was another outing with some cousins and one of the criteria was to find a brunch spot that is dog friendly since they were bringing their cutie pie doggie.  I never realize how challenging it would be to find a place that served good food and allow canine companions.  I've always wanted to check out the Abbey, since it always looks like a happening place. So, this was a perfect time. The ambience of this place is kick ass and I like the patio dining area, but the food is blah! I had pancakes and the mister had the egg white turkey fritata.  I was disappointed in the sparse menu choices and even more disappointed in the taste of the food.  I acutally give the food 2 stars, but the ambience gives them 1 star back. I would like to check this place out at night.  It sure was bumping on Halloween.

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Photo of Jennifer G.

 

31

22

Jennifer G.

Santa Monica, CA

3 star rating
9/29/2009

Anyone who frequented The Abbey before SBE took them over (5 stars back then)  can share a tear in my beer (or, key lime pie martini seeing as it is still Summer and it IS The Abbey I'm writing about) over how everything was better before the buyout.

Both the décor and the clientele got a little tackier, and changed too rapidly.

The OLD Abbey was far preferable for most of us.
I have nothing against SBE per se, but I do have a problem that what made the Abbey great is slowly deteriorating since the bar tenders are more regulated with their mixology and the crowd is getting too... dare I say it.... straight? As a straight girl, I know this seems like a hypocritical thing to say, but you must understand that for me, this place was like The Central Perk was to Ross, Rachel and the gang.  And I was always accepted with open arms because I was the exception, not the rule.

The last time I visited there were two birthday parties underway, for two straight girls and their 30 straight friends. If you combined their skirts you MAYBE would have enough material to cover one of them up.

It was like I'd rolled into Vegas to witness what people view as their "wild night out". It was trite and tacky. The only type of person most of the original clientele want to see in a skirt that short is a drag queen. There is something more "natural" about that at The Abbey we loved.
For newbies to The Abbey, you'll never know what you missed. And that's a crying shame.

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Photo of Erica H.

Elite '09

37

145

Erica H.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/20/2009

I always go here with friends from out of town. It's a great place for lunch, dinner, and even late night drinks and dancing. The service is usually good. The food is fantastic!

Pro: The manager always comes by when I have friends in town to invite them to the SLS or to other SBS locations, food, desserts
Con: Hollywood prices, lots of people on weekends (doesn't feel like a gay nightclub...very mixed, if not more straight)

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Photo of Norman R.

Elite '09

50

117

Norman R.

Chula Vista, CA

5 star rating
9/29/2009

To experience the hearbeat of WeHo would be go to the Abbey. I feel obligated to recommend it as a first stop once you set foot anywhere in WeHo looking for a great night out. All walks of life here even though it's predominantly gay men I spotted the occasional straight-man-clinging-to-his-girlfriend-train weaving through the venue.

The drinks were stiff, and so was everybody (including me). haha. (Pun intended. i used that in another review, i know it's old). There's a lot of people scoping to do here.

Literally you could just walk around, get lost, find a game to play, bump into someone you know, hit on somebody, get something to eat, sit down, lay on the floor, watch a gogo dancer do his thing, dance your ass off on the floor,  find a lesbian, check out trannies, find your sugar daddy, find a straight guy, light up a smoke in the patio... the list goes on.. its so fun.

And did i forget to mention that it's $Free.99? yeah. It's just great here.

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Photo of Ria F.

Elite '09

77

156

Ria F.

Sherman Oaks, CA

4 star rating
9/30/2009

We went out with a few friends here for a good friend's bridal party/bachelorette party/send-off party on a Saturday evening.  IT WAS SO FUN!  

The music was a non-stop array of dance tunes that left me unable to stand still.  Our fairly large group had such an amazing time that we barely noticed the crowd of people (it was packed), and the sweaty bodies sticking together.  

The drinks were a bit expensive, but it didn't matter when entrance was free to begin with!  Also, the drinks were strong!  One was enough for me.  (It obviously doesn't take much).  I also hear that the food here is not too bad, so it seems I will have to come back for another visit!

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Photo of Rowena M.

