1601 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (@ Selma) ~ 323-467-2425 ~ Hollywood (TACO Map)
Not all gay bars in LA are packed with buff, waxed, Mattel-issued menfolk. Check out the Spotlight, that shit is gully, mang. You're more likely to sip crappy American beer with a 'Nam casualty and his tranny girlfriend, along with tons of those randy older men with smart, devious smiles. The creepy kind who you just know would go all De Sade on your ass, but who have trouble getting laid, an altogether different alternative lifestyle for a gay man.
Manwhores, boywhores, trannywhores, and regular old studs looking to be whores are in and around the joint. Pool, sports on the TV, and lots of wood paneling is surrounded by cheesy Hallmark-style streamers as well as a sense that you may not want to touch anything but the jukebox.
In any case, the Spotlight is a legend stretching back to 1963 in these parts. It's known for its cheap drinks and social vibe of horny regulars, and though it might be rough around the edges, it's divey, dank, and crazy fun that beats standing in line to watch Nick Lachey drink a $300 bottle of Cris.
