INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE & TEA
Read moreOriginally from Chicago, Intelligentsia is a concept store that combines organic coffee and fair trade in a very modern design, attracting a rather trendy - even elitist - clientele. Above all, it is one of the first establishments in the Third Wave of Coffee movement: you can drink some of the best coffee in Los Angeles. Moreover, don't forget the pastries and pastries, which you can enjoy on the terrace.
Break Room 86
Read moreLocated behind the Line Hotel, this trendy establishment has the look and feel of a speakeasy... But we won't give away any spoilers- you'll discover the entrance to Break Room 86 for yourself. All you need to know is that the conceptual decor - a wall of vintage TV screens and leather armchairs - gives the place an intimate, retro feel. It's also the temple of music: while bands perform on the small stage, karaoke rooms can be booked. A real favorite!
Urth Caffé
Read moreBorn in 1989 from the meeting of the couple Jilla and Shallom Berkman with a Peruvian farmer passionate about coffee, this house now has establishments in all Los Angeles and its surroundings: Beverly Hills, Melrose, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Laguna Beach, Orange... The company owes its expansion to its delicious coffee, since it was the first in the United States to specialize in organic coffee. The place also lends itself very well to a fresh breakfast or a healthy brunch, between its waffles, its eggs and its appetizing paninis.
The Black Cat
Read moreBuilt in 1939, this Sunset Boulevard institution evolved from a grocery store to a gay bar and laundromat in the 1960s. In addition to the beauty of the place, with its large wooden counter and comfortable benches, one comes here for its history: declared a Historical and Cultural Monument in 2008, The Black Cat played a considerable role in the advancement of LGBTQI+ rights. After a police raid in January 1967, beating up the patrons, it was here that one of the first peaceful protests of the community was organized, the following February 11.
AVALON HOLLYWOOD
Read moreOpened in 1927, this is probably one of the most historic establishments in the area. From the Beatles' first West Coast performance in 1964 to the filming of The Hollywood Palace between 1964 and 1970, the theater has witnessed some of the most important moments in the local industry. House, techno, progressive electro... In addition to its heritage, people also come to this club with a trendy program to dance until the end of the night, that is to say 3 am; an exception in Los Angeles, where most of the nightlife addresses close their doors at 2 am.
THE RED LION TAVERN
Read moreA Silver Lake institution since 1959, The Red Lion is the most German of Los Angeles taverns. It's the place to be for young hipsters and German expats alike, where you can feast on sausages and piano music, especially during Oktoberfest. The bar also boasts a Biergarten - a beer garden - ideal for enjoying a selection of Europe's finest beers in the open air. All in all, a great place to spend a lively evening.
ROYCE HALL
Read moreBoth classical and modern dance and music performances are held year-round at Royce Hall on UCLA's North Campus. The magnificent building is one of the first structures on the site. Built in 1929, it was modeled after the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, and its architecture is simply stunning. Beauty aside, attending a performance here is an excellent opportunity to experience a part of the Los Angeles student world while immersing yourself in a rich cultural heritage.
THE DRESDEN ROOM
Read moreOpened in 1954, The Dresden has been the setting for numerous films, from Swingers (1996) and Anchorman (2004) to What Women Want (2000) and That Thing You Do! (1996). It's a legendary restaurant with an elegant sixties decor, featuring large white leather banquettes and retro chandeliers. However, it's not for the food that you come here, but for the fabulous lounge bar, where musicians are invited every week. They follow in the footsteps of the legendary couple Elayne and Marty Roberts, at the microphone for over 35 years.
THE WELLESBOURNE
Read moreThis is a beautiful 19th century English manor house, named after a small village near the birthplace of William Shakespeare. As soon as you cross the threshold, you are immersed in an atmosphere of its own. Intimate lighting, a crackling fire in the fireplace, bookcases overflowing with old books, a large tropical wood counter: the atmosphere of the Wellesbourne is unique. This environment and the wide selection of beers contribute to make it a popular place to go out, in an area of Los Angeles that is considered to be an "early bird".
