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Hollywood is without a doubt the beating heart of LA’s nightlife scene, where a diverse crowd from all over the city – whether chic or grungy, urbane or alternative – comes out to dance and party hard every night of the week.
Though a steady influx of posh condos and retail chains keeps the neighborhood in a constant state of gentrification, it still retains a fairly prominent seedy element. Along the gritty, bustling sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, glitz and grime come face to face, with many of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs and trendy restaurants sandwiched between dark lounges, down-and-dirty dives, and souvenir shops.
During the day, the area around the Hollywood & Highland shopping and entertainment complex is gridlocked with tourists, on foot or in tour buses, who show up to photograph iconic Tinseltown sites like Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, and the circular Capitol Records building. Meanwhile, outdoorsy locals and dog owners can burn carbs by hiking up the scenic Runyon Canyon.
By night the streets heat up as celebs, paparazzi, girls in micro-skirts, and guys in fedoras all jostle for position around the myriad velvet ropes; in fact, many of the high-end spots are nearly impossible to get into without being on a list, having starred in a TV show or movie, or being wealthy enough to shell out for bottle service.
But not to worry – Hollywood is nothing if not diverse, and people of every stripe and with every type of budget will find something to do in LA’s hottest nightlife neighborhood.
20s / 30s / Affluent Hipsters / Bar
Reviewed by Jayson M.
"Owned by the same guy who runs Blue Boor next door, 3Dog is a trendy and authentic Mexican joint with super tasty food and a big patio that invites yo ..." more
1615 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
20s / 30s / 40s / Bar / Cocktail Dress
Reviewed by Chad F.
"My Take It's exclusive, expensive, and exciting. The Magic Castle has tricks and surprises around every corner and is a must-see for anyone visiting ..." more
7001 Franklin Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
20s / 30s / 40s / Artsy / Balcony / Latin
Party Earth Review Patrons looking for a ticket to another reality should head straight to the Cuban rum and cigar bar La Descarga, a Latin-flavored Narnia for sophisticated adults who haven’ ... more
1159 North Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Bar / Beer & Wine Only / Burgers
Reviewed by Amanda L.
"My Take: I was first taken to Stout in Hollywood by a friend who insisted that I had to try one of their burgers during Happy Hour. Who was I to turn ..." more
1544 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
All Ages / All Types / Bars / Free
Party Earth Review Arguably LA’s most popular tourist attraction, Hollywood Boulevard’s one-mile main stretch is packed with souvenir shops, museums, a mall, restaurants, and bars. Tourists from all over ... more
Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
20s / 30s / British Food / Brunch / DJ
Reviewed by John T.
"There are very few locals-only bars in LA that are not dive bars... actually this is the only one I can think of right now. I like a dive bar as much ..." more
6530 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Ambient Rock / Artsy / Blouses
Party Earth Review With a motto like “In wine we trust,” it’s hardly a coincidence that patrons stepping off busy Sunset and into Vintage Enoteca can find a cool escape from the Hollywood scenester scene ... more
7554 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
18 and over / 20s and up / Chill
Reviewed by Victoria O.
"This being my first hookah bar has set my standards extremely high. Walking up to the building with the red ropes lined up outside I didn't believe we ..." more
6512 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
80s Music / 90s Music / Bar / Jeans
Party Earth Review A friendly drinking den without the velvet ropes and long lines, The Well is a refreshingly relaxed neighborhood bar that draws a young and fun-loving crowd of after-work drinkers and ... more
6255 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
20s / 30s / Actors / Bar / Boisterous
Party Earth Review Tucked away in an inauspicious strip mall, The Woods is a cozy, unpretentious lounge with a retro forest theme that attracts everyone from average Joes to grungy wannabe actors. A simple ... more
1533 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
20s / 30s / 40s / Bar Food / Beer / Darts
Reviewed by Jayson M.
"The Blue Boar is a great find, especially if you’re looking to escape the Ed Hardy Farties that blanket Hollywood like wet snot in cold season. It has ..." more
1615 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
20s / 30s / Asian Food / Couples / TVs
Reviewed by Ellie D.
"My Take: If you take one step inside TOI and take a glance at their décor- your first guess would certainly not be that this was a Thai restaurant. Sc ..." more
7505 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046