Mike Ciriaco
Downtown Los Angeles' renaissance has steadily attracted gay and lesbian denizens over the past decade, but the neighborhood continues to suffer a noticeable dearth of queer watering holes. This malady was partially remedied back in June with the opening of Precinct, DTLA's first official gay bar. The brainchild of married nightlife promoters Brian McIntire and Thor Stephens, the venue's name is a wink to the Department of Corrections office that formerly occupied the second-story space at this corner of Fourth and Broadway. After more than a year of renovations and bureaucratic red tape, the newly transformed space features a wrap-around patio ideal for noshing on mimosas and eggs, courtesy of Felix Barron and his pop-up brunch service. After the sun sets, the sprawling dance floor plays host to some of L.A.'s hottest gay dance parties, such as Critter Control's Pitch Black City. With Precinct leading the way, DTLA may evolve into the WeHo of the 21st century.
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