• Home
  • About PubClub.com Nightlife Pubs And Clubs Website
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

PubClub

Where The World Goes To Party!

Sunset Strip Famous Bars Live Music Venues & Celebrity Hangouts

September 16, 2015 by kevinwilkerson Leave a Comment

Sunset Strip bars
It’s a hip and hop scene along L.A.’s Sunset Strip. Photo: Jack Fleming




The sounds from decades past can almost be heard from the street corners. The Sunset Strip is the most famous 10 blocks in all of America and these are the bars on Sunset where many bands have made a name for themselves, as well as a career as rock stars.

It’s where bands from big cities, small towns and all parts in between go to get discovered. If they are good – and lucky – enough, they emerge from the crowd to reach stardom. (Then they party way too much, go into rehab, make a comeback and are featured on VH1’s “Behind the Music” or some other show.)

Slash Sunset STrip Music Festival
Slash slashes his guitar on the Sunset Strip.
Sunset Strip bars Whiskey-A-Go-Go live music venue
PubClubette Ashley hangs out in the VIP section of the world-famous live music Sunset Strip bar, the Whiskey-A-Go-Go. Photo: PubClub.com

Their goal is to play “the circuit,” which is the Whiskey, Roxy and the Troubadour. Any given night, people line up to hear the good, the great and and the not-so-great in a musical struggle to make it big in the area of Sunset between Doheny and La Ciegena.

Some of the famous bands from the Sunset Strip are the Doors, Van Halen and Motley Crue.

The Strip also has L.A’s chic celebrity haunts, places where gaining entrance requires at least an Academy Award nomination or a few magazine cover shots.

The goal of bands is to play “the circuit” while patrons just like to party.

This article is complete rundown of the best bars on Sunset Blvd., the famous bars on the Sunset Strip, the big-time Sunset Strip music venues and even casual bars where there is great people (and cars) watching.

Brian Wilson Sunset Strip
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys walks along the Sunset Strip.

A recent revitalization project acknowledges the area’s contribution to American music with 26 10-foot tall replica Gibson guitars placed in front of businesses and in front of the music venues along the 1.6 miles of the Strip. They were painted by local and nationally-acclaimed artists with themes ranging from Jimmy Hendrix to the 60’s counter-culture era.

Each August, more than 50 bands are performing in the clubs as part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival. That’s when the Strip itself is be blocked off for performances by name bands like Marilyn Manson, the The Smashing Pumpkins and Slash on two stages in the middle of the street.

And just for laughs, the famous Comedy Store is still going strong. Jay Leno, Gallagher, Richard Pryor, George Carlin and more have all cracked jokes at the Comedy Store.

Best & Most Famous Sunset Strip Live Music Venues

Sunset Strip bars Whiskey-A-Go-Go live music venue
A band rocks on stage at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go Sunset Strip live music venue. Photo: PubClub.com

All of these venues are great bars on Sunset. And yes, bands still play the live music venues along the famous Sunset Strip.

For Rock ‘n Roll, though, it’s pretty much a punk and heavy metal scene. The demand among bands to “play the Strip” is so high that many bands pay their way onto the stage, sometimes for short gigs that last less than an hour. Time has not at all drained the sound along the Sunset Strip.

Sunset Strip bars the Roxy live music venue
People gather outside of the Roxy, a famous Sunset Strip live music venue. Photo: PubClub.com

The Roxy may be the most legendary of them all. Most recently, however, it features several different types of bands playing for 45 minutes, much to the frustration of true LA music heads.

Rainbow Room Sunset Strip Bars
The Rainbow Room is a great and popular spillover bar from the live music venues and this wall of photos shows the story of the famous people, celebrities and bands that had drinks at this legendary Sunset Strip bar. Photo: PubClub.com

Next to the Roxy is the Rainbow Bar & Grill (better known as the Rainbow Room), a hard rocker hangout that does not feature live music but does include two free drinks (shots okay) in the $10 cover charge.Because it’s actually a restaurant, there are lots of big booths in addition to a bar area.

Those seeking good entertainment from the “scene” don’t even have to go inside; just stand outside and people-watch. But inside, well, it’s got quite a history, as bands and fans flock here after shows.

The Troubadour is a haven for heavy metal. Located off The Strip on Santa Monica in West Hollywood just east of Beverly Hills, it is also famous for launching folk rockers such as David Crosby at its Monday night “hootenanny.” Mondays still rock to this day.

The aforementioned Viper Room is a good ‘ol rock ‘n roll club with constant big acts taking the stage (most of the time, it’s name rockers sitting in with other bands). True to its nature, it prefers the casual crowd. It can be either impossible to get into or remarkably easy. It features live bands mixed with house/techno and pop/rock and drinks are expensive.

