I am planning my best friends 21st and Only a few of us are 21...so we have a few 20 year olds in the group...so I am wondering what the best clubs are in Hollywood that are fun and one that we wouldnt have to worry too much about waiting in line all night. Any websites with this kind of info? (IE: opera, Le Deux..)|||Obviousman鈥檚 Ultimate Guide to LA Clubs. Keep in mind that club owners continually make changes, so be aware. The general rule of thumb is to dress to impress, and try to get on the guest list beforehand.
A.D.: 836 North Highland, Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.467.3000
A.D. is a Los Angeles nightclub for the A-lister set without the pretentious LA club vibe, rather AD seeks a low key hipster dance club vibe鈥攚hich is kind of the new mainstream LA club scene vibe, but whatever鈥攚ith the often scary meat market aspirations are left with the burley door guys. The multi-tiered AD dance club has a spot for everybody in its castlesque depths鈥攂ars, lounge friendly sofas and booths, the exclusive VIP section (wouldn't be a LA club without one) and multiple dance floors where some of Los Angeles' hottest DJs man the decks and command the masses with a steady stream of electronica, funk, house, hip-hop, disco and a measured dash of just the right '80s nostalgia rock. The bartenders at AD will keep your glasses full when you're hangin' at the bar, but schoolgirl fetishists need to grab a table鈥攖rust us.
Airliner: 2419 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.221.0771
Airliner night club in Los Angeles is a spacious upscale dance club and lounge decked out in a鈥攄on't tax the imagination too hard鈥?aeronautical designer motif, but certainly beating out anything airline related in the booze department. With two huge and well equipped bars, a bumpin' dance floor, a plush lounge area and some of Los Angeles' hottest DJs dropping serious beats, Airliner cruises at a comfortable altitude with other posh LA clubs. Also, Airliner hosts live music some weekends and rewards weekday scenesters with a decent happy hour. However, the captain at Airliner doesn't tolerate the baseball cap and sneaker set, so come dressed to impress and not like you're hopping a late night gambling bug flight to Vegas.
Aqua Restaurant and Lounge: 424 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, California; Tel. 310.275.8511
Aqua Restaurant and Lounge in Beverly Hills takes swanky Los Angeles bar lounge and dance club trendiness underground for patrons looking for a hip evening of phenomenal seafood dining, dancing and drinking. This blue-hued supper club has two bars serving designer cocktails to well-heeled thirty-somethings sporting LA pomp and Aqua Restaurant and Lounge, with its dance floor commanded by slick downbeat DJs and live music acts, is a one stop shop for Los Angeles scenesters. Drinkers show up fashionably late at LA's Aqua Restaurant and Lounge and the excellent kitchen certainly accommodates with an inspired surf and turf menu served late into the night.
Arena: 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.462.1291
This massive Los Angeles dance club has been getting it done for pretty much everybody for a couple of decades thanks to the ingenious notion of not pigeonholing itself into any strict style or genre. The Arena nightclub features a multilevel space where clubbers, straights, ravers, gays, bis, hipsters and drinkers can mesh together under the pulsating lights and pounding beats thrown down by some of Los Angeles' top DJ talent. Arena even let's the young and hungry get in on the action with the Wednesday 18 and over club night with resident spinners dropping the latest in hip-hop science. Friday's ladies can get raucous for a while at Arena nightclub's female-centered male strip show, Saturday's are one of Los Angeles' hottest gay dance club nights with a midnight drag queen show and Sunday's feature live Spanish language music and dancing.
Aura: 12215 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, California; Tel. 818.487.1488
While the mini-mall setting may seem like an unlikely place for an upscale Los Angeles nightclub, Aura totally pulls it off with its swank appointments and well-dressed clientele. The huge bar and attentive staff whips out pricey drinks for the younger crowd of imbibers that don't want to travel the hill into the LA nightclub scene proper. DJs and occasional live music acts take care of the hip-hop, disco, rock and dance tunes at Aura and, while this Valley nightspot has the rep of a pick-up joint, the crowds and d茅cor make it more like a Hollywood nightclub than a college party.
