Brooklyn queer bar ANIMAL opens a second venue in Los Angeles

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.

The men had spent years dreaming up their perfect bar. 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. ANIMAL would be the antithesis of that. 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.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today

“When we were creating ANIMAL, it was about a place where we would be inspired and enjoy the atmosphere, low lighting, nice decor, a good cocktail, and some interesting music.”

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. However, once they saw the expansive patio space at the former Resident DTLA music venue, they knew they’d found their second home. This is despite it not being close to the other downtown LA venues.

Location-wise, they at least don’t feel like they’re stepping on anyone’s toes. In addition, ANIMAL LA brings some queer nightlife to another part of the city. It’s on the border of the Arts District and Little Tokyo.

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.

Indoor-outdoor space

The aforementioned patio features a distinctive Airstream bar (one of those old, rounded aluminum travel trailers converted into a beverage station). It is softly illuminated by string lights.

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. Music leans toward house, disco, and global dance sounds.

Besides evening club events, ANIMAL LA will also host events for the local kink community, as well as queer markets. For those on a budget, happy hour runs 4-7 pm from Tuesday to Friday. Expect DJs from Thursday to Sunday evenings (until the 2 am closing).

ANIMAL LA is now open in the Arts District at 428 S Hewitt St | Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Related

Madonna rocks The Abbey in West Hollywood with surprise appearance
And check out Tom Daley doing his best Madonna impression.

West Hollywood will unveil this beautiful AIDS Monument in November
The monument joins a select group of others across the US that commemorate lives lost.

Join the GayCities newsletter for weekly updates on the best LGBTQ+ destinations and events—nearby and around the world.