Rainbow Bar & Grill Historic Bar / Restaurant

West Hollywood, Los Angeles –

Though its authentic rocker edge may have faded a bit since its heyday, Rainbow Bar & Grill is still an ideal spot to soak in some rowdy Sunset Strip history…and probably spot a soaked-up celebrity too.

Opened in 1972, the venue’s early days saw regulars from Neil Diamond to the members of Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses stopping in for a spell, and photos of these and other famous guests cover practically every inch of free wall space.

Once past a lively patio consistently packed with tourists, guests enter a multi-level dining area that doubles as a rock exhibit, with many tables identified as having been the favorite spot of someone famous, whether it be Slash or John Belushi.

By day, the long rows of brown and red leather booths are frequented by a diverse crowd of industry types and disheveled musicians looking to nosh on pizza and sandwiches, while hair band-loving out-of-towners get hammered early at the multiple bars.

The real party scene is on weekends, when the joint fills up inside and out with the standard Sunset barhopping crowd – think grungy dudes with hot girlfriends, Lady GaGa lookalikes, and packs of friends who appear to have stumbled out of a scene from The Hangover – while a small upstairs space often hosts up-and-coming bands vying for an eventual spot on the walls.

Music may have changed drastically since the 70s, but fans of the Rainbow Bar & Grill make sure the Sunset Strip continues to rock.