PATTERN BAR
Read moreLocated in the heart of the Fashion District, Pattern Bar celebrates textiles in a vintage setting of old sewing machines, fabric samples and fashion magazines. We love its very lounge-like atmosphere, embodied bya large open space with high ceilings and subdued lighting. From electro to RnB to hip-hop, be sure to check out Pattern Bar's Instagram page, where upcoming events are announced. On the agenda: the weekly Catch A Vibe Thursdays and the many DJ sets, organized throughout the week.
HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
Read moreOpened in 1940, this venue built in the Art Deco style has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016. While the Palladium today hosts fairly large concerts with an eclectic program, it also hosted radio shows in its early decades of operation. In addition, swing, jazz, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, which was very popular in the mid-1950s, were played there. Finally, several important political moments took place there, such as a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965.
SANTA MONICA BREW WORKS
Read moreCraft beer lovers won't want to miss a visit to this remarkable Santa Monica brewery. The decor is perfectly suited to the theme: you sit on large wooden barrels, surrounded by gleaming stainless steel tanks. A total of five beers are brewed on site, to be drunk here on draught, or taken away in cans. To accompany all this, food trucks are invited every evening of the week, according to a schedule posted on the establishment's website. On the menu: tacos, poutine and burgers.
EL REY THEATRE
Read moreBuilt in 1936 from the plans of architect Clifford Balch, this former Art Deco landmark movie theater is located in the heart of Miracle Mile, less than a fifteen minute walk from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. After fifty years of showing movies, El Rey was finally converted into a concert hall in 1994. Its grand staircase, its Art Deco hall, its VIP balcony lounge and its large ballroom equipped with an imposing stage make it a particularly enjoyable place. One listens to an eclectic selection, from jazz to pop.
THE ECHO + ECHOPLEX
Read moreThis is probably one of the most popular venues in the Echo Park area. Every week, events are held at The Echo and Echo Plex, two venues located in the same building. On the program: instrumental music, rap, emo punk, pop, post-hardcore, alternative RnB... In short, a selection as sharp and as eclectic as possible. Attention, even if it is also a club, the doors open only for the concerts and DJ sets, whose schedules are indicated on the tickets.
THE GROUNDLINGS THEATRE & SCHOOL
Read moreThis temple of stand-up comedy has existedsince 1974. It grew out of the informal meeting of a group of performers two years earlier, whose sole aim was to improvise scenes, characters, songs, dialogue, monologues and dances. Today, The Groundlings combines hilarious programming with a drama school that has seen the likes of Phil Hartman and Will Ferrel come and go. We loved it!
GREEK THEATRE
Read moreAt the foot of Griffith Park, near Griffith Observatory, lies this beautiful amphitheatre built in the Greek style, as its name suggests. Imagine: when the first show took place here in 1931, seats in the first two rows cost a dollar, while the rest were free. From jazz to alternative rock, the stage now plays host to some of today's greatest artists. Avoid paid parking: you can find a free space on Vista del Valle Drive, a small street perpendicular to North Vermont Canyon Road.
LAUGH FACTORY
Read moreJim Carrey, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Rodney Dangerfield, Ellen DeGeneres, Phyliss Diller, Jeff Dunham, David Letterman... These are just some of the big names who have taken to the stage at the Laugh Factory. The Laugh Factory is a stand-up comedy chain that opened its doors in 1979, with the inauguration of the establishment that can still be found today on Sunset Boulevard. The house quickly gained a reputation and expanded across the country: to Chicago, Las Vegas, Reno, Long Beach and San Diego. A great night out guaranteed!
THE VARNISH
Read moreStraight out of a Prohibition movie, this beautiful, dark and authentic establishment is a Downtown institution; here, the bartenders themselves don't skimp on the 1920s look. A young and hip clientele comes here to enjoy excellent cocktails and fresh juices against the backdrop of live jazz played by talented musicians every weekday. If you can't decide which combination to choose, just tell the bartender which alcohol or flavor you prefer, he'll surprise you.
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Read moreThis center dedicated to culture - the performing arts in particular - was inaugurated in 2013, having been built on the premises of the old Beverly Hills post office, dating from 1933. People come here to see and hear the world's greatest artists: no wonder that more than 50 plays, dance performances, classical music concerts and operas programmed by The Wallis have been nominated for Ovation Awards and seven for L.A. Drama Critic's Circle Awards.
