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From sultry jazz dens to head-banging metal clubs, Los Angeles has no shortage of havens for live music lovers. By virtue of being the city of dreams, a barrage of musicians invade LA each year hoping to be discovered and sign with a coveted record label. Live music clubs in Los Angeles vary in size and style, some maintaining the basement or garage feel that has birthed so many of rock & roll's most famed bands, while others revel in the posh and sophisticated décor of piano lounges. No matter what genre of music holds a space in your heart, you can almost always find a venue to appreciate it, from burlesque acts to honky-tonk bands. In many of Los Angeles's live music clubs, stars emerge before wild audiences on local band nights or established music biz vets come strolling in after a gig to lay down some licks for unsuspecting crowds. Bottom line: LA's live music scene is as unpredictable as ever.
1160 Bar & Lounge
1160 N. Vermont Ave., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.315.1845
The 1160 Bar and Lounge, a basement lounge located inside the throwback styled Hollywood Hotel, recalls a hip '40s era Los Angeles drinking hole with a casbah flair. The 1160 Bar and Lounge has nightly live music by some of LA's best indie, soul and funk acts or check out this lounge on Sundays for 1160's hilarious comedy night. Be forewarned, however, if there's not a show going on at the 1160 Bar and Lounge in Hollywood, the bar shuts down around 11pm and you'll just have to grab some late night cocktails and entertainment at one of Los Angeles' 50-million other bars. |
14 Below
1348 14th St., Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.451.5040
Strong drinks and a refreshingly eclectic variety of live music make 14 Below a quirky bar and live music club in Santa Monica and the supreme lack of a cover charge separates this bar from many in the Los Angeles area. The live music gracing the stage at 14 Below caters to virtually any tastes featuring everything from acoustic and folk to rock and punk to R&B and funk, also Mondays are open mic nights and Sundays are reserved for the Grateful Dead tribute band Cubensis. The draw at this LA area bar are the facts that it's so low-key, it's small, but the drinks are large and you can catch little known bands before the rest of Los Angeles hops on the proverbial bandwagon at 14 Below in Santa Monica. |
Atlas Supper Club
3760 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 213.385.8062
A swank Los Angeles nightclub and restaurant if ever there was one, the Atlas Supper Club exudes the feeling of a posh club from the golden years of the Jazz Age. The restaurant's menu at the Atlas Supper Club has true world influences featuring flavors from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. The weekends at this hot Los Angeles restaurant and nightclub present live jazz, R&B, reggae and hip-hop artists on stage and during the week the Atlas Supper Club has some slick LA DJs pumping out the tunes. |
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. |
Babe's & Ricky's Inn
4339 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.295.9112
A quintessential rocking blues bar in Leimert Park, Babe's and Ricky's Inn is a legendary Los Angeles live music club that's still the hub of the West Coast blues scene. Steeped in old-school blues aesthetic and sporting the best soul food outside of the deep South, Babe's and Ricky's Inn hosts simply amazing blues shows in their intimate juke joint style space. Monday's are the day to get down with the LA blues scene at Babe's and Ricky's because resident songbird Mickey Champion hosts the jam night that never fails to bring one back to the halcyon days of the blues. |
Backstage Cafe
9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, California; Tel. 310.777.0252
If Beverly Hills could have a rocking neighborhood bar, the Backstage Café would be it. This secret celeb hangout is decked out exactly like you'd imagine a low-key Los Angeles nightclub would be with red walls, gold records and stage that has seen impromptu jam sessions spark up between the likes of rock star Slash and rapper Dr. Dre. The lively crowd at the Backstage Café ranges across the drinking board from businessmen and socialites to young boozers cruising the single scene and kicking back to world-class DJs, live music or better than average karaoke. |
Brennan's
4089 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey, California; Tel. 310.821.6622
Known for turtle racing at this Westside LA bar, Brennan's also has everything from pinball machines and pool tables to '80s cover bands and Irish folk songs. The excitement never wanes at this Los Angeles watering hole with so much activity, a testament to the Irish in the pub. The folks are friendly, the beverages are quality, and the food is scrumptious at this LA neighborhood hang out. The loud and raucous atmosphere at Brennan's Irish bar in Los Angeles is half the fun for those looking to have a good time while watching sports, drinking, and playing bar games. |
Café—Club Fais Do-Do
5257 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.954.8080
