After Dark: A Guide to Hollywood's Nightlife

November 10, 2023
Hollywood Nightlife: Your Ultimate After-Dark Guide

Nothing burns hotter and brighter than a Hollywood night! In this land of stars, restaurants, bars, and clubs really know how to glow once the sun sets. You don't need to be an A-list celebrity to enjoy the Hollywood nightlife scene. You just need to know where to go after dark. Here's a look at the top nightlife spots in Hollywood!

The Download (La Descarga)

The Download invites you to experience a taste of Little Havana. This Cuban rum and cigar bar offers an eclectic atmosphere and energetic ambiance. A giant bar, live DJ, and the crowd that always dresses to impress help to make this one of Hollywood's hippest nightlife spots. Reservations are required on weekends. While this bar doesn't serve food, you can easily pair your visit with a stop for some of the best ramen in Hollywood to ensure you don't feel peckish.

Next Door Lounge

Next Door Lounge Cocktails

Next Door Lounge is the ultimate place to dine, drink, and dance in Hollywood after dark! An evening here is the opposite of a quiet night out. In addition to offering a full dining menu, Next Door also has an incredible cocktail menu full of drinks and bottles. The lively atmosphere here has earned Next Door Lounge a reputation for being one of the best spots to celebrate a birthday or special event.

Boardner's

Cocktail mix at Boardner's

Established in 1942, Boardner's is dripping in classic Hollywood glamour! This gorgeous spot is actually a popular spot for wrap parties in the film industry. What's more, the setting here is so gorgeous and authentic that Boardner's is also used as a filming location! "I Love Lucy" and "NCIS: Los Angeles" are just two of the shows that have filmed episodes at Boardner's. While it's easy to feel starstruck at this lounge, you'll soon feel completely at home as you enjoy cocktails and yummy truffle fries.

Gold Diggers Bar

Gold Diggers Bar

You don't have to dig very far to find one of the best Hollywood nightlife spots once you know about this bar. Gold Diggers is a cherished Los Angeles watering hole where patrons can enjoy drinks and music under disco balls and chandeliers in a gorgeous setting. The state-of-the-art sound design here allows for incredible live performances. However, what makes Gold Diggers Bar unlike any other bar in Hollywood is that it's actually so much more than a bar. Gold Diggers also has its own hotel and recording studio. As a result, this venue attracts some of the best up-and-coming acts around! If you're looking for a more subdued way to check out the excitement here, time your visit for an all-vinyl happy hour featuring classic cocktails.

Plan Fun Times for Day and Night in Hollywood

The Hollywood nightlife scene ensures that the fun doesn't have to stop after the sun goes down over Los Angeles. Of course, making the most of a trip to Hollywood is all about finding that perfect balance between daytime sightseeing and nighttime fun. That's why booking Universal Studios Hollywood accommodations that will place you next to all of the area's major attractions is such a smart move!