Avalon: 1735 Vine St., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.462.3000
The entrepreneurs behind Avalon nightclub in Hollywood gave the old Hollywood Palace and extreme makeover morphing the classic space into one of the hippest live music and dance clubs in the Los Angeles area. The hottest national touring acts headline the stage at Avalon, but this hipster LA nightlife playground isn't done once the shows let out. When the live music at Avalon ends, renowned DJs man the decks and this Hollywood nightclub turns into one of the hottest dance venues around pumping out house and techno beats until the sun comes up.
Bar Lubitsch: 7702 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.654.1234
Decked out in Czarist Russia chic, Bar Lubitsch is an opulent Los Angeles bar and dance club that specializes in鈥攚hat else鈥攙odka. The specialty drinks at Bar Lubitsch alone, utilizing that ever-mixable spirit, would do any Bolshevik proud as would the, uh, company attire worn by the sexy cocktail staff that probably would have been reserved for the Politburo's private functions rather than being sported by the general populace鈥攁h, communism. Also, this Los Angeles dance club lines up some good local DJs to get the Sunset and Boulevard crowds moving.
Basque: 1707 North Vine St., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.464.1654
Bringing class to the corner of Hollywood and Vine, this Los Angeles bar has corseted servers and sparkling chandeliers able to make you believe you're at a bar for European monarchs, except that it's LA. Beautiful girls with garter belts flank the enormous dance floor while hip-hop and rock boom through this sexy bar and nightclub. Strong drinks, Californian cuisine and tapas in classic LA style are served. The d茅cor is partially left over from the hot Los Angeles nightclub that originated the boudoir theme at this location, but Basque has taken it above and beyond in true Hollywood style.
Circle Bar: 2926 Main Street, Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.450.0508
Claiming to have one of the best Los Angeles singles scenes on Main Street, Circle Bar is open every day of the year. That means Monday through Sunday the nightlife at Circle Bar is going on for the twenty-somethings who crowd around the circular bar in the middle of the dark room. Red lights and old photographs are secondary to the beautiful Los Angeles girls on the dance floor looking to dance, drink, and make-out at the Circle Bar. Go early to beat the crowd because Circle Bar is more LA club than Los Angeles dive bar and its trendy reputation draws beauties from both Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
Circus Disco: 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.462.1291
The weekly Saturday night "Spundae" event at the Circus Disco has reached out past the club's gay roots with an avant- garde fashion show. Other nights still offer a warehouse full of shirtless and gyrating Los Angeles gay men sucking down cocktails. Where else but Hollywood would you be able to find a bar and club covered by a big top that has electronica DJs spinning trance, house, trip-hop, reggae, hip-hop, and funk all night until 4:00am? A large outside patio offers a break from the sweat soaked bodies inside this hip LA gay bar being pounded by the 40,000-watt sound system. The Circus Disco stands alone from other Los Angeles gay bars as a good time all the time.
Club 740: 740 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California; Tel. 213.225.5934
Three levels of club floors look onto a stage with state of the art sound and lighting that put on a show behind beautiful dancers. VIP rooms and supreme bottle service make this Downtown Los Angeles bar and club a hangout for celebrities and artists like Usher, Missy Elliot, Sean Paul, and members of the Black Eyed Peas. Each of the three levels has a bar and is accented with glass walls that give a view of South Broadway. A Cryogenic jet-blast system was installed when the club was revamped to cool off the crowd periodically. The nightlife of downtown LA centers on this trendy club with all the modern dance club amenities and A-listers filling the VIP rooms.
Club 7969: 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.654.0280
The eroticism of Club 7969 draws all types to this West Hollywood bar for dancing and indulgence. Depending on the night, the stage鈥攚ith a pole, of course鈥攊s what catches the attention of the goth and alternative crowd gyrating on the dance floor. The pole is gets a dance workout on Wednesdays by plus-sized ladies, Thursdays by topless female cabaret dancers, Mondays and Fridays mean transgendered beauties, and Saturdays have buff males grinding away. Booths surround the large dance floor and a separate room allows you to meet the acts when they aren't on the pole. Those Los Angeles club and bar goers who have a fetish for the erotic have found their scene in West Hollywood at Club 7969.
Club Lingerie: 6507 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.466.8557
This dual-leveled Hollywood bar and dance club has bars around every corner so the booze never stops flowing. Depending on the night, the club features rock and electro music. There are a few plush VIP rooms for those who have the right connections in Los Angeles, but for those who are just important people there is still plenty of fun to be had at Club Lingerie. Famous for the punk and metal bands that came to play in the '80s, the bar now sees more of the hip and trendy crowd. Besides the great Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard, the best part about Club Lingerie is the ease of keeping a drink in your hand at all times thanks to all the bars.
