So you and your friends have decided that you want to make it a fun-filled, homosexual evening but you are not completely sure where you want to go? Well, there are many gay clubs and bars in West Hollywood and Silverlake (along with North Hollywood and even Reseda).

Even with all the choices, there are two clubs in particular which guarantee fun and a mixed crowd of all races, genders (yes, drag queens, too) and sexual orientations. Here you’ll see the best-looking crowds, and if you’re like me, you will surely be hit on.

The Abbey is a really fun place to visit if you want to dress up and act pretentious. This outside bar/restaurant is open day and night and is accompanied by heat lamps, tables and chairs, cabanas, and four different bars.

The music selection is varied and includes techno, 80s, lounge jazz, top 40, trance, 90s, hip-hop and house. Sadly, there is no designated dance floor, so just shake it wherever you want to.

There is also a smaller part inside which only serves soft drinks, cakes, coffee, cookies and tea for those who are not drinking. The Abbey is like the gay Mecca. Homosexuals make it a point to make a pilgrimage here before they die. Sometimes, I even hear it referred to as “headquarters” or “the mother ship.”

Celebrity appearances are common at the Abbey. Janet Jackson, Elijah Wood and Christina Aguilera are just a few of the A-listers who have been sighted there. Many of the “Queer Eye” guys and “Real World/Road Rules” contestants enjoy the ambiance as well.

Focusing more on the dance aspect of night life is Arena. Every Thursday night Arena becomes Tiger Heat.

Tiger Heat is a club for dancing and getting sweaty. One of the most unique attractions to this club are their themed nights. Every Thursday focuses on a particular artist, such as Destiny’s Child or Britney Spears.

Even though many of the clubbers are over 21, this 18+ club does have a bar on the second floor; but drink up, you cannot bring that beverage to the main floor.

The club spins bubble gum pop along with Euro-pop. Often the music is accompanied by the music video for the same song playing on the many large monitors in the club. Be ready for contests, give-aways, and even dance performances by professionals or the go-go dancers in their black short shorts.

Note: you do not go to Tiger Heat to “be cool” or “dress to the nines.” There is no dress code (at either club) and you go to get away from the “adult vibe” of many of the other spots in Hollywood.

Now you have two completely different options on where to spend your Thursday night, and everyone knows that Thursday is the “new Friday” anyway.

The Abbey is located at 692 Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 or visit www.abbeyfoodandbar.com.

Arena is located at 6655 Santa Monica Boulevard, or visit www.tigerheat.com.