This bar really got bumpin' once partial owner Charlie Matula bought the place and reincarnated The Gauntlet II into The Eagle. The Phoenix would have been a more apt name for its transformation from dying dive to busy butch bar. Patrons and staff call this a leather bar, but on any given night the crowd is less than 20% dressed in leather. The other 80% is composed of bears, a rubber wearer or two, a punk or two, and masculine men aged 21 to 45. On "gear" nights, more leathermen and rubberists appear, but never more than 30% of the bar once it's full. But don't let appearances deceive you; just cuz they're not in leather doesn't mean they're tame! Depending on the night, the crowd is pretty friendly. "Casual cruisy" is a good summation. And if you like your men rough around the edges, you'll find the crowd attractive. The bartenders are amiable, too, though they're usually too busy to chat. Arrive when it's quieter and they have a moment to chat, and you'll find they're good folk. Unfortunately, friendliness doesn't translate into mixing skills. Anything beyond "beer, please" or "alcohol + mixer" is not worth ordering, but if you're at the Eagle, generally you're not seeking a pomegranate mojito. Cigar smoke envelops the patio like a fog, particularly on uniform nights, and with a noisy interior after 11pm, it can be hard to find a good place to cruise comfortably. read more

I'm almost the opposite of the Eagle's clientele. AKA I am a non-bear, non-leather gay lady. However, I went because I was meeting a friend, and I was warmly greeted and accepted here. While it's not my cup of tea on a surface level, (it is in my heart, though) all the patrons were sweet and absolutely respectful. It's one of the few bars I've been to where the patrons kindly say excuse me as they push past. The bartenders were great, the drinks were strong, and the owners were right there, which is awesome because you know they're on top of it. OMGthatwasn'tmeanttobeajoke. I'm just saying that you know they know what's going on, and they're trying to maintain their standards of quality. A for the Eagle. read more

This is THE Levi & leather bar to go to in LA. If you like sexy bartenders and bar backs, good drink specials, fun specialty nights, or just shootin' the shit and cruising on hot men, then this is your bar. Indoors you have 2 bars: the "back room" (which is furnished with a boot shine and a St. Andrew's cross) has a bar -- choose this one for faster service. The main bar has two stations, and on busy nights, has two bartenders. There's a huge porch which consists of a partially-covered area that has pinball machines and a pool table. Since it's partially-covered, they allow cigarette smoking here. In this area, they sometimes open another bar for those super busy nights. Off of this is a fully uncovered patio where there is more smoking and lounging. The staff here is crazy sexy, bartenders and bar backs alike. One can get distracted and start staring at the merchandise behind the bar: gym toned muscle men wearing tank tops or shirtless....wow. These guys get eye f*cked all night long by the customers, haha. Very very cruisy place with all the "usuals" (trough in the men's room, porn on the TVs). read more

I was visiting from NYC, and to be honest, don't make it to the Eagle that much. But I came with a friend, and while only there for a few drinks, had a blast. Marcus was our adorable, and so personable, bartender. I could have spent much more time there, just talking to him. The L.A. Payasos were there having a fundraiser, for a great cause. The ambiance is good, very chill, and very welcoming. I would definitely recommend this place as a GREAT alternative to West Hollywood. And also, say 'Hi" to Marcus for me. read more

I went last night after 4 years, Friday night Oct 6th. Straight to the point: 1) Six dollar cover for no reason (no show, no special event, 1 single go go dancer for the whole place) 2) Rude bartenders, all of them, specially the chubby short shirtless one who believed he was something cause he had 2 ounces of muscle in his arms. The 60 something year old queen that has his butt implants hanging out half his extremely tight jeans took being rude to a whole new level. The late 40's y.o. queen at the patio/garage was also extremely rude and unfriendly, he was the one I first approached for a drink and he led me to my next bullet point. 3) Cash only bar! Are you kidding me? Do they have any idea how much business they are missing for having such a silly policy when we all know gay people love having a drink when hanging out in a bar. They clearly do this to evade tax payments at the end of the year, it just comes accross very cheap. IRS should check them out. 4) Water down drinks, 7 dollars for a tiny plastic cup water down vodka drink which tasted more like juice and ice than alcohol, and if you don't tip generously be prepared to be ignore by the bartenders even more. By the way the bartenders were hanging out and having a good time, showing their half old naked bodies ignoring customers left and right. I gave them 2 stars and not only 1 because of the go go dancer who was very nice, cute, sexy and had a great attitude and smile. A young fit hairy man who was wearing a cap and a full beard. He was the only positive thing besides the music which was from time to time good. The crowd is mostly caucasian, and mostly friendly, some wearing leather. read more

