Golden Gopher

📍 Gay bars in Los Angeles

8.1

This iconic establishment in DTLA blends old-world charm with a lively modern atmosphere, making it a standout for both locals and visitors. The friendly bartenders craft expertly mixed drinks, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience, while the eclectic music selection adds to the engaging ambiance. A well-balanced mix of patrons creates a welcoming environment, perfect for socializing or unwinding after a long day.

Known for its unique offerings, such as takeout liquor, the bar provides a relaxed setting with cozy seating options, including an inviting atrium area. While it lacks a full menu, the focus remains on quality beverages and a laid-back vibe. Attention to detail in service and a well-curated atmosphere contribute to a memorable visit, though occasional inconsistencies in staff responsiveness may occasionally disrupt the flow.

Features and services of Golden Gopher

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Service options

  • Outdoor seating

Highlights

  • Bar games
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Arcade games
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Food
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Outside food allowed
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safe space

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Golden Gopher is in position 8 out of 66 in gay bars in Los Angeles

Customer Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

Golden Gopher has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 676 reviews on Google

g

has the best time at this bar during our stay in dtla! the bartenders were fantastic, the music was great, the drinks were tasty and strong, and the overall vibe was immaculate ✨️ loved that there was a mix of locals and tourists. will definitely come back! (100% worth having my drink spilled on me accidentally lmao)

g ☆ 5/5
Belinda Medina

I went in with my best friend and her brother to celebrate my best friends birthday. All was well until we decided to play pool. We were almost done with our game when some man child decided to start yelling at us saying we were done playing and that we needed to let them play. Mind you prior to us playing the pool was empty for hours. Suddenly this manchild and his friend started getting aggressive with us and the "security" guard came and instead of letting us finish our game he decides to take the ball. Prior to this we had ordered drinks and the bartender did not serve us. Again we ordered drinks when we were playing pool and nothing. This bar is definitely hostile and play the favorites game. I was not expecting this type of childish behavior from a bartender/security but alas I digress. Definitely do not recommend this bar.

Belinda Medina ☆ 1/5
Michael Headley

Iconic bar in DTLA! This place is as cool as it is old. If you’re in DTLA go have a drink at this spot. The bartenders are super friendly, grab a seat a the bar and have a nice chat with them or they have a nice atrium seating area. This is the only bar in DTLA that you can buy liquor to go. No food, but the day we were there, two food trucks were set up out front. Definitely get the Dickel with the Pickleback. This sounds strange, but it is fantastic!

Michael Headley ☆ 5/5
Alex V

I would’ve given more stars, but honestly, I was surprised — the shot glasses at the bar are tiny, maybe 20 ml at best! Are you serious? I ordered a shot and got what felt like half a normal pour. Other than that, the place is decent — nice vibe, music, and service. But those "shots" are just not it. Hope you reconsider, because guests definitely notice.

Alex V ☆ 1/5
Rishi Mehta

This place needs a crash course on hospitality and bar management. Came in here with a couple of friends, had a few cocktails, were having a great time. I go up to the bar and order a final round of cocktails, bartender makes them, I pay, no issue. 5 minutes later, the bar announces last call, starts turning lights on, and within another few minutes, I’ve got staff coming up to our table telling us we have to finish our drinks and go. It’s 1:49am at this point. I know how bars work. You close at 2, and we need to be finished with our drinks and out the door by 2. This wasn’t a "hey guys, just a heads up, you’ve got about 10 minutes to finish up". This was "you guys need to leave, we’re closing". I politely reminded the guy that we were JUST sold/served these drinks a few minutes ago, and if we wouldn’t have any time to actually drink them, the bar shouldn’t have sold me them - but that we’d leave as soon as they were done and we’d be out by 2. The bartender got super hostile and said "no, actually we can close whenever we decide to, and ask you to leave." Poor guy probably has no real power or authority anywhere else and feels the need to puff his chest for 3 chill, calm people enjoying a cocktail at the end of the night. Hire better people.

Rishi Mehta ☆ 1/5
Daniel Ledesma

Divey vibe, outdoor area is a must with the nearby deco-style buildings towering over. food trucks outside but worth the visit. Heart of downtown LA, simply a different vibe

Daniel Ledesma ☆ 5/5
David Morales

A $6 happy hour! Good vibes. Good people. Good music. And a Brambletini???? I'm sold. Repeatedly. April 2024: Still throwing down an amazing happy hour from 3-8... on a SATURDAY! January 2026: Sunday Funday for the WIN!

David Morales ☆ 5/5
View all reviews

Information about Golden Gopher

Address

Golden Gopher is located at 417 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Phone

The phone number of Golden Gopher is +1 213-614-8001

Website

The website of Golden Gopher is: goldengopherla.com

Business Hours

Monday: 15:00–02:00
Tuesday: 15:00–02:00
Wednesday: 15:00–02:00
Thursday: 15:00–02:00
Friday: 15:00–02:00
Saturday: 15:00–02:00
Sunday: 15:00–02:00

Contact Golden Gopher

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