LaMag: Say Hello to the Night: L.A.’s Top Spots to Drink, Dance and Rock This Summer

By: Lina Lecaro

By nature, nightlife is always changing. Hot spots cool off, “scenes” change, and club-hoppers are always looking for the next thing they haven’t experienced yet. With the exception of neighborhood dive bars, a few landmark music venues, and a handful of seasoned party promoters who’ve cracked the longevity code (by evolving with entertainment tastes and hospitality trends), Los Angeles thrives on novel ideas and new environments.

Part of the winning formula in 2023 is about catering to specific tastes, communities, and niches, and in a city as diverse as L.A., there are many types and tribes to attract. This is more important than ever after the bleakness and boredom we all endured during COVID-19 lockdowns. We want to connect, forget about our troubles, and celebrate life again. We want to be thrilled, entertained, and welcomed, to share space with like-minded folk who feel the same. From high-profile luxe lounges to low-key hidden havens; DJ-driven, live performance-fueled, gay, straight, nouveau, retro, wild, or unwound—L.A. after dark really does have it all if you know where to look. Here’s where to do so right now.