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Los Angeles Nightlife

Where the stars come out to play: Experience the diverse and vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles.

Best Bars in Los Angeles

5 venues

Thunderbolt

cocktail bar
4.4
$$

Creative and unique cocktails, good food, outdoor patio, good for large groups.

Echo Park5:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Next day)

Hipster, casual, trendy, intimate, good for groups, 2000s R&B music.

Seven Grand

cocktail bar
4.6
$$$

Extensive whiskey selection, speakeasy experience (Bar Jackalope), good for groups, chill vibe.

Downtown4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

Stylish watering hole with hunting lodge decor, old-school cocktails & a massive whiskey selection.

Tiny's Hi-Dive

dive bar
4.6
$

Known as "The Westside’s High Class Dive Bar", great for watching Chicago sports, game room with pool table.

West Los Angeles11:30 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

Midwest dive bar, sports-focused, casual, unpretentious.

Frolic Room

dive bar
4.2
$$

Historic bar next to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, affordable drinks, strong cocktails, diverse crowd.

Hollywood11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

Classic Hollywood dive bar, retro and glitzy decor, good for people-watching, lively jukebox.

Arts District Brewing Company

brewery
4
$$

Craft beers brewed on-site, full kitchen, games like ping pong and skeeball, located in the vibrant Arts District.

Arts DistrictMon-Thu 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Lively, industrial-chic, spacious, good for groups, casual.

Best Night Out in Los Angeles

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

Elevate Lounge

Downtown · $$

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

Elevate Lounge

Downtown · $$

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

Exchange LA

Downtown · $$

Nightlife Neighborhoods

Downtown

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has transformed into a vibrant nightlife hub, offering everything from high-energy nightclubs to sophisticated rooftop bars and speakeasies. It's a diverse scene catering to a professional and trendy crowd.

Best for: Trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, speakeasies, diverse dining and drinking experiences.
Crowd: Trendy, professional, diverse, tourists.
Walk Score: 95/100
Exchange LAPerchSeven GrandBroken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles

Hollywood

Hollywood remains an iconic destination for nightlife, known for its celebrity hotspots, large dance clubs, and classic dive bars. It attracts a mix of tourists and locals looking for a high-energy, glamorous, or historically rich night out.

Best for: Celebrity sightings, large nightclubs, classic dive bars, live music venues.
Crowd: Tourists, young adults, celebrity-seekers, diverse.
Walk Score: 88/100
Playhouse HollywoodFrolic RoomSound Nightclub

Arts District

The Arts District in Downtown LA is a rapidly evolving neighborhood with an industrial-chic vibe, home to craft breweries, unique cocktail bars, and art galleries. It's a popular spot for a more laid-back yet sophisticated nightlife experience.

Best for: Craft breweries, unique cocktail experiences, art scene, casual gatherings.
Crowd: Artistic, hipster, casual, local.
Walk Score: 80/100
Arts District Brewing CompanyThe Obscure Distillery

Echo Park

Echo Park offers a more indie and alternative nightlife scene, with a mix of dive bars, live music venues, and trendy cocktail spots. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere and local charm.

Best for: Indie music, casual bars, local hangouts, creative cocktails.
Crowd: Local, indie, alternative, casual.
Walk Score: 85/100
Thunderbolt
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
DowntownTrendy nightclubsTrendy
95
Exchange LAPerch
HollywoodCelebrity sightingsTourists
88
Playhouse HollywoodFrolic Room
Arts DistrictCraft breweriesArtistic
80
Arts District Brewing CompanyThe Obscure Distillery
Echo ParkIndie musicLocal
85
Thunderbolt

Local Nightlife Tips

  • Consider using ride-sharing services, especially when exploring multiple neighborhoods, as parking can be challenging and expensive.
  • Dress codes vary significantly across venues; check in advance for upscale clubs and lounges.
  • Many popular spots can have long lines, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider making reservations.
  • Explore beyond the main tourist areas to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
  • Always carry a valid ID, as most venues strictly enforce age restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best neighborhood for nightlife?

Downtown LA and Hollywood offer the most diverse and vibrant nightlife experiences, with Downtown being known for its upscale rooftop bars and clubs, and Hollywood for its celebrity hotspots and classic venues.

What time do bars close?

Most bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles close at 2:00 AM, though some may have extended hours until 4:00 AM on weekends.

Is there a cover charge?

Many nightclubs and some popular bars, especially in Hollywood and Downtown, have cover charges, particularly on weekends or for special events. It's advisable to check their websites or social media in advance.