Since the 1960s, this South Los Angeles bar has been a jazz and blues club but only became Fais Do-Do in 1990. Sam Cooke and John Coltrane played this venue back in the day, one of many spots on the LA circuit of jazz and blues live music venues. The New Orleans theme shines through from the name to the food at Café Club Fais Do-Do bar, but don't hold your breath for flashing and bead throwing. Fat Tuesdays at Fais Do-Do—meaning "go to sleep" in French—are nights of live improvised jazz and experimental music. On other nights, patrons can sit at the bar and enjoy good cheap Cajun food while enjoying any kind of music from Brazilian to electronic rock. |
Cat Club
8911 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.657.0888
On the Sunset Strip is a little bar called the Cat Club where people who live, breath, and dream about rock n' roll go. West Hollywood is the prime location for a club like this one where the house band, The Starf**kers, has Guns n' Roses member Gilby Clark and fills the LA bar on a Thursday night—and other nights also, of course. The Sunset Strip nightlife wouldn't be the same without this exquisitely petite bar. |
Catalina Bar & Grill
6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.466.2210
Catalina Bar & Grill has been a noteworthy place in Los Angeles to enjoy live jazz for over 15 years. The bar and grill used to be in a smaller space on Cahuenga but now calls Sunset Blvd. home in its new Hollywood location. The new building is a trendy demonstration of Los Angeles nightclub style for a jazz club. The atmosphere is warm and inviting inside of the Catalina Bar & Grill setting the ideal environment for listening to live music. The sound quality is great but there's also an outside patio for those who need a break. Catalina Bar & Grill is one of the best jazz clubs to enjoy a delicious meal and unbeatable live jazz. |
Charlotte Chamberlain's Tip Jar
3967 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, California; Tel. 310.390.1328
On Wednesday nights Charlotte Chamberlain's Tip Jar feels like a good ol' hometown honky-tonk—that is if you're from some small town in America that has those. Many LA bar and live music club regulars are always present for the Wednesday night shows but newcomers are always welcome. Chamberlain books country-rock and bluegrass groups to make this small Los Angeles bar feel more like its somewhere in Middle America rather than in the fast-paced and hip LA nightclub scene. The limited space is a plus for those who like their live music close and there's no cover. You certainly can mosey up to the bar without feeling out of place at the Tip Jar. |
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. |
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. |
Dimples
3413 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, California; Tel. 818.842.2336
Always dreamed of being a star? Or being discovered while singing your best karaoke rendition of "I Will Survive?" Look no further than Dimples in Los Angeles. Sitting right across from the Warner Brothers and NBC Burbank studios, this bar is apparently the nation's first karaoke bar as of 1982. Dimples isn't any karaoke bar either, they give you a free audiocassette of your performance, and if it's your birthday, a free DVD! However, if you get stage fright, hit the bar hard ahead of your time slot because Dimples is going to broadcast your face into LA. The screens throughout the bar, the Dimples website, local access channels, and a 9x12-foot theater screen on the rooftop will all be broadcasting pictures of your pretty face to people who love karaoke as much as you do. |
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 décor of this LA bar with its cement bars and dragonfly theme whether it's a rock, reggae, or fetish themed nightlife. |
Harvelle's
1432 4th St., Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.395.1617
Since 1931 Harvelle's has been one of the best live music venues on the Westside. Local, national, and international jazz artists come to perform at the Los Angeles joint in front of an audience who is invited to drink, dance, and simply enjoy a night of fabulous jazz. A full bar offers a long list of cocktails, beer and wine selections as well as several gourmet tapas. Harvelle's has been the filming location for several movies and offers recording services as one of the ways to utilize the Los Angeles nightclub. The nightly jazz and dancing attracts a night crowd who enjoys the down-to-earth environment of the club. |
Hotel Café
1623 _ N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.461.2040
Situated on Hollywood Boulevard, the Hotel Café is a cozy little Los Angeles live music club known for the big names that have come through it. Also, a full bar and food service have recently been added to this LA club when they increased their capacity to 200 people. Bartenders give pleasant service and big indie bands like Death Cab for Cutie and Rilo Kiley have played the stage at Hotel Café. Compared to other Los Angeles venues, the Hotel Café is not nearly as large but offers an intimate place to see amazing artists. |
House of Blues Hollywood
8430 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.848.5100
The House of Blues in Los Angeles rocks with more than just the blues. That's right, this LA live music club isn't pigeonholing itself into just one musical genre. Everything gets equal play on the House of Blues stage from soul and funk, to punk and ska, to the namesake blues and rock. Also, the House of Blues Hollywood serves up down home bar grub in a quasi-southern tradition and on Sundays the House of Blues does a famous gospel brunch complete with a choir backing up your breakfast dining. For a Los Angeles bar and live music club, the House of Blues gets packed for shows and often the best seats are taken long before the opening band takes the stage. |
