West Hollywood’s vibrant nightlife scene has welcomed a fresh face with the official naming and continued ascendance of Mic’s Bar. Located at 7994 Santa Monica Boulevard, the establishment has transitioned from a space previously known only by its address and the shadow of its predecessor, FUBAR, to a beacon of light, energy, and community. After a period of anticipation and speculation, the new neighborhood bar has finally embraced its identity, officially christened Mic’s Bar, signaling a new era for this prime West Hollywood location.
A Community-Driven Name Emerges
The journey to naming the new establishment was as inclusive as its intended atmosphere. Co-owner Jay Krymis, who also operates Schmitty’s WeHo with his wife Michel Verdi Krymis, engaged the community directly by inviting patrons to submit name suggestions. This collaborative approach led to a list of contenders, including B-Jay’s, NuBar, Faux Bar, Cock, and Lucky’s. Ultimately, the winning name, “Mic’s,” was scrawled on a simple piece of paper, embodying a direct and personal connection to the patrons it aims to serve. This choice reflects a broader philosophy of keeping things approachable and community-focused.
Transforming Darkness into Light
Jay Krymis envisioned a stark departure from the former FUBAR space, which he described as “so dark and depressing.” The transformation of Mic’s Bar has been a conscious effort to infuse the venue with “light and energy and sunshine.” Inside, the dark, clubby ambiance has been replaced with brighter lighting, creating a welcoming and cozy environment suitable for both daytime lounging and late-night gatherings. This deliberate shift aims to make the bar a desirable destination where people “want to be here,” fostering a sense of comfort and conviviality. The new aesthetic has been noted for its “chill” vibe, described as the kind of place where one can “actually exhale,” already feeling like a neighborhood staple.
Embracing Inclusivity and Community Roots
Mic’s Bar has quickly established itself as a neighborhood hub that prioritizes inclusivity while honoring its location’s rich LGBTQ+ history. Krymis emphasized that while “everyone is welcome,” the bar will respect and maintain its strong roots as a gay bar, a nod to the many iconic LGBTQ+ establishments that once defined this stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard. The vision is to be a space for “everybody,” moving beyond the promoter-driven, identity-less model of some past venues. This commitment to a mixed-crowd atmosphere reflects a wider trend in West Hollywood’s trending bar scene towards more approachable and universal venues. A rainbow flag subtly displayed serves as a reminder of this legacy, underscoring the bar’s dedication to being a safe and welcoming space for all patrons.
Value and a Relaxed Atmosphere
A key component of Mic’s Bar’s appeal is its emphasis on value and affordability. In a city where nightlife can often come with a high price tag, Mic’s offers daily happy hour specials and has adopted a welcoming outside food policy. This allows guests to enjoy affordable drinks while bringing in their own takeout from local eateries, further enhancing the experience and making it an attractive option for those seeking a low-effort, high-reward evening. This focus on practical value, combined with its cozy aesthetic, positions Mic’s Bar as a standout establishment.
A New Chapter in Los Angeles Nightlife
As part of the dynamic Los Angeles bar landscape, Mic’s Bar represents more than just a new drinking spot; it embodies a thoughtful evolution in nightlife. The 2025 West Hollywood bar scene is marked by a focus on community and safety, and Mic’s Bar aligns with these priorities. By offering a bright, friendly, and affordable alternative, it carves out a unique niche. The bar’s success in quickly becoming a “neighborhood staple” underscores its appeal to locals looking for a genuine, unpretentious watering hole. Mic’s Bar is poised to be a significant fixture, contributing to the ongoing story of West Hollywood’s celebrated nightlife and the broader trending news within the Los Angeles bar scene.
