"Dine, Drink, Dance, Laugh, Enjoy…"
It’s no surprise that the population of this 1.9 square mile city doubles on the weekend. West Hollywood is well known as the epicenter for hot nightlife, with trendy clubs and bars on Sunset Boulevard to more eclectic and low key bars and lounges on Santa Monica Boulevard or Melrose Avenue. People from all over come to West Hollywood to get in on the action, enjoy a date or a night out with friends.
HOT& TRENDY
SkyBar (8440 Sunset Boulevard; 800.525.8029;
morganshotelgroup.com)
One of LA’s hottest bars; get past the velvet rope and you’ll know why! With spectacular views of the city, some of the best people watching and enticing drinks, this ultra-exclusive club is housed in the popular Mondrian hotel, making for an ideal happy hour spot or a place to hang out all night long.
The Standard Lounge (8399 Sunset Boulevard; 323.650.9090;
standardhotel.com)
Enjoy dinner and drinks at this rooftop pool that’s quite a scene. The Standard caters to a young, sophisticated clientele and boasts a modern, timeless design. At night the poolside lounge is hopping with good looking folks looking to have a good time.
LOUD AND PROUD
The Abbey (692 Robertson Boulevard, 310.289.8410;
abbeyfoodandbar.com)
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, the Abbey is a favorite hangout for visitors and locals alike, even celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson. The Abbey offers a live DJ, three bars, cabanas and gothic/contemporary décor. Chosen as the “Best Bar” and “Best Gay Bar” by AOL CityGuide 2006, this club and restaurant is easily one of the hottest spots in Los Angeles.
RAGE (8911 Santa Monica Boulevard; 310.652.7055;
ragewesthollywood.com)
Hot and happening gay club for dancing and drag shows. Drink, socialize and dance at this popular hangout located in “Boys Town” on Santa Monica Boulevard. Popular for the 18+ crowd as well.
7969 (7969 Santa Monica Boulevard; 323.654.0280)
Anything goes at this funky hotspot that hosts outrageous theme nights. Velvet curtains and a dramatic red interior set the scene at 7969, located on always eclectic Santa Monica Boulevard. Visitors can enjoy techno music and outrageous drinks among a mixed crowd.
LOW KEY
Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel (8358 Sunset Boulevard; 800.225.2637;
sunsettowerhotel.com)
Visitors will find a cozy space, private seating and a high level of service in this Sunset Strip art deco hotel. The Tower Bar is the perfect piano lounge for a mellow evening, where Maitre d’ Dimitri Dimitrov (ex-Diaghilev) presides over attentive, friendly service.
East/West (8851 Santa Monica Boulevard; 310.360.6186;
eastwestlounge.com)
An upscale cocktail oasis located in a historical refurbished building, East/West caters to the upscale and young professional seeking sophistication and fun within the gay community. Décor includes new bamboo flooring, slate bar, and custom furniture, and a state of the art sound system.
FABULOUSLY FUN
The Comedy Store (8433 Sunset Boulevard; 323.656.6225;
comedystore.com)
Owned by comedian Pauly Shore’s mother, Mitzi, the Comedy Store is the gold standard for all things funny. This world-famous comedy club on the Sunset Strip is where comedians like Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy and Roseanne got their start and are still known to drop in today to perform. This “pitch-black box” on the Sunset Strip is also rumored to be haunted by performers (and mobsters) of old.
The House of Blues (8430 Sunset Boulevard; 323.848.5100;
hob.com)
This restaurant/showclub staple partly owned by Dan Akroyd of “Blues Brothers” fame is a prime spot to catch a wide variety of hot live music, with genres from blues to ska to country. Not too big or too small, a great view can be expected from any location in the club.
The Key Club (9039 Sunset Boulevard; 310.274.5800;
keyclub.com)
Located on a historic site on the Sunset Strip, Key Club is dedicated to being one of L.A.’s absolute best venues for live music, fine dining, and private events, accommodating guests up to 500 on all levels. A multi-level complex includes today’s most advanced audio, video, and lighting technologies, a critically acclaimed restaurant and the exclusive plush club.