Largo
432 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.852.1073
When big name musicians like Aimee Man and Beck play intimate shows at your bar, who wouldn't create strict policies and make it difficult to get reservations? Largo is a Los Angeles bar and restaurant that hosts nightly performances from musicians and comedians. The only way to guarantee that you'll get in is to make dinner reservations far in advance by calling the club and leaving a message in hopes that they will return your phone call. For those who feel lucky, there is limited seating at Largo's bar and standing room that people can get if they show up early the evening of the show and get in line. Make sure to be on your best behavior and don't forget there is a strict no-talking policy during performances from awesome musicians and comedians blowing through LA. |
Liquid Kitty
11780 Pico Dr., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 310.473.3707
The only signage to demarcate the Liquid Kitty is a neon sign of a martini glass with a cigarette in it, the perfect laid back symbol that this Los Angeles bar embodies. If you're interested in imbibing the some of the best martinis you've ever had, the Liquid Kitty is ready and willing to serve you. Several nights a week the bar becomes a live jazz joint, particularly on Sundays, when hipsters make sure to arrive early for happy hour and to get a good seat. In vintage Los Angeles form, the lounge turns into a hopping '60s funk, soul and groove club on Thursday nights. Even if there isn't anything going on, the Liquid Kitty still is one of the best places in LA to drink quality martinis every night of the week. |
Malibu Inn
22969 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California; Tel. 310.456.6060
Historical Malibu Inn is right across the street from the Malibu Pier and has been a hopping bar and club for longer than most of the LA patrons can remember. The restaurant offers a full menu of typical beach bar munchies from 7am for the early rising surfers until late at night. Comedy and live music performances are booked most nights of the week at the Malibu Inn, but the old photographs in the bar of the Los Angeles of the past offer an attraction also. Home-style cooking and good drinks from the bar make the Malibu Inn a great hang out any time of the day. |
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. |
Nic's Restaurant & Martini Lounge
453N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, California; Tel. 310.550.5707
A lounge and restaurant with many faces in the heart of Beverly Hills, Nic's Restaurant & Martini Lounge has many features that will keep it from ever getting old in the push and shove LA scene. The martini lounge features a myriad of martinis at the bar with original names and recipes like the "Goose Me" (Grey Goose La Orange, orange Curacao, and Lychee nuts). For those who want more than sitting at the bar or lounge, Nic's Restaurant & Martini Lounge pumps out gourmet dishes inspired by the restaurant's namesake, Chef Larry Nicola. As if that wasn't enough, in January 2006 the lounge opened the "Vodbox," a room chilled to 10 degrees where customers can sample flights of the finest vodka. If you're looking for the perfect place to go on a first date in Los Angeles, the Vobox at Nic's LA posh bar and restaurant should be at the top of the list. |
Rosen Music Studio
3488 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, California, 90005; Tel. 213.387.0469
Koreatown is a karaoke bar hot spot, and Rosen Music Studio fits right in as a state of the art karaoke bar. Los Angeles loves having the option of singing disco in English or even Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. Even if you can't speak one of those languages, why not make it a more interesting night and give it your best try? You might be obligated to buy the bar a round of drinks afterwards though. The food, a full bar, and speedy waiters can make any night in LA a good night, especially when it is singing karaoke at Rosen. |
Rusty's Surf Ranch
256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California; Tel. 310.393.7386
There's a place off Ocean Avenue where I used to—sit in the sun and have a cold beer while watching people go by? Maybe not, but it's possible at Rusty's Surf Ranch, a Santa Monica surf themed bar and restaurant. Los Angeles folks looking for a laid back time head to the bar to sit on the cozy patio looking onto the beach. Rusty's also offers a full menu and great bar food. In the afternoons there is karaoke and later in the night live music often takes over. Rusty's is an all around LA restaurant and bar that anyone can enjoy. |
The Gig
7302 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.936.4440
This Gig's got a super-trendy thing going on, but not the kind of live music scene one relates to LA, considering the Sunset Strip's legendary reputation. The Gig is the spot to catch acts who are on their way up, like Michelle Branch and Linkin Park, to name a couple who were here back when. Giggers can often catch four bands a night at the Gig, and for $7 to $12, it may be the deal of a lifetime. |
