Motherlode

Great local bar, also great for tourists. Friendly welcoming atmosphere. Drinks are affordable. Excellent service. Local owner of many years in the community. Community based business. Pool table, karaokee, different events on different nights, with drink specials. Worth checking out. Everyone welcome.

Great place for Happy Hour or ANY hour! Friendly bartenders, good prices, videos and music(depending on the day DJ or jukebox) Can't wait until it opens up again after the pandemic lock down of 2020.

When the line at the Abby is stupid, head around the corner to the mother load. It's small but it is a chill place to dance or, when its not the weekend, play some pool. I got a drink in less than 5 minutes, and I didnt have to fight my way to the bar. There are cool street lamps inside, they have a smokers patio, good music, and moderately priced drinks. I have many nights had a blast here instead of fighting for space on the dance floor or fighting my way to the bar or waiting in a stupid line.

Great bar to chill at, recent improvement of extended open air patio. Drinks are similar priced from the Blvd but not as gouging as the Abbey or pump. Employees are friendly.

This bar is always a part of my bar crawl whenever I'm in West Hollywood. Mark makes my drinks exactly how I like them and has an awesome personality. They are more than doubling the size of their patio, so people watching will be even better. Don't let the construction scare you away. They are open for business!

The Mother Lode is a touchstone along Santa Monica Blvd... the grande dame of Weho gay bars. As the area has changed over the decades (!!) this bar has always been as reassuring as an old friend. And the most democratic of bar crowds, encompassing everyone from gay to Z. Many of its faithful patrons — especially those of us of a certain... rank — have been holding our breath for the past year. When the plywood construction wall went up midblock it also covered Mother Lode's beloved gold-rush-era facade. In spite of assurances given, we feared that ML would just get gobbled up entirely. Or, gods forbid, remodeled! That sound you may have recently heard was the collective EXHALE of a thousand happy customers. The plywood bandages have come off and the old girl has just had a little face lift! Gone is the aw-shucks saloon front. The new facade is bolder in design, even a bit dark. But it has expanded the sidewalk galleries for smokers and watching the world go by. And it has given the bar a much more open interface with the Blvd. But the best thing about the 'new' Mother Lode? They didn't change a thing inside! And as we discovered, it was the perfect place to celebrate the end of the Pride parade with a cocktail and view of the crowd—inside and out. 😘🌈🍺

Eric Fuentes

This bar is always a part of my bar crawl whenever I'm in West Hollywood. Mark makes my drinks exactly how I like them and has an awesome personality. They are more than doubling the size of their patio, so people watching will be even better. Don't let the construction scare you away. They are open for business!

Steve Rosenberger

The Mother Lode is a touchstone along Santa Monica Blvd... the grande dame of Weho gay bars. As the area has changed over the decades (!!) this bar has always been as reassuring as an old friend. And the most democratic of bar crowds, encompassing everyone from gay to Z. Many of its faithful patrons — especially those of us of a certain... rank — have been holding our breath for the past year. When the plywood construction wall went up midblock it also covered Mother Lode's beloved gold-rush-era facade. In spite of assurances given, we feared that ML would just get gobbled up entirely. Or, gods forbid, remodeled! That sound you may have recently heard was the collective EXHALE of a thousand happy customers. The plywood bandages have come off and the old girl has just had a little face lift! Gone is the aw-shucks saloon front. The new facade is bolder in design, even a bit dark. But it has expanded the sidewalk galleries for smokers and watching the world go by. And it has given the bar a much more open interface with the Blvd. But the best thing about the 'new' Mother Lode? They didn't change a thing inside! And as we discovered, it was the perfect place to celebrate the end of the Pride parade with a cocktail and view of the crowd—inside and out. 😘🌈🍺

A fun bar. Predominantly gay clientele but everybody goes there. Friendly bartenders. Great Happy Hour prices Mon-Fri. Had my birthday party there and the staff was very accommodating. One of the oldest bars in West Hollywood, everyone is welcome!