Don’t sit in the booths; they are usually reserved for VIPs, so be prepared to stand all night. Tuesdays have traditionally been its best night, but rock ‘n roll rules on Mondays and now Thursdays has turned into quite the scene.

Sunset Strip bars Whiskey-A-Go-Go live music venue
The Whiskey-A-Go-Go is a go-to place for rock bands on the Sunset Strip. Photo: PubClub.com

The Whiskey A Go-Go is where the Doors, Guns ‘N Roses, Motley Crue and others emerged from the smoke. It also introduced the Go Go girl back in the 60s when the club’s female DJ started dancing to the tunes she was spinning while suspended in a cage above the dance floor. In the 80s, it became the birth of heavy metal.

• House of Blues: 8430 W. Sunset. (323) 848-5100

• Key Club: 9039 Sunset. (310) 274-5800

• The Rainbow Room: 9015 Sunset Boulevard.(310) 278-4232.

• The Roxy: 9009 W. Sunset. (310) 276-2222

• The Troubadour: 9081 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 276-6168

• Viper Room: 8852 Sunset. (310) 358-1880

• Whiskey A-Go-Go: 8901 Sunset. (310) 652-4202

The Trendy Places – Poser Bars & Celebrity Spots

Every few months, a celebrity will either open up a bar or create some commotion at one – River Phoenix passing out in front of the Viper Room, for example – that will make it the sudden “in” spot among the chic crowd.

Take note that once the general public learns about these places, it’s hipness factor is over and the celebrities have gone on to another place.

Even so, gaining access to these places that may be past their prime requires either going on an off-night just to check out the joint, arriving hours before the “in” crowd or attempting to bribe the picky doorman (he won’t even look at your for less than $20 and this only works sometimes).

There is one place that continues to be hot, and that’s Sky Bar. Cindy Crawford married the owner; that’s how difficult it is to get into this place. Okay, it’s not not quite that tough, but go early or during the week. Located in a while building next to the House of Blues in the Mondrian Hotel.

Sky Bar is an elegant, outdoor bar, a wood deck surrourding a pool. The view is spectacular – sweeping from downtown LA to Century City to Santa Monica and the Wilshire District. It has tables by the overlook, mattresses and lounge chairs scattered around the pool and an upstairs bar with drinks that start at $9. It’s nice, expensive, and somewhat of a highbrow pick-up joint.

Balboa, a high-end steak restaurant in the Grafton Hotel is worth a look. So, too, is the bar at the Standard Hotel.

Sunset Strip Bars For Casual Drinking

Sunset Strip casual bars
There are some casual beer-drinking bars along the Sunset Strip.

Anyone can pull up a table at one of the many small cafes and Sunset Strip bars at Sunset Plaza.

Between 8600-8700 Sunset Blvd., these bistros have tables outside next to the sidewalk on both sides of the street that provide a real European flair to the area.

Le Petit Four is the most popular place, though anyone from LA loves to rave about the Chinese Chicken Salad at Chin Chin. Scattered among the cafes are boutiques from Nicole Miller, H. Lorenzo and others.

On the less-than-highbrow side, a really fun and casual place to kick back with a couple of beeers is the Red Rock Bar. The small patio (it seats 30 max and is divided by the entrance) is a great place to hang out, meet new people, and watch the traffic flow up and down Sunset Blvd. Inside, a band plays when the sun leaves the day.

From the patio, it’s possible to reminisce about the Sunset Strip that was – across the street is the former locations of the famous Tower Records and Spago’s, the LA restaurant that put Wolfgang Puck on the map (and THE foodie hangout for everyone in Hollywood).

It’s not the scene of the other places, but history is on the side of Barney’s Beanery. Celebrities and “regular” patrons come here for the burgers and chili (and the onion rings!) and stay for the bar.

Andrew “Dice” Clay used to stand on the tables here and try out his act before launching his character. This is an old-style roadhouse with a huge menu, old-style juke box, Harley on display and pool tables.

Its address is Santa Monica Blvd, but it’s actually just down from the House of Blues on Holloway Drive.

• Balboa: 8462 Sunset in the Grafton Hotel. (323) 654-4600

• Barney’s Beanery: 8447 Santa Monica, West Hollywood. (323) 654-2287.

• Red Rock Bar, 8782 Sunset. (310) 854-0710.

• Sky Bar: 8440 Sunset (at Queens Road) in the Mondrian Hotel. (323) 848-6025

• The Standard: 8300 Sunset. (323) 650-9090

• Sunset Plaza: 8600-8700 Sunset.



