thelovingspoonful.net

Akbar
4356 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 665-6810
akbarsilverlake.com

Ordered:
What else but booze?

Review:
I’m so sorry about the late start today, everyone! I have been having major internet connection problems since late last night, but now that that has been remedied, let’s jump right in! I have several great reviews for you today.

Akbar is one of the jewels of trendy Silverlake. It does not look like much on the outside. Don’t pay attention, and you could very well miss the sign (if you pass McDonalds, turn back!). But once you get inside you will find two dimly-lit bars and some of the best Deejays I ever heard in L.A.

Exterior signage:

Immediate interior:

I have heard some people describe it as a meat market of sorts. Iamme and I have always found it to be pretty fun and chill. Plus, to be frank, what bar isn’t a meat market to some degree? The people are really laid back. Everyone wants to let loose and have fun. The jukeboxes are always going, and the drinks they pour are tasty and cheap. For about $6 to $8 dollars, you can have a cocktail in your hand and a smile on your face. I do notice that sometimes they skimp on the booze for me… maybe because I look unassuming? No matter… I can just ask for more.

(Akbar was where I first had a Midori Sour, and where I realized they tasted like melted popsicles. Blegh.)

Happy juice:

It is actually increasingly rare to find such affordable booze in L.A. The great thing about Akbar (aside from this) is that it really is a sort of community oasis. There is so much going on here besides drinking and dancing. Wednesday nights are typically dedicated to arts & crafts, with events hosted by the folks over at CraftNight.

If you are into crafts (which I am not), they offer different themes each week. One week you could learn how to put together a recipe book, another week you might be scrapping together a giant collage.

Crafts aside, there are other perks to coming here.  Earlier this month, they were giving out free tasters of Absolut Mango, and recently they even hosted karaoke night. Lots to do!

Considering that there is no entrance fee, you really get your money’s worth here. We occasionally enjoy going to see the drag kings. Sometimes, you have various troupes from different states coming to compete! It’s a lot of fun.

“Once, I caught one THIS big!”:

For an open donation, you can snag a seat and enjoy some lively performances. They usually host these shows toward the back (behind the curtain leading to the second bar).

“You just got Rick Roll’d!”:

Someone’s going to sleep good tonight…

After performances, they usually clear off the area and turn it back into a dance floor. The dance area is small, but it is usually not overcrowded and gross like some places with more square footage.

We think Akbar rocks. The drinks are good and well-priced. The atmosphere is relaxed and carefree. The people are friendly.

The bathrooms are disgusting so pee at McDonald’s next door. The parking is really tight so show up early or be prepared to walk. 

“Spanks a lot, Akbar!”

Rating:
7 out of 10 spoonfuls

Value:
$

*First two images courtesy of flickr users danimaniacs and brian.swanson