 

7

36

Rowena M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/21/2009

Okay. This bar made me finally understand what LA is really like. The décor is gothic which is fun and there are a ton of different rooms (and weird mechanical fans!) Also, everyone here is super-attractive in that LA way. All male servers look like they have side-jobs as romance novel cover models (giant muscles and long flowing hair) but here's the thing: everyone is super nice! I expected to feel intimidated by all the beautiful people but everyone was nice and accomodating and fairly competent at taking drink orders and bringing them to me in a timely fashion (especially considering the huge crowds).
We also went for brunch the next day and it was okay. I had a breakfast burrito (with egg whites only) and it was exactly what I thought west hollywood brunch would taste like: more pretty than tasty.

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Photo of Sara G.

 

20

29

Sara G.

Somerville, MA

4 star rating
10/14/2009

Imagine a materialized version of the song "Gay Bar" by Electric 6. Take away the dive-iness and add some slutiness. That's the Abbey.

Also: Longest bathroom line of my life.

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Photo of Kitty C.

 

14

14

Kitty C.

La Puente, CA

3 star rating
9/29/2009

The Abbey is your typical trendy gay bar in West Hollywood where everyone is competing to be seen (even though some shouldn't be).

The staff can be a hit or miss- either really attentive (even though it's crowded) or be bItch ass cu^ts who take the guy's order behind you even though you were next and waiting 10 minutes for her -(no tip for you bi!ch).

The bar itself is beautiful - dimly lit with cabanas/tables/lounge areas and eventually a dance floor that just forms in the middle of a walkthrough. Plus there's always a good laugh to be had walking into the candle lit restroom overhearing every queen's conversation about how fat they are- Bitch you're a size 2 go eat a muffin or a 1000 calorie mojito (which will run you about $12 each at this place).

It's ok, a bit pretentious, but then again it is gay hollywood.

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Photo of Muy B.

 

0

2

Muy B.

Venice Beach, FL

5 star rating
10/23/2009

The Abbey is the Abbey. Your review of it is completely based on what you want to get out of it. Don't go to a Senior Citizen Center and expect an intense rave scene......don't walk into the Abbey expecting a "chill, low key" night.....

Go with a group of friends who are determined to have fun. Be sociable. Take in the scenster scenery. Mingle. Appreciate the gay men looking your way, smiling, making eye contact...take that as a compliment!

Beyond it all, don't go in with preconcieved notions of how people are. The whole purpose behind The Abbey AND the city of West Hollywood is ...no judgments. There's boneheads in every corner of this world. But there's just as many fun loving, hilarious, entertaining people too. That sums up The Abbey.

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Photo of lindsay b.

Elite '09

664

161

lindsay b.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
9/8/2009

Now that im new to Weho I wanted to make this my spot but its overly crowded. I mean really butt packed (pun intended) Seriously the drinks arent too bad I guess in comparision of whats around. 6 bucks for imported beer, i dont know how much domestic is though.

I ll come back because the free cover mabe on a less busy night like wednesday?? It was decent but just like really really packed

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Photo of Ilan G.

 

15

112

Ilan G.

Dayton, OH

2 star rating
10/11/2009

If not the faggy, pretentious, fake, rude, whorish, gossipy & back stubbing, meet market clientèle, this place would of get 4 stars as it is gorgeous & well designed!
Y'all know deep down, what I say is extremely true, the nasty face of what became of West Hollywood in general!

But lets get back to the abbey, yes it's pretty! No substance like weho itself!
-Bartenders are extremely rude S holes who thinks they are god, their not even cute anymore!
-Martinis are strong yet they use the cheapest kind of mixers which leaves a weired sweet aftertaste in your mouth, yuck!
-Bathroom lines are impossible!
-Some of the security staff are rude & mean as well.
-Drinks are very expansive & food is mediocre!

Unless I was part of a group I never enjoyed in the abbey (even then I could not tolerate more than 2 hours).

Why would anybody go there?

- Food: Mediocre
- Drinks: Expansive
- Crowed: Fake as hell, posers, wanna be's, and coke sniffers
- Bartenders / eye candy: Rude & not communicational
- Find a date/ get laid: Yeah, good luck!
If you are good looking, people will jealous at you & give you attitude instead of positive feedback, if you are average looking, nobody will look at you neither, with this pretentious crowed its a loose loose game.

I'm so happy for not being part of that anymore.

