Historic lesbian bar The Palms set to close in West Hollywood

After almost 50 years, the last remaining lesbian bar in West Hollywood, The Palms, is set to shut its doors at the end of L.A. Pride weekend.

With the closing of the historic watering hole, the longtime LGBT-friendly city will lose its last remaining lesbian bar, though themed nights and events can be found at other local bars and venues.

Widely regarded as one of the oldest operating lesbian bars in Southern California, The Palms has served a rich and varied crowd over the years, with a long list of famous patrons including Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge and David Lee Roth.

Those who were regulars were often amused when misdirected straight couples came in thinking they were walking into The Palm, an expensive steakhouse farther down Santa Monica Boulevard. Occasionally, they’d stick around for a few drinks.

What about you? Do you have a Palms story to share? Personally, The Palms was the first openly gay place I went to when I came out of the closet. I’ll never forget the bar, or the wonderful friends I’ve met there over the years. Please send me an email, I would love to hear your stories.

According to its Facebook page, the bar’s owners are looking to reopen The Palms elsewhere. The statement also mentions that the property’s owners “have decided to redevelop the property.”

The Palms’ statement reads in part, “We thank all those who have remained with us throughout the years. We are grateful to those who have become our friends, our family, lovers, confidants and even our ex’s. We think of the happiness through 46 plus years that the Palms has brought to people, the laughter and love. We will remember those we have lost. Even though we are saddened by this closure we bear in mind that buildings are made from stone and wood and the true happiness and joy come from the lives of the people inside.”

The Palms will have an official closing party on June 2, and will be open through June 9.

Additionally, Dead History Project is working on a documentary feature film about the bar and is inviting current and former patrons and employees to share their stories. Contact filmmaker Kate Eggert at kateeggertpalmsdoc@gmail.com for more information.

The Palms, 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood

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You can find Noelle Carter on Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest. Email Noelle at noelle.carter@latimes.com.