Tired of the same old ritzy Hollywood clubs filled with the same old snooty Hollywood club-goers? We know the feeling. So we pulled together a list of the top alternative clubs in Los Angeles where there is more to the evening than bottle service and high-priced drinks.
Beauty Bar
1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Beauty Bar is not your typical Hollywood club but it does make for a nice change of pace in the Cahuenga Corridor. Beauty Bar is just what it sounds like. A bar where women can get even more beautiful. Although small changes, women can get manicures while sipping a martini or if you are looking for a more radical way to change your appearance, even just for a little while, the henna tattoo artist is amazing. Beauty Bar is decorated to look like an old 1960’s salon full of hair-drying chairs for people to sit in, mirrors everywhere, and of course manicure stations. Beauty Bar is perfect for a girl’s night out! You could even bring the boys along if you’d like, the drinks are pretty cheap as well ($4 beers).
Broadway Bar
830 S. Broadway
Broadway Bar is not located in Hollywood which is its first distinction from your typical bottle popping, house music type places all up and down Hollywood Blvd, but that’s not its only disparity. It is a great place to go for a drink and there is always a crowd. Unlike other bars, Broadway Bar has a huge circle bar in the middle of the first floor which makes for more room for the people waiting for a drink. Meaning less chance of crowding around the bar area. The jukebox and décor give it a 1920’s classy feel. Broadway Bar is elegant without giving off a pretentious vibe.
Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd.
Troubadour is a top concert venue in LA for live shows because its great stage placement. No matter where you stand you are mere feet from the stage, there’s not a bad seat in the house. While you don’t have to arrive early to get a spot close to the stage I would recommend getting there early to get a chair in the seated balcony section if you’re not the throw your hands up dance right up next to the stage type. The stage has seen the likes of Elton John, Randy Newman, and James Taylor. Troubadour, being an all age’s venue, is perfect for any and everyone looking for a fun night out.
The Knitting Factory
7021 Hollywood Blvd.
The Knitting Factory is one of if not the best venues to see up and coming bands yet to hit the MTV scene. Unlike many other Hollywood Blvd clubs, they are proud to have bands performing there rather than djs. And they offer choice with three separate stages. The Knitting Factory started in New York City so this is the closest you will get to a NYC club in Los Angeles. It is open everyday from 8pm-2am. It is a large venue so if you go to the bathroom or to the bar make sure to keep your cell phone with you. The size of the club can make it difficult to find the people you came with if you get separated from the group.