Bottom line, if you are a 'wanna be' and has the energy to deal with so much BS, go there by all means.
If you are more mature and down to earth (you wont like this place to begin with) go elsewhere.

Abbey, we could of been great friends at a different time, in a different place .

Yalla Bye!

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Photo of Ed P.

 

79

3

Ed P.

Thousand Oaks, CA

4 star rating
9/27/2009

One of my favorite places in LA is the Abbey without a doubt.  Great drinks, good food, the staff is friendly and normally the service is superb.  Generally a good looking crowd which is always a plus because come on who wants to hang out with ugly people!  :)

Plan to pay for parking and definitely plan on standing on the weekends as the place gets pretty packed.

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Photo of dawson s.

 

1950

387

dawson s.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/18/2009

Welcome to the epicenter of Boy's Town. If the gay mafia had a home base in LA, this would be it. Cute boys aside, they've got great drinks and if there's anything even remotely GLBT goin' down in town, you can bet your pretty behind, this is the place to be. The Mimosas run sweet, the Bloody Marys are hot, and the servers... they're even hotter. Our gays insisted today's waiter was straight, but I'm not buyin' it. I may be back to investigate though!

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Photo of Shannon C.

 

6

34

Shannon C.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
11/13/2009

I've been here late on Friday and Saturday nights, and I happen to fall in here on Halloween. Halloween was INSANE here, but awesome. Everyone is always so polite. Drinks are strong. Great place to dance all night (or at least till 2am).

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Photo of Jaime C.

 

5

11

Jaime C.

Inglewood, CA

4 star rating
10/9/2009

Beautiful Place! Yummy food during the day, and great drinks and dancing at night.

OK...so I tricked my boyfriend at the time into being my date and told him it wasn't a gay bar and that he would fit in...I know, I know...that was a big fat lie. 2 double jack and cokes and he did!

All night we were surrounded by good people and had a great time.

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Photo of David E.

 

3

47

David E.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
10/6/2009

Overrated.
People are posers, drinks are over priced, their breakfast menu is tasteless, and their bartenders are unfriendly.

... if you like that, enjoy yourself.

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Photo of oiyan p.

Elite '09

141

116

oiyan p.

West Hollywood, CA

4 star rating
9/5/2009

Welcome to the Gay-borhood!  I've been here twice, and I must say it's simply FABULOUS! You think you've been transported to the French Quarter in New Orleans with the very funky building and decor style.  At first I thought the massive painting of Dame Elizabeth Taylor was kinda weird, but then I heard that she sometimes gets wheeled in with her dog on her lap.  

The mojitos are the best I've ever had! My favorite is the mango mojito, which comes with a stick of sugar cane... THAT is the best way to have a mojito!  Mojitos without a sugar cane stick is not really a mojito!  The drinks here overall are just strong enough for me to get a good buzz, but not overpower the drink.  Good balance.  

Speaking of balance... the theme here must be about balancing good and bad, since "the abbey" evokes a religious sentiment, but the almost NEKID male go-go dancers are ooooh so BAD... but SO GOOD!  The music is great to dance to, and with all the gay men here it's a totally safe space for straight women... and there are a good number of them here too.

As for food... I've only had apps here to go with my drinks.  The calamari is very good, the fries come straight out of the fryer, and the hummus was creamy and nicely flavored with a hint of olives.

I'll get here for brunch one day, but I'll have to be willing to look my best, since I hear it's the place to see and be seen.  As a straight woman, I don't like when a fabulous gay man gives me the once over with a disgusted look on his face.

The only thing about this place is that everything is quite pricey.  $12 per mojito ... hits my wallet pretty hard.

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Photo of Jose C.

 

2

7

Jose C.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
9/28/2009

This is a great place to just come and socialize with your friends or meet new people. It has a great atmosphere and great music. The drinks are strong, but pricey.

This is definitely a place you want to be on a Friday night or Saturday night.

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Photo of Jena S.

Elite '09

129

196

Jena S.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
8/1/2009

It had been nearly a year since I'd seen him and he wanted to have a drink and catch up.  I said sure and asked him where to go.  He was accomodating, but I don't know too much of WeHo.
"This is your area sir.  How about you tell me a time and a place and I'll meet you.  I'm the girl after all."