"Um, excuse me but you're totally blocking my view of this really intense rubber fisting scene..." That's a comment I never really thought I would ever make in my life. The Eagle supplied it. The place is huge with a huge patio for smokers (here I go with my smoker friendliness.) I went Wednesday night with a bunch of cute rock'n'roll boys. Wednesday is ladies night. We felt a little out of place but people were really into their conversations about lesbian stuff I guess. There was real no elite gayness. Just people hanging out. Best part: Budweiser was $1.75! So we got trashed on a budget. One of my friends got so drunk he puked into a pitcher he grabbed off the bar. Then I dared him to drink it for a dollar. He did it to the amazement of the barkeep who was just too floored to be pissed at the poor sap. See how I roll? read more

I do not fit in, but the drinks fit in my budget. And after one stiff drink here, everyone fits in. I'll be back next week for RuPaul boys. However, that being said, I would probably suggest making the trek out here with friends. The posters and the muscles and bar top peanuts are a little intimidating when you're going solo. read more

I went last night for a friends birthday. The guy at the front was an older white male with a mustache and a bear build. I brought out my cars to pay and he immediately responded in a condescending and rude tone that it was a "cash bar." I was like, well I am not going to the bar and told me that it was the same thing. The sign did not say cash only and when I asked if there was an atm he told me to move to the side. The man behind me was white and he had the same issue, but was told that he could enter and go see if the ATM machine was working. I of course addressed and questioned whybI was not afforded the same luxury. After a friend gave me cash for entry, I was told that they had a similar experience and that the same man rudely told them to walk two blocks to 7/11. After playing pool I went to the bar and found that the card machine was working. I feel that this was racially motivated. I feel that his conduct and behavior was unprofessional, unbecoming and unwelcoming to people of color who simply came out to celebrate and enjoy the evening. After I left I told him directly what I thought of him and that the atm machine was in fact working. He cowardly yelled. "Don't come back!" Trust me! I can spend my hard earned money at better places with people who respect me and do not discriminate. read more

At first I went every Wedesday night. Now it is here and there. But the girl eastside wedesday night take over of a seedy male leather bar - a treat. I love that the bar - despite the fact that the Wed. night gig has been happening for a while - still shows gay boy porn on all the corners of the bar. The looks that will appear on the faces of lesbians range from amusement, shock, horror, and turned on. Cheap drinks $1.75 for a beer. And for mixed drinks you will only need one drink to get trashed and two if you don't want to remember what happened by the morning. All of the bartenders are sweet and greet you with a smile. (Kim is rad!) Favorite Moments: -Putting my lover on a chain web and teasing her, biting her & making out with her all night long. My mouth still waters at the thought of it. -Dressing in drag with Sir Rex & Alissa (full strap on and all) for a drag contest of some sort hosted by the one and only Mr. Party. Our song: "Detachable Penis" We didn't win. But damn did we have fun. -Hula Hooping in the back room with friends. -On the occasional night - dancing till the bar closed. -After parties at my old apartment. -Soaking up all the cheap beer at Brite Spot afterwards. The only time I have not had a good time was having to deal with the DICK of a bouncer (the big guy with bad tattoos & a nose ring) - who I really think has to work on some of his mama issues. I won't go into what happened but I have NEVER been so upset with someone working at a bar before or for that matter so disrespected my someone in my own community. read more

Great place- for the guys. But take note young twinks: Please take your giggly drunk girlfriends to the Abbey.