Always a fun time a Motherload and the drinks are worth it...Always the first place to hit for your nightly bar crawl

This is a nice Thai bar. They have the most strongest drinks on the block of West Hollywood Santa Monica Blvd. very good atmosphere.

I love them with all my heart, but why are they allowing illegal food vendors to stand right in front of their exit it puts them at risk and everyone else for legal issues in addition to taking money out of all of our pockets please let’s form a collation and get rid of them Your biggest fan. Reed

This is a bar that I first went into on a trip to West Hollywood 40 years ago so I'm not sure how long they have been there but they've remodeled there's a lovely patio in front where you can smoke as well as drink and the drinks are very reasonably priced and simply huge and that is their philosophy about pouring a drink is the owner once said when you pour a drink in my establishment you poor a drink. A very wise philosophy. By Stephen Valentino

Fun Gay dive bar with decent drink prices and attractive go go boys. Came on a Tuesday night and was it pretty busy. The crowd skewed in the 20's to 30's range. There are also lots of cheeky traffic type signs on the walls and two bars which make it easy to get servered by the friendly bartenders. Definitely recommended for a night out.

My favorite bar on the blvd in West Hollywood! Some of the best music and videos. Good, friendly diverse crowd of patrons and always a fun time there. Friendly bartenders, thanks Jeremy. When Tony goes on the dj decks you know it's gonna be a fun time. Always a fun theme going on at the Lode! Cheers to you all

A cozy gay bar in the heart of weho featuring good music and music videos, affordable and strong drinks, and great service!

my first time coming here at motherlode, i love it. I came here once for pride and it was packed. ill come back here again 😊

I've been coming to this place for years. Always gone to Doug in the back for the great drinks and conversation. The gogo boys are also nice to look at and very nice. Music is a mix of current and gay anthems from the past. A great place to hang out with friends or make some new ones.

Emerson Boyle

A cozy gay bar in the heart of weho featuring good music and music videos, affordable and strong drinks, and great service!

baby joe

my first time coming here at motherlode, i love it. I came here once for pride and it was packed. ill come back here again 😊

j tenes

My favorite bar on the blvd in West Hollywood! Some of the best music and videos. Good, friendly diverse crowd of patrons and always a fun time there. Friendly bartenders, thanks Jeremy. When Tony goes on the dj decks you know it's gonna be a fun time. Always a fun theme going on at the Lode! Cheers to you all

Ron Garcia

Always a fun time a Motherload and the drinks are worth it...Always the first place to hit for your nightly bar crawl

Reed Anthony

I love them with all my heart, but why are they allowing illegal food vendors to stand right in front of their exit it puts them at risk and everyone else for legal issues in addition to taking money out of all of our pockets please let’s form a collation and get rid of them Your biggest fan. Reed

Visanio Vann

This is a nice Thai bar. They have the most strongest drinks on the block of West Hollywood Santa Monica Blvd. very good atmosphere.

M D

I've been coming to this place for years. Always gone to Doug in the back for the great drinks and conversation. The gogo boys are also nice to look at and very nice. Music is a mix of current and gay anthems from the past. A great place to hang out with friends or make some new ones.

Michael Folino

A fun bar. Predominantly gay clientele but everybody goes there. Friendly bartenders. Great Happy Hour prices Mon-Fri. Had my birthday party there and the staff was very accommodating. One of the oldest bars in West Hollywood, everyone is welcome!