He mentioned here.  I giggled.
I remembered the last time I had been here... it was a semi but non double date and the gent I was with whispered in my ear "You know I could go home with any guy in this bar if I wanted to, but tonight it's about you."

I think he thought he was flattering me.  Then again there were some pretty hot men there that night.  I mean, if I was a man, I'd go gay for them... or at least experimental.

But back to last night.  The Abbey itself is huge and known for its gay patrons.  I love walking into a bar and not knowing for sure who is going to hit on me or who is going to make some comment about my shoes (which happened last night as well, ty sir).

Parking-
Well he rode his bike.. yes bicycle & I rode my scooter.  He insists of the two of us he was the only one allowed to call his "vehicle" a bike.  I disagreed and mentioned that I was early and had parked a real bike when I wasn't the one local to the area whereas he had been 4 minutes late so I believed I won.

That said, I wouldn't have driven my car if I was him (or me) either.  Parking would have been atrocious.  There is a lot across from the Abbey that belongs to a burger place... I might say park there if you are going for just a quick stop, but I wouldn't recommend it much longer than that.  Again I'm not quite sure.. parking along the area to the club car wise is a mess though.

There are 2 sections.. an outdoor bar in the courtyard and an indoor one.The bar is like night and day with these 2 very opposing but complimentary spaces.

Both times I've come I've made residence inside.  There are couches and tables and ornate crosses.  It's a bit dimmer.  A bit more friendly to... a drink with someone where the line has blurred or company where you think it may be.

I got a white russian. He- gin and tonic.  Mine was 10. His was 8.  It was middle of the road pricing.

The bartenders were gregarious and warm.  No one in the bar was snubby.

After we'd sat down there was some people near by who'd ordered food.  I've never eaten there, so I couldn't tell you how that was.

You either love or hate the music.  I was there with a fellow music aficionado (see: indie semi selective rad "snob" like myself).  He didn't care for the music all the time.  But the conversation was more important.  Reconnecting with an old friend.. an old.. whatever, was more important.  (It was very pop dance club style stuff to be more precise.)

Timewarp back to the time I was here last.. a female friend of mine ended up on a table as I played with her hair and pulled her close with my scarf.  Were there stares? Yes.  But no one bothered us at all.  No one ruined the fun.  It had been out in the open and... well I enjoyed that I was in a bar that gave our party the feeling of some privacy.  They said nothing about any of our... scandalous behaviors going on... just simply asked us if we'd wanted more drinks or not and looked the other way.

The bathrooms are way in the back of the bar.  Which, you can take as just a statement or you can.. do as you want with.

There are a few secrets hidden in the broad "daylight" within the Abbey.  Perhaps the next one, should be yours.

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Photo of Paul M.

 

47

72

Paul M.

Pasadena, CA

2 star rating
7/29/2009

Okay, well I dislike being a hater, but

no, wait, who am kidding:  I LIVE for it.

Oy, where to begin?   I guess I could say that it wasn't as good as it used to be, or that the food borders on inedible, or that developmentally disabled baboons could make better cocktails, or that the bartenders have less charisma than a typical spiny anteater, or that it's way overpriced, or that I'd rather consort with hungry velociraptors than 80% of the clientele, or that whenever I'm there I feel like I'm a stop on a tour company that caters to straight tourists who think they can see gays in their native habitat.

But why bother?  Location, location, location.  Nothing I can say will stop people from going (or dragging me) there.  And yes, the decor is beautiful, but look carefully and you can see signs of some serious wear and tear (much like the inhabitants).

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3

Vanni T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
11/3/2009

I was here this past Halloween and it. was. freaking. AWESOME!!!
The place is humongous and such a great hangout spot. There were  tons of friendly people and everyone was really nice and super fun to hang out with. The drinks are STRONG and delicious! The only qualm I have about this place is that...wait, do I my eyes deceive me? Only TWO bathroom stalls for the ladies room? The line for the restrooms snaked down the middle of the dance floor. That is completely unacceptable. A riot was about to start when I was in line. People were trying to kick down stalls, shouting at people trying to handle their business, and cheering on people handling their business! It was madness, I say!  Although I am quite aware that lines like these do not happen often (or I'd just like to believe so), surely the Abbey has the funds to either A) remodel and add another restroom somewhere else in the building or B) make the restrooms unisex! 1 line, 6-8 stalls = efficiency at its best.