Often a good vibe but too often a cover charge for a leather bar. Just skip it if you want to just grab a beer or meet up with friends. Bartenders are hot and friendly. Not going to pay cover to go in and buy one beer. read more

Total staple of the gay community! This is always fun, with extremely friendly bartenders and staff. May not be the right place for everyone, as only the most Discerning clientele can appreciate! read more

I try to frequent specialty nights every 3rd and 4th Friday of the month, so that's what my review will be based off. If you have not been to this type of bar, it can certainly be very intimidating going alone. Depending on the night, you may very well be the only one in full 'gear' even on a specialty night! I can't say I complained much about that, but it would be nice to have fellow 'gear-heads' around to interact with. You will usually hear about a bar serving weak or watered down drinks, but my experience with the Eagle LA is the drinks are more potent than I like. Again, it's not a complaint, just an observation! Whether it's a specialty night or not may or may not affect how packed the bar is. A small population does make it easier to speak with others. The bar is very laid back, and there's usually something for everyone to enjoy. Strong drinks, decent music, making friends...overall, a good time for this pup! Will certainly be coming by from time to time on those specialty nights. Parking can be quite impossible on those busy nights. Despite the minor flaws, certainly one of my favorite places to bark up! And hey...if you see this stray wandering about...well....at least come and say hello! This pup loves meeting new people! read more

The security grabbed my drink and push me out before they closed. It was so rude and left scar on my hand.

I like the open patio - the inside gets pretty crowded at times. Bartenders are sweet and cute, if a bit distracted with the sometimes high volume of customer flow. Not stingy on the pouring, but don't go in thinking you're going to get a heavy pour. The DJs are all good - namely Greg and Dave. Customer base is somewhat mixed - mainly of the bear/cub and leather/fetish crowds, which can create for some... risque' incidents, but you have to go expecting that. I feel very comfortable here with my friends. BEWARE OF THE PRINCIPAL! read more

Bringing three girls with you to a bar is great, unless it's an unsuspecting boy bar. A hefty man, sporting a large nose ring, blocked my path to the bar. But NO man will prevent me from moistening my mouth, not even a huge, intimidating boy bouncer. I enticed my three friends to enter the dark, weathered decor and we ordered four drinks for $25. Not so shabby. (though they only accepted cash) The best part was the cock-in-ass-doodle-doo pornos. My Louis Vuitton welding friend WAS a virgin to such carnal art. Until Liz K yelped out, "turn your head and look!" "I don't see nothing wrong . . . with a little bump and grind!" read more

Strong, reasonably-priced drinks from friendly, hot bartenders who encourage you to go forth and be naughty with other patrons in leather or less? C'mon... really... Need I say more? The crowd is always friendly and the music typically good. A nice watering hole alternative for those who are utterly sick of stand n' model bars or for those that just really like the Silverlake scene. read more

How I miss Shotgun (girls' night) @ the Eagle. The sweetest chick bartender, and nicest leather daddies around (as opposed to the WeHo Snobbery). Perfect gritty, fun, epic place for the gay dudes. Pool table, Arcade games, DJs. Great set up for socializing. Always a good time! I have made a lot of great friends there. read more

I've been on nights where I felt right at home - and nights where I was the oddball for not being covered head to toe in leather --- I've always had a blast here. The drinks are mixed well - depends who you get but typically a strong drink even by gay bar standards. There is always something or someone to watch at Eagle - that being said - anywhere with pinball machines has my vote. They skirt indoor smoking laws on warm nights, and while parking is a bitch - it's made worth it for the laid back environment. Pinball, hot men & a drink in hand? This place has my vote. read more

The drinks are cheap in here. I have a gripe though: One night I was in here and my partner and I ordered a drink a few minutes before closing. We were planning on taking a short while to drink it but as soon as the clock struck closing, they told us to leave the premises. I asked could we stay a minute or two to finish our drinks and the bartender said no. I felt a tad deceived that he sold us two large drinks two minutes before he new he was going to chuck us out. Now that I've stopped crying: The Eagle is a fab venue. Love the porn on the TV. Love the spookily dark restroom in which you can't immediately see what is happening at the urinal. Love the wet underwear comp (does this still happen?). Love the beer bust. Faultline is still my number one for rubbing shoulders (ahem!) with beefy men but I like to swing by the Eagle every now and then. read more

