Akbar manages to be very hip, mostly because of the utter lack of pretense from the employees and the smiling Eastside crowd.

A mixed bar that's predominantly gay but always comfortable for straights, Akbar is an evergreen haunt currently enjoying a bit of a renaissance. After some petition-and-permit issues, the longstanding dive bar gobbled up the empty space next door to add another bar, more seating and a dance floor that shouldn't mesh with the mellow crowd but does anyway. The decor, a mix of Moroccan medina and retro kitsch, doesn't interfere with an affability that means nobody will be mocked for a so-last-season outfit, though a particularly cool vintage T-shirt will earn enthusiastic praise. Newbies make friends with natives over the loud jukebox; the actor best known for playing Long Duk Dong is often seen chatting at the end of the bar. Special nights include film screenings, arts and crafts and, on Thursdays, Tony Powell's thriving house and soul party.