Went to Akbar for friend's birthday this weekend. I made sure to read some reviews before going & to be honest I was a bit reluctant on going after that but I like my friend so I did =) The basics: -DRINKS: GOOD, $12 for a Gin & Tonic and Vodka & Cranberry -DJ sucked -BARTENDER: Nice, efficient, and fast, no attitude -DJ sucked -Love the Jukebox selection -DJ sucked -CROWD: Friendly crowd,no attitude but maybe it was because there was like 20 of us -DJ sucked -Dance Floor: standard small size, reminded me of our Long Beach gay clubs -DJ sucked -PARKING: Easy to park, they have a SMALL lot in the back but I got there early enough to get one (10pm) -DJ sucked We had a great time, no one stole from me like some other reviews mentioned, had a fun night and oh yeah, did I mentioned the DJ sucked? So my 3 stars are because of the "DJ" - He has a horrible, horrible mix of music, he went from Hole to Britney to some country like song, everyone was standing around waiting for the next song hoping it was going to get better... it was awkward. So if you decide to go stick to the jukebox, you will have more fun chatting w friends & dancing in place as it gets crowded through out the night than hitting the dance floor. read more

Semi-new to the whole Silverlake area, I took some advice from my co-workers a little further up Sunset and my girlfriend and I tried this place on a Thursday night. Happy hour was good. I don't know what type of drink I got as I literally told the bartender to make me something fruity tasting. Girlfriends Sex on the Beach was good. The crowd was a good mixture of your typical Silverlake crowd; late 20-ers enjoying a drink after work. Only downside to my visit was that I was charged almost $24 for two drinks when my drinks were only $6 each. I told the bar tender who told the manager. It turns out that they charged my tab for someone else's drink(s) but they voided it, took care of it and only charged me for one $6 drink. read more

One of my favorite bars in the city. All the bartenders are exquisitely nice. Always feel welcomed when I come here

We rolled up in here and were able to find some easy access parking. AWESOME music (came on a monday)! Drink prices were reasonable and the bar tender was darling. Will def. be back. 5 stars for no headband...Wayfarer knock-off..overall dirty looking...hipsters (as far as I could see)! read more

OH Akbar. this IS the darkest gay bar you will ever go to...and that's the point. If you're looking for the typical bright and shiny (and oftentimes annoying) gay bar, stick to Weho. But for those who sometimes need a change of scenery, Akbar always is a good time (no attitude, a packed dancefloor, and a breath of fresh air of the east side)! I've never had a bad time here...I always, in fact, have TOO good of a time here....we always close down the bar and are in that crowd outside at 2am - drunk and merry (circa college years). I recommend going next door to KITCHEN for din din, and then get your fun time on at Akbar. also, it is rumored that certain evenings are craft nights at Akbar - true? read more

Not sure how I feel about this place... granted, I am not a gay man. If I were, this would probably be my favorite place in the world! One of the male go-go dancers kept trying to steal my date. NOT cool. Oh, and the bartenders kept asking me to flash them for free jello shots... is that legal? Regardless, I'm pretty sure they're straight (sorry boys). Overall a cute place, but not for me. read more

The drinks are cheap (and strong), parking is manageable, and there's never a line for the ladies room or too much of a chance of being hit on by an obnoxious drunk dude. That's the whole package for me. I came here on a Wednesday with a few friends around 10pm and the place was pretty packed. It seems to be the go to spot for gay men in Silverlake. It's not terribly big, however the four of us were able to snag a table with ease then ordered a few drinks. The pours on the beverages are akin to what you'd get at a club (heavy), but the price is that of a dive bar (cheap) so it's great! There's also a jukebox for your musical pleasure, and even sitting right next to it we were still able to chat and catch up. Akbar is great: I'll definitely be returning! read more

Usually only go here during Sunset Junction and remember they put the S in STRONG drinks!!! It's a fun and lighthearted place without the WEHO'tude...:) **the $20.00 minimum for credit cards can't not be posted or enforced!** It is a voilation of their credit card terms of acceptance and they could lose their credit card processing ability if enforced! read more

