Brooklyn’s favorite queer nightlife destination has officially landed on the West Coast.
ANIMAL, the LGBTQ+ bar that’s become a Brooklyn institution, has opened its second location in Los Angeles’ Arts District, bringing the same elevated but unpretentious formula that’s made the Williamsburg original a go-to for the local Queer community—this time for Angelenos.
Nearly 20 Years in the Making
Exes-turned-friends and longtime collaborators Jim Morrison Hevert and Ashton Correa spent nearly 20 years dreaming up ANIMAL before opening their first bar. Their frustration was simple: too many “gay bars” weren’t queer-owned, poured drinks that cut every corner, and lacked a clear point of view.
Alongside close friends and collaborators Nick Eskelinen and Tony Kelley, the team built something different—and now they’ve done it again.
A New Home in LA’s Arts District
The new location takes over the former Resident space on the Arts District/Little Tokyo border, transforming it into a lush oasis tucked inside one of LA’s industrial neighborhoods.
The indoor-outdoor layout is designed for everything from daytime cocktails to late-night dance floors, while the music program centers house, disco, and global dance sounds. Expect sets from some of LA’s most respected DJs alongside rising local talent and national and international guests.
The cocktail menu follows the same philosophy as the music programming: thoughtful, well-sourced, unfussy, and reasonably priced, keeping the experience welcoming rather than exclusive.
Community Has Always Come First
Beyond nightlife, ANIMAL has always been about creating community.
In New York, that has included queer markets spotlighting local makers, art shows, zine release parties, LGBTQ+ kink events like CUIR, pup nights, NYC Rubber Club meet-ups, and fundraising efforts supporting organizations including NYC’s LGBT Center, the Ali Forney Center, and The Queer Immigration Justice Project.
True to its Brooklyn roots, ANIMAL LA also maintains a zero-tolerance safe-space policy so everyone can be themselves and let loose.
Keep up with the latest Animal LA goings-on on Instagram at @animal.losangeles
