Best Gay Bars & Bathhouses In Ontario
Ontario, California sits in the heart of the Inland Empire, roughly 35 miles east of Los Angeles and about 15 miles from downtown Riverside. The city itself has no currently operating dedicated gay bars or bathhouses — the nearest LGBTQ+ nightlife clusters in two directions: downtown Riverside to the southeast, and West Hollywood to the west. For Ontario locals, this means a 20-minute drive to Riverside or a 45-to-55-minute drive to WeHo, depending on traffic. Both are well within the range that Inland Empire residents treat as normal for a night out.
The Ontario LGBTQ+ Scene
The Menagerie has proudly served the LGBTQ+ community of Riverside, the Inland Empire, and beyond since 1983 — and for most Ontario residents, Riverside is the default first stop. The Inland Empire does not have a concentrated gayborhood in the way West Hollywood does; the community is spread across a large suburban geography, which means nightlife orients around a handful of anchored venues rather than a walkable strip. When Ontario locals want a fuller night — more bars, bigger clubs, a bathhouse — they drive west into LA. The stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Robertson and La Cienega in West Hollywood is one of the most culturally significant queer neighborhoods in the world, and it functions as the regional hub for much of Southern California, Inland Empire included.
Top Gay Bars & Bathhouses for Ontario Locals
The Menagerie
Type: Gay bar / Nightclub / Drag venue
Location: 3581 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501 — approx. 20 min from Ontario
Features: Established in 1983, The Menagerie nightclub is one of the hottest gay bars in the Inland Empire, tucked right in the heart of downtown Riverside. Known for friendly bartenders and strong drinks at affordable prices, the bar hosts different deals and themes each night, including drag shows on Thursdays. It draws locals to its dancefloor, karaoke nights, video screens, and two bars.
Website: https://www.menagerieriverside.com
The Abbey Food & Bar
Type: Gay bar / Club / Mixed LGBTQ+
Location: 692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 — approx. 45–55 min from Ontario
Features: Located in the heart of West Hollywood, The Abbey Food Bar is a legendary LGBTQ+ landmark and one of the most iconic gay venues in the world. The Abbey has won the MTV Logo Best Gay Bar In The World Award twice — you can eat, drink, dance, and watch Drag Race, and head out onto the terrace to wine and dine before dancing until the early hours.
Website: https://theabbeyweho.com
The Bayou WeHo
Type: Gay bar / Drag venue / Casual dining
Location: 8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 — approx. 45–55 min from Ontario
Features: West Hollywood's LGBTQ+ hub for cocktails, drag shows, happy hour, and Cajun comfort food, The Bayou WeHo serves late-night vibes, bold flavors, and community energy in the heart of WeHo.
Website: https://thebayouweho.com
Mother Lode
Type: Gay bar / Dive bar
Location: 8944 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 — approx. 45–55 min from Ontario
Features: Mother Lode claims to be the oldest gay bar in West Hollywood — expect cheap but strong drinks, eclectic jukebox selections, karaoke on Thursdays, and a patio where you can get comfortable with loyal regulars.
FLEXspas Los Angeles
Type: Bathhouse / All-male private club
Location: 4424 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 — approx. 45–50 min from Ontario
Features: FLEXspas is LA's most complete gay sauna, located in the greater West Hollywood area, with a full gym, showers, jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam maze, outdoor pool, TV changing rooms, gym lockers, garden, and lounge. It carries a slightly more polished, clubbier energy — cleaner, younger, and more social than some alternatives.
Website: https://www.flexspas.com/los-angeles
North Hollywood Spa
Type: Bathhouse / Gay sauna
Location: 12900 Ventura Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91604 — approx. 50–60 min from Ontario
Features: A 24-hour gay sauna and bathhouse in the Valley with sauna, steam rooms, cruising areas, a garden sun deck, café, locker rooms, and dark rooms.