Top Rated Nightlife in Los Angeles

You know that any club featuring bands called Vomit Bomb and The Pukers on the same night probably isn't a place to take the parents. The Smell is a small, bare-bones warehouse showcasing the best of underground art and music. The club name possibly derives from the musty aroma that hangs in the air as a result of many sweaty people jammed into such limited space, or perhaps it's a reference to the less-than-glamorous location. Leave your delicate sensibilities at home and enjoy fresh talent. Shows are for all ages, so alcohol isn't on the menu but vegan snacks and tea are!

The Five Star Bar is a rock music lover's escape from LA's bustling core. With its dark interior that's strewn with album art and lit with neon lights, the divey rock bar cuts back on frills but creates a perfect mood for an evening of headbanging. Five Star hosts a number of punk bands thus getting fans acquainted with talented musicians while cheap beers keep flowing. When the stage is empty, pool tournaments keep the crowd at their euphoric best. Please bring cash along as credit cards are not accepted.

This semi-secret bar is a laid-back, nighttime hangout with spacious interiors, a few pinball and arcade games, neon lighting, and plenty of 80s kitsch. The mismatched decor gives the space a retro vibe that is both familiar and exotic, with a simple selection of highball cocktails, beer tallboys and spirits to choose from behind the bar. Free from fancy frills and grandiose notions, the Slipper Clutch is a throwback bar that couldn't possibly be more authentic.

La Cita embodies downtown's hipper than thou-art gentrification at its best. While this place has been remodeled to include flashing red lights, kitschy tiki-lanterns, and walls covered in artwork, La Cita still prides itself to be a Mexican-themed hangout. You could call it a “dive-bar” or a “local-hot spot”, you could even consider it as a “dance club” because DJs spin the tune Monday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday check out the live music. But regardless of what label you attach to La Cita, it is the perfect place to get your fiesta on.

Mumford Brewing is a family owned and run, brewery and tap room located on Boyd Street, that serves up a selection of craft-beers. From pale ales to stouts, this brewery offers quite a variety. Try the Black Mamba or the Cascadian Ale. You can also sample a tasting paddle of all their beers available on tap. While they do not serve food here besides pretzels, patrons are encouraged to either order food from nearby restaurants or bring along their own snacks to eat.

King Eddy Saloon keeps it real. You won't find any fancy cocktails with exotic ingredients or a carefully curated wine list here, what you will find is an old school dive bar serving up cheap drinks in a casual, laid-back setting. Settle in with a beer, nod along to the music or play a round of darts with your buddies. The bar has a long history of staying true to its roots and has been serving Downtown LA since the prohibition era. A good place to enjoy a round of drinks and a casual night out with friends, especially if your expectations are realistically dialed back to dive bar mode. For details, visit the website.