Club Ripples: 5101 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California; Tel. 562.433.0357
One of the best-known gay bars in Los Angeles County, Club Ripples never lets their customers down with hot dancers and exciting events every night of the week. Serving up strong cocktails and filling their two dance floors, Club Ripples draws all types for dancing and drinks from Long Beach to Los Angeles. On Friday nights, Girls Girls Girls makes the two levels and three bars in the club a hot spot for ladies while Saturday night has buff male go-go dancers shaking their rumps to the beat. Capping off the week, and probably the best night to go to Club Ripples, is the Sunday Beer Bust and T-Dance with live DJs and entertainment. The free Mexican BBQ and cheap drinks are a plus along with the sexy go-go boys and girls. Club Ripples is an exciting bar and nightclub regardless of which way you swing.
Detroit Bar: 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, California; Tel. 949.642.0600
The Orange County scenesters and hipsters have made this bar just outside Los Angeles home as they dance to Brit pop, indie, and '80s hits that were popular before they were born. Don't let the expensive haircuts and skinny jeans on boys and girls scare you away, the bar actually has some pretty entertaining events. Up and coming indie bands are booked every week and a new house band takes over each month. The metro boys and made-up girls take advantage of the fireside lounge and full bar at this OC hotspot. Two pool tables, a juke box and private seating are also featured when the entertainment is too busy being concerned with how they look to really put on a good show.
Dragonfly: 6510 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.466.6111
Four full bars and a huge dragonfly hanging from the ceiling draws a hip crowd to this Los Angeles bar. Local and out of town acts are booked at Dragonfly on certain nights while the same act might be booked for every Monday or Sunday. Every Friday night is Miss Kitty's "Erotic Discoteque and Cabaret" featuring "dirty go-go boys and girls" as well as stage shows. Marilyn Manson's ex-wife, Dita Von Teese, has been known to get kinky on stage for the fetish nights. The trendy people add to the simple d茅cor of this LA bar with its cement bars and dragonfly theme whether it's a rock, reggae, or fetish themed nightlife.
El Dorado: 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 310.207.0150
Westside Los Angeles now has a Mexican restaurant to eat, dance, and party at Monday through Sunday. El Dorado has two dance floors for salsa dancing as DJs spin salsa and Latin music late into the night. Thursday nights fill up quick with the added feature of go-go dancers, tarot card readers, and giveaways. Tamale Tuesday at the bar means $1 tacos and $2 tamales with cheap cervezas to quench your thirst. The crowd is a mix of hipsters and generic folk out to dance the night away in Los Angeles.
Element: 1642 Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.460.4632
It often seems that this Hollywood bar and nightclub is devoted to the private parties of celebrities, but when it is open to the public, it is still graced by beautiful faces. The bar, dance area, and patio are decorated simply, but there are private dance floors with bottle service, an up-to-date sound system and a raised stage to add to the environment. The crowd is laid back for Los Angeles' standards as the drinks continually flow. Many of the twenty-something celebrities have used this Hollywood bar to host their private parties or occasionally stop by. Nicole Richie had her 24th birthday at the bar with guests like Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst, and the cast of "Laguna Beach" all in attendance.
Forbidden City: 1718 Vine St., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.461.2300
Over-the-top Chinese d茅cor up the sleaze factor of the Forbidden City on Hollywood and Vine. Gold accents and red Chinese lanterns top off the black wood bar and statues of dragons. A reasonably priced Chinese restaurant menu would make Buddha happy before the dining area gets turned into a dance floor that vibrates with hip-hop. The lounge on the first floor has a flashy bar with fish tanks on each end to light up the booths around the bar. Upstairs, the Los Angeles elite can spend their time in the VIP area furnished with modern accoutrements. The two open-air patios allow the LA club goers to get closer and enjoy the Los Angeles night air. The Forbidden City has a great singles scene and many details that make it very Hollywood.
