Loyola Marymount University
- Nightlife

King King

This large loft space features red brick walls, exposed ceiling, and velvet curtains. A large bar sits in the center of the club along with low sofas. King King features live music, DJs, and dancing. Parking is free, and the cover runs from $5–$10.

Level 3

Formerly the underage club One Seven, Level 3 is all grown up. The club features a real bar, beds, and a sophisticated menu. Level 3 features DJs and live bands playing hip-hop and house. Under twenty-one? Check out KIIS FM’s Club DV8 on Saturdays. The cover is $10–$20.

Joseph’s Café

Populated by actors, models, and pop-stars, including Britney Spears, Jospeh’s has been around since the `40s and still holds its charm. Be prepared to wait in line unless you show up with Britney herself.

Ivar

There is always a line to enter this industrial club in Hollywood. The décor is edgy, softened somewhat by orange vinyl couches. Guys buy tables, or “pods,” to attract younger patrons with drinks. Tables require a two-bottle minimum at $250 a bottle. DJs and live bands play a variety of music. $20 cover charge and valet parking.

Jewel’s Catch One

The Catch features salsa, hip-hop, and house for a mostly lesbian crowd. Madonna threw her launch party for “Music” here. Free parking in the club lot. Sunday is 18-and-up night.

The Viper Room

The Viper Room is still legendary in Hollywood. River Phoenix overdosed here, and Tommy Lee assaulted a photographer. Johnny Cash, Courtney Love, and Lenny Kravitz played a set in the Viper Room, and more stars show up. If you’re over 21, this place should be on your list for its history alone.

Zanzibar

This Moroccan-themed club features Los Angeles DJs spinning electronica. Zanzibar features a wraparound bar and a list of DJs worth checking out for those twenty-one and over. Arrive early to beat the long line. Cover varies, and payment is cash only.

QC2020

This state-of-the-art dance club channels Vegas with two dance floors, plasma screens, and a glass bottom go-go cage. Arrive early on most nights, and they’ll waive the cover. QC2020 features a secure parking lot.

Prey

Slick club featuring top promoters. Thursdays are Club Twist, and Saturdays are Club Prey. Parking is valet, and the cover is $10–$20 unless you are on the guest list.

Privilege

Formerly Shelter, Privilege is a trendy club that reinvents itself every few months to keep up with the LA club scene. There is typically a long line unless you show up for dinner at 8 p.m. Club doors open at 9:30 p.m.

Club 7969

A spacious dance floor draws party-goers to Club 7969. Here, exiciting events happen throughout the week. Male dancers on stage on Saturday, topless female cabaret dancers on Thursdays, and there are transgendered nights on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cover is from $10–$15.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly is definitely unique. It features an eclectic mix of rock and reggae, live music, and dancing. Valet and street parking. Cover varies.

Circus Disco

This is an LA hotspot with a cost of anywhere from $3–$25. The huge club is housed under a 20,000 square foot big-top tent. Both valet and street parking are available.

2020

Formerly the Space, 2020 features Top 40 hits and 1980’s music. Friday features the band Fast Times, while Saturdays feature current pop. The parking is valet, but the covers are cheap: $5 on Fridays and $5–$10 on Saturdays.

Circle Bar

One of the hottest and trendiest nightclubs in Santa Monica. Circle Bar is not low-key; the dance floor is typically packed with drunk college kids over twenty-one. It’s crowded, so there may be a wait to get in. There is no cover charge.

Gabah

Gabah is a mellower hip-hop club in East Hollwood. Watch out for an unannounced visit from the Black-Eyed Peas.

Gotham Hall

Situated on the Third Street Promenade, Gotham Hall is huge and can satisfy any craving. It features a restaurant with pool tables and large screen TVs, a club, and dance floors. DJs spin hip-hop, house, and reggae. Arrive before 9:30 p.m. for free drinks in the main bar and free admission. Lot parking is available, and the cover charge varies.

Forbidden City

Forbidden City features Asian décor with a moderately-priced Chinese menu. The club features a lounge, open-air patios, and a VIP area. There is no cover charge, but the “first come, first serve” policy means you will have to wait in line. Metered street parking, valet, and lot.

El Centro

Covered in black paint and bearing no sign, El Centro is a unique spot in a shady area of Hollywood. Thursday is the choice night for celebs like Kelly Osbourne to pop in, but if you don’t have the right connections, it is nearly impossible to get in. Monday and Tuesday nights are free. On Thursday nights, unless you show up with Paris Hilton, bring your wallet to bribe the doorman.

El Cid

El Cid features live DJs, alternative bands, brunch fashion shows, and salsa music. Grab a booth at El Cid, and maybe spot Jack Black. Street parking and a free lot. $27 cover on flamenco night.

Lounge 217

Close to the Third Street Promenade, Lounge 217 features dancing and drinks. The cover is expensive, but it is possible to get into the VIP lounge.

The Laugh Factory

Since 1979, some of the biggest names in comedy performed here at the Laugh Factory. Some notable performers include Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and the Wayans brothers. Tickets run from $12–$15, and valet parking ranges from $5.25–$6.25.

Temple Bar

A variety of live music is the first reason to hit Temple Bar. The Asian-themed décor mixes with live world music, hip-hop, or billiards. The bar is for 21 and over, and the cover varies.

Rusty’s Surf Ranch

Ocean Avenue too upscale? Check out Rusty’s on Santa Monica Pier, but watch out for the tourists. Rusty’s features a full menu, live music, and karaoke. Parking is $8.

Cameo Bar at Viceroy Hotel

Cameo Bar is not your typical beachside bar. This bar is definitely more luxurious and expensive. It features a full menu, swimming pool, and outdoor lounge. There is a charge for valet parking.

Busby’s

This sports bar pleases a wide range of patrons. Happy hour brings in local businessmen for free snacks and discounted drinks, but after 9 p.m., surfers and college students pour in for the hip-hop and house music. There are also free pool tables and backgammon. There is a $10 cover after 9 p.m. from Thursday-Saturday.

Good Hurt

Only in LA will you find a bar based entirely on a medical theme. Waitresses dressed up like nurses serve drinks called Black and Blue or Transfusion. Although the bar features first-aid kits for decoration, it lacks the bright lights of an emergency room.

Chez Jay’s

Locals favor this beachside bar’s nautical theme, complete with mounted fish. Celebs like Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando once frequented Jay’s, but now you’re more likely to spot George Clooney. Less upscale than Cameo Bar up the street, Chez Jay’s appeal is in the relaxed atmosphere.