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Los Angeles is not the city that never sleeps—instead it parties until 2 am (save for the secret after-hours parties at private clubs or warehouses), and wakes up to imbibe green juices and breakfast burritos as hangover cures, or to sweat it out in a yoga class. Whether you plan to test your limit at historic establishments Downtown, or take advantage of a cheap happy hour at a Hollywood dive, this city's nightlife has something for you.
A night out in Los Angeles can simultaneously surprise and impress. That unscheduled set by an A-list comedian at the stand-up comedy club, being talked into singing karaoke at the diviest place you've ever seen, dancing at a bar with no dance floor because, well, the DJ is just too good at his job—going out isn't always what you expect, but it certainly is never boring.
The focus of nightlife once centered on the Sunset Strip, with its multitude of bars, rock clubs, and dance spots, but more neighborhoods are competing with each other and forcing the nightlife scene to evolve. Although the Strip can be a worthwhile trip, other areas of the city are catching people’s attention. Downtown Los Angeles, for instance, is becoming a destination in its own right, drawing cocktail connoisseurs at Seven Grand and rooftop revelers at the Standard.
Other areas foster more of a neighborhood vibe. Silver Lake and Los Feliz have both cultivated a relaxed environment where you can be drinking in a tiki bar so small you wind up talking with the person at the next stool over (Tiki-Ti) or bringing in a 45 to play on an old-fashioned record player (El Prado).
So if you find yourself disappointed with a rude bouncer, or drinks that are too watery, or a cover charge that just isn't worth it, try again. Eventually you'll find that perfect place where each time is the best time. If not, at least you'll walk away with a good story.
Forget all your misconceptions about dive bars and walk into the Roost, whose comforting elements—a jukebox that comes fully loaded with Tom Petty, Springsteen, and the Allman Brothers Band; cozy leather booths; dimmed lights; and decent hearty food—will make you feel like you’ve flown back to your hometown for the holidays. The cocktails aren’t too shabby either, but do bring cash.
This friendly gay bar hosts theme nights such as speed dating evenings: arrive at 7:30 pm and hopefully by 9 pm, you'll have found a new friend or flame. The menu features pizzas, pastas, protein-based dishes, tapas, and salads at affordable prices.
This Instagram-worthy cocktail bar is populated with the coolest locals. Chicken enchiladas and fajita bowls share the menu with roasted beef hummus and charcuterie. A true L.A. watering hole, The Semi-Tropic features many movie and TV show inspirations; it even was one of the filming locations for The L Word. The outdoor patio is a newer addition, perfect for those cool Southern California summer nights.
Echo Park’s Short Stop is one of the few remaining dive bars in the area, still catering to those who want cheap drinks in a no-frills joint—especially local hipsters and Dodgers fans. There’s memorabilia scattered throughout as a reminder of what this once was—a police hangout. Today the Short Stop has become a legendary place for debaucherous celebration; the dance room fills with '00s hip hop and pop on any given weekend evening.
This is the place to watch a big game on the main floor, or enjoy a cigar at the premier hookah lounge overlooking the Sunset Strip. Come for cocktail hour and the piled high nachos, chili cheeseburgers, and BBQ chicken pizza. Date night guests might order the steak frites or rigatoni alla vodka. Upstairs in the attic there are weekly comedy shows, live music performances, and other exciting events.
Cocktail bars are a dime a dozen in Hollywood, but there’s something about this Vine Street joint that makes patrons keep coming back for more. Maybe it's the down-to-earth attitude, delicious no-frills cocktails, and raucous nights of live music from up-and-coming bands. Come to see one of the burlesque or comedy shows for a full experience.
At Trunks Bar, the drinks are strong and so are the bartenders; see for yourself as these shirtless muscly men pour your drinks. Open for more than 25 years, the space is welcoming and the staff is friendly. People come here often to watch a game, play pool, listen to music, and meet friends.
Throw darts, shoot pool, or play shuffleboard at this British pub (its name refers to London's subway system), or watch a game on one of the many monitors. The adjacent Fox and Farrow gastropub is run by one of the co-owners, but the in-house pub menu is surprisingly extensive.
Don’t let the forest fairy-tale vibe—one that'll make you think that a woodsman fell in love with a tree nymph and then went on to open a bar—or the baffling strip mall location fool you. When the occasion calls for it, this little dive bar knows how to throw a party and show you a good time with the simple concoction of jukebox music, DJ spins, daily happy hour until 10 pm, and signature drinks.
Ye Rustic Inn has the vibes of a dingy, non-fussy dive bar, but it’s the wings that turns newcomers into regulars. Available dry or drenched in hot sauce, a plate of 12 (extra crispy recommended!) is perfect for two hungry travelers who want some nosh to go with the baseball or football games that the bar shows on their large TV. Ye Rustic Inn is also beloved for its early opening hours and being one of the only restaurants and bars around to open on major holidays; they even serve turkey and ham dinners on Thanksgiving.