Gabah: 4658 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.664.8913
Leave it to East Hollywood to have a club that takes the bling out of hip-hop and R%26amp;B but keeps it fun. A full bar and outside patio are about as upscale as the Los Angeles Gabah gets, but that also means that Hollywood club hoppers don't often show up to be too good for everything. All kinds of people come to dance at the dark club to the newest hip-hop and R%26amp;B. The crowd is accepting of everyone and the drinks at the bar are reasonably priced for LA.
Garden of Eden: 7080 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.465.3336
Garden of Eden must be a reference to the perfection of the girls who are able to get into this Hollywood club. Celebrities and pro athletes are about the only people able to bypass the line outside and get in right away. The Moroccan d茅cor makes the two-story Garden of Eden club romantic for dancers and those looking to get close after a few drinks from the bar. The main dance floor at this A-list Los Angeles hotspot is on the first level of the club with a bar to accompany it. An outside patio allows those who want to talk a chance to escape the crowd inside or get a breath of fresh air. Garden of Eden also sports a second floor if you're able to make your way through the crowds to get there. Look out for celebrities who have been known to frequent this Hollywood dance club.
Good Hurt: 12249 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 310.390.1076
In a kinky doctor-and-nurse themed Los Angeles bar, first-aid kits and nurses have a whole new meaning. Good Hurt has cocktail waitresses in skin-tight black nurses uniforms that rush around the bar while a DJ spins hip-hop, Brit-pop, and Latin music. Good Hurt only has a liquor license to serve beer and wine, so cocktails are made from soju, a beverage often distilled from sweet potatoes. Bands occasionally turn the scene at this LA club from dancing to a rock club, but not to worry, the nurses will still be there to take care of you.
Here: 696 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.360.8455
Every Thursday night Here is home to Fuse, one of LA's best dance club nights for women and the fun doesn't stop for the girls on Friday night either. Truck Stop takes over Friday night with Coyote Ugly style service on the bar and more than enough dancing on the dance floor too. Gay LA boys gather on Saturdays and Sundays for more dancing to some of the hottest new music. The modern d茅cor and fabulous DJs make Here one of the favorite gay bars in West Hollywood. Lines form fast at night with people from all over Los Angeles, so come early to get the fun started.
Ivar: 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.465.4827
Being in an industrial building has its perks for Ivar, a classy Hollywood nightclub and bar that takes full advantage of all the space. Several "party rooms" break up the space of the immense Hollywood building including an "orange room" with comfy couches and orange lighting. The VIP room overlooks the entire club from a mezzanine level allowing celebrities and other Los Angeles socialites to spy on unassuming LA club goers. Four bars and eleven wells are spread throughout the club for those who haven't been taken in by one of the champagne-sipping men at the "private party pods." Once past the choosy bouncer you'll pass through the expansive outside patio before entering the club. Be careful, it could be easy to get lost in the gargantuan building and LA night scene at Ivar.
Jewel's Catch One: 4067 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.734.8849
The shimmer of Hollywood is not alluring to all lesbians; many prefer the eclectic atmosphere of Jewel's Catch One. Madonna liked the Los Angeles location also and held her album release party at the club in 2000. On Saturday and Sunday nights Jewel's Catch One becomes a karaoke bar where ladies take the stage to do their best renditions of pop songs. Live groups also come through to perform when this Los Angeles nightclub isn't booked for a private party. Drinks are reasonably priced and women who love the ladies come to suck them down and take in the hip-hop and R%26amp;B sure to be playing.
Jimmy's Lounge: 6202 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.457.1066
Jimmy's Lounge is famous in Hollywood for its groovy soul and funk parties, but on Saturday nights, from 10 to 2am, it's the Funky Soul party. DJs Miles and Egon spin alongside special weekly guests who could be anybody from music icons to screen stars. This has been a long-running high-energy dance scene and will continue to be, as long as the locals have feet that move.
Joseph's Caf茅: 1775 Ivar Ave., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.462.8697
Joseph's Caf茅, a blue and white Greek restaurant, becomes a Hollywood hotspot at night. World famous DJs spin the latest hip-hop and R%26amp;B to crowds of pretty girls that sometimes include celebrities. Some of the best bartenders in LA serve up expertly mixed cocktails at the bar to club goers before they head out to the dance floor or to the beautiful outside patio. Each evening has a different event going on for those looking to get out at Joseph's Caf茅. The ornate Mediterranean atmosphere provides a getaway from typical Los Angeles nightclubs but Joseph's Caf茅 is still only a few blocks from Hollywood and Vine.