I'm a regular at this bar. I have been a fan and a massive supporter of this bar for 10 plus years. In the 10 years of supporting this bar I have never felt this disrespected that I felt tonight. I was threatened by a security guard named ERIC tonight Saturday August 31st for ringing "the bell" and was asked to leave as well as threatened by him to be "86'd". I admit to ringing the bell once after engaging "Principle Bob" who I have personally known for over 10 years. My purpose was to exhibit the young gay men should not be afraid of older gay men and to show respect for our elders. Eric (the security guard) tried to make an example of me and prove that we should not respect our elders in the gay community. I did my best to rectify the situation my defusing him and sincerely apologizing for anything I may have done to disrespect him or his authority. He refused my offer to make it right. I even offered to give him my name and phone number (personal biz card) and he refused to talk to me or even rectify the situation. As a proud Out gay CEO of a queer company, I'm sadden by this response. My mission on life is to support the under-represented and in this case hate-red and anger won. read more

Had never been here so my friend took me last night. Definitely more my scene then the Weho clubs. Huge space, friendly go-go boys. Great drinks. Enough room to move about, dance, talk etc. Will be back for sure. read more

Not a scene I feel I particularly fit into, though the patrons were nice. The bartenders weren't. The drinks are definitely worth what you pay, considering other LA establishments. I'll be going back soon for sure. read more

Not gunna lie, I was just checking the yelp on this place to cruise blogging bears. Didn't find anyone, so I thought I might as well write a review. The eagle is a great, gritty time. Packed with attractive manly gays. Sometimes the vibe can get a little sketch... but it adds to the bars charm. woof. read more

I think Stephen D. said it well in his review but I'm going add my two cents to the mix. Their Sunday Beer Bust is the best! Getting drunk with my boys in the sun is key (it gives me time to sober up so I'm not a mess Monday morning). Plus they are usually BBQ-ing something to satisfy any drunken munchies. I get harassed a little because of my slender size but my fur, ink and attitude keeps me in the game. The staff and the crowd are the friendliest you'll find in LA. PS: if they are having an event to benefit the Rebellion rugby team, check it out. Those rugby boys are pretty hot. read more

This place became the Eagle LA back in 2006, and it has gotten better with each and every year. Great crowd whatever the event, generally there's no attitude. This is our 'default' bar if nothing else is going on. About the only minus is the parking situation on weekends, but my parking goddess Debbie always helps me out. Oh, and someone mentioned THE PRINCIPAL?? If you see that man with the paddle approaching you, just tell him you've been a verrrrry good boy and he will leave you alone. read more

I am originally from San Francisco where Sunday afternoons at the Eagle are a lot of fun and there is usually a great band playing. I was disappointed with the LA Eagle until yesterday. They booked two bands and it was FUN! The stage is a bit smoohed in and sightlines were limited and the sound was not the best but it was fun none the less. $2 beers made it even better! I will go back to see bands if they keep it up. The bar is fine otherwise. It isn't really my scene but I had fun. One of the darkest men's rooms I have ever been in! read more

My friend and I like the ambiance that Eagle LA offers. We come there as often as possible to relax and to enjoy some beers. This month so far, we came there three times already. I have to say that our recent visit to Eagle LA on 11.11.17 was unpleasant. Our unwelcome experience with the doorman occurred from the moment we arrived at the entrance way and even on our way out. At first, the doorman seems nice because he moved the barricade to the motorcycle parking lot when he saw us arrive in a motorcycle. I got off the motorcycle right away so my friend can park the motorcycle in reverse. My friend took his helmet and gloves off and handed them to me to hold. This process took about a minute. I stepped aside and watched him park the motorcycle. Then suddenly, the doorman approached my friend right in the face while he was in the process of parking the motorcycle. The doorman abruptly made a comment to my friend about taking too long to park and that he didn't need take his helmet and gloves off just to park. Well, it was already dark when we arrived at the small parking entrance. Visibility was low and taking the helmet and gloves off to park the motorcycle in reverse makes common sense to me. Besides, we did not disturb or disrupt anyone from coming in or out of the bar. My friend told the doorman that we feel unwelcome and that he needs to calm down. He even made a comment about parking outside next time and not in here as we walk inside the bar. I don't know why the new doorman makes a big scene out of this non sense incident. Once we got inside, we ordered some beers and mentioned our unwelcome experience to the head bartender. After two hours of socializing and drinking, we decided to leave. Apparently, the doorman didn't welcome our feedback. On our way out, he harassed us again. As we stepped out of the entrance, he approached us and confronted us about the situation. He made a comment about putting our helmets and gloves inside the bar before coming out and not at the parking lot. Again, he said next time we need to park outside the street and not in here. His demeanor toward us is uncalled for especially in a place where people come to relax and to have fun. JT read more

