Black Cat Tavern

The Black Cat Tavern occupies a two-story building on Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, with a former laundromat space adjacent to it. Today it operates as a restaurant and bar while keeping its original name and serving contemporary meals and drinks.

The tavern became a known gathering spot for the LGBTQ community until a police raid on New Year's Day in 1967 led to arrests and sparked public protests. This event marked a turning point in the community's response to harassment.

The tavern served as a gathering place for LGBTQ people in the 1960s, where entertainment and social events brought the community together regularly. The space became important to people searching for acceptance and connection during that era.

The location sits on a busy street and is easy to find when walking through the area. It operates as a working restaurant and bar, so visitors can stop in to eat and drink while learning about the space.

The site earned the designation of California Historical Landmark 1063, making it the first LGBTQ-related location to receive such state recognition. This official acknowledgment transformed the space into a documented landmark of LGBTQ history.

Location: California

Inception: September 11, 2012

Address: Sunset Boulevard

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 16:00-02:00; Saturday 11:00-02:00; Sunday 11:00-02:00

Phone: +13236616369

Website: https://theblackcatla.com

GPS coordinates: 34.09211,-118.27980

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25