Outrageous Public Drunkenness and other Los Angeles, CA Nightlife Tips

Nightlife Spot: The Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl often gets filed under "Must See", or "Tourist Traps". Well, let me tell you - I live within walking distance of this landmark, and it is, in essence a concert venue. It's nightlife. Especially when you see Royksopp and Basement Jaxx in a raucous performance that has now become local legend. The best part about the bowl is you can bring your own booze. I like to bring mad expensive champagne and a pile of cheese. Yet, this is no button-downed, button-downed affair. Stumble your way back to the lots and witness the joy of a moderately inebriated/newly friendly Los Angeles. It's a true local experience and brightens the hardest heart.

And, consider avoiding the stacked parking nightmare. The Metro Red Line is fairly convenient, though an uphill walk from the station to the bowl. Park in NoHo or near Vermont/Santa Monica, jump on the subway, and you'll save time and hassle.

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Theme: Concert
Dress Code: Extremely casual. But bring a coat, b/c most people don't realize how cold Los Angeles can be after sundown.
Address: 2301 N. Highland Ave.
Directions: Just North of Hollywood/Highland and fairly walkable. Cahuenga Blvd. offers an insider's approach.
Website: www.hollywoodbowl.com

Nightlife Spot: Hollywood Forever! Movies among the graves...

Cinespia sponsors the Summer Series "Cemetery Screenings". This is a great event, and could just as easily be racked under "local customs" for the large Angeleno turnout.

The Cemetery Screenings are true local events. Each Saturday during the Summer, a different movie is screened on the wall of the mortuary at the famed "Hollywood Forever" Cemetery. Swarms of hipsters gather at the entrance, picnic baskets in hand, and wait eagerly for the gates to open. The films track towards Hollywood's golden age ("Psycho", "Chinatown"), but the lineup can vary. This one evening, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" played, and all the major cast members showed up to celebrate the showing!

Bring your own wine and food - as well as blankets, flashlights, and a boardgame. Select DJs spin before the film begins, as well. Great time!

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Theme: People Watching
Dress Code: Casual - but don't be surprised if everyone around you looks like a famous rock star or celeb on the down low. Entrance is $10/pp "donation". But, don't be fooled. "Donation" here means "pay it".
Address: Hollywood Forever Cemetery; SMB @ Gower
Directions: Santa Monica Blvd. @ Gower St.
Website: www.cinespia.org

Nightlife Spot: Snow White Cafe & Bar

Open since 1946"The Snow White Cafe" is a bit of a Hollywood legend...and best kept secret at the same time.

But, this Disney themed establishment is not for kids and not a cafe; it is in actuality a tough locals bar with a slew of regular drunks and classic rock on the juke box.

The main draw here is the giant 34oz beers during Happy Hour(3-7, Seven days a week). $7/bucks a stein is quite the bargain(there are about 10 beers on tap), and I can manage two before I nod off at my bar stool.

There is also a limited menu, and the Margherita Pizza is actually quite good.

Great people watching both at the bar and outside at the little sidewalk tables. And, don't worry....the police occasionally come in and tell the regulars to keep it down, but I've yet to see anybody arrested.

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Theme: People Watching
Dress Code: Keep it casual and don't be intimidated by the crowd at the door...just push on through.
Phone: 323.465.4444
Address: 6769 Hollywood Blvd.
Directions: On North side of Hollywood Blvd. just east of HOllywood and Highland.
Website: www.snowwhitecafe.com

Nightlife Spot: The Hotel Cafe

The Hotel Cafe began as a small cafe with an open-mike policy. In a few short years, it's become one of the coolest, most respected small venues in Los Angeles. Located on "The Cahuenga Corridor", this bar and concert hall was one of the vanguard businesses in the nightlife boom that has encompassed the neighborhood.

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Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: Very casual...patrons lean towards earth tones and rock and roll couture.
Phone: 323.461.2040
Address: 1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. near Hollywood Blvd.
Directions: Cahuenga, between Selma and Hollywood Blvd.
Website: www.hotelcafe.com

Nightlife Spot: Arclight Cinemas

Six years ago, the "Cinerama Dome" was an abandoned film gimmick used as a makeshift home by vagrants, smack dab in the ghetto that was Hollywood. I used to park my car nearby and pay crackheads to "protect the Saab". Fast forward, and the reminted "Arclight Cinerama Dome" is a ultra modern film experience surrounded by a multiplex, shops, restaurants, luxury apartments and a health club.