Actually I love this bar. It has great bartenders a great crowd and a performance space in back. Maybe its my fault for wanting to have a drink. The beer selection is perfunctory - and has only anchor steam on draft. The wine is expensive vinegar and the hard alcohol is such a small pour for the money its not worth it. I guess its priced as one of only 3 gay bars left in Silverlake and fair enough. I hope it never goes away - but I very rarely go there. read more

So after our Two Boots feeding frenzy ended. Big brother took my best friend and I to Akbar to watch a friend of his spin records. It was Reggae night. DJ Chris was putting out nothing but great old Reggae. Now I am the kinda of drinker that likes to stick to his favorite places to gulp down drinks because lets face it, the places are much closer to my house and a much cheaper cab fair home if we do drink to much. The Akbar is out in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, but tonight my friend was driving and for $2.00 pints of Anchor steam. I am all over that. The Akbar isn't a Dive Bar, but it is gloomy and dark. Some comfy couches in the back. A good mix of both straight and Gay ladies and Gents. We were treating big brother because he got a year older a few days ago. So after a total of 4 Anchor Steams each, we had enough! I assisted my friend in finding our way back to the 101 freeway and home to the SGV while my big brother drove off to yet another club. Have fun big Brother!. Don't get into any trouble! Cheers read more

One of my favorite home bars in town. Non pretentious staff, amazing drinks, great music. My weekend go to. Everyone's welcome, highly recommend. :) read more

I really wish there were more gay ladies here, the bar was surrounded by gay guys. Let down.

All the Gay you need, None of the attitude. Be it rare that anyone who doesn't know there is a gay life outside of West Hollywood ventures out, it is worth the drive. Akbar is not pretentious, a bit on the hippy side, but usually just full of great people from all walks of life. And I'm serious, they aren't snotty. None of the Abbey's usual "I'm better cause i go to the gym more" see-and-be-seen tude. Normal everyday Gays with their Fruit Flies. Drinks can vary. Depends what you order. They have a genious special on Beer pitchers on some nights, but I don't remember which one. My citron + 7 is always lovely, packs a decent punch and just right in my preferred price range. In Short, don't be afraid to get out of WeHo! There is more to life! Besides, Anything East of La Brea will help remind you that Los Angeles has a lot more to it than plastic beauty queens or "queens"!! Plus, you can dance for free on the weekends!! What could be better for a Fruit and his Fly?!? read more

I absolutely love this place. Why? Here are a few of the reasons: The DJ actually fulfilled my request and played Madonna's "Hung Up". The bartenders make great drinks and don't charge the usual West LA/Hollywood prices. The people are mellow, cool, and don't give a hoot where you're from, where you work, and what you drive. They just come for a great time, cheap drinks, and lovely 80s/dance music. The dancefloor is tiny but it's fine because the closeness and intimacy makes you think you're at a rave. They don't charge a cover (woohoo!) and it's never so crowded that you start getting anti-social. The only thing is, I never get hit on when I come here because most of the guys are gay (this can be a good thing or bad thing depending on how you look at it). read more

Cool east side gay bar. Has gotten popular in the last year or 2 and garnered some of the West Hollywoodites to come on weekends. I prefer it week nights but have been known to pop in on a weekend. The drinks are strong and it's less cruisy than West Hollywood and everyone isn't looking into their compact mirrors from their "Murses" (Man Purse) The only thing I'd really like them to change would be bring in a good indie rock DJ. They play too much Madonna and 80's music and need a better selection to dance to. The Juke box in the other room makes up for it but you can't dance. read more

Sweaty hot gay men with tattoos packed into a room with sprinkles of the same just in female form - please count me in. I have danced my ass off here on many nights. read more

Favorite gay bar in Central LA. Such wonderful and kind staff who ALL know your name and your favorite drink after just a couple visits. So warm, so laid-back and such a nice escape from some of the more intense corners of the gay bar scene. Quirky space and fun decor. Love the wall of autographs from B-listers and queer icons. The only thing missing is a drinking patio! Especially with the hipstery crowd this place draws...we flannel-wearing queens need a place to smoke! read more