The Mint
6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.954.9400
The Mint has been around since 1937 providing a stage and audience to musicians and music lovers in Los Angeles. Recently the club has come under new ownership and is now better than ever. Besides a full bar, The Mint now also offers a gourmet menu and still books fabulous acts to grace their stage. Los Angeles notoriously has a popular music scene, and The Mint is still part of that. They are committed to bringing the best acts they can to fans. A remodel has given The Mint a fresh start and they are becoming known for the music once again. |
The Prospector
2800 E. 7th St., Long Beach, California; Tel. 562.438.8839
Flashback to the 1849 Gold Rush in The Prospector restaurant and bar in Long Beach. Los Angeles County saw the opening of the Prospector in 1965 and has seen it thrive ever since. Two nights a week the bar offers karaoke and the other nights feature live rock and electro acts. The hipsters have forgotten Hollywood and adopted Long Beach as their home. The Prospector also offers a full menu of meals that will fill you up with all the fixin's. Los Angeles requires a long trek through traffic to get to the bars, so for those who are looking for a good time further south, the Long Beach Prospector is an excellent option. |
The Short Stop
1455 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 213.482.4942
Compared to the weekend, the weeknights at The Short Stop are empty, but only because the Los Angeles bar is busting at the seams on weekends. It feels like every Eastside hipster and Westside scenester wander to the sign-less Short Stop club when the live bands come to play on weekends. Before the bar was filled with young people in vintage styles, it was the bar police went to after a hard day on the beat. Some of the remnants of the police past remain, but it's hard to tell with the candlelit cocktail tables. A back room has several games and a photo booth for those wishing to catch a pic of their night out in LA. If you aren't wearing vintage or don't have tight jeans, you probably won't fit in at this bar. |
The Smell
247 S. Main St., Los Angeles, California
The entrance is in the back of the appropriately named Smell, a joint for all ages to see a band. No drinks (that means no bar!) are sold in the venue, so if you're looking to liquor up you'll have to hit the bar next door first or bring your own in a brown paper bag. The Smell promotes political activism and vegetarianism to youths with bands that support these things. Primarily local Los Angeles bands grace the downtown stage, but after they're done playing, there's not much to do at the Smell. The cover is cheap so it doesn't hurt to pop in to support a local band or a political cause, but a visit to The Smell won't take up a whole night 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. |
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. |
Tiny's KO
6377 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.464.3026
Too young to be a dive, too worn in to be a typical Los Angeles bar, Tiny's KO is in a league of their own in terms of Hollywood joints. As an all-ages venue and diner during the day, at night the bar shifts to 21 and over. Plenty of naked lady pictures adorn the walls of the somewhat grungy—in a good way—bar and grill. The owners are punks-of-the-past guys from Ten Foot Pole, Bad Religion and Circle Jerks, with producer Steven Kravac being the third in the equation. Inked up rockers travel to the Los Angeles location to sit at the bar and listen to a live set or the jukebox screaming. Although Tiny's KO is surrounded by swanky LA nightclubs with lines outside, you won't find anything like that at this bar favoring naked women and rock. |
Vine Street Lounge
1708 N. Vine St., Hollywood, California; Tel. 323.464.0404
It's hard to compete with legendary Los Angeles music joints like The Roxy or The Viper Room, but Vine Street Lounge is up for the challenge. Checkers and leopard print are not in low supply at the bar also decked out with 14 plasma screens to display the show, rock icon photography, and none of the pretentious rock and roll attitude. The full bar at the Vine Street Lounge is serviced by friendly and attractive bartenders, the frosting on the cake of the already swanky music joint. The Vine Street Lounge has stiff competition being in LA, but it is a venue with an unbeatable bar and a great atmosphere. |
Zen Sushi
2609 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.665.2929
Two stages at Zen Sushi bring in all kinds of bands from jazz to punk and a small stage is reserved for acoustic acts. Local Los Angeles bands yearn to play the bar, which has a sushi bar downstairs and rock upstairs. Downstairs in the Los Angeles sushi bar, jazz starts the evening off but later turns into a more fierce rock at Zen. Sushi and rock somehow seem apropos even if you can't put your finger on why. Maybe it's the raw sound and the raw fish blending. |
The 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. |
The Joint
8771 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 310.275.2619
