Downtown, Los Angeles

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In Downtown LA, there is a wonderful cultural center that comprises the Music Center venues and the LA County Library. You can purchase tickets in advance or the day of the venue if tickets are still available.

Dress Code: Dress appropriately for the venue. Symphonies and Operas require a more formal dress than a rock concert or musical. Use common sense.

At the Veranda bar inside of the hotel, you can chill out spot. It's very dark in the bar but especially in the hall leading up to the bar. The best thing is here, it's pretty laidback and not so noisy compared to other nightlife spots around town. For me, actually talking and hearing my companion(s) is a bonus. I love the Moroccan theme at this hotel and am looking forward to come back! My pics to be posted here soon!!

Dress Code: No dress code. Wear something warm or a jacket for the night. It does get chilly

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"4th and Main", also referred to as "The Old Bank District" was a derelict, abandoned Downtown zone a mere ten years ago. Then, Tom Gilmore's development company took a chance on some of the old edifices and began converting them into lofts and residences. Tax breaks abounded after redistricting, but Gilmore went bankrupt, regardless. Several times.

Nevertheless, the seed of an idea was planted, and the booming housing market meant Gilmore soon had competition. A whole new residential community began springing up in Downtown LA - some 30,000 moved in over a few years - changing the face of an abandoned city center.

The economic crash of 2008 meant a few projects stalled - but it also sent many properties to auction, and youngsters could now snap up lofts at a 50% discount. Thus, the residents have a bit more of an artistic, progressive vibe for a hood just on the edge of the financial district.

Trendy bars and clubs followed - some now considered the hottest in the city. But, the monied interests weren't so keen on having to look at Downtown's gigantic homeless community. They put pressure on City Hall to move them out. The resulting police action sent many homeless back up to Hollywood or out to Santa Monica - two other areas that struggle with the problem.

Thus you have a new, exciting urban neighborhood in the heart of America's second largest city. It's been a dream of city planners for decades, and it is indeed coming true. Just be aware that the gritty old Downtown Los Angeles is just around the corner, and she's not ready to give in, just yet.

Dress Code: 4th and Main itself has the local hangout, Pete's - a place for beer and nachos, or to take the parents to dinner. It's a mainstay, and it's casual. Bar 107, kitty corner across, is a bit more rock and roll, PBR crowd. Nearby establishments are trendier and you might want to look the part - Broadway Bar, Cole's , 7th Grand, The Golden Gopher and The Edison.

The Edison is a massive bar/club that can get overrun by Orange County on weekends. Go early for their happy hour cocktails - and to take in the stunning space.

The Downtown Standard is the younger cousin of "The Standard", located on the hyper-sexual Sunset Strip. In the beginning, it was a beguiling alternative to the popular scene, but as Downtown rebounded and word spread, the Downtown Standard has become it's own lightning rod.

Set high among the skyline, this bar is a stunning venue. As such, it's often closed off for filming. But, when you can plunge in, you'll find yourself ensconced among the Downtown skyline with artistically trimmed hedges, pod-like waterbed chaise lounges, and a small dancefloor. Drinks are pricey, but there is no cover, so consider this a worthwhile trade off.

I recommend weeknights to beat the crowds.

Dress Code: I would dress to impress; though don't go overboard cuz you'll look like a suburban sorority sister trying a bit too hard to get in the door.

So me and some friends were in downtown and stopped at this bar called the Golden Gopher. We literally walked in the door, looked around, went to the bathroom and left. It was full of the sort of kids that didn't drink in high school, didn't hang out with the "bad kids" who did drink, cared about being popular, then turned 21 and decided that since they were of age, they should start drinking and going out to bars. In other words, people that lack the ability to think for themselves. The music was horrible, the people were the sort you see on Elimidate who get eliminated in the first round. There was this ranchero bar next door that was basically in a basement and THAT looked like more fun.

Dress Code: don't know, don't care. I was wearing pants and a sweatshirt if that means anything.

Twice a month on every second friday the Grand Star Hotel in Chinatown opens it's doors to it's best kept secret. The upstairs room is packed as DJs spin sets of hip-hop, house and jungle. It's not uncommon to see breakers look for space to have gravity-defying dance-floor battles.

Downstairs in the lounge is a totally different scene with a mix of young people and old-timers who probably don't realize it's hip-hop night.

Don't let the long line deter you, the line moves quickly and once you're inside the drinks are cheap.

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I wouldnt really call these place a night club, its was just a nice little bar tuck away under the streets/building of downtown LA, there really wasnt much happen, there was few bars in walking distance that were safe to venture too. So, we hit a few but loved this one the most, it was stuffy, pricey or trendy. It was laid back with a nice vibe. No cover charge, free pool and the drinks were nice as well. It was our kind of place. We had a few drinks and played a few rounds of pool and staggered our way back to our hotel. I didnt try the food but I saw some people eating when we first walked in. The mens bathroom was a little strange. But overall it was enjoyable! A must visit if you like that laid back vibe.

Dress Code: It was casual dress.

Hours:
Monday & Tuesday - 11am-11pm

Wed-Sat - 11am-2am

Sunday - Closed

The rooftop bar at the Standard Hotel in downtown LA is a great experience, especially for those visiting or new to LA. This rooftop bar also boasts a rooftop pool with an infinity edge and waterbed cabanas where you can lie down and relax by the pool with your drink. From what I hear, the pool is for registered guests only but I occasionally hear rumors otherwise.
The have a DJ nightly spinning tunes so you can dance on the dance floor. Prices are normal for LA ~$12 per drink. There is a $20 cover charge to get in, except for Monday nights when it's free.

Dress Code: Men are not allowed to wear sandals/flip flops or sneakers.

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A hot spot downtown is the historic and beautiful Mayan Theater, on Hill St. Close to other popular venues like Staples Center and world-class hotels, The Mayan is an evening escape for adults to get down and boogie, especially to Latin beats. Salsa competitions are common here. Beyond salsa, a variety of music including hip-hop and rock (en español), is featured. Boh the interior and exterior of this local historical site is breathtaking, in an otherwise so-so surrounding area of downtown. See website for interior shots! Virtual tour pictures are featured.

Dress Code: strict code: evening dressy style; men should wear a dress shirt and pants and nice dress shoes; women should wear an evening gown or nice shirt and blouse combo (esp. good for salsa or freestyle dancing) and dressy heeled shoes

No casual wear (jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, flip-flops, etc)

See website for full dress code details!

Hank's has character and has characters. It's old and dingy, but friendly and safe. In a city of unfriendly people with attitude, Hank's has none of that. It has downtown workers of blue & white collar, residents of the Hotel Stillwell, newly located loft residents, and a few barflies, all of whom tend to know each other by name and are friendly to travelers and everybody else. Funky old CD jukebox. Michael the bartender is in a class of his own. A good place to watch a game, talk with folks, or chill out from the L.A. fray & traffic. $3 domestic bottled beer iced down in horizontal coolers. $5.50 call drinks, $4.50 well. Only Sutter wine in mini-bottles for $4.50.

Dress Code: Very casual.