You’re no longer 15, and high school dances, Friday night movies and trips to the ice skating rink seem a little young for you. But you’re still not 21 and you can’t get in to most of the parties LA seems to cater to. So what’s a ‘tweener to do in a city that’s known for its nightclubs, bars, lounges and concert venues? Find a nightlife spot that opens their doors to the 18+ crowd and party away at one of the best 18+ parties Los Angeles has to offer.
We know that sometimes these gems can be hard to dig up, so we’ve picked out our favorite 18+ venues in Los Angeles to share with you. Grab some friends, grab your real I.D. and head to one of these nightspots to experience some of the best under-21 parties in Los Angeles.
Best 18+ Party in Los Angeles: Glam Rok Thursdays @ Crazy Horse
1360 W Garvey Ave | West Covina, CA 91790
If you’ve ever been to Crazy Horse in West Covina, then you know how wild things can get… even when drinking is not involved and the 18+ crowd takes over the dance floor. While the club usually caters to a 21-and-over crowd, Glam Rok Thursdays, the #1 18+ Party in Los Angeles, gives the 18-21 crew something to look forward to come Thirsty (for non-alcoholic drinks, duh) Thursday. Celebrity hosts are the norm here, since the folks at Crazy Horse know that the 18+ crowd likes to see celebrities hosting parties, too, and this week Crazy Horse is bringing in Ray J to get the party going. And who said you need booze to throw a great party?
Best 18+ Party in Los Angeles: Extacy Fridays @ Boardner’s
1652 N Cherokee Ave | Hollywood, CA 90028
What we like most about Boardner’s besides its unpretentious vibe, its classic Hollywood appeal (it’s been around since 1942) and its killer lineup of live music is that it doesn’t alienate the 18+ partiers. On Fridays the club hosts a party called “Extacy Fridays” – one of the best 18+ parties (and one of the few 18+ parties) in Los Angeles. Each Friday night, those of you who are still under 21 can come to Boardner’s to experience the same sort of party the 21+ crowd craves, with top R&B and hip-hop acts getting things going on the dance floor. There’s a new theme every week, so you can come by every Friday and still experience a different 18+ party. The cover here will range from $10-20 which isn’t bad considering you aren’t going to be buying drinks at the bar. And hey, if mom and dad are still paying for your cover charges, you better head here every Friday and enjoy that luxury while it lasts.
Best 18+ Party in Los Angeles: The Roxy Theatre
9009 W Sunset Blvd | West Hollywood, CA 90069
The legendary Roxy Theater on Sunset has been a haven for music-heads and 21+ partiers for what seems like forever, so it’s only fair that they let the under-21 crowd experience some of the fun. I mean, for real… you don’t have to be 21 to appreciate good music! If you want to see a show here and you are under the age of 21, all you need to do is purchase a $3 food or beverage coupon at the door on the night of the show, and you’re all set! That’s a hell of a lot better than most venues, which charge up to $20 extra for those who won’t be boozing. And let’s be honest, with all that dancing you’ll be doing to The Smashing Pumpkins, Fergie, Common, Neon Trees and Semi Precious Weapons (all performing at The Sunset Strip Music Festival at The Roxy and other Sunset venues on August 28th) you’re bound to work up an appetite.
Best 18+ Party in Los Angeles: The Smell
247 S Main St | Los Angeles, CA 90012
There are two things we always love to see written in big, clear letters on the front page of The Smell’s website. One, all shows are $5 and two, all events are all ages. This concert venue/ music club brings in the best indie, punk, and experimental music Los Angeles has to offer, and they bring it in for the whole population of music fans, no matter what their age. If you’re under 21 and you like good music, flashy modern artwork (the venue is drenched in it) and a hipster scene that doesn’t discriminate on the underage crowd, then The Smell in LA is the place to be any night of the week.
