Precinct

Raunchy, raw, and in your face. One of the coolest places I’ve ever been to.
The building was an actual LAPD precinct in its past life and now it’s home to a rock and roll gay bar which is f*cking awesome.
Keep in my mind that this place has kind of a dive bar feel (i.e. The bathroom door locks might not work, people aren’t ordering fancy cocktails, & there’s some great characters that come in) if you don’t like that then stick to Weho.
The best events are Queen Kong and Bonkerz. I think there’s a $ 5 cash cover for these nights.
There is street parking and a parking lot that’s $ 6 cash. The entrance is on Broadway by the Grand Central Market and its upstairs.
The stage is small and intimate and the performers usually walk around before and after the show to hang out and take photos.

I moved downtown 14 months ago. I began to come here sometimes after work and on my days off. I needed to change things in my past and move in a different direction and start anew. Everyone has been fantastic, the owners Brian and Thor and all the staff from bar backs, to bartenders– particularly Dustin and Dumas. I have eaten there many times and Crobar prepares a lot of the food. He is always courteous and takes pride in providing the customers what they want. Being from the south, I like to add mayo to the grilled, extra bacon and he always checks to see if it was fixed as ordered. The other day I ordered a grilled cheese, with extra bacon and mayo. He was taking a break, but he heard me order and stopped and went to the back to prepare my order. The fires are not soggy, but crisp and cooked correctly. He always checks to see if whatever I order was to my liking. It may sound as if I am picky, but I’m not it’s just the professional manner and attentiveness is something you don’t find particularly in such a large establishment. I won’t name everyone, but I recently had surgery on my foot and everyone has been so kind in making sure nothing happens from Levi, Matthew and everyone else, It is well worth going there not only to drink, but also eat, watch the shows and dance. Thanks to everyone.
Michael
McPhee.

I have generally enjoyed Precinct since it opened last year. It’s not as nice a bar as Redline DTLA or Mattachine, but it’s bigger and has more potential, much of which has not been realized. It’s décor, such as it is, tends towards scruffy and random; drinks are stingy and expensive. While I’ve usually had pretty good service there, I had a bad experience recently. Really basic. I came to the bar and waited while the bartender served those who had gotten there before me. Just as it was my turn, a patron walked up with an empty beer glass and the bartender very deliberately served him before me. When the bartender turned to take my order, I politely said that I was waiting before the person he just served. He shrugged his shoulders in a «whatever» manner and said, «I’m human.» No apology, no acknowledgment that he failed the most basic customer service obligations; he simply devalued my complaint and importance as a patron. And it wasn’t an accident or mistake; he knew what he was doing. I sent a message to the manager, and after two weeks, I’ve received no response, which suggests to me they don’t care about my complaint. Not a place I’ll be going back to.

They charged a cover to get in after midnight on new years day. Half an hour into the new year they stop the music for a drag show and then they closed prompty at 145. I’m sorry I was trying to like this place, but there’s way too much emphasis on the drag shows and they took a cover when they were going to close in an hour. That’s really lame especially for new years. The drag emcee also seems to favor white people, which as a person of color wants me to take my dollars elsewhere. Some suggestions, put more empahsis on the dance floor by putting the disco ball in front of the dj booth instead of that damn stage and stop putting so many desperate for attention drags shows on.

I went here with some friends to check it out, and I was appalled at how rude a bartender was to me and my friend. He said disgusting things to my friend about how he failed to give a suitable tip for a $ 3 soda water. Seriously? You’re going to ruin someone’s night because they didn’t give you 50 cents? I was so embarrassed that he felt it necessary to publically humiliate him. I won’t be returning, and I won’t bother recommending this place to any of my friends again.

I was here on a Monday night when they were showing Ru Pauls Drag Race. My Aussie friend was dying to see his favorite drag queen there so we went. I’m not a fan of drag queens and i’m definitely not a fan of this place, but I wanted to make sure he had a good time while visiting. I thought this place was just okay, but then the bartenders were a bit shady. I wasn’t drinking since I drove, but I went up to the bar with my friend. He was charged different prices for the Heineken with each of the 2 bartenders. I’m guessing this is common Bartender practice, but people were definitely not drunk enough yet to be trying this.
Not the best parking in the area. We paid $ 6 at a garage down the street. Also had to walk by all the sketchy people before getting carded at the door.
I must say one pleasant thing was the security guard. He was very friendly… and not bad on the eyes either.

