Party places in southern california
Parties are one of the best parts of life. They’re a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family, celebrate special occasions, and just get together with people you love. But sometimes it can be hard to find a place that’s perfect for your party needs. That’s where we come in!
When you’re looking for a good time, there are plenty of places to go. Here are some of our favorite party spots!
A bar – If you want to get drunk and put on some serious dance moves, a bar is the place for you. But it’s not just about drinking: bars are also space for meeting new people, having fun with your friends, and making memories.
A pool hall – If you’re looking to get competitive or just hang out with your buddies, a pool hall is the place for you. You can play games like billiards or snooker, enjoy drinks and food at the bar, and even watch sports on TV if that’s your thing!
A club – Clubs are great because they’re open late (or all night long!) and offer a lot of different activities like dancing, karaoke nights, live music performances from local bands/singers/musicians… basically anything goes at clubs! You could even see yourself getting into trouble here if you’re feeling adventurous enough… maybe even meet someone special?
There are a number of places in your city that are great for parties. Some places are filled with fun activities for the kids and others have great food and drinks.
Are you looking for a place to have your party? Look no further! Here’s a list of some of the best party places in southern california:
SUNSET AT EDITION
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Photo courtesy of Sunset at EDITION photo by Loamis Rodriguez.
The popular hotspot in Hollywood, Sunset at EDiTION, is back after a pandemic hiatus. The nightclub that’s part of the West Hollywood EDITION Hotel. Sporting 400 disco balls over a large dance floor and a VIP private area called The Sunset Room, the club is back, open for business as usual from Thursday through Saturday nights. But the lines are sure to form again soon, and remain most of the night, as this place with a small capacity (only 255 people) lit things up before the pandemic made things very tough. Specialty cocktails abound here and table bottle service is on (if you can snag a table, that is), but don’t expect to get fed here. Sunset is strictly a dancin’ and drinkin’ kind of place!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Everyone who’s anyone is heading back to Sunset at EDITION as it reopens in Spring 2022.
EL REY THEATRE
MIRACLE MILE/FAIRFAX DISTRICT
Photo courtesy of El Rey Theatre
The El Rey Theatre has been a part of the Los Angeles nigthlife scene since 1994, but its history goes back much further, as is obvious with one look at its Art Deco building. Built in 1936 as a movie house and more recently designated as a historic-cultural monument, the architecture of the theater is worth a visit alone. Take in the stunning lobby with its sweeping staircases, massive chandeliers and grand ballroom (it’s available for private events) then plan to stand for most of the live concerts held here. These days it is part of the AEG family, hosting shows virtually every weekend, as well as some weekdays. Acts range across musical genres, with alternative rock leading the way.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The El Rey Theatre has been bringing newcomers and old favorites to perform at this centrally located venue for decades.
TERAGRAM BALLROOM
DOWNTOWN
Photo courtesy of Teragram Ballroom
Teragram Ballroom has been a welcome addition to downtown Los Angeles, giving music-loving Angelenos another intimate venue to see live bands. This DTLA concert space is on 7th Street, just blocks from L.A. Live and the Microsoft Theater, located in a renovated, century-old theater that was once a Hollywood movie palace. But unlike those two massive venues, the Teragram Ballroom only holds 600 people in this standing-room-only venue. The 9,000 square-foot theater offers special features for both artists and audiences: three dressing rooms, dedicated loading dock, spacious backstage, state-of-the-art sound system, three bars and a restaurant with plenty of space throughout to make the experience one of fun, rather than that of sweaty bodies jammed into a too-small space, all fighting to get the attention of a bartender. Instead, this well-thought-out venue makes one feel as if this is a perfectly planned dance party venue.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: L.A.’s popular live-music dance venue, there’s not a chair in sight in the main theater, so dance you must when the bands are playing.
THE EDISON
Photo courtesy of Jenny Peters
The Edison is an old-school club, a place that evokes the vibe of a swanky speakeasy from Prohibition days. From its almost-secret alley entrance to its self-avowed “sense of romance” which requires patrons to dress with a sense of style, The Edison is perfect for Hollywood’s love of dressing up. Which means do not show up in “athletic wear of any kind,” nor baggy or torn jeans, or other scruffy attire or you’ll be turned away. Men must wear collared shirts and dress shoes. Once inside, The Edison is a wonderland of sights and sounds, a sunken power station now transformed into a seductive club. You’ll find specialty cocktails (Absinthe, anyone?), fine wines and a menu ranging from snacks to full-on dinner choices. Live music, DJs and even an aerialist show are some of the entertainment; but note it is only open Thursday through Saturday most weeks.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: There’s no other club quite like The Edison in any part of Los Angeles, which means you have to see this special speakeasy.
