January 28, 2016 :: 3:57 AM
It looks like L.A. is losing yet another of its oldest gay bars, with word that the Roosterfish is set to shut its doors this May.
The Venice Beach landmark, currently the only gay bar on the Westside, has been serving for thirty-seven years, but this will be its last.
Bartender Gaetano Jones announced on Facebook that “the rumors are true… After 37 years of business, The Roosterfish is closing for good in May.” He later confirmed that the closure is due to a rent increase from the building’s landlord.
If true, the demise of the Roosterfish will just be the latest blow to L.A.’s gay nightlife. Circus Disco shut its doors last November, Jewel’s Catch One bowed out in July (though it has been recently reincarnated as new venue UNION) and there are countless other examples over the last few years. Roosterfish will be a particularly hard blow for some, since it’s the only gay bar left in its area.
There’s been no official confirmation of the news from Roosterfish’s owner, but expect to hear more soon, along with announcements of any closing parties to see the place go out with a bang.