BURGUNDY ROOM
Read moreSelf-described as "the oldest, darkest bar in Hollywood," this friendly, rootsy, rock'n'roll, unpretentious establishment caters to a fairly gothic crowd. With the bar covering half the space, you'll have to squeeze in close together - if only to hear each other - before continuing the conversation in the only alcove, lit by the dim light of a small candle conducive to confidences. Burgundy Room often organizes events, such as Bring back the 90's and Emo Night.
ANGEL CITY BREWERY
Read moreHoused in a former red-brick warehouse in the trendy Arts District, this huge brewery offers a delightful selection of craft beers. On the mezzanine floor, comfortable sofas invite conversation with friends before challenging each other to a game of darts or cornhole - each player in turn throws bags of corn onto the opposite inclined platform, pierced by a hole - to the sound of indie rock. Angel City Brewery also organizes events such as yoga sessions, taco nights and DJ sets.
Peacock THEATER
Read moreSince it hosted its first show in 2007, the former Microsoft Theater has been the venue for numerous major events, including the Emmy Awards and the American Music Awards. With over 7,000 seats, the Peacock Theater is located in Downtown, in the vast L.A. complex. Live complex, which includes Xbox Plaza - formerly Microsoft Square - the Regal cinema, the Conga Room, the Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge bowling alley, the Grammy Museum and the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels. The area is also home to numerous restaurants.
THE LIBRARY ALEHOUSE
Read moreMayberry IPA, Viking Blonde, Strand Throwback Lager, Dead Cowboy, Allagash White, Pranqster, Chronic Amber Ale... Here's a real brewery offering no less than thirty different beers, most of them local. To top it all off, The Library Alehouse also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads and burgers, particularly popular with locals. Special mention must be made of the old-fashioned style of the premises, as well as the outdoor patio, which is pleasant at any time of day. A little corner of paradise for bon vivants!
EL PORTAL THEATRE
Read moreEstablished in 1926, it is one of the oldest theaters in Los Angeles. It originally specialized in vaudeville - a light comedy based on situational comedy - and then turned to silent films and, during the Golden Age of Hollywood, to Oscar-winning productions. Badly affected by the 1994 earthquake, El Portal reopened in 2000. Today, it embodies the new life of the NoHo Arts District by programming a wide variety of plays, from one-man shows to musicals.
NO VACANCY
Read moreThis speakeasy-style bar is one of our favorites in the neighborhood. After a secretly staged entrance, you'll arrive in a huge early 20th-century house. Dotted with fireplaces, the large patio is pleasant and full of charm. To get the most out of the place, it's best to arrive before 10pm. Finally, to get out, it's up to you to find the secret access, different from the one by which you arrived. One last tip: follow No Vacancy on Facebook or Instagram to see several stars having their photo taken there.
THE TRAILS CAFÉ
Read morePerfect for hikers strolling through Griffith Park, The Trails Café has been designed to enhance picnic baskets with fresh, gourmet products. On tables in the shade of the pines or to take away, you can enjoy an avocado or chickpea salad sandwich, a hot dog, a frittata - an Italian dish similar to an omelette - a quiche, or an egg in a basket, all homemade. Also on the menu: desserts such as cookies, granola, vegan apple pie and lavender shortbread.
Go Get Em Tiger
Read moreIn addition to its relaxed atmosphere and cutting-edge music, Go Get Em Tiger is famous for its coffee. It also serves good desserts, such as the dark chocolate cookie with fleur de sel and the banana bread with walnuts. A plus: the establishment displays a list of its suppliers. We know that the bread comes from the excellent Cadoro Bakery in Inglewood, that some of the produce is bought weekly from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, and that the coffee is imported from Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras.
Café Telegrama
Read moreOpened in October 2023, this friendly café with its impeccable aesthetics and music is the perfect place to start your day. Don't forget the pancakes: they're without doubt the best we've tasted on our trip. Very fragrant, cooked with a little extra "je ne sais quoi"... We loved them! You'll also find a number of pastries - chocolate croissant, blueberry muffin, chocolate cookie and vegan spice tea cake - salads and sandwiches, which you can order all day long.
