Not your average dank, dark bars
Agree that most gay bars in most places tend to be dark, closed in without much design sense, and not very comfortable - in other ways all the same.
Which is fine, if you like all that and they can be fun if you catch them with the right people (like Fubar in LA and Quetzal in Paris), but there are a few stand-outs that provide a nice space with a nice upscale vibe.
NYC
G Lounge - one of the first gay bars with large windows, light, nicely designed spaces and a upscale atmosphere with a good looking crowd
Therapy - A Helsea favorite with two levels, with a mix of different vibes from more bar to more lounge. Lots of entertainment and eye candy.
LA/WEHO
Abbey - Who can resist this theme park of a bar? I do not know who the owner did on the Weho City Council to get this thing built, but it is a monument to LA gayness. Part enclosed, part open, huge fireplace, branded bar area, and lots of LA prettyboys and some celebrity faghags.
Here - The LA version of G Lounge, from the same owners. Upscale, nicely appointed, that is sometimes empty, sometimes packed.