This is a beautiful, cozy bar. I've been here many Monday nights when they play vintage rock steady and reggae on vinyl records. There's some space to dance and enjoy the music. $2 pints of Anchor Steam or $7 pitchers. Very friendly staff. read more

I came here on a Wednesday with my friend because we were looking for a new place to go to besides West Hollywood or Downtown LA. It was early when we got there, probably around 8pm so there were only a few people there. People slowly trickled in after. The bartender was really nice and they had happy hour drinks or Wednesday specials, don't remember which. The music they had playing was also great! Only one part of the bar was open, so it was really small but cozy! I will definitely come back on a weekend to get a better feel for it. But if you're looking to ease your way in to the bar scene, I would suggest coming in during the weekday! read more

AKBAR! cute little bar in Silverlake. It's the prefect place to go with a small group of friends and have a couple of drinks...let's say 'before a birthday dinner' and have a few drinks, talks and laughs. Space is limited, going on a Friday or Saturday night may get a little crowded. Happy Hour prices rock! read more

Did I just accidently walk into a gay bar!? Well no, I didn't. I'm generally not afraid of being hit-on by another dude like most. I know where I stand. Came here with a bunch of my friends for a quick dance. Music here is pretty good, but not overwhelmingly amazing. The place itself is very tiny compared to most dance clubs, but I guess that induces more "grinding". Overall, nice little dive club I would say and for quick hip and hop dance you'll be fine. read more

If your not too familiar with the whole LA gay-bar scene, the Akbar offers a nice entry-level tutorial. Smack dab in the middle of Sunset Junction, the Akbar has been a familiar sight to the crowds of Silver Lake much like the Tiki Ti and the Good Luck Bar have been for years. The Akbar's setup comprises of two bars, lounge space and a dance floor (which can get overcrowded on any given night). Lighting is dim, but not too dim. Staff for the most part are friendly and attentive (a rarity in this region). However like the dance floor, the joint can get packed within the span of a Facebook photo opt and as result -- well.. patience is a virtue peeps The Jukebox offers a variety of music from 80's one-hit wonders to contemporary releases (Lady Gaga overplaying at a gay bar! Shut the front door). Their specials are something to note: two pints of Anchor Steam's for $4 or their 2 for 1 after eight deal (sweet!). I will say this, I am not keen with the idea of serving well-drinks in plastic cups...really folks? Are we back at our undergrad years Patrons are a diverse selection of the gay community (mostly gents, well depending on how many drinks they have in them), cute straight girls and neighbor residents. To all my straight male counterparts, leave your prejudice and insecurities at the door. It's ok, really.. gay peeps don't bite (unless you want them to). Heck, you might be offered a nice "compliment" and / or a free drink with your visit (great success). I can not preach this enough, never turn down free FSA at any bar or pub (check my previous review for a clearer definition). Overall, a cozy environment in the heart of Silver Fake (ummm, Lake). For those of you who are stricken with a mad case of the munchies at 2am, a McDonald's is within walking distance or a Del Taco is just down the street. C'mon, you know you want a Mcrib and some papa fritas to go with that buzz read more

I went to Akbar on a Saturday night, which may have been my first mistake. I'm not a big fan of being shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of drunk people unless I'm drunk as well, which I wasn't (my second mistake). I'm also not a fan of bars that make lame attempts at providing a "club" atmosphere, which, in Akbar's case, simply involved adding flooring to a 15'x15' room, installing a disco ball, and turning the volume up REALLY loud. Mentioning the flooring also reminded me of the fact that there was carpeting in the rest of the bar... dirty, sticky carpeting. It was an exercise every time I picked up a foot. I'll assume that it was gum or sugary drink remnants, only because I'm afraid to think of what else it might have been. As far as the drinks go, I went with a cheap stand-by and they were as mediocre as ever, but that's no fault of the bartender. Overall, my experience at the bar was great. The bartenders were attentive and efficient. Reading over this, I seem snobbish, but I LOVE dive bars and I much prefer a grungy, laid back atmosphere over polish and prestige ANY day, but this place just can't decide what it is, and I can't decide how to feel about it. read more

