The Black Cat in Silver Lake
The Black Cat is a 21-and-over bar and restaurant at 3909 W Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles’s Silver Lake area. It is a particularly meaningful stop for travelers interested in LGBTQ+ history: the address is associated with the historic Black Cat Tavern and the 1967 demonstration that followed a police raid there. Today’s venue combines that heritage with a contemporary food-and-drink program, making it suitable for an early dinner, cocktails, or a later-night visit.
The venue’s official website confirms its current operation at this Sunset Boulevard address and is the best source for reservations, menus, event inquiries, and day-of updates.
Why the address matters
The original Black Cat Tavern opened in 1966 serving a gay clientele. After arrests during a New Year’s Eve police raid, several hundred people gathered outside the bar on February 11, 1967, in a peaceful protest for LGBTQ+ rights. California’s Office of Historic Preservation describes the site as the location of the first LGBT civil-rights demonstration in Southern California; the location was subsequently recognized as a California Historical Landmark.
That history gives a visit more weight than a typical night out. The current Black Cat’s own history page explains the events and notes the historic designations, while the California Department of Parks and Recreation provides additional context on the 1967 protest and its legal aftermath. Travelers should take a moment to look for the commemorative marker near the Sunset and Hyperion intersection.
Food and drinks
The Black Cat operates as both a drinking spot and a full-service kitchen rather than as a drinks-only bar. Its current menu includes snackable plates, salads, seafood, burgers, pasta, and larger entrées, alongside cocktails, beer, wine, cider, kombucha, and no- or low-alcohol choices. This range makes it practical for groups whose plans include dinner as well as drinks.
The official menu also lists weekday happy-hour offerings, but dishes, beverages, availability, and prices can change. Check the official menu shortly before visiting rather than relying on an older listing. The kitchen is presently listed as open until 11:00 PM nightly, while the patio is listed as open until 10:30 PM nightly.
Hours and planning a visit
According to the venue’s current published schedule, The Black Cat opens from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM Monday through Friday and from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM Saturday and Sunday. Weekday happy hour is listed from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Reservations are accepted but not required, with online booking available through the official site; parties of ten or more are asked to contact the venue directly.
For visitors, this is best approached as a historically significant, adult-oriented Silver Lake evening destination with a substantial dining component. It can work well before exploring nearby Sunset Boulevard nightlife, but it also stands on its own for a relaxed meal and cocktails. As hours, menus, reservations, patio access, and special events may change, confirm all practical details directly with The Black Cat before you go.
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