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2

14

Cathleen C.

Long Beach, CA

4 star rating
10/21/2009

The best Martini's ever, but beware, they are ferociously strong..YUM!

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29

86

Denise L.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
8/3/2009

I really liked the interior here.  The decor is awesome and there are plenty of beautiful chandeliers to go along with it.

There are three bars with fast and friendly bartenders and plenty of space to sit, stand and dance.

It is a gay bar and they play great music.

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Elite '09

99

139

Ishani D.

Beverly Hills, CA

5 star rating
8/13/2009

What's not to love??
The hot bartenders, the hot boys that come here nightly, or the curiously strong cocktails??
This is one of my all time favorite bars in L.A. Decent Happy Hour.
I'm almost here on a daily so look for the drunk brown girl in the corner...that'll be me...don't be shy boys....I know you're not interested in what I have to offer...but come say hello and give me something pretty to look at.

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8

10

Bonnie C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/30/2009

This is the coolest bar I've ever been to. If you're goth, or gay, or both- this place is a dream. If I ever get rich, I'm going to model my home after this place. They have several types of mojitos- my favorite drink. I got the raspberry, which was a tad sweet- even for me. Next time I'll try the coconut mojito. The food is great too, and the boothes are huge and comfy.

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Elite '09

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117

Lisa B.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
8/6/2009

I found The Abbey back in 2003 on my way home from a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.  There was a line of people waiting to get into Here Lounge which is right next door.  I remember my lightning fast reflexes reacted to my medulla oblongata which reacted to my aftermarket fun meter and from the far right lane I swung into the Robertson turn lane.  Voila We-in-WeHO.

Back then, the space was MUCH smaller...cozy.  Now it's a giant garden of earthly delights with three bars, dance floor, cabanas and a huge patio.  I love the Medusa inspired chandelier hanging over the main bar.  speaking of bars, the gloriously endowed bartenders pour dangerous martinis.  I recommend the Berry Martini. Consider a taxi if you drink more than one.

If you've ever done the G&L Parade, you know that the Abbey is a great home base for comfort, hobnobbing, people watching (a sea of bare chests) and cool entertainment.  Both male and female dancers.  

On the other hand, I don't get down there too much these days.  My most recent visit, it seemed to have become a bit of a tourist attraction and venue of choice for multiple gaggles of bachelorettes (strange for a gay bar?).  Don't get me wrong, I can have fun in a paper bag...and The Abbey provides much more than that.  It just seemed less familiar.

And hey, if you're down there on a Friday night, you can check out the girls at Truck Stop next door at Here (my hubby quite enjoys them).  It all depends on what flavor you're into.  Me?  I just like that it's a friendly atmosphere with very little aggro.

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3

87

spooky s.

Beverly Hills, CA

4 star rating
8/9/2009

I really like the Abbey. The food is good. The macaroni and cheese is the most fattening thing I have ever eaten in my life. It's relaxing. The atmosphere is cool.  They have 3 or more types of iced tea to choose from.

I haven't been there as a nightspot.  Some of the patrons can be a little obnoxious during the day, but what the hell.

Parking beyond sucks.

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Elite '09

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151

Katie W.

Beaverton, OR

3 star rating
7/22/2009

I wasn't here for very long, but it was really snazzy on the inside, and my raspberry-vodka/sugarfree-redbull concoction came with raspberries in it, which amused me; I usually get a lemon.

I'd like to go back next time I'm in LA and spend more time here.

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47

13

jamie d.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
9/15/2009

This is people watching prime time. Love it. You've got naked man dancers with sock schlong slings doing awesomely bad jirations to awesomely bad techno, drag queens, some lesbians, and a surprising amount of straight people. Who knew? The drinks aren't horribly priced (especially in comparison to other "it" bars). However, be warned that if you EVER arrive after 11:30 plan on being accidentally felt up by every person you walk by because there is no room. And by no room I mean that if there was one more person the walls would explode. It's a good time, but you have to be in the mood for a crowded bar atmosphere. Also, love that there is no cover, and usually no line.

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