The Bullet Bar

This is a great spot if you want something low-key or to grab a drink with a friend. There's no loud music, and it has a friendly neighborhood feel. Don't bring your mom, but the happy hour is good, it's a total dive, and the vibe is very relaxed.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“The Bullet Bar is a very special place.”

The Bullet Bar hosts a wide variety of events for diverse groups. It has a lengthy history under different names, such as the Hanged Man, and at one point it was a strict uniform club called the Officers Club where street clothes were prohibited. Over the past 18 years, the bar has grown increasingly popular across many segments of the evolving community, while maintaining its status as one of the few leather bars in Los Angeles. It also serves as a space where various community groups can gather and hold fundraisers for causes important to the community's well-being. Groups like the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Payasos, and Bears LA host parties and fundraisers here. Additionally, the Bullet is the home bar for groups such as the Leather Foundation (LA branch) and the pup community of Los Angeles. Because of the many groups and regulars, there are no strict dress code requirements, though certain events encourage specific attire. The atmosphere reflects the bar's leather roots and celebrates individuality and compassion. The bar hosts two leather title contests: Mr. Bullet Leather, ongoing since 2001, and the recently established Ms. Bullet Leather contest, aiming to give equal attention to all LGBTQ people in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Personally, the owner Michael Lara has been incredibly supportive in helping me achieve my goals. After winning Mr. Bullet in 2014, he single-handedly helped grow the pup community in Los Angeles. The Bullet Bar held the first Los Angeles Pup contest last November, with many pups from different generations attending.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Perfect Neighborhood Leather/Western/Bear/Men's Bar”

I love the cigar night and wish I could attend more often. This bar really cares about its community and customers, and that's great. They have some very interesting nights and regulars show up frequently.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“not super impressed”

Overall, it's not the best bar ever. The staff is super friendly, but this place isn't for anyone looking for more than an easy, laid-back evening.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“A great little gay bar in the valley!”

I visited on a weekday afternoon and had a great time. The bartender was friendly and fun, and the few regulars there were welcoming. There was no pretension at all. It's a wonderful place to relax, have a drink, and meet someone new. The drinks are very inexpensive, by the way. Although the crowd is mostly gay men in their 40s and 50s, there was still a nice mix of ages, races, and orientations, and everyone seemed welcome. I loved that one TV was showing gay porn while the other was playing Home and Garden Network. Perfect! While some patrons might take someone home, this is more of a neighborhood bar than a cruise bar. There is no back room, and I doubt any sexual activity occurs on site (maybe late at night, who knows?). They have various themed nights during the week, like karaoke and movie night, and a Sunday afternoon BBQ that I hear is quite popular. Highly recommended!

A visitor · Over a year ago