West Hollywood is getting a new, all-inclusive LGBTQ+ bar called Sweetwater. Owned by retired WeHo police sergeant Bernie Gambino, the 2,000 square-foot nightclub will be located where Zpizza and 8oz Poke formerly stood.
“I just signed the lease two weeks ago and got the keys on February 9. We’re going through the permitting process with the city right now, and plan to combine the two spaces into one, with bars on the north and south walls and an open area in the middle. We’re also building a front patio with tables, chairs, seating, and even possibly a VIP bottle service area,” Gambino to What Now Los Angeles.
Sweetwater will not serve food, but will have a full line of cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer. The club will host a slew of events, including drag shows, comedy acts, karaoke, and maybe even a piano bar night. Ultimately, Gambino wants it to become true a destination for WeHo.
“On the energy scale of 1-10, I’m a 100. I’ve gone out with friends half my age and they can’t keep up. I want to bring that same energy to Sweetwater as a place for people to go and have fun, smile, laugh, take their troubles away for a day,” she said.
Through all the fun, Gambino also is passionate about making sure her patrons feel safe and her employees feel valued.
“Security is paramount. I want to create an environment where people won’t be judged or assaulted. For example, offering bouncers to walk women to their cars or Uber to make sure they’re not harassed.”
She continued, “This project is a total team effort. For me, it’s not about making money, it’s about making a place where people want to come to work, make a living wage, feel taken care of, aren’t struggling.”
Gambino’s story is truly one of hope in the face of hardship. “I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in 2014. I’ll never be in remission or cancer free. I want this bar to represent that beacon of hope and show people that it doesn’t matter what life has brought to you, you can overcome it and go after your dreams. Never give up, you figure out a way.”
There is not a set opening date yet for Sweetwater.
