Still commonly known as the "Rainbow Room," this fabled Sunset Strip institution continues to deliver a good time with live rock shows, fun finger food and late-night dining. The roomy interiors consist of a dining room, several bars, upstairs dance floor and patio decorated with kitschy rock 'n' roll memorabilia, Christmas lights, burgundy leather booths and even a vintage arcade game. The food offered is an Italian-American fusion of popular munchies such as pizza, sandwiches, steaks and a diverse vegetarian selection. Keep in mind that it is possible to reserve special seating above the stage.
Once owned by actor Johnny Depp, this notorious ultra-hot bar is known for its cutting-edge music and celebrity-studded scene. Depp and his co-owners continue to book major music acts and intriguing unknowns to entertain the glitzy crowd. Be prepared to wait in line unless you are famous. Viper Room is one of the brightest (dark) spots in West Hollywood, and one which any self-respecting club-goer would put high on their list. Cover varies; check the calendar for occasional discount passwords.
Located inside the Beverly Hills Hotel, this long-time favorite of the 90210 crowd (the city, not the show) is a great place to people watch. Celebrities and other well-heeled people hang out here and enjoy its rich atmosphere. The room inside is lovely and tasteful, and the outside patio is tree lined and great for smokers who can't do without their fix. Not for the T-shirt set - gentlemen are required to wear jackets.
This happy-hour and Saturday night dance club Valley stalwart combines the earthiness of a dive bar with the retro charm of a 1970s cocktail lounge. It’s all dusky lighting, plush leather, a slick stage, and a bar with the curves of a vintage Camaro. Weeknight happy hours are popular, as are weekend dance nights. On any given night, visitors might find amateur heavy metal fusion concerts, cabaret revues, DJs and fireworks, or classic rock concerts. A great option for a night out or drink with friends.
A rather upscale venue, The Edison offers a trendy venue to party all night. With foot-tapping music, chilled beverages and live bands, it ensures complete entertainment. Aptly named, for it is located inside a former power plant, it sports remnants of the Industrial Gothic age in its decor, that transports one to that era. A local hangout place, tourists are also seen partying hard and enjoying the vibe. It is best reserve a table and dress as per the stated dress code.
Whisky a Go Go is truly steeped in the very roots of rock history. In addition to being the joint that spawned the term "Go-Go Girl," legendary acts like The Doors, Janis Joplin and Buffalo Springfield used to play here. Rock 'n' Rollers still, to this day, flock to this modern-day mecca. It is not an overstatement to call this the premier rock club in Los Angeles, if not the entire world. Try the upstairs area to get away from the crowd and to get a different vantage point.
Set in the mesmerizing Arroyo Seco Golf Course, this venue is a hidden gem. With Jazz and Blue at its core, Blue Guitar is a live music venue that can be experienced twice a week. You can grab drinks and food from the near Arroyo Grill or get a bottle of wine and pay a corkage fee of 10 dollars. Wednesdays feature bands whereas Thursdays are solely dedicated to Jazz music. Next time you happen to be golfing at the venue, make sure to catch up the live performances.
Rusty's Rhythm Club offers weekly swing dances weekly at the Elk's Lodge in the Playa Del Rey suburb of Los Angeles. All ages welcome and a full bar, Rusty's dances take place each Wednesday and the first Friday of the month. Beginners can partake in a quick 30 minute dance lesson at the beginning of the session, while seasoned dancers can brush up on their skills. All dances feature live music by local swing bands.
Funky and eclectic are the two words that come to mind when you think of Zebulon. Set in a warehouse from the 1930s, its industrial chic decor is a perfect foil for this café, bar and live music venue. It is primarily an entertainment space where offbeat is the keyword. From concerts to movie screenings and workshops, get ready to be entertained by new programs every night. Entrance to the café and the music venue is separate and you can go have some bar bites and drinks or watch a show, or simply do both!