Friendly staff and I love the feeling of history and time the building provides. I love the homeyness of the dance floor and the intimacy of both rooms. I also enjoy the type of crowd this place attracts. What I didn't like was the rude dancer last night who scolded the crowd for grabbing his butt in the dance room. You're a go go dancer posing nearly nude - what do you expect, you idiot? read more

dear ak bar-- each and everytime I am in LA, you save me. Your sweaty dancefloor and strong drinksies bring be back to life after a hard days work in the downtown of LA. The crows is alwyas fun and willing to chat up a stranger--the staff is good...and the music is always a mixxed bag. This is what every gay bar should be. read more

Probably the best dance bar with the ABSOLUTE WORST music. The DJ is pretty frequently terrible (with the exception of 80's night). In an attempt to stay hip and trendy they play 0 mainstream hits (which is GREAT!) except that the replacements they play are often terrible and difficult to dance to. That's kind of all I want to say. Other than that the drinks are strong and the crowd is AMAZING. read more

You can read several reviews where people warn of their "strong drinks" or "liver beware". The real secret behind this is their alcohol is tainted. Even if you order grey goose all night instead of well vodka, you have the worst hangover! This has happened several times to myself and my friends and i can assure you it is because of the grade of alcohol and not the amount we drank. I don't trust the bar keepers (it may not be the bartenders fault) and i recommend if you go....walk into the place drunk. And if you MUST order a drink, get a bottled beer. That said, the music on the weekend is a fun mix of 80s and current stuff and enjoyable. The lighting is low so you can always find someone you think is cute.....until the lights come on. And if you drank too much of their alcohol you might wake up the next day next to that questionable cutie feeling like total shit. read more

No cover! Best part. Music was great, the place was jammed but everyone was friendly and considerate. Drinks were strong. Not a classy joint, but it was a nice place to end a night of bar hopping since there were lots of places to sit down, and the music was so fabulous. I will go back! read more

Akbar is fun, often festive, funny (especially on comedy night) and friendly. I have been here many times and the comedy nights are super great, free and you'll be amazed at the great comedians who show up. Dance nights can be super fun, depending on the music spinning. Some nights are better than others. Special events are not for those that don't enjoy the crush of a crowd on the dance side. There's always a bar with music and then the dance, comedy or other nights on the other side. Some night have a charge for the dance side. Nothing major and worth it. I've had some super fun nights dancing here. Parking - often a bit tricky but look on Sunset, up and down, and no fee for meters at night. Some parking out back but it's tight. Dance people! read more

Went dancing to Akbar last night . . . the dance floor area got hot hot hot, and I'm talking temp and with the men . . . although it's a male gay bar, the music was rocking . . . The other side, the calm and casual bar side was nice and airy and the jukebox had good tunes loaded in it. All in all, it was a nice place to visit; most likely will not go back anyone real soon, unless a DJ is playing that I personally know . . . got to support your local / friend DJ's. Also, parking sucks due to it being near a residental area; and there is no lounge to sit outside and have a brew and/or cig . . . read more

I must say, it was enjoyable, but not a place I would say I'm a fan of, or as good as it gets. Me and about 8 other people came here in a stretch hummer celebrating a friends birthday. This was the last bar on a trail of about 4 totals bars ranging from Whittier to downtown LA. Put it this way, I would have rather stayed in the hummer with my girlfriend then come in here. Granted yes the music and dancing was fun, but we were on the dance floor for about 20 minutes and I only heard one song that was any good. Which was funny, because the second it came on, everyone went nuts, which led me to believe they would have kept playing notable songs and ramp the party up... Ya I was wrong. Drinks were decently priced but we only drank beers (liquor was free in the hummer), and it was a bit crowded for my taste. All-in-all, an A-OK bar... Worth the visit, probably won't warrant a 2nd... read more