The Lesbian Vampire show was outrageously hysterical! $ 10 per ticket in an intimate theatre with some adorably talented actors.
My friend and I came here for the show, but of course this also allowed us to explore the bar and the scene itself. Upon our arrival, the bouncer outside was very chill and friendly. He checked our ID’s and made some small talk while directing us to the show. The bar itself has a relaxed atmosphere.
As I was walking in I immediately got the impression that this place welcomes people whether they’re dressed to the nines or in a tank top and booty shorts. The clientele seems to be majority male, which is perfectly fine as I did not feel out of place as a female and the staff was super polite.
Inside you get all your basic bar/​club needs. There are two bars, an outdoor deck (smokers welcome), a stage, and dance floors. The giant rainbow flag in the window is also a nice touch!
It’s additionally conveniently located near the metro red line (which runs until 2am on weekends) and just steps away from grand central market (GCM)! If you are a foodie, GCM is a must.
If you’re looking for an LGBT spot in downtown, with a chill vibe, open atmosphere, and convenient location, then look no further. I will definitely be returning.

Fake Long Lines.
Unfortunately there isn’t many options downtown so after paying for parking and driving there, one has to simply wait in line.
i’ve been here 3 times and this bar has a good mix of people and nice music.
However, on all 3 occasions, i was lucky to come early. the first occasion was New Year’s Eve and even tho the bar was clearly not packed at all, they were letting people in so slowly whilst creating a long line outside. needless to say many did their countdown on the street.
then the subsequent 2 times, i’ve noticed the same thing.
Faultline, The Eagle and all the bars and clubs in weho do not practice this. I don’t think I want to support a business who generates lines of people outside by slowly letting people in when there is clearly ample room in the bar.

It was a quiet Wednesday evening. Ample space. Crowd was light. Libations made me forget. I’ll be returning so I can show off some hot shot dance moves!

Great music, great draft beer and no joke,
I had one of the best burgers and fries I’ve
ever had in Los Angeles., that burger is gonna
bring me back. The only thing I would say, is, it would be great if they had a section to just to eat and chill in.

I was walking down on Broadway looking for a good bar with friends. Until we seen «rocknroll gay bar.» Now I love rock n roll so we decided to check it out. Music was great lots of 80s tracks, and nice beer selection. Happy hour is excellent with strong wells and ipasss. I’m not a gay man but I’d return to this bar for sure! Good vibes and good customer service wins this place for me.

Can we take the time to give this fucking place a round of applause. Whoever gave life to this place needs to get they’re dicks sucked hands down!
It’s by far so entertaining and it has the best location with a great view of DTLA. It’s spacious, good music, a dance floor and traditional modern vibes that take you back to an era that’s much forgotten over time.
The drinks are great and the crowds are what is expected of such place! Check it out !!
More info on bathhouses /​men’s club (hmu)

This is turning out to be THE downtown spot for gay nightlife fun. My first time here left me curious and worrisome of the possibility of this bar not becoming as great as I hoped it could. I’m glad to say it’s turned out to be a kick ass spot! So happy to whiteness this bar blossom into such a hotspot!
FULLY STOCKED BAR! A+++++

Brian and Thor have put their heart and soul into this new hot spot in Dtla. The views of DTLA to the spacious dance floors and two bars a kitchen and a stage for performances this is the venue I’ve been waiting for. Super hot entertainment and staff, A lot of food choices to order from the menu reasonably priced from wings to fry chicken sandwiches I can’t wait to try all the tasty selections. Looking forward to spending more of my weekends at Precinct. Last but not least super convenient from the metro redline 2 minute walk from Pershing square.

I fucking love this place! It’s a rowdy, fun, grungy vibe and it’s great. Plenty of space to hangout in. They have a patio, dance floor, bar area, and mini-​lounge area.
Reading some of the reviews and how they fall short — bitches, stay in WeHo! Precinct is the exact opposite for us that grew up there we need more Precinct and less Abbey. I know, I know, you’re a newly out and proud gay — and I welcome you. What I don’t welcome is your booshie ass snot attitude thinking you know all about being gay. Stop, turn around, and head to Abbey and wait 20 minutes for your drink like the rest of them.
Anyway, long review longer, Precinct isn’t good for a date thing. It’s meant to be «I’m here for a good time, not a long time» mentality.

