Find Los Angeles' most eclectic nightlife when you visit the neighborhoods of Silver Lake, Los Feliz and Echo Park. Known for an artsy hipster population, one-of-a-kind venues and cutting-edge live music performances, this coveted destination is diverse, youthful and proud. You'll also find late-night food trucks, organic restaurants and an unconventional attitude - this area is the opposite of Hollywood glam.
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With off-beat bars, funky dance clubs and an artsy aesthetic throughout, this northeast area of Los Angeles has been ranked the #1 hipster neighborhood in the country by Forbes magazine. Featuring a population of musicians, artists, writers and yoga instructors, the trendy area of Silver Lake is one of the best destinations for nightlife in Los Angeles. From dogs with blue fauxhawks and organic vegan eateries to record store performances and food trucks galore, this unique artist enclave is a thrill to discover.
Right above Silver Lake is Los Feliz, a more affluent area favored by celebrities for its historic homes and unique collection of bars, restaurants and theaters. Nightlife is concentrated along Vermont Avenue and the Hillhurst corridor. Top venues include The Dresden Room and the Greek Theatre, both famous from their appearances in Hollywood movies.
South towards downtown you'll find Echo Park, a diverse destination that has only begun to be gentrified. Home to working class Angelenos, Latino families and starving artists, this neighborhood feels less pretentious than Silver Lake and Los Feliz. Explore a wide range of restaurants, bars and live music venues, including the sister nightclubs of The Echo and The Echoplex. - Shilo Urban
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Order a Caipirinha to quench your thirst while grooving to the soulfully eclectic sounds of everything from Afro-Cuban rhythms to hip hop soul classics provided by your favorite DJ's and bands.
2419 N Broadway
For cutting-edge electronic music, instrumental hip hop and "LA beats," head to The Airliner and let the magic of this grimy dive bar wash over you along with the massive bass from the mega-watt sound
2939 W Sunset Blvd
Strap on your best hipster suspenders and wade into this whiskey lover's paradise this weekend.
Silver Lake is actually one of the oldest areas of Los Angeles. You can recognize the neighborhood's hills in black-and-white Charlie Chaplin movies, and Gelson's Market on Hyperion was once the site of the studio where Walt Disney dreamed up Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Nightlife hot spots in Silver Lake are divided into authentic bo-ho hangouts (Cha Cha Lounge, Red Lion, Tiki-Ti, The Satellite) and upscale newcomers riding the rising rents (Mixville, Barbrix, Stella, Thirsty Crow). Know what you're getting into and dress appropriately – and don’t expect to find easy parking anywhere.