Stephen Valentino

This is a bar that I first went into on a trip to West Hollywood 40 years ago so I'm not sure how long they have been there but they've remodeled there's a lovely patio in front where you can smoke as well as drink and the drinks are very reasonably priced and simply huge and that is their philosophy about pouring a drink is the owner once said when you pour a drink in my establishment you poor a drink. A very wise philosophy. By Stephen Valentino

This bar used to be good long time ago, used to be a fun place to go with friend and dates, now after the pandemic the place is open again but the atmosphere is total different what it use to be 5 years ago, the pool table is gone and now is more open to the sidewalk but the fun part is missing for some reason. I hope this place comes back to life again.

took my son here and all the waiters were touching him inappropriately and he was very uncomfortable but the food was delicious and one of the waiters took me to the back if you know what i mean i think his name was steve he made me moan it kinda kinky though i respect the grind

Had a blast at this place and met random people there, was one of the most unpretentious places I've been to in LA. That being said, I also lost my debit here and the bartender was not only not helpful, he was accusatory in response. I still had a great time, though, and I would def recommend it.

Bartender is nice and pretty fun guy. Pretty chill on Monday but its good not to start the week too crazy. The drinks..omg, my friend is tipsy at first sip lol. Definitely need to to see what it's like other days of the week :)

The Mother Lode is a fun and friendly neighborhood bar. It might sound strange to describe a bar that is located in the prime night club area of West Hollywood as a neighborhood bar but you will understand what I mean if you go there. This is another very successful West Hollywood bar that has been in this same location for as long as I can remember. I started going there in 1983 and over the many years since then, there has been new faces behind the bar, different DJ's, a change in ownership and of course new faces of new regular customers. What hasn't changed is what makes this bar successful to this day. Their secret is a friendly and comfortable atmosphere that doesn't take itself too seriously coupled with good music and inexpensive strong drinks. You will not find a dance floor here (the bar is not large enough) but there is a pool table up on the upper level (upper = several steps up) but on the weekends when they get crowded at night they will put a cover on it so that people have an additional place to sit. They also have some video games up near the front of the bar. The main bar runs the whole length of the east wall of the bar and there is also a back bar located up on the upper level. These are very well stocked bars with friendly and generous bartenders who know how to make just about any drink you can think of and they like to pour the drinks a bit on the heavy side which contributes to the bars festive atmosphere. You won't find any additional frills here and you really don't need them. This place is simply a really fun time with friendly people and good music. Bring some friends or meet new friends here. You sorta can't go wrong.

I have had so many great times here. This IS MY CHEERS. Charlie and the boys are amazing, it's not watered down or fake, they give you advice with a strong cocktail. Busiest night is on Tuesdays for Manhole, although it attracts rift raft and Ill mannered people usually. Every other night is fine with a relaxed and carefree crowd.

The best spot to pregame in Weho. Great drink prices and pours, friendly bartenders. It's a old spot so don't go expecting modern. They have a chill karaoke night. The crowd changes depending on the night and there are a few kooks that go regularly, but overall a chill spot. One of the few spots left in Weho with reasonable drinks.

Great place - was always able to go into the patio area to get away from the blast of the music. They've now put up big speakers in the patio and so there is no place to get away from the blast and enjoy the drink and talk with friends. Who thought the sound blasting everywhere would be something their kind of relaxed, casual customer would want. They stay away from the other clubs because of the blast. I guess no drink for me and friends - just have to stand outside on the sidewalk.

Nothing super spectacular. A good place to go for a drink.

Great place to hangout . Great bartenders and great music . Customer service is pretty good . Some of the people that come to the bar are great but some are toxic that’s what to expect of weho. But the dancers are sexy, and amazing . Relaxing atmosphere. Chris the bartender is the best

A J C

Nothing super spectacular. A good place to go for a drink.

; -

Great place - was always able to go into the patio area to get away from the blast of the music. They've now put up big speakers in the patio and so there is no place to get away from the blast and enjoy the drink and talk with friends. Who thought the sound blasting everywhere would be something their kind of relaxed, casual customer would want. They stay away from the other clubs because of the blast. I guess no drink for me and friends - just have to stand outside on the sidewalk.

