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It started, improbably, with lattes. In 1991, David Cooley, an investment banker, opened a modest coffee shop on Robertson Boulevard, aiming to create a safe, visible space for the LGBTQ+ community. Adorned with stained glass and church pews, the venue was aptly named "The Abbey." By 1996, it had transformed into a full-fledged bar, becoming a cornerstone of queer nightlife in Los Angeles.
The Abbey didn't just become a gay bar—it became the gay bar. Dubbed the "Los Angeles equivalent to the Stonewall Inn," it has been a central part of LGBT culture in the city. The venue has hosted political fundraisers for figures like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and in 2012, it made headlines by banning bachelorette parties until same-sex marriage was legalized in California, highlighting the ongoing fight for marriage equality.
Need more? In 2017, The Abbey was the subject of the reality TV series What Happens at The Abbey, offering viewers a peek into its vibrant, celebrity-studded world. The establishment has also expanded over the years, adding The Chapel, a cocktail-focused nightclub next door, and Within, a sleek cocktail lounge.
And while its reputation for strong drinks is legendary, it hasn't been all sugar and spice. The Abbey has faced scrutiny over safety concerns and ownership changes. In 2023, Cooley sold the establishment to entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft for a reported $45 million, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
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Beyond the nightlife, The Abbey has played a significant role in community activism. It served as a gathering place for AIDS advocacy groups like ACT UP in the early 1990s and has hosted numerous fundraisers for various causes, including annual toy drives for Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
So this June, we raise our glass to The Abbey—part bar, part church, part fever dream. May it continue to serve loud cocktails, louder crowds, and the loudest declaration of all: love wins. Especially if it’s served with a side of glitter.
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