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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.
Tucked away in a basement on quiet Hudson Avenue, Dirty Laundry is a former speakeasy turned proper late night cocktail bar with live music and DJs spinning both fresh and throwback music. There’s beer on hand, but here, cocktails are king.
Meet some of L.A.'s best drink makers at Thunderbolt. Inspired by the American South, the cocktail bar offers a broad Madeira selection and snacky Southern fare such as fried chicken biscuits and chicken drumettes with a tamari glaze. But Thunderbolt’s biggest standout is its robust cocktail program with interesting and complex combinations of flavors. Standouts include the savory Fu Gwaa Falsetto (shochu and Oaxacan rum with bittermelon, manzanilla, and li hing mui) and the tropical Koji Killer (rum, pineapple, coconut, orange, and shio koji for an umami punch).
This spot offers a chic craft cocktail and zero-proof mocktail program with a robust comfort food menu. Local favorites include fried pickles, an aged cheese board, and pizza. Save room for the spiked espresso martini tiramisu custard with chocolate and the right amount of vodka.
Home to one of the best Italian liqueur collections in the city, The Let's Go is DTLA's newest, and most fun, cocktail bar and dance spot. The space is attached to (and co-owned by) the standout pizza joint De La Nonna, and is the perfect after-dinner spot to drink well-crafted Italian cocktails and dance like the pandemic never happened. Behind the bar is Lee Zaremba, whose cocktail bona fides include opening the legendary Italian drinks spot Billy Sunday in Chicago. Here, you'll find rare amari, superbitter fernets, challenging Italian vermouths, and so many more that are whipped into the tastiest cocktails in the city.
With a reputation for great takes on classic cocktails and even better conversation among patrons, this dimly lit haunt is a fantastic place to mingle. Tucked inside the Normandie Hotel, the lounge is a party without the affection for chaos afforded by other late-night spots. The menu features a slew of old standards, but mixologists are eager to play: they'll ask you what the mood is and mix a drink to match. The cocktails are seriously good, and the ambience is comforting yet classy. Plus, if you’re looking to dance off a well-made whiskey sour, you don’t have to go far, as The Normandie Club houses “damn fine” in back, a live-DJ dance party Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 9 pm--2 am.
This beautiful poolside bar is well worth a visit, but it can be a hassle to get into if you're not staying at the hotel, on the guest list, or know someone who can pull strings. The drinks are on the pricier side, but in this part of town that's to be expected, and the views might just make it all worthwhile.
This Hollywood Roosevelt cocktail bar is worth a visit for its luscious cocktails, elevated bar bites, and collection of classic board games. It can get a little too crowded, especially on the weekends, but if you come early, you should be able to admire its art deco appeal and perhaps enjoy a game at one of its two vintage bowling lanes.
