Brooklyn queer bar ANIMAL opens a second venue in Los Angeles

The useful part

GayCities Gay Los Angeles Bars & Clubs Restaurants Bathhouses Hotels Shops Arts Gyms Beaches History Articles (Photos: Clint Keller) Hip, queer hangout ANIMAL first opened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in the spring of 2024. It was the brainchild of exes turned business partners Jim Morrison Hevert and Ashton Correa.

How it works

• However, once they saw the expansive patio space at the former Resident DTLA music venue, they knew they'd found their second home.
• In collaboration with friends Nick Eskelinen and Tony Kelley, ANIMAL was born.
• "Too many 'gay bars' weren't queer-owned, poured drinks that cut every corner, and had zero point of view," they say in a press statement.
• A cool, welcoming safe space, where the cocktails were as mindfully curated as the music.
• "Queer folks have historically been our fashion designers, our writers, our musicians, our hairstylists, our interior decorators, all the creatives," Correa recently told the Los Angeles Blade.

What to take from it

Indoor-outdoor space The aforementioned patio features a distinctive Airstream bar (one of those old, rounded aluminum travel trailers converted into a beverage station). Clint Keller) Go West The concept proved successful, prompting them to look West for a second outlet. The team briefly considered taking over the former Faultline in Los Angeles, which closed in 2021.

Example or evidence

• Perhaps mindful of being perceived as New Yorkers muscling in on the LA scene, they're very keen to provide opportunities for local DJ talent.
• "We don't have huge budgets, but if we can supplement an artist's income by giving them close to a monthly type of gig, then that will hopefully support the nightlife and the artists," said Correa.
• Clint Keller) With no harsh New York winters to worry about here, we expect the chilled space to remain a draw throughout the year.
• The moody lighting continues inside, where a giant disco banana designed by local artist Eric Schum hangs over the dance floor.

Details worth keeping

Brooklyn queer bar ANIMAL opens a second venue in Los Angeles. The men had spent years dreaming up their perfect bar. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Related coverage

• Fashionista: It follows the success of the brand's Bleecker St. store in New York City, with a larger West Hollywood location slated for early next year.
• Gaycities: Pour one out for a Brooklyn spot gone too soon.
• Gaycities: Oregon's star city continues to dazzle with two new spots for queer frolicking and fun.