Beachwood Cafe
Read moreIn the heart of Hollywoodland, Beachwood Cafe boasts a cosy interior, with patterned wallpaper and wooden tables. From salads and sandwiches to pizzas and meat and fish dishes, the place is perfect for lunch. Nevertheless, we recommend it for a sweet break in the afternoon. You'll understand why when you see the tempting array of cakes on display... Fruit tarts, carrot cake, brownies, peanut butter cookies and, above all, mouth-watering cheesecakes. A real treat!
Kreation Organic Juicery
Read moreFor the past fifteen years, Kreation has been steadily expanding in and around Los Angeles. Marina del Rey, Venice, Beverly Hills, Downtown L.A., West Hollywood... We dare you to find a neighborhood where the brand isn't present! Wherever you buy them, these 100% fruit and vegetable juices are real shots of well-being. We tried the Serenity, with water, lemon, agave, ginger and cayenne pepper. Delicious! Special mention goes to the friendly Bryan, who you might bump into in one of the Los Angeles boutiques.
Verve Coffee Roasters
Read moreThis spacious warehouse has been refurbished into a cool place: today, it's a trendy address, popular with digital nomads... Despite the lack of plugs. In addition to the good Wifi connection, they come for the delicious coffee, roasted in a room adjacent to the main room. Espresso, mocha, americano, macchiato, cappuccino, latte... The selection is rich, complemented by a small menu that lends itself particularly well to brunch, whatever the day. Special mention goes to theavocado toast and the delicious Verve breakfast sandwich.
COVELL
Read moreIntimate, cosy, trendy and located at the foot of the hotel of the same name, this little bar will delight lovers of good wine and craft beer. The concept: if a customer has the slightest hesitation - or curiosity - when placing an order, the barman makes it his mission to find the beverage that will suit him perfectly, as if it had been designed for him. To do this, he'll ask the customer to choose an adjective; his or her answer will determine the drink he or she will be offered. Carefully selected music plays in the background. Special mention for the delicious orange wine.
GARÇONS DE CAFÉ
Read moreWhen the dream of three globe-trotting friends comes true, the result is a superb bar specializing in Hexagone products. In a vintage-industrial decor, you sit at the counter to enjoy an excellent plate of charcuterie or cheese, with a glass of organic wine in hand. Garçons de Café also acts as a made-in-France boutique, showcasing the work of numerous local artists and designers. Clothing, caps, skateboards, glasses... You'll find a little bit of everything - these items can also be viewed online.
EL CARMEN
Read moreFounded in 1929, this hip and lively establishment's first mission was to contribute to the cultural richness that is characteristic of Los Angeles, all through its decidedly Mexican spirit. Even today, when you step through the thick red curtain, you feel like you're walking into a small bar in Mexico, where tequila and mezcals are the focus, with over 300 labels from nearly 175 producers. Once you have chosen your drink, you take a seat under the mosaic-covered ceiling, among a clientele of regulars.
TAILGATE SOCIAL
Read moreThis bar has fifteen screens for sports coverage. And just as well, because Las Vegas never ceases to shine with its various teams. The Golden Knights won the championship in 2023, while the Raiders (US soccer) and the Aces (women's basketball) continue to progress. The city is also the world capital of combat sports, from boxing to MMA, not to mention the arrival of a Formula 1 race in 2024... And you'll find it all at Tailgate Social!
EIGHT LOUNGE
Read moreThis is one of the coziest addresses in Las Vegas. This cigar bar welcomes you in a luxurious setting with leather sofas and marble tables, as well as a very pleasant patio. Serving excellent whisky and bourbon cocktails, it also boasts a cigar cellar featuring over 150 different models from countries such as Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Honduras... And you can smoke on the premises - a rarity in the USA, as the Eight Lounge boasts the best ventilation system in the country!
EASY'S COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Read moreThis little speakeasy is a bar hidden behind a donut store in the Aria casino, which we recommend you discover at the end of the evening. Imagine a small cabaret room plunged into darkness, hosting intimate jazz concerts. Caviar, wine, champagne, cocktails and smoke shows - a mysterious little box containing a cocktail and chocolates bathed in a cloud of smoke from dry ice - are served late into the night. A typical '20s atmosphere for romantic evenings out!
THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Read moreFrom the outset of the project in 2007, the Smith Center was envisioned as an international arts center, designed to showcase the most brilliant programming of the day. This ambition led its designers to study some of the world's finest opera houses, concert halls and performance spaces. Opened in late 2012, the venue hosts numerous concerts, ballets, musicals and plays making the facility a benchmark.
DOWNTOWN COCKTAIL ROOM
Read moreIn the heart of Las Vegas, the 3,000m2 Downtown Cocktail Room and Mike Morey's Sip'n'Tip combine an intimate cocktail lounge and a "speak-up", halfway between the upscale lounge ambience and the clandestine, unserious atmosphere of New York City. The menu features a wide range of original and classic spirits, beers, wines and cocktails. Mike Morey's Sip'n'Tip has a more intimate atmosphere, with only thirty seats available. The establishment also offers a wide selection of drinks.
BABY BIRDS CAFE AT THE LAKES
Read moreBaby Birds Café is far, far away from the Strip. But it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the casinos. Located on the edge of The Lakes, on the west side of town, this establishment offers brunch, drinks and a few cakes. The staff are very attentive, and after enjoying a pastry, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of some beautiful lakeside homes. To the south, there's a small park (Lake Sahara South Parc) where you can take a short break.
PIRAHNA NIGHTCLUB
Read moreLocated in the Gay Fruit Loop of Downtown, Piranha Nightclub is one of the most famous gay clubs in Las Vegas. Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Lance Bass, Sam Smith, Paula Abdul and many others have been there and it's not uncommon to see celebrities drop in. The club has a very large dance floor and offers many shows with drag queens and gogo dancers. It is also possible to have a snack at small prices. Compared to other clubs in the city, the price of the drinks and the entrance fee is not at all excessive.
THE CHANDELIER
Read moreInside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the Chandelier is an elegant lounge bar with oversized chandeliers - as the name suggests - and three floors. On the casino level, the second floor is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. The second, more sophisticated and intimate, lends itself to the tasting of house cocktails. Finally, the last floor reveals the full splendor of the establishment. Signature drinks include Whiskey Business, Finishing School and We're All Mad Here, an inventive ode to Alice in Wonderland.
VANDERPUMP A PARIS
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PENN & TELLER
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ROJO LOUNGE
Read moreLocated not far from the Palms lobby, the Rojo Lounge bar and lounge offers a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. The bar is lit all in red, and the alcoves with vinylbooths are very comfortable. Here you can enjoy classic cocktails and a variety of coffees to give you a boost, as well as light fare to satisfy your hunger. The service is efficient and the staff in tune. An ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries for the evening.
ATOMIC LIQUORS
Read moreAtomic Liquors is a classic among Downtown bars, opening in 1952. Its name is a tribute to a piece of Nevada history. Located 60 miles from the atomic test site, the explosions could be seen from the roof of the building. The interior boasts a wealth of memorabilia from the era, and was also a popular spot for celebrities during the golden age of Las Vegas, including the Rat Pack, Barbara Streisand and Clint Eastwood. It remains a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
COMMONWEALTH AT EL CORTEZ
Read moreThe Commonwealth at El Cortez is one of Downtown's most popular saloon-style bars. Even if the menu doesn't include as many drinks as other establishments in the area, this place lives to the rhythm of the music, with the regular presence of DJs. Commonwealth also has its own speakeasy (a kind of speakeasy dating back to Prohibition). Called the Laundry Room, it's well hidden and you'll have to look for the entrance to get there.
MASQUERADE BAR
Read moreLocated in Masquerade Village, not far from the main entrance, this eponymous bar isn't the biggest or most fashionable in Las Vegas. But if you're staying at the Rio hotel, you can spend a few minutes here to take a break on the way back from a long day or in preparation for the early evening. All kinds of drinks and cocktails are available. For those who just can't get enough of gambling, the bar also has its own poker machines at the counter. Every Friday and Saturday evening, the bar hosts live concerts.