King King: 6555 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.960.5765
Every night is something different at King King. The Hollywood club has become famous for it's "anti-rock opera," Taking the Jesus Pill, which is performed every Wednesday night. Those who are more inclined to salsa the night away can stop by on Tuesday to learn some new moves and dance to the house band's live music at King King. Like most Los Angeles nightclubs though, Friday and Saturdays mean DJs spinning for the club-going types who want to dance and hit up the bar. For a break from the usual, a French style cabaret is usually on Thursday nights. Check the calendar before you go, after all, it is Hollywood so who knows what to expect.
LAX: 1714 Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.464.1071
No, it's not a club in the Los Angeles Airport, it's just DJ AM's airport themed club. Designer Alejando Rivera was brought in to redesign Loyal Penning's five-year-old Hollywood club and decided on an airport theme before the nightclub was even named. When DJ AM's fem-beau, Nicole Richie, pointed out that the red and silver touches and airplane window-mirrors looked like the airport, the name was born. Unlike your typical airplane, the Los Angeles dance club offers two large outside patios each with their own bar and munchies that are far from airplane food. One of Hollywood's favorite hotspots, you need to know some important people to get through the hanger doors.
La Cita: 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 213.687.7111
Remnant's from La Cita's tackier Mexican Restaurant past still litter the bar and dance floor to remind all the downtown Los Angeles hipsters that this bar wasn't always the ideal place to enjoy the nightlife. Between tequila shots and traditional Mexican decorations, the Los Angeles bar turned into a hot nightclub. However, they still rock the strands of Christmas lights and red paper lanterns. It really adds a multicultural charm, especially Monday through Fridays where the bar and dance floor are overcome by DJs spinning rock, '80's, soul, indie, and more at La Cita. Weekends host ranchero bands for salsa dancing and La Cita turns into an even bigger Los Angeles hot spot. La Cita is just a great Los Angeles bar that always has something fun going on.
La Velvet Margarita Cantina: 1612 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.469.2000
When a Mexican cantina is taken on by Hollywood hotshot club owners Sydni Perdew, Ava Berman, and Big Daddy Carlos, you get a swanky, trendy, and hip Los Angeles bar with a hint of Mexican influence. The "la" in La Velvet Margarita Cantina is about all the south-of-the-border you get in the name or the club that has become more about the bar, dancing, and nightclub than slamming tequila shots. Nonetheless, the sombreros on the ceiling, pesos on the floor, and plethora of margaritas add touches of Mexico to the Los Angeles bar. Hipsters and lovers flock to the Cahuenga Corridor location to be serenaded by roaming mariachi bands when there isn't an in house DJ spinning. It's also a great place to buy a girl a fresh margarita while she watches the black and white Mexican movie playing behind the bar.
Les Deux: 1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.462.7674
You don't have to speak French to know that Los Angeles' Les Deux has been revitalized into being a Hollywood hotspot for celebrities and upscale patrons. Les Deux Caf茅 has been transformed into a LA getaway good enough for European royalty with candelabras and plush leather couches inside and outside. There are two full bars encased in peach tinted mirrors to serve those who want to dance inside to the top hip-hop or outside, under the stars, to contemporary rock. The menu from the caf茅 is no longer offered, but several appetizers, entrees, and salads are. The Hollywood club wouldn't be French without desserts, though. A cupcake tower, fruit tower, and chocolate tower are all available. Skip the drinks; buy the girl a tower.
Level 3: Hollywood and Highland Complex, Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.461.2017
What used to be Club One Seven, a Los Angeles club for underage clubbers, is now a far more mature Hollywood club and bar. The bar that used to serve anything but alcohol now specializes in it and the colorful cubby holes that back the bar are now filled with bottles of booze. Instead of a stage that could host a rock band, Level 3 has put in three beds for canoodling. Only in Hollywood. Modern lounging couches have been put in around the dance floor for those who need to rest their feet or couldn't get in on the bed action. An all-American themed snack bar is open throughout the day but there is access through the club at night. Keep in mind, Level 3 has a strict anti-drug and violence policy as well as a dress code, so make sure you shape up before trying to get in.