Meat Rack night, the most crowded night, two Saturday's during the month, is wall to wall muscle men. Not for the timid or clostrophobic. You litterally cannot move in the place which some may enjoy because they get to press past some hot bodies, but really....what kinda thrill is it to be packed like sardines in a place where it takes you forever to get a drink and can't even have a comfortable distance to cruise or flirt with someone you might find hot? Well, that's Meat Rack night... Check their website for advertised dates as they do change sometimes. Park a mile away and take a taxi to the club or bus it because parking in this neighborhood will be your worst nightmare as you drive around for 30 minutes fantasizing that one of the local residents might just go out to the grocery or the movies and open up a place for you to land your vehicle. read more

My favorite gay bar in Silverlake! I come here with my gay brother all the time, and the men (very male heavy place) are super sweet to me. The drinks are cheap and strong! Hooray for that. Parking can be a challenge in Silverlake, so plan ahead and plan to walk a bit or valet. read more

I've been here twice now and will be coming back. I've read some of the other reviews here (mostly positive) and also some criticism, and I'll share my 2 cents for those who care to listen. PROS: I went to Faultline once almost 2 years ago, and it was too nasty for my taste. The Eagle is seedy, as another reviewer pointed out, in the best way, but the Faultline was simply disgusting and everybody had an attitude problem (crew and crowd). I've heard they changed management but it's gotten worse since; either way, it was not a place I thought deserving of a second chance. I've been to Akbar 4 or 5 times, and although it has a cool ambience, it's just as cliquey and bitchy as WeHo; the only difference is that the crowd is full of desperate hipsters rather than brainless "pretty" boys with over plucked eyebrows. Then I tried The Eagle. Although I've never belonged to any specific niche of the gay chain, I felt the most welcome here than in the other Silverlake bars or, God forbid, WeHo (although, to be honest, I will go to WeHo from time to time; my straight friends like it and I've learned not to worry much about the Lady Gaga worshippers and just try to have a good time myself. Life's too short). It's mostly a bear/leather crowd, but I don't think anyone will be giving you dirty looks if you look "different" (and if they do, ignore them! You're an adult). Drinks are somewhat cheaper than WeHo, but not THAT much... There's usually a cover charge, but not all the time. CONS: I hate to say it that I can see why some other reviewers were complaining about certain bartenders. Some of them are nice, but I had a bad experience with one of them. I got there relatively early, the bar area wasn't full, and he looked at me as I waited for him to order my drink. He ignored me completely and kept talking to his friends; regular customers, I assume. Then in the meantime an attractive couple stood beside me, also waiting to order drinks, and minutes later he came our way and asked them what did they want; I was about to say I was there first, but the couple were polite enough to point that out. I thanked them and ordered my drink. I gave him a tip because I'm not a jerk, unlike him, although he deserved none. If you want to increase your clientele, treat them well. So far, this is the only thing keeping me from giving The Eagle 5 stars. Never, never underestimate the power of good customer service. It's often a deal breaker. Oh, and it's cash only. read more

Employees always walking through carrying heavy things and one of them just ripped my shirt. Ugh place if you ask me.

Douchebag Central - this used to be a man's bar. Come in and have a drink. No more. Now expect a Weho Type by or before 8pm at the door in knee high stripped socks to ask you for 6 dollars to enter. Still the same dump of a black box that it was when it was call The Gaunlet. Owner Charlie has done very little to try to maintain crowds. While I used to visit each week and bring friends I haven't gone in a year. I write this review because I decided to go w a friend last night. We arrived at 7:50 and we were asked for 6bucks to enter. When we said we just wanted to come for one drink we were told "to go home". Second time we had a rude doorman in his early twenties - sorry Charlie...this isn't Weho. read more

