The Black Cat
American restaurant · Silver Lake ·
Upscale gastropub with historic LGBTQ+ roots, great food
-(1).jpg "The Black Cat by Courtesy Black Cat")
-(1).jpg "The Black Cat by Courtesy Black Cat")
Upscale gastropub with historic LGBTQ+ roots, great food
"Inside The Black Cat, you'll find an inviting space that resembles some of the country's best old world barsâthink rich woods, tufted banquettes, ornate high ceilings with crown moulding, and a deep mahogany bar that stretches to seat 20. The menu caters to every type of drinker, from the cocktail buff to the whisky geek to the basic beer lover, and it also features some really, really good food. This is one of the greatest spots for happy hour, especially if you're able to secure some of the outdoor seating." - Celeste Moure
"When the Black Cat Tavern opened in 1966 in Los Angeles, it quickly became popular among the gay community. A year later, it was the site of an undercover police sting targeting patrons. In February 1967 (two years before Stonewall), community activists led a demonstration outside the bar to protest the targeting and persecution by the police for being gay. Though the current Black Cat isnât the same as the historic bar, it continues to keep its history alive and was designated a historical landmark by the State of California in 2022." - Rebecca Roland
"The famed Silver Lake bar has opened a big outdoor area for both eating and drinking. Expect picnic tables, string lighting, and two big white tents to block out the sun." - brett keating
"The Black Cat may be better known as a bar, but it also serves outstanding bistro-style food. Start with a cocktail and a cat snack with olives, pickles, and spiced nuts, before ordering something heartier like the beef cheek ragu. Donât miss out on the burger â its easily one of the best in town with its thick bistro patty and plush bun. The kitchen is open until 11 p.m. for late-night bites." - Rebecca Roland
"The Black Cat in Silver Lake is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure date spot. If you want something a little more serious, grab one of the green booths in the back and order a full meal, with dishes like chopped kale salad, shishito peppers, and an excellent burger covered with melted onion and raclette cheese. But if your date is showing some red flags, like going on and on about how Die Hard is their favorite Christmas movie, itâs just as easy to hang out at the bar or front patio for a single drink, slip out quietly, and bury that memory forever." - nikko duren, sylvio martins