Completely anonymous from the outside, The Joint rocks hard on the inside with a slate of Los Angeles indie bands holding court on the elevated stage six nights a week while Monday nights are reserved for classic rock. This Los Angeles live music club also serves up some potent cocktails for its wide range of regulars who take in the both the music and drinking with animated zeal. Although small by LA nightclub standards, The Joint is one of those rare places that maintains a low-key hip vibe, has intimate but completely rocking live music shows and the crowds—packed in wall to wall—are always having a good time. |
The Key Club
9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.786.1705
The Key Club epitomizes the typical LA live music club from the surly bouncers to the nice décor to the awesome slate of national and local bands cranking the amps up on stage. The Key Club brings in music from a wide range of styles, but mostly this hip Los Angeles nightclub swims in the alternative, hard rock, metal and indie waters. The crowds at this hot LA live music club range from die-hard live music fans that pack into The Key Club for the top notch sound and sight lines to nightly Sunset Strip club hoppers doing the LA bar crawl to loads of tourists hitting the clubs. The downstairs lounge at this Los Angeles bar offers a more relaxed vibe than the frenzied madness that usually goes on upstairs and The Key Club also offers some excellent food choices that you wouldn't expect from a rocking LA music nightclub. |
The Knitting Factory
7021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.463.0204
The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles is a cutting edge live music club featuring two stages each with its own feel and musical style. The main stage at The Knitting Factory plays host to popular national touring bands and avant-garde artists while the downstairs lounge—the AlterKnit Lounge—at this hip LA nightclub features indie bands with an established LA cult following or local bands making their first leap from the garage to the stage. The Knitting Factory has other outposts in New York and Berlin, but the Los Angeles edition of this live music club cuts its own swath in the fast paced Hollywood club scene. |
On the Rox
9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.278.9457
The exclusive little LA club above The Roxy—On The Rox—is the A-list hipster hangout on the Sunset Strip nightclub scene. The crowds packing into On The Rox's techno-diner like confines party hard and this Los Angeles bar trendsetter gets absolutely wall to wall after a show gets out at The Roxy. Known for its partying celebrity status—and the reputation is completely justified—as much as for its "pole at your own risk" stripper poles, On The Rox is the place on the LA Sunset Strip to get a dose of the classically rowdy Los Angeles party scene. |
The Roxy
9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.276.2222
The Roxy is a live music institution in the rocking LA bar scene. A hip joint to catch a local band, The Roxy is hitting up a sort of musical renovation moving slowly away from its local Los Angeles Battle of the Bands bread and butter to booking big name national headliners while not giving up any of their hard drinking eclectic crowd. Also, The Roxy throws an occasional bone to the underage set by hosting 18 and up and all ages shows so hipster parents can get their kids LA bar and nightlife scene education started early. |
The Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California; 310.276.6168
The Troubadour is absolutely legendary in the Los Angeles live music scene and to list the bands that got their start at this venerable LA bar would do them, The Troub and you a great disservice. But, being one of Los Angeles' oldest and most storied clubs doesn't mean that The Troubadour is resting on its laurels. In fact, this ultra-hot LA live music club is still a steppingstone for local bands from all over So Cal before they hit the heavy touring on the national stage. The all-ages openness of The Troubadour means that varied crowds will attend the shows, but the over 21 LA bar set shouldn't worry because the bar still pours them fast and furious while offering a great view of the stage. Also, there's a well attended balcony for a more relaxed view of the action on the floor and VIP LA bar patrons can set up in The Loft to catch the next band through the viewing window and TV monitors. |
The Whisky a Go Go
8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, California; Tel. 310.652.4202
The hulking neon lit structure of The Whisky a Go Go sits on The Strip still beckoning a whole new age of youngsters into its LA music club greatness with dive bar sensibilities. Since the mid '60s, The Whisky has played host to the Los Angeles rock scene and that cutting edge status of booking the next big thing to come out of LA took the Whisky a Go Go straight through to the new millennium. LA club scenesters may regard The Whisky as a joint that has fallen victim to the usual Sunset Strip nightclub trappings, becoming a trendy club for indie rockers of all ages—The Whisky does a ton of all ages shows—to get their LA rocker club on, but this long standing Los Angeles music club is still very much alive and kicking and The Whisky is still a member of the Los Angeles rock club ruling bar triumvirate along with The Roxy and The Troub. |
—Los Angeles bar and club reviews by Alanna Lee, Ryan Osterbeck and Buddy Seigel
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