Nightlife in Los Angeles
For many Angelenos, nightlife is serious business — it’s where deals are made and stars are born. That being said, there are plenty of places to go for those who don’t feel like competing with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood scenesters.
Exclusive Enclaves: The most sought-after nighttime experiences in Los Angeles unfortunately often come with long lines and exclusive guest lists. But as much as everyone complains about the hype of the biggest Hollywood hotspots, rest assured that there’s no one in L.A. who would turn down the chance to be granted entrance into these cool clubs.
Attached to the restaurant STK on La Cienega Blvd. is Coco De Ville, one of the latest offerings from party giants The One Group, who also owns clubs including Tenjune in New York. The tiny space in Coco De Ville provides for maximum sensory overload, due to its décor in a psychedelic color scheme which is a cross between sixties mod and Alice in Wonderland. Because the space is so small and the buzz is still loud for this spot, you’re likely to be able to do some good celeb-spotting on any given night. Be prepared to shell out for valet parking on this busy street as well as plenty of double-digit drinks.
Previously known as the popular Spider Club, another Hollywood Hot Spot is Bardot on Vine St. While the Spider Club had a sultry Moroccan vibe, Bardot has taken a different twist on the high-class bar experience. Expect to see 1920’s era furnishings and many, many celebrities, including actor Ryan Gosling on the turntables several nights a week.
In the big business of fun, promotion company SBE has as close to a monopoly as you can get in Los Angeles. One of SBE’s most recent openings is Foxtail in West Hollywood, a tiny spot that has already gained lots of fans (and enemies) for its super exclusive entry system and very picky doormen. One unique aspect of this lounge/bar is the food selection, created by “Top Chef” contestant Antonia Lofaso.
Low-key Liquor: It’s possible to get a tasty cocktail and some good ambience without devoting hundreds of dollars or standing in intimidating lines. The first step is to get out of the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and find smaller, quieter areas to kick back. Bar Chloe in Santa Monica is a tiny, glittering bar hidden within a hotel just blocks from the ocean. The beach town vibe of Santa Monica means not many lines or obnoxious celebrities, although the bar is still tiny and popular enough to make it tough to grab a seat. The bar has a charmingly European vibe, with gilded wallpaper and lots of champagne cocktails.
If you just can’t stay away from the energy of Hollywood, you can still do something unique at night. Try Ecco Ultra Lounge, the first “green” bar in L.A. All of the building materials are eco-friendly, and the menu is certified organic. While the concept may seem far-fetched, it’s really about as L.A. as you can get.
Taking a Dive: There are just some nights where all you want is to throw on your sneakers and get a good, stiff drink. For those who aren’t interested in star-searching or gimmicky themes, there are plenty of dive bars to choose from in any neighborhood.
For the least amount of thinking involved in getting a drink and some bar food, try the bar chain Barney’s Beanery, with locations in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Burbank and Pasadena. The loud, tacky décor is fun in a TGI Friday’s kind of way, and there are tons of televisions lining the walls for any game you could possibly want to watch. The beer selection is impressive, and you’re always likely to find a seat. Ask the bartender about karaoke nights as well.
For an extreme change of pace and a very different crowd, there’s always the Spotlight on Cahuenga Blvd., a famously bumping gay bar with a good-looking crowd that often includes a handful of drag queens. This is a dive bar in the true sense of the word — don’t expect any part-time models bartending or a trendy DJ.