If you walk down Robertson Boulevard on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll hear it before you see it. The thumping bass of a house remix—maybe something by Dua Lipa or a classic Gaga track—vibrates through the sidewalk. Then you see the line. It snakes past the iron gates, a mix of tourists holding cameras and locals in gym gear or sequins, all waiting to get into The Abbey West Hollywood.
Honestly, calling it just a "bar" feels like calling the Pacific Ocean a "puddle." It’s an institution. For over three decades, this spot has been the beating heart of Boystown (now officially the Rainbow District). But here’s the thing: staying relevant in West Hollywood for thirty-plus years is basically a miracle. Most clubs here have the lifespan of a TikTok trend. Yet, The Abbey is still standing, even after a massive ownership shift that had everyone in the LGBTQ+ community holding their breath.
From Coffee Shop to Global Landmark
It started small. David Cooley opened The Abbey in 1991, and back then, it wasn't a sprawling 14,000-square-foot mega-club. It was a coffeehouse. A tiny place across the street from the current location where people could grab a latte and feel safe. Remember, in 1991, the world was a very different place for queer people.
Cooley basically built a sanctuary. Eventually, it moved to its current home, added the "Chapel" next door, and became a place where you could get a martini the size of a birdbath. The Abbey West Hollywood eventually became the go-to backdrop for every reality show imaginable. If you’ve watched The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or Vanderpump Rules, you’ve seen those gothic arches.
The aesthetic is "monastery meets muscle beach." You've got these massive iron chandeliers, religious iconography that feels slightly tongue-in-cheek, and go-go dancers in tiny shorts who look like they were carved out of marble. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s expensive. And somehow, it works.
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The Tristan Schukraft Era: What Changed?
In late 2023 and into 2024, the news dropped that David Cooley was selling. For a lot of regulars, this felt like the end of an era. The buyer was Tristan Schukraft, a tech entrepreneur and the CEO of MISTRP. People were worried. Would it become a corporate, soulless version of itself?
The short answer: not really.
Schukraft didn't come in and tear down the velvet curtains. He leaned into the legacy. Under his leadership, there’s been a push to keep the "World’s Best Gay Bar" title (an award they’ve actually won multiple times) while modernizing the tech and the events. You still get the drag brunches. You still get the famous Abbey martinis—which, let’s be real, are strong enough to take the paint off a car.
One thing that has stayed consistent is the celebrity factor. This isn't just a place for locals. You might be standing in line next to a pop star or a drag legend from RuPaul's Drag Race. It’s one of those rare spots where the "A-list" and the "just-arrived-in-LA" crowds actually mix, mostly because the dance floor is a total equalizer.
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Beyond the Drinks: The Cultural Weight
We need to talk about why this place is actually important. It isn't just about the booze. The Abbey has been a massive fundraising hub for years. They’ve raised millions for organizations like GLAAD and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
When the Pulse nightclub shooting happened in 2016, The Abbey became the site of a massive vigil. It’s where people go to celebrate marriage equality wins, and it’s where they go to mourn when the community takes a hit. It’s a "town square" for West Hollywood.
Of course, it’s not without its critics. Some long-time locals feel it’s become "too straight" or "too touristy." You’ll hear people complain about the "bachelorette party" invasion—groups of women in sashes taking over the dance floor. It’s a valid tension. How does a gay bar stay a "safe space" while also being a world-famous tourist destination? It’s a tightrope walk. But honestly, the fact that a queer space can be so dominant in the Los Angeles nightlife scene is a victory in itself.
The Logistics: What You Actually Need to Know
If you’re planning to go, don't just wing it. That’s a rookie mistake.
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- The Cover Charge: On weekends or during special events, expect to pay. It varies, but it’s rarely cheap. If there’s a big-name DJ or it’s Pride weekend, be prepared to shell out.
- The Dress Code: It’s West Hollywood. You can wear almost anything, but "low effort" isn't really the vibe. People dress to be seen. If you’re wearing flip-flops, you’re doing it wrong.
- The Chapel: Most people don't realize that The Chapel (the space right next door) is technically part of the same complex but has a slightly different energy. It’s a bit more "lounge-y" until the sun goes down, then it turns into a full-blown club.
- Safety: Like any high-traffic club in a big city, keep your wits about you. Watch your drink. The Abbey has increased security over the years, but it’s still a crowded space.
The food is surprisingly decent for a club, by the way. Most people go for the drinks, but the Abbey nachos are a local legend for a reason. They’re basically a mountain of cheese and protein designed to soak up those four martinis you just drank.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
Nightlife is fickle. In an era where people meet on apps and stay home to watch Netflix, the physical gay bar is under threat. Scores of historic LGBTQ+ venues have closed across the US in the last decade.
The Abbey West Hollywood persists because it’s an experience you can't get through a screen. It’s the smell of the fog machine, the heat of the crowd, and the specific feeling of being in a place where you don’t have to hide who you are. Whether you love it or think it’s "overrated," you can’t deny its gravity. It pulls people in.
It’s a survivor. From the 90s coffee shop to the Schukraft acquisition, it has adapted. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s still the place where Hollywood goes to let loose.
How to Navigate Your Visit
- Go Early for Brunch: If you want to actually sit down and see a show without being elbowed in the ribs, the weekend drag brunch is your best bet.
- Check the Line: If the Robertson entrance is backed up, check if they are filtering people through the side.
- Respect the Space: Remember that while it’s a world-famous club, it remains a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. Treat the staff and the performers with the respect they deserve.
- Ride Share is Mandatory: Parking in West Hollywood is a nightmare designed by a chaotic deity. Don't even try to park a car within four blocks of Abbey. Just take a car service.
If you want to experience the peak of LA queer culture, you have to go at least once. Just make sure your phone is charged and your bank account is ready for those drink prices.