I've got more gay friends than any person in this town and almost all of them love Akbar. I really want to like this bar, but for some reason I just don't ever have a great time here. I think it's the design. It seems confused. Bad feng shui. They should do a renovation. Otherwise, they play good music out of the jukebox. Oh yeah, before I forget, the drinks! They define pouring heavy at this bar! Jesus Christ! Talk about a stiff drink. This is ridiculous. If you don't walk out of this bar wasted you are insane. Avoid this place on the weekends. It gets packed! Like can't move or breathe packed. read more

When I'm not in the mood for Weho--I come here. There's always room on the dance floor (not including weekends) and if I don't feel like dancing I go over and play whatever I want from the jukebox. The drinks reasonably priced and the bartenders are always very generous. read more

Usually, 2-for-1 drinks results in skimping on the alcohol...but not at Akbar! Here, you get two delicious and strong drinks (margaritas? yum....vodka & sodas? good!) on Tuesday nights. My friends and I had 'em coming all night long and didn't have to break the bank to pay for them. I'd say that's a win-win situation. read more

The Yelpers before me basically got this place spot on, nestled away from the glitz of West Hollywood, Akbar is simply a neighborhood bar. Strong yet moderately priced drinks, a jukebox filled with songs for every queen out there and an overall atmosphere that is simply relaxed. There is no dedicated parking or valet but you can generally find parking on the surrounding residential streets. All in all, I really enjoy this place! read more

Okay so after reading some reviews on Yelp I decided to give this Akbar a try, but much to my dismay, not enough of the lesbians here. I guess it was only in one review or something but after looking at their website and reviews here, I just guessed that Akbar was just as fun for the ladies as the men. I mean, I had fun, but I brought friends with me and I have fun with them wherever. Lots of men. The drinks were a little bit on the strong side, but well made and very tasty. We managed to snag a seat earlier in the night and was rewarded with comfy chairs and a good view of all the hubbub. Great vibe for a bar, not necessarily a dance club, but good tunes and great atmosphere. The ceiling even looks like its a frozen cave or something, very cool :D All in all, very fun, but if you're not a gay guy, bring friends. read more

On the edge of Hollywood and worth the trip from whatever part of town you happen to be coming from. This neighborhood bar felt right at home, considering I could have been picked out on the spot for looking doubly lost (the out of town breeder wandering in that I was, I almost expected to hear a needle pulled off a record as I entered). Not so! I had scoped this place via the Yelp and knew this was a must-visit for a happy hour drink on my way back to the hotel. I arrived to hear Missing Persons' "Walking in LA" playing through the house speakers and knew this was a winner. The Berber appearance of the bar and the conservatively priced drinks told me this watering hole was a true oasis in a price inflated desert. Unfortunately it was too early to turn the jukebox on. That will be browsed thoroughly on my next SoCal visit. read more

Akbar is one of my favorite queer locales in Los Angeles. The atmosphere is unique, the clientele is friendly, and the drinks are relatively cheap (and strong). I like bringing new friends to this place to give them a taste of LA's gay and lesbian scene. While primarily frequented by hipster gay men, there is much more of a mixed crowd than many of the gay bars in west hollywood. And there is no cover. I would definitely check out their website's calendar and recommend Wednesday night crafts, where you can listen to music, chat, and make somewhat useless crafts (and drink). A great spot for a good time. read more

A chill little bar that I've visited a couple times. It have a nice little vibe to it. Jukebox up front with maybe some of your favorite obscure music, and a vibrant small dance-floor on the other side. The patrons are comprised of the usual bearded indie-culture folks that frequent Silverlake, but with a queer edge. And it's right by Elliot Smith's Figure 8 wall. read more

Was a cool place to grab a drink. The bartender was awesome. Word on the street was that this was a heavily gay frequented bar, which is of little concern, but I was expecting to find the flaming queen bees out to make sure you know they're gay and loving it. Nope. Dudes who happen to like other dudes having a drink and having a good time. Can't say it blew my mind, but I'll be back. read more