This is the "new" Hollywood, and the Arclight Cinema represents the best of the renaissance. The facility was trailblazing in neighborhood development, and not only did they save the original "dome", but surrounded it with a stunning glass edifice that embraces a warm public space. On weekends, the courtyard buzzes with locals and visitors affording great people watching and making for a true night out. There is a restaurant and bar on site with outdoor seating, a Taschen gift shop and, of course, what Arclight is known for: Reserved Seating.

Movie tix are expensive: $14/pp on average. However, for that price, you get to reserve your own seat, stadium style, and the film is screened commercial free in a ultra modern facility with hosts at the door and no late seating allowed. For me, and many others, it's worth the price.

Onsite garaged parking is inexpensive with validation, and there are a plethora of bars, restaurants and shops(Amoeba Records included) all within walking distance. Add in the occasional Red Carpet Premiere and you'll find it's a pretty great way to spend a night out.

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Theme: Theater
Dress Code: No dress code, but Arclight tends to draw some pretty swinging singles. If you're looking for a date, work it out, okay?
Phone: 323-464-1478
Address: 6360 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood 90028
Directions: Between Ivar and Vine St., on Sunset.
Website: www.arclightcinemas.com

Nightlife Spot: The Getty Center Museum

Friday and Saturday nights, the Getty Museum, perched above Brentwood, stays open until 9:PM. Few know of the late hours, and, as a result, you'll largely have the institution to yourself. Furthermore, it's one of the few times you can park without reserving well in advance. In fact, if you're a real cheapass, you can park on local streets off Sepulveda for free, after 6:PM, and hike up to the tram area.

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: Consider a light coat, as Los Angeles can be chilly after sundown, and the museum's perch is oftentimes windy.
Phone: 310.440.7330
Address: 1200 Getty Circle Drive
Directions: Located off Sepulveda Blvd and the 405 Freeway, in the Sepulveda Pass.
Website: www.getty.edu

Nightlife Spot: Downtown

The Downtown Standard is the younger cousin of "The Standard", located on the hyper-sexual Sunset Strip. In the beginning, it was a beguiling alternative to the popular scene, but as Downtown rebounded and word spread, the Downtown Standard has become it's own lightning rod.

Set high among the skyline, this bar is a stunning venue. As such, it's often closed off for filming. But, when you can plunge in, you'll find yourself ensconced among the Downtown skyline with artistically trimmed hedges, pod-like waterbed chaise lounges, and a small dancefloor. Drinks are pricey, but there is no cover, so consider this a worthwhile trade off.

I recommend weeknights to beat the crowds.

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Theme: People Watching
Dress Code: I would dress to impress; though don't go overboard cuz you'll look like a suburban sorority sister trying a bit too hard to get in the door.
Phone: (213) 892-8080
Address: 550 S. Flower St. Downtown LA
Directions: Metro to 7th and Metro Station

Nightlife Spot: Tiny's KO

By the time you read this, Tiny's might be closed.

Or it might be open.

Or it might be closed.

Actually, make sure you call ahead.

This sporadic operating schedule is the newest twist in the saga of Hollywood's popular "locals" bar.

Most of the new spots in Hollywood are geared towards, in my opinion, rather clueless and tacky weekenders. We locals have been largely left out of the "Renaissance". Thus, Tiny's arrival was a breath of fresh air. Sure it's not a "real" dive bar, with it's shiny new wood panelling and ironic felt art. But, there are just enough drunks, meth heads and skin art to keep the tourists out, and keep the locals well-protected, inside.

Alas, now the bar opens and closes with the whims of its (rather cool) owner. And, the kitchen never seems to fire up. So, if you need an escape from the fanny packed nation and think you can hack it, come on in. But, call ahead.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: This is all black and rock and roll. The more tats, the better. Goth and hipster, beware. Most of the patrons have "lived". Know what I'm sayin?
Phone: 323.462.9777
Address: 6377 Hollywood Blvd.
Directions: Hollywood Blvd., just east of Cahuenga Blvd, north side of street. Look for the random disco ball in the window.
Website: www.tinysko.com