Little Temple: 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, California; Tel. 323.660.4540
An underground crowd gathers at this Hollywood sanctuary to dance, drink, and get cozy with one another throughout the week. DJs are always spinning the latest industrial, house, or other mix of eclectic music to the perfectly tousled LA hipsters and dreadlock folk. Incense and votive candles avoid smelling like patchouli and compliment the temple theme that paper lanterns and rock gardens help create. There are two dance floors and two bars in the downtown Little Temple, but don't expect to get much meditation done amid the booming music.
Lounge 217: 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.394.6336
Around since the '90s, Lounge 217 has remained a hot spot on the Westside that continues to draw an attractive younger crowd. Or maybe that Hollywood hottie isn't quite what they seem? With no light bulbs inside it can be a little dark but the candles are meant to set the mood. The club doesn't have a sign out front of their sterile cement building; maybe they're trying to cut costs in the high-priced Santa Monica. However, the cocktails are good, the Lounge 217 is cozy, and the bar is busy. The high cover keeps out the grease-ball bar hoppers and keeps the LA crowd classy. The velvet booths are a great place to lounge and enjoy a drink from the bar when you're not shaking your rump on the dance floor.
MJ's: 2810 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.660.1503
MJ's dance cruise bar in Silver Lake is just what it sounds like, a bar and dance club that is boy on boy friendly. Every night of the week the LA gay crowd heads to the industrial club to enjoy the nightlife. The Tuesday night attraction at the gay bar is a night called "Rim Job" featuring a DJ spinning rock alternative and more male go-go dancers than any human man can handle. Every night is a hot night though. Wednesday nights MJ's is a gay karaoke bar, Thursdays is a dance club night, Friday features the jukebox, Saturday hosts Anthem, and the week finishes off with a Sunday beer bust!
Mayan Theatre: 1038 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 213.746.4674
This downtown Los Angeles theatre was transformed into a club that can host everything from salsa dancing to wrestling. Friday and Saturday evenings host club nights at the Mayan Theatre where each floor of the building takes on a different theme ranging from tropical music, Spanish rock, and merengue to '80s, disco, and house. If you're interested in LA places that are eclectic, this is it. You can go to one place and get a little bit of everything under one roof, not to mention plenty of bars under that one roof at Los Angeles' Mayan Theatre. Events and nightclub nights take up most evenings, but check the website or call ahead to make sure you aren't hitting up the bar and expecting to dance on a Mexican wrestling night.
Monroe's: 8623 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.360.0066
Taking over the West Hollywood location of, J. Sloan's, one of the oldest continuously operated bars in Los Angeles, Monroe's is making the new bar just as welcoming as the old speakeasy. The sexy mod-retro interior is from the mind of famed Hollywood club designer Frederick Sutherland, but you can't blame him for the unisex bathrooms. A yellow padded bar runs along one wall of the club and is lined with black leather bar stools, also the perfect place to view the dance floor on Friday nights when DJs spin hip-hp. The retro LA club often has A-listers stop into the bar regardless of the not having a guest list policy at Monroe's. Perhaps that's also what draws local fashionistas, hipsters, and regular folk who knew the bar before it was made into a trendier lounge. Monroe's takes pride in being a Hollywood hot spot that welcomes everyone and enforces a "no attitude policy at the door."
Montmartre Lounge/ Day After Nightclub: 6757 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.465.5369
Hidden away in the back corner of the Hollywood and Highland complex, Montmartre Lounge has played home to fabulous Hollywood after parties and private events since it opened with a secret show by The Killers in 2004. The brightly colored room is full of booths and couches so the normal Los Angeles bar goers can hide out to see their favorite celebrities. But there can't be that many average club people as the lounge boasts "Hollywood's hardest door." Good luck getting in and to one of the two bars at the Montmartre Lounge . If you are lucky enough to not get turned down at the top of the stairs by the doorman, an outside patio courtyard awaits you before proceeding to the dance floor. Then all you have to do is make a few visits to the bar and wait for the LA fun to begin.
The Mor Bar: 2941 Main St., Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.455.6720
The Mor Bar was recently revamped into a swanky draped lounge place that is so common to Los Angeles. The Mor Bar itself isn't common though. The Main St. Santa Monica location has dancing every night and is the perfect place for bar hoppers to hit on their route. Monday nights have salsa dancing, Tuesday and Thursdays have house and elecronica, Wednesdays host '70s and '80s classics, and into the weekend funk, hip-hop, and soul take over. Drink specials are abundant to please the Los Angeles crowd swarming at the bar. The Mor Bar looks good and feels good every night of the week.