What can I say? The neighborhood Gay leather bar, a highly endangered species of social life in LA, and especially in Silverlake. Does anyone remember "The Detour," "Cuffs," or the vintage "One way?" Those places, in the day, spelled raunchy F U N! Woof! This place is tons better that the really mixed-up, near-by "Faultline." But trust me, that's not saying very much. To many queeny West Hollywood-types "slumming" and their ditzy, giggling girl friends. I really hate that! Both the "cash only" policy and charging a cover charge for no reason, just "because" really keeps serious drinking patrons, and neighborhood people at home.The small patio can get sweaty snd crowded, which can be a good thing, but not when it feels and smells like being in a big, dirty ash tray. Neighborhood permit parking makes visiting this part of town VERY difficult.They do offer valet parking, on busy nights, never thought I'd see that at a leather bar! Thanks to cyber-hook-up-sites and enhanced sober living, in general, I would strongly reccomend coming here, while you still can. The experation date on this entire genre of Gay business is coming due, and will soon become a nostalgic memory. read more

The Eagle....what can i say? When i lived here a few years ago, it was my standby cure for depression. Lets face it nothing cures the blues like a little nameless drunken sex. The weird thing is since coming back, well it hasn't been exactly been the same for me. The same guys, the same nights....lets just say the luster isn't as brite. Maybe it's cause i no longer blackout when i drink. If you had asked me to review this place 2 years ago i would have gave it a 5. So don't completely judge this place by the 4 stars i gave it, but id say its pretty fair. Either way the bar is pretty great. If you go on Mondays drinks are $3.50 that alone is reason enough for me, but the thing that keeps bringing me back is the clientele. Leather daddy's, bears, cubs...whatever you wanna call them, i can always find something worth "trying" on here. The bartenders are awesome, drinks are strong, and gay porn is playing 24/7 (even on dyke night which i love). The music is better on dyke nights. For some reason that's the only night anyone seems to bother to get a DJ with actual taste in music. If you go during the day they usually just have some random radio playlist playing. Like i said dyke night is the best and somehow i can always still manage to get laid. Thursday is wet underwear night. Haha, don't be alarmed if your asked to be a contestant and hell there is actually prize money, and in this economy you gotta do what you gotta do. The guys can be a little ummm, aggressive but that is partly why i go. The walls are black and the lights are super dim...and yes that back room is used for exactly what your dirty mind thinks its used for. Saturdays and Sundays can be pretty packed. Hell they even have valet and lines going down the block now. The outdoor patio is small but you can also smoke inside the smaller room connecting to the patio. They have BBQ out there on sundays altough i havent tried any food they have. The patrons are pretty laidback and you can almost always find someone to keep you company. My only advice to all of you who go just to check it out as opposed to what i go there for is, stay away from the bathrooms. Oh yeah, and if any of you wanna meet up there...i live across the street. read more

One star for effort. And because the DJ knew what he was doing. I purposely stay out of the lesbian 'scene' for obvious reasons, but in my old age decided to give this place a whirl. A buddy of mine invited me to 'girls night' so I said, I'm single...what is there to lose? Uh, everything. I know for a fact if it wasn't girls night I would have had a way better time. Bottom line is that I'm totally over the whole 'you gotta be in a group' BS that dominates lesbionic thinking. Basically: The girls were unfriendly. On another level. I get along with most everyone, but the crowd was more or less (and lack of a better term) 'hater.' The overall place is cute, its small and comfortable. There was arts and crafts going on in one room, and you honestly cannot beat 1.50 bud lights. But I had to depart when a girl looked right at me and said, "Oh my god I hate it, there's too many short lesbians in here." Yes, I peaced out. I guess if I was a gay man I would have had a better time, but as a female, it was just not the place for me. I would like to go on the regular boy's night, however. I'm almost positive it will be a better time. read more

Since moving back to LA from NYC last year, this has become my favorite neighborhood bar. About as anti-West Hollywood as a place can get. Unbelievably friendly staff, friendly and approachable patrons that are as diverse as the gay community gets. read more

This bar is great. I'm gay, and this bar is a gay bar, with gay people. I also like to get drunk. Really drunk. This bar has a lot of alcohol and Clint is an extremely talented bartender at the eagle whose special skill is getting people V drunk. Capital V. read more

You don't have to be into "Leather Bars" to like the Eagle LA. It's just a good chill bar to hang out at.

Probably the best gay bar in LA. The light beers are always nice and cheap. Bathroom (and clientele) are lovably seedy. One of the last remainders of the old Silverlake. Great place to chill and talk with friends. Good DJs playing a mix of 80s/90s/new stuff, mostly new wave and indie rock. If Akbar is too crowded, don't hesitate to come here. read more