Wanna party like a rock star? Then get your thrills in the city that’s become notorious for excessive nightlife. From concert halls boasting big names, to smaller venues that have been graced by underground legends, the City of Angels has a lot to offer for rockers and celeb gawkers alike.
The Best Rock Bar in LA: The Viper Room
8852 West Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90069
Although not quite as gritty as it once was, this hot spot formerly owned by Johnny Depp offers its patrons a sampling of many underground and independent musical treasures. Whether you’re a fan of punk, metal, blues or straight-up rock 'n roll, there’s sure to be something here to suit your tastes. If you look hard enough, you may even see a celebrity or two in the Viper Room’s shadows. An added bonus is $5 drinks from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. nightly. A definite must if you’re in Hollywood.
The Best Rock Bar in LA: King King
6555 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
King King is a fabulous example of Los Angeles’ wildly unique nightlife. From house music on Fridays, to rhythm improv, to vaudeville, this is a club with loads of personality. Although sometimes crowded, the atmosphere is laid back, clean and comfortable. Already a Hollywood favorite, King King is climbing its way to its rightful place in history next to its honored predecessors.
The Best Rock Bar in LA: Whisky A Go Go
8901 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90069
Being the club that not only popularized go-go dancing In the 1960’s but has also been acclaimed as the creator of the rock ‘n’ roll scene in Los Angeles makes the Whisky essential. The intimate setting and live music only help it along further. If you’re looking for a squeaky clean good time, beware – you will not find it at this former hangout of bands like the Germs and Motley Crue. You will however, have the kind of experience that has made the Whisky immortal.
The Best Rock Bar in LA: Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Modeled after the London coffee shop with the same name (even down to the sign outside), the Troubadour is known as the club that was at the center of the folk music scene in the 1960’s and later launched Guns ‘n’ Roses to fame. These days, the club is better known for presenting up and coming indie rock and pop-punk acts. Great acoustics, celebrity sightings and ample space are just a few of the perks that keep guests pouring in for more.
The Best Rock Bar in LA: House of Blues Sunset Strip
8430 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
The House of Blues has expanded from a historic Harvard Square house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to a North American live music franchise. The Los Angeles location, however is the headquarters of the operation. If big headliners and rock kings and queens are more your speed, you’ll feel right at home in the House of Blues. And if you’re hungry, check out the southern-inspired cuisine that even the toughest critics rave about.
The Best Rock Bar in LA: The Roxy Theatre
9009 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Another club of epic proportions, the Roxy pleases crowds from all walks of life. Hollywood music fans praise it and out of town tourists love it. Not only does the Roxy host popular bands and musicians, but musical theater acts from time to time as well (the club is famous for bringing the Rocky Horror Show to North America before it was made into a major motion picture). A word to the wise: being kind to the door staff will get you everywhere at the Roxy.