RIVIERA 31
Photo courtesy of Sofitel Hotel Riveria 31
There’s always something happening at Riviera 31 inside the Sofitel Hotel, including jazz on Mondays. Every Monday Riviera 31 hosts Jazz Eclectic, featuring Ryan Cross and his band playing classics and new tunes. You never know who’s going to drop by, as previous star sightings have included Stevie Wonder and Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds. Wednesdays are Salsa night, when they push back the furniture and dance until dawn. The lively vibe draws a sophisticated crowd who savor cocktails like the Palom-LA, a blend of Casamigos Blanco Tequila and grapefruit juice with a Kombucha Ginger Boost, and nibble on Mediterranean bites including lobster rolls, flatbreads and duck wontons. Snag a spot on the patio as the sun goes down and you may just find yourself there when last call is shouted. It’s the kind of place where you just want to hang out and enjoy.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: A winning combination of French Riviera style and California cool, this sophisticated club offers different live entertainment options six nights a week.
HARVELLE’S
Small, dark, and handsome, Harvelle’s is one of L.A.’s favorites for live blues, rock and alternative music. In business since 1931, this Santa Monica landmark used to be a dark, smoke-filled dive, but nowadays it has gone sophisticated. The striking black-and-white decor gives the place a retro cool vibe, with the stage set off by its deep-red curtain backdrop. When popular bands come to play, the place gets jammed to the rafters, so you may want to arrive early to secure a seat. Whether you prefer the cutting-edge sounds of new rock artists or more traditional riffs from some of the greatest blues musicians alive today, you’re sure to hear something terrific at Harvelle’s.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Open since 1931, Harvelle’s is one of L.A.’s classic live-music nightlife joints.
THE PEPPERMINT CLUB
Photo courtesy of The Peppermint Club
The Peppermint Club used to be Hooray Harry’s, but now is transformed into a 1960s-inspired lounge designed to make listening to live music an up-close-and-personal experience, complete with high-end cocktails and bottle service. Open most nights a week (check their online calendar beforehand to make sure) and offering a state-of-the-art sound system, The Peppermint Club is a joint venture between the h.wood group (Bootsy Bellows, Poppy, etc.) and Interscope Records, which means music really is the focus of this fun retro nightclub. They welcome new musicians and DJs to join them; there’s even a spot on their website for bands to apply for a gig.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This retro club has a terrific design, great sound system and a dedication to showcasing up-and-coming bands.
THE CONGA ROOM
Photo courtesy of The Conga Room
The Conga Room is a convivial place located in the heart of L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. A fixture in the nightlife scene, the club is owned by some famous names, including Jennifer Lopez, Will.i.am of the Black-Eyed Peas, Jimmy Smits, and NBA star Baron Davis. The owners are an eclectic group, which means that the club books plenty of different musical talent, from Latino greats like Willie Colon to the hottest DJs around. And every so often, superstars like Drake, Justin Timberlake or Kendrick Lamar turn up to play. And don’t miss trying the Pan-Latin fare at BOCA, the restaurant incorporated into the club.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Live music and plenty of dance floor space have made The Conga Room a top spot for Latin lovers (and more) since 1998.
THE ABBEY FOOD & BAR
Photo courtesy of The Abbey Food and Bar
Located in West Hollywood, the center of L.A.’s gay community, the Abbey Food & Bar is a fixture in that neighborhood that’s also known as “Boys’ Town.” The club is famous for its big martinis, sexy go-go dancers and slightly decadent vibe, with four dance floors pulsating all night long, it’s no surprise that there’s often a line out the door. But the Abbey is more than a meat market, as owner David Cooley uses his famous club as a forum for advocating equal rights for the entire LGBT community. Don’t miss his annual fundraising Oscar party, for you’re sure to see some famous Hollywood faces in that crowd â” and most other nights, in fact.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This legendary gay club in the heart of West Hollywood has been satisfying its mostly male clientele since 1991.
THE MINT
MID CITY
One of L.A.’s classic clubs, The Mint is a little place with a big sound. The music-filled venue has packed them in since 1937, with just a small stage, minute dance floor and long, convivial bar and booths. You can grab a bite to eat in the back, but why not join the crowd right up front as you boogie down to bands ranging from New Orleans favorites like Trombone Shorty, Marcia Ball and Rebirth Brass Band to brand-new up-and-coming groups. Plus, you never know who might turn up on stage here; everyone from Stevie Wonder and Justin Timberlake to Bonnie Raitt and Tom Jones have graced this classic joint. And it is real music, no canned electronics, as everyone is actually playing instruments and singing here!
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: A staple of live music since 1937, The Mint is always jammin’ with rock, funk and alternative bands, seven nights a week.