I think the good folks at Precinct are finally starting to get it. After going several times and throwing my hands up in the air with exasperation on my way down the stairs to leave, I have to admit that I had an amazing time there last night. New Years eve with the Boulets, Ian MacKinnon, House of Dvil and Cupcake Canne IN THE SAME SHOW was a huge draw for me and for the very first time since the club opened, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. In fact, quite the opposite.
To the owners and managers of Precinct:
PLEASE DON’T STOP HERE!!!
IMHO there is much more to do still. Here are few more constructive suggestions from the point of view of a person who has been in and out of clubs in a multitude of capacities for more than two decades. :
1. On a weekly or more frequent basis, retain strong promoters who will arrange concentric affairs going on in the space. Don’t rely on one dog and pony show to create the dynamism that this space need because even if it is good it will not. With three or more concurrent attractions in this space, a wider cross section of people will patronize the club creating more energy and synchronicity in the space. Make use of all the areas of your space as often as possible. Nobody likes empty abysses. On New Years Eve, I made several new facebook friends and got more than two phone numbers… a famous first for here. Speaking for myself, I am more gregarious and have more fun when there is energy in the room.
2. Curate your shows. If you cannot do this or want to do this yourselves on a regular basis, engage an entertainment manager who loves his work and who can step it up. Last night, the Boulet Brothers put together a phenomenal show. We need this every weekend, not just on N.Y.E.
3. Hire sufficient bartenders to handle the crowd. You almost got this right last night. More. Bartenders. Now. Thanks. I only had to wait 4 minutes last night while a cute bartender ran his ass off right within two feet of me while I was standing there dying of thirst from dancing. There is room for improvement here although this is better than the ten minutes I waited with my arms on your bar at the last fairly crowded event I attended there.
4. DECORATE THAT SPACE. A plain black space is depressing and uninviting to most people unless it is packed with other sexy people like it was last night.(or people having sex which is not an option for you guys). Los Angeles has already experienced the Eagle… for the past 50 years. It’s been done. Precinct has to be different if you are to recoup your investment, cover your overhead, and grow your venue.
5. Choose DJs wisely. Very wisely. All the time. No exceptions. Last night was excellent the whole night. I was not driven out of the club by an out of touch DJ playing crap as I have been before.
6. And most importantly, please consider keeping half of your patio nonsmoking. This is particularly important when you are not as busy as last night. My one friend who is super sexy and a huge drinker completely avoided you all summer because he couldn’t ever have a drink by any window without choking to death from the smoke. You will draw hot men for dance events if you do this. You will draw more hot men period if you do this…
Good job last night. Keep it up. The community wants you to succeed but you must want to succeed as badly as the community wants you to. I have limited renewed faith in Precinct but I am still approaching this sentiment and your events with caution and skepticism until I learn that I no longer need to… I want this day to come sooner rather than later or not at all…
I am happy to spend my time and money at Precinct if felt INVITED to do so by a consistent uptick in GAME. This means good events, good music, accessible drinks, and a good looking crowd. Last night gives me hope. I live less than 2 miles away but after a series of negative experiences at Precinct I have been only stopping into your club, with hope, but not staying for very long at all, for a few months now.
Thank you for starting off 2016 by delivering the goods. It appears you have finally started to deliver events of quality to the public. Yes it can be done. RUN WITH IT! This is just the beginning. Keep going. Don’t stop here! Please!!!
Thank you for all your hard work and starting to pay attention to us, your public… who will become your adoring public if you make it your business to make your venue irresistible.
We need Precinct to be done RIGHT!

There’s this perception out in the straight community that gay people are classy, tasteful and refined. All of those people should visit Precinct and have their preconceptions corrected.
I don’t know where it is in Gay Code that the average gay bar should be a tacky dark void with all the charm of a CVS, but that’s the norm and Precinct follows it. The reason people still go to The Abbey is because the owners put a lot of thought into the design and the experience. Precinct looks like someone found an abandoned laundromat, painted it black, and built a bar inside.
But if that’s your thing…
UPDATE: I just received an e-​mail from Unilocal that this review received «one or more complaints». Reality check, boys: If you don’t want trashy reviews, don’t open a trashy place.

I’m going to give Precinct in downtown LA five stars! It’s a great gay bar /​club /​venue that seems to attract a diverse crowd! There seems to be little to no (WEHO) attitude which creates a great atmosphere… everyone seems to fit in and is having a good time.
Music is great, shows are fun and the drinks are great! Happy hour during the week is a bit slow, but nice place to meet some friends after work.
My only criticisms would be the odd layout of the place and the area where the windows are, seem to be quite bright… needs to be a little darker (blue neon light is not flattering).
I’ll definitely be back!

People have to understand that when you attend a Grand Opening of a business, don’t expect things to run perfectly. And when it’s a grand opening, expect much larger crowds. That was the case here as the bar had to delay its grand opening by about 10 months, so there was quite a bit of anticipation for them to open.
Barring the excessive crowds, this is a great hang out to meet with friends for drinks and a bite to eat. Prices are reasonable, and bartenders are friendly.
The outside patio is a wonderful space with the glassless windows providing ample breezes and views.
Hope to be back in a couple of weeks to check them out again, when things die down a tad.

The grand opening was not very well planned at all! Got here at 10:50pm and waited in line for 30min and they were out of change and alcohol… I mean wow you know that over 250 people are coming and you weren’t prepared at all. Also your security guards didn’t even have walkies… if there was a fight it would be very bad. The venue is stuffy inside, needs big fans or better air flow to help breathing. I don’t like smelling every guy in the club. Ewwww. oh and I almost forgot that your address is wrong on fb and google. It takes u to 7^th Street not 4^th and broadway… should look into that. Didn’t even get a drink since the bartenders were rude and unhelpful. No idea of the drink price. Will maybe go back after they get ur shit together.
I will say the venue is very cool and has alot of potential after they figure it out.