Mother Lode: 8944 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.659.9700
A gay bar with extraordinarily cheap beer, karaoke, pool, pinball and people watching in the West Hollywood Boystown area? Yes, it's true! Sure it is more dive bar than trendy Los Angeles lounge, but what the Mother Lode lacks in outward style they make up for in strong inexpensive drinks. Two levels offer a bar on each and mirrors hang everywhere to spot the new hottest guy. Many patrons come to the happy hour lasting until 9pm before heading out to the LA dance clubs and other bars on Santa Monica Boulevard while others stay and play pool. Not every night at Mother Lode is a balls to the walls party though, some evenings men come to play a few low-key games of pool at this Los Angeles gay bar. Regardless of the scene at the bar, the bartenders are always attentive and there are always people to watch.
Nacional: 1645 Wilcox Ave., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.962.7712
Take a break from typical Los Angeles lounges packed full of hipsters and sweaty men in order to visit Nacional. The dual-level bar has a relaxed Cuban theme accentuated by large photographs of a man smoking a Cuban cigar on one wall and suede leather ottomans scattered throughout. A fireplace surrounded by the cut end of logs gives the Nacional club a cozier feel, after all, how many Los Angeles bars feature a fireplace? The downstairs lounge has the dance floor, DJ booth, and one of the full service bars. The other bar is upstairs in the lounge that also has an outside patio for those who want to puff on a stogie which, of course, is encouraged at Nacional. A Los Angeles DJ plays retro hip-hop, rock, and other types of dance music on nights that the club is open to the public.
Pearl: 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.358.9191
Destined to become one of the hottest spots in Los Angeles, Pearl has already earned the reputation of being the best restaurant in West Hollywood. The venue also excels at its role of LA nightclub and lounge as it hosts a variety of events from dance nights to performances. High-end audio and video technology is used throughout the club and bar to enhance the experience of people dancing or Pearl can act as a recording studio when groups perform live. Multiple plasma screens are scattered throughout the lounge to display the main stage to diners in the restaurant, and two more in the bar area might be giving a live feed of the cabaret show in the VIP room. The Los Angeles ultra lounge has it all from good food to good drinks and dancing. The shadows of girls dance in boxes on nights where a DJ spins hip-hop, house, trance, or rock and some nights have all-ages events. Burlesque shows, comedy, and live bands have also been known to perform at this Los Angeles venue.
Privilege: 8117 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.654.0030
Instead of letting his clubs get old (or too popular?), owner Sam Nazarian believes that redesigning and reopening the same club will bring in more clientele. The most recent grand opening was for Privilege, an all white d茅cor club. Previously red and black, and before that it was Shelter a whole other club. It's still got a dance floor, a bar, and plush couches鈥攁nd really, isn't that all you need to be a trendy nightclub in Los Angeles? If you're not a West Hollywood celebrity you may not feel at home, if you can even get in. Perhaps Privilege should focus more on being a bar and less on being cool.
QC'S 20/20 Montebello: 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, California; Tel. 323.724.4500
On the Eastside of Los Angeles, QC's 20/20 rocks the night as a multi-leveled club with several bars and a modern audio system. Go-go dancers groove to the music provided by MC's who artfully slip, cut, cue and spin favorite songs in all of the four dance rooms. As if it's not enough for a LA nightclub to have four dance floors and the club also offers 17 bars. For a really fun night, try to have at least one drink from each bar! If you're more of the type who likes to remember the night, there are almost two-dozen plasma screen TVs to watch throughout the Los Angeles venue if you need a break from dancing. There are plenty of beautiful single women at this LA hot spot, so why not venture into the Eastside once in a while.
The Ruby: 7070 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.467.7070
Thursday is the night to check out this legendary Hollywood bar/club. The Ruby caters to the deathly pale and dance-inclined. Come and "goth" out on the dance floor or on the main stage while slinky girls spy around with kohl-lined eyes like they're in Madame Butterfly. It's such a real Hollywood underground scene that's above ground, but for those who worship the ones whom are not. Get away from the darkness, as the Ruby offers an outside area for the many smokers who line up, in what is reminiscent of an alley behind a high school, where everyone is puffing away and complaining about their lives. The dress code at the Ruby is definitely not pretty but pretty goth.
