Where to Find Nightlife in L.A.

Exchange nightclub | Photo courtesy of JAKKMODE, Flickr
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Los Angeles sets the standard for world-class nightlife with extravagant spaces, exciting new themes and vibrant décor. Venues spare no expense to draw the hottest crowds, and promoters work tirelessly to book top international DJs and music headliners to entertain party-goers every night. The nightlife scene in Los Angeles is a playground for the celebrity set, and stylish tastemakers start the latest trends in fashion on red carpets and dance floors at L.A.’s hottest venues. Dance clubs, live music and comedy venues, cocktail lounges and sports bars — the list of places to enjoy after-dark excitement in Los Angeles is endless, so head out tonight and experience the best of L.A. nightlife!

Dance Clubs

Hot new nightclubs are constantly launching and re-launching in Los Angeles. A unique vision, celebrity DJs, and lots of promotion attract the hottest crowds to L.A.’s dance clubs. If you love a crowded dance floor, bottle service and DJs playing the best EDM and hip-hop music, try Exchange in Downtown, Infusion Lounge at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, or Playhouse in Hollywood. You can go sky high at Elevate Lounge, where club-goers dance the night away among L.A.'s tallest skyscrapers.

For a more eclectic night out, try the Crocker Club, where an original bank vault door serves as the velvet rope at this exquisitely restored Downtown landmark, and adherence to the strict dress code is your key to pass into the spacious club’s labyrinth of exciting rooms and bars, each with a unique name and atmosphere. Try The Mayan for some salsa, meringue and other Latin-style dance rhythms, or visit the always hot Conga Room at L.A. LIVE for world dance music.

Drinks

If dancing isn’t your thing but a good drink is right up your alley, L.A. has a great mix of bars and lounges to try. For a stylish, international scene, check out Downtown’s The Rooftop Biergarten at the Standard. With one of the best views in all of Downtown, the bar provides a quintessential L.A. experience. Also in Downtown, The Edison serves hand-crafted cocktails and eclectic bar bites. In the Financial District, the Library Bar features an encyclopedic and esoteric selection of beers and wines to tempt any connoisseur. 

Head over to the Westside for Whiskey Blue in the W Los Angeles Westwood, or Skybar at the Mondrian in West Hollywood for poolside cocktails and fun crowds. At Universal CityWalk Hollywood, the nightlife options are endless, but make sure to stop by the dueling piano bar, Howl at the Moon, and the iconic Hard Rock Cafe.

Live Entertainment

Los Angeles comes alive at night with performances by emerging artists and the biggest names in music. L.A. LIVE, Downtown L.A.'s multi-billion dollar entertainment complex offers live shows at Microsoft Theater and Club Nokia, while the GRAMMY Museum's soundstage features more intimate, exclusive concerts.

The El Rey Theatre is the destination for alternative, cutting-edge bands and special events. A legendary L.A. Art Deco landmark, The Wiltern, presents an incredibly diverse array of performances from alternative to jazz and comedy.

Comedy Clubs

L.A. is home to lots of stand-up comedy clubs, including the legendary Laugh Factory, which helped launch the careers of famous comedians such as Richard Pryor. On Melrose, The Improv Hollywood packs in the punch lines and the star power. You never know who will make a guest appearance, but the Improv never disappoints. In Downtown, First & Hope is the new home of the '90s alternative comedy night Un-Cabaret, which takes place every Sunday.

Sports Bars

Watch the big game in style at L.A. area sports bars featuring state-of-the-art technology, delicious bar fare and an extensive selection of beers on tap. In Downtown L.A., try Yard House at L.A. LIVE, a popular mainstay in the local sports bar scene.

If you’re staying by LAX, Champions Sports Bar in the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, Landings in the Hilton Los Angeles Airport and T.H. Brewster’s in the Four Points by Sheraton LAX offer a wide variety of food and entertainment.

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rachaelrollins