Nathen Hull

Great place to hangout . Great bartenders and great music . Customer service is pretty good . Some of the people that come to the bar are great but some are toxic that’s what to expect of weho. But the dancers are sexy, and amazing . Relaxing atmosphere. Chris the bartender is the best

Went in just to use the restroom and ended up staying for a drink. Lively place and best of all the drinks are affordable. Fun for all - not the kids, well except the one in your 21+ self.

Cozy but good! Can get crowded at nights. Good music. Nice bartenders. Full bar. $6 and $8 pitchers of beer during Happy Hour at 2:00 to 6:00 PM Good prices

The place is definitely a dive bar which is a good scene for having relaxing no judgement zone. I have a few grips with the place; 1. The urinals are a tub 2. The drinks are literally so strong that you cant even enjoy them. I appreciate the value for the dollar but when you cant enjoy it, is it really a value. 3. Bank of America debit cards will not work there. Boa says that they are flagged as a high risk establishment.

Not happy doing a negative revue on any venue but they advertise as open until 2, yet they throw customers out at 1:50. I could see others not happy about this. The security people are quite vocal. I was personally told to drink up and get out. Surely, there’s no need for that. Felt like they were all bored and just wanted to go home. I actually really like this venue but the staff are ignorant. The barman with the floppy hair has zero customer service skills. I really loved the music and all the video screens but I’m grateful I don’t have to frequent this place. Whoever is in charge needs to motivate their team. 🤷‍♂️ Just my humble opinion 😒

Darren S

Not happy doing a negative revue on any venue but they advertise as open until 2, yet they throw customers out at 1:50. I could see others not happy about this. The security people are quite vocal. I was personally told to drink up and get out. Surely, there’s no need for that. Felt like they were all bored and just wanted to go home. I actually really like this venue but the staff are ignorant. The barman with the floppy hair has zero customer service skills. I really loved the music and all the video screens but I’m grateful I don’t have to frequent this place. Whoever is in charge needs to motivate their team. 🤷‍♂️ Just my humble opinion 😒

Transphobic as hell, this place has a sign that has the t slur in it, DO NOT GO IN its only for cisgender gay men, probably super transmisogynist to trans women based on what they put on their signs.

We went to this place on Christmas Day. I have to say the bartender was so rude with us. I don’t know why. Me and my friends leave after just one drink because we tried to order more drinks but the bartender was trying to avoiding us. I don’t know if he was racist or what, my friends are from Colombia and Mexico. We won’t go again.

Horrible experience at this bar on Sunday while me and some friends celebrated pride (sun. June 11th ). Despicable bartender (Doug) ignored me completely (at the back bar) I stood at the bar for 10 min and watched him serve everyone around me. The bar filled again. He served all of them he very obviously skipped me twice. I will not visit this bar again. Such bad customer service.

STRAIGHTS ARE NOT WELCOME!!!! My drink was so strong I couldn’t drink it. I asked the bartender if he could please add more pineapple juice in it and he responded by saying “are you straight?” I answered yes and he then told me to “do my research” and walked away and did not fix my drink. Shortly after my friend and I got SCREAMED at by the employees and forced to leave!! Horrible place and even worse employees

It used to be a fun place to hang out, lately the music has been blasting my ear drums out and can't hold conversations with friends and I have to leave. Over past few months many patrons leave intoxicated from the heavy drinks and then security gets involved having to handle the patrons.

They literately asked us if we’d were pocket picking by the cleaning crew … like he was so rude.. we are am I sitting from out of town.. too bad we had to end our night like that

Probably the worst bartender. Ignored me several times, was taking beer and cocktail orders as I was waiting but also told me I could only order shots. He was not able to manage multiple drinks orders at the same time and it was not event last call yet. Staff is really rude and security almost smashed me while I was standing. No warning or “excuse me”. He slid the door over as I was waiting for my friends to finish their drink and almost hit me. I’m just shocked that staff can be THIS rude. When I tried asking the name of the security guy, people told me not to worry about it. I guess they’re used to the mistreatment? Idk but I had a bad experience here.

