Los Angeles has an endless abundance of ‘weird’, and I welcome the weirdness! I like to think of it as being more quirky or unique. It’s what makes living in LA fun and exciting. 🙂 – So bring on the weird!
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite downtown Los Angeles night time hot spots. Each venue bringing it’s own unique eclectic touch to the table. What makes them worth visiting is the combination of music, entertainment, food, drinks, and an overall awesome vibe.
Now, here is a disclaimer. I’m using the term “entertainment” loosely, because for two of the four locations the entertainment is activity based – meaning, you entertain yourself. So unless you are anti-having fun, this should not be a problem. 😜
If you are looking for good date night spots or fun places to take out of town guests or just hang out with your friends, then this list is definitely for you.
4 Unique Hot Spots in DTLA
# 1 – The Edison
108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Vibe: Sultry, sexy, 1920’s – I just drank a bottle of absinthe and am hallucinating about fairies type of vibe.
The Edison is every bit true to it’s 1920’s era. The location was originally used as a power plant for the city in the early 1900’s. Today, you can see the remnants of the history of the building as the the lounge integrated most of the historical artifacts of the power plant into it’s design. The high ceilings coupled with the art nouveau and industrial gothic design make for a truly unique and sexy venue. Transcending down the huge staircase you become immersed in the experience with the live jazz music, DJs, and burlesque dancers completing it all – oh, and let’s not forget the fairies selling absinthe. You will think you stepped right into Baz Luhrmann‘s depiction of the Moulin Rouge.
This location is very popular on the weekdays with the after work business suits and ties type of crowd and even more of a hot spot on the weekends. This is a great place to take out of town guests or business associates. It’s an especially good location if you want to impress a date. Sexy booths are hidden throughout the venue and advanced table reservations are accepted. However, they do not offer a full service kitchen, only serving snacks and flat breads. This is why I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this place to celebrate a special occasion. It’s more of a, “let’s start the night out and to set the mood and see where things go,” type of place.
What you need to know: The Edison is only open Wednesday – Saturday. The location is hidden down an alley, but you’ll notice where to enter by the discreet doormen hanging out front. There is a $10 cover charge on the weekends and a minimum food/beverage order is required for table reservations after 7pm. Dress code is enforced with collared shirts and dress shoes required for men. Check out more information on their website, www.edisondowntown.com.
#2 – Mrs. Fish
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Vibe: Edgy, glamorous, eclectic – If the show Empire married an aquarium, this would be their baby.
Mrs. Fish needs to be experienced in order to be understood. Located in the basement of the same building that houses Perch, a long staircase leads you down to the surprises that await underneath. The setting has a an intimate yet casual feel with a two story open air concept and tables and lounge areas located throughout. The location houses a large suspended illuminated aquarium full of sea life which you just can’t take your eyes off. The second story wrap-around balcony allows for great people watching and views of the entertainment. Live music takes place in the center of the building, with low couches directly in front and high table tops against the wall and bar, allowing for great views throughout.
The food and drinks are phenomenal and the plates are served tapas style, which makes it ideal for sharing. The music selection varies by night, from jazz to dance rock, but each time I’ve been, I’ve had no complaints. This in an ideal date place or just chill out and meet people type of venue. It’s somewhere you can share an intimate setting, people watch, and listen to music.
What you need to know: Mrs. Fish is only open Wednesday – Saturday, with happy hour offered Wednesday – Friday from 5pm to 7pm. Mrs. Fish does not maintain a dress code, but the setting calls for dressing up a bit. For more information, check out their website, www.mrsfish.com.
#3 – SPiN at the Standard
550 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, 90071
Vibe: Casual chic – It’s an adult version of 90’s cosmic bowling except for ping pong, with drinks, music, and alot of balls.
Glow in the dark ping pong?? Yes, please! Talk about a unique experience. SPiN refers to itself as a ping pong social club. It is a place where you can chill out, have a drink, listen to some good music, and play some good old fashioned ping pong. The location is more or less a medium sized space, with ping pong tables wrapped around a small lounge area which sits next to a bar. SPiN, hosts a variety of daily events ranging from weekly tournaments to comedy nights and happy hours. My favorite times have been with their summer glow in the dark events. While glow in the dark ping pong takes place most nights, the special themed events encourage sporting your most awesome neon outfits, which people happily oblige.
Personally, I suck at ping pong, but I love going for the entertainment factor. It’s great for small to large groups and fun date night place. They offer both food and drinks, so you can munch off their big bites menu while waiting for your turn.
What you need to know: SPiN is located on the second floor of the Standard Hotel and becomes a 21+ venue after 7pm. The have VERY seasonal days and hours of operation. Check their schedule before planning a trip. For more information, visit their website, www.wearespin.com.
#4 – Arts District Brewing Company
828 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Vibe: Chill warehouse style brewery – If Dave and Buster’s and Yard House had a hipster baby, this would be it.
Arts District Brewing Company is a fairly new addition to the DTLA Art’s District. The venue is really cool with a chill vibe. They offer a great selection of beers, games, food, and, most importantly, tons of seating/table space! Tucked away in a corner of the brewery is Fritzi, which sells the food for the venue. The main bar area sits right in the center of the space, showcasing their in-house brewery barrels. The bar offers a great selection of beers along with full service cocktails. The venue itself is a huge warehouse with indoor and outdoor seating. They play music, which adds to the awesome vibe, but still allows for conversation. Skee ball, darts, ping pong, foosball, and cornhole games are available to be played throughout.
This is a great place to meet with friends to unwind at the end of the day. This is also a perfect option if you are meeting up with someone for a first date. You can start with drinks, and if things go well, throw in some burgers and foosball, and there you go… awesome first date!
What you need to know: The Arts District Brewing Company is open 7 days a week starting at 4pm on weekdays and 12pm Sat/Sun. I did see some families there when I visited, but it seems to turn into a more hipster crowd after 9pm. There are no waiters. You grab your drinks at the bar and food at Fritzi’s. For more information, visit their website, www.artsdistrictbrewing.com.
If you enjoyed reading this post, make sure to check out my previous post, 4 Weird and/or Unique Things to See in DTLA! Comment below on any places you recommend. Thanks for reading.
CURLSXOXO 