Take one step inside Spotlight—LA's oldest gay bar —and it's easy to understand why it's known as Hollywood's gay version of Cheers.

While well-groomed scenesters are greasing palms at nearby nightspots Facade, Cinespace, and Star Shoes, The Spotlight caters to an altogether different clientele: It's a place where friendly neighborhood gays, the occasional tranny and Hollywood hipsters party side by side. Spotlight's been alive and kicking since the '40s, but the place somehow still manages to remain hip, with a reputation as a dive bar with some of the cheapest drinks in town. Inside, there's a motley crew: couples playing pool, guys stuffing dollars into the video poker machines, and a shirtless dude restocking the occasional buffet. Peggy Lee and David Bowie album covers deck the wall, and a glowing birthday board announces upcoming get-togethers (and there are always plenty of 'em). During the holiday season, big Thanksgiving and Xmas spreads—always free—are offered for those with nowhere else to go. Let's see them pull that off at Facade.—Amir Kenan