Three Clubs: 1223 N. Vine St., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.462.6441
The Three Clubs doesn't need a sign out front to attract a hoard of hipsters each night. The busy Los Angeles scene thrives at the bars in both of the two rooms. On some nights a live band performs while others have live DJs spinning to a crowd of singles mingling on the dance floor. One room at Three Clubs has a chill LA lounge vibe and a great jukebox while the other room is the dance floor for those craving a bit of nightclub grinding. Cheap drinks are in abundance and loosen up the crowds of people looking to have a good night in Los Angeles.
Upstairs at Cinch: 1519 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.395.4139
Forget the velvet rope. You can even forget the long lines at the door in an attempt to make a bar look more popular. This Los Angeles watering hole provides excellent service and a great place to dance. Those who dine at the downstairs restaurant before heading upstairs to the club get in free of charge. The Upstairs at Cinch lounge is filled with Red Bull vodka sipping hipsters and people who just want to dance. On the Westside of Los Angeles, in Santa Monica, the Upstairs at Cinch does well with all its Franco-Japanese fusion. There is a VIP patio for those willing to pay for the bottle service, but the club is fun without having to brush shoulders with the real or imagined LA VIPs.
The Vanguard: 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.463.3331
The Vanguard is a huge warehouse sized club that usually offers dance nights but is known to be rented out for indie rock shows, Los Angeles fashion shows, and other special events. A separate VIP area with a private entrance is upstairs at The Vanguard and has its own bar, but for those more interested in dancing, the downstairs dance floor is a popular place to shake your moneymaker. The full bar becomes packed with a different crowd every night. Wednesdays fill the club with LA and international drum and bass beats from a DJ providing a full night of dancing. Local Los Angeles DJs spin to the late night crowds on Thursday, which also includes fashion and art displays. Saturdays bring in ravers looking for house and techno DJing late into the night. Besides the bar, a caf茅 and outside patio have been added to The Vanguard when it was made over.
Vine: 1235 N. Vine St., Los Angeles, California, 90038; Tel. 323.960.0800
Owner Samir Khader (who also is a partial owner of the Hollywood Beauty Bar) has revamped Vine into a scenester haven with red and black d茅cor and a hip atmosphere. Los Angeles fashion lovers and trendy folks swarm to Vine to dance and drink the night away among like-minded people. The two-story club never has a lack of hipsters looking for a good time or bar hopping on Vine Street. The nighttime is the right time at Vine if you want to have fun in Los Angeles.
The Viper Room: 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.358.1880
The world famous Viper Room was opened in 1993 with owner Johnny Depp doing the honors. The club has two floors of entertainment each night it's open. On the upper floor, live performances or a live DJ create music for those on the dance floor to rock out to. There is also limited seating, but when you're out in LA, the night ends if you sit down. The upstairs at the Viper Room also has a full bar although there is another fully stocked bar downstairs in a more intimate space. Unlike most bars and clubs in Los Angeles and Hollywood, The Viper Room treats all the patrons with respect and often brings in surprise performances. Some of the greatest names in rock have played The Viper Room like Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, Pearl Jam, Iggy Pop, Sheryl Crow, and many more. The club was inspired by the style of a 1920's Harlem jazz club. Over a decade since opening, The Viper Room has seen all kinds of people, artists, hipsters, and bigwigs come through its doors, and it doesn't look like the flow is stopping anytime soon.
Zanzibar: 1301 5th St, Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.451.2221
Music comes first at Zanzibar, and rightfully so with it's wide assortment of talented DJs spinning on any given night. The Indian/African motif attracts all different types of people who are interested in chilling and having a good time at this hip LA dance club. The bar has plenty of space and has a relaxed vibe helped by the flow of the room. Zanzibar is a popular Los Angeles nightspot with live DJs from around the world spinning the newest and greatest stuff to the eager ears at this LA bar.|||Most clubs are 21 and over, there are a few 18 and older and younger clubs around town.|||California is always 21 and over where they serve alcohol. But you can still find 18 and over clubs/bars, but the bars are not accesible for the minors and the dance floors are.
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