Be aware ! Bartender stole my card, he took my card to charge and didn’t return back, I asked him where is my card and he said I never gave him a card. And started yelling , I tried to talk other employees and I saw how he went and put the card on his packet, security was no help told me leave and deal with it during the day. Older white bartender with mustache is a con artist!!! Be careful try to avoid this place as much as possible .

The bouncer, manager everyone was awful. The bouncer obviously did not like me for some reason. Maybe I reminded him of his younger mother lolll. It was so strange. I was talking with my friend outside for a little bit and then I tried to go in and he was like you’re way too intoxicated. Im not a big drinker and literally had had one drink the entire night. I told him that and he was just like you’re not getting in you’re not getting in and I was like this is crazy. This is gay weho. These arent exclusive clubs 😭. The manager came out and handed me a bottle of water and was like we’re not letting you in, sweetie. They were really condescending. I was like I’m a grown woman. I’m 39 years old. You don’t have to call me sweetie. He then made fun of my vintage 80s jumper and was like what’s going on here youre unbuttoned. Meanwhile, bro, had his shirt completely unbuttoned down to his belly button, exposing his hairy chest. I pointed this out and he got all flustered and flounced away. Lots of bitter men that run this place.

My experience at this bar took a disappointing turn, leading me to change my review from five stars to one. One of the bartenders behavior was unprofessional and aggressive and I already reported him hope his behavior gets better next time he needs to respect people and STOP assuming everyone is drunk and treat them bad you should know BETTER.

Emily Francis

The bouncer, manager everyone was awful. The bouncer obviously did not like me for some reason. Maybe I reminded him of his younger mother lolll. It was so strange. I was talking with my friend outside for a little bit and then I tried to go in and he was like you’re way too intoxicated. Im not a big drinker and literally had had one drink the entire night. I told him that and he was just like you’re not getting in you’re not getting in and I was like this is crazy. This is gay weho. These arent exclusive clubs 😭. The manager came out and handed me a bottle of water and was like we’re not letting you in, sweetie. They were really condescending. I was like I’m a grown woman. I’m 39 years old. You don’t have to call me sweetie. He then made fun of my vintage 80s jumper and was like what’s going on here youre unbuttoned. Meanwhile, bro, had his shirt completely unbuttoned down to his belly button, exposing his hairy chest. I pointed this out and he got all flustered and flounced away. Lots of bitter men that run this place.

A A

My experience at this bar took a disappointing turn, leading me to change my review from five stars to one. One of the bartenders behavior was unprofessional and aggressive and I already reported him hope his behavior gets better next time he needs to respect people and STOP assuming everyone is drunk and treat them bad you should know BETTER.

angelepatino

Probably the worst bartender. Ignored me several times, was taking beer and cocktail orders as I was waiting but also told me I could only order shots. He was not able to manage multiple drinks orders at the same time and it was not event last call yet. Staff is really rude and security almost smashed me while I was standing. No warning or “excuse me”. He slid the door over as I was waiting for my friends to finish their drink and almost hit me. I’m just shocked that staff can be THIS rude. When I tried asking the name of the security guy, people told me not to worry about it. I guess they’re used to the mistreatment? Idk but I had a bad experience here.

Joe Miller

Be aware ! Bartender stole my card, he took my card to charge and didn’t return back, I asked him where is my card and he said I never gave him a card. And started yelling , I tried to talk other employees and I saw how he went and put the card on his packet, security was no help told me leave and deal with it during the day. Older white bartender with mustache is a con artist!!! Be careful try to avoid this place as much as possible .

Paul Petrescu

It used to be a fun place to hang out, lately the music has been blasting my ear drums out and can't hold conversations with friends and I have to leave. Over past few months many patrons leave intoxicated from the heavy drinks and then security gets involved having to handle the patrons.