Filed Under: Homepage Nightlife, Sunset Strip Tagged With: Celebrities, LA bars, live music venues, Sunset Strip

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Search

Today On PubClub.com

TOP UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES
• June 23-July 9 – Summerfest Music Festival – the “Big Gig – Milwaukee
• July 1 – Canada Day
• July 2-4 – Fourth of July Weekend
• July 7-14 – Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain
• July 8-17 – Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Canada

Quote Of The Day:
“I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol, and wild women. The other half I wasted.”–  WC Fields

LET’S BE SOCIAL!
 
PubClub.com is a member of the Travel & Tourism Marketing Association, Inc.​, and the Travel Massive chapters in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County (CA).

Instagram

Follow on Instagram

Destinations

  • Destinations (1,977)
    • Asia (15)
      • Japan (4)
        • Tokyo (3)
      • Taiwan (1)
      • Thailand (7)
    • Australia (19)
      • Surfer's Paradise (3)
      • Sydney (5)
    • Brazil (7)
      • Rio (2)
    • Camping (1)
    • Canada (18)
      • Montreal (2)
      • Niagara Falls (5)
      • Toronto (1)
    • Caribbean (54)
      • Cuba (1)
      • San Juan (5)
      • Virgin Islands (18)
    • Central America (1)
      • Costa Rica (1)
    • Europe (96)
      • Amsterdam (14)
      • France (2)
      • Germany (4)
      • Ibiza (2)
      • Kiev (1)
      • London (6)
      • Malta (1)
      • Moscow (1)
      • Munich (5)
      • Paris (4)
      • Poland (3)
        • Krakow (2)
      • Prague (6)
      • Switzerland (34)
        • Basel (5)
        • Bern (3)
        • Swiss Alps (1)
        • Zermatt (3)
        • Zurich (4)
    • Greek Islands (24)
      • Corfu (3)
      • Ios (2)
      • Mykonos (5)
      • Santorini (5)
    • Mexico (9)
      • Cabo San Lucas (1)
      • Puerto Vallarta (1)
      • Tijuana (1)
    • Ski Resorts (67)
      • Aspen (1)
      • Austria (4)
      • Big Bear (13)
      • Big Sky (6)
      • Mammoth (16)
      • Squaw Valley (4)
      • Whistler (2)
    • Tokyo (1)
    • USA (1,657)
      • Alabama (3)
      • Alaska (1)
      • Arizona (6)
        • Lake Havasu (1)
        • Scottsdale (3)
        • Sedona (1)
      • Boston (5)
      • California (1,234)
        • Carmel (24)
        • Central Coast (9)
        • Lancaster (16)
        • Los Angeles (788)
          • Catalina Island (12)
          • Culver City (1)
          • El Segundo (4)
          • Hermosa Beach (170)
            • Fourth Of July (12)
            • Smackfest Events (21)
          • Hollywood (14)
          • Huntington Beach (1)
          • Lake Arrowhead (2)
          • Long Beach (40)
            • Grand Prix (11)
          • Manhattan Beach (76)
          • Marina del Rey (6)
          • Newport Beach (41)
          • Orange County (26)
          • Party Report (15)
          • Redondo Beach (81)
          • Santa Monica (3)
          • South Bay (93)
          • Sunset Strip (4)
          • Temecula (12)
          • Venice Beach (5)
        • Mendocino (8)
        • Monterey (30)
          • Restaurant Reviews (10)
        • Napa (5)
        • Oakland (7)
        • Palm Springs (8)
        • Paso Robles (4)
        • San Clemente (1)
        • San Diego (227)
          • Balboa Park (1)
          • Del Mar (10)
          • Events (62)
          • Gaslamp (39)
          • Lifestyle (4)
          • Ocean Beach (3)
          • Pacific Beach (3)
        • San Francisco (67)
          • Events (12)
      • Chicago (10)
      • Colorado (4)
        • Denver (4)
      • Florida (82)
        • Daytona Beach (1)
        • Ft. Lauderdale (3)
        • Jacksonville (1)
        • Key West (25)
        • Keys (8)
        • Miami (9)
        • Panama City Beach (3)
      • Hawaii (23)
        • Waikiki Beach (14)
      • Indianapolis (3)
      • Las Vegas (156)
      • New Jersey (1)
      • New Orleans (40)
      • New York City (14)
      • Newport, R.I. (1)
      • North Carolina (1)
      • Oregon (9)
        • Portland (8)
      • Seattle (2)
      • South Carolina (3)
        • Charleston (3)
      • Tennessee (39)
        • Franklin (3)
        • Gatlinburg (5)
        • Knoxville (8)
        • Nashville (4)
        • Smoky Mountains (3)
      • Texas (6)
        • Austin (6)
      • Utah (2)
      • Virginia (1)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Hong Kong (1)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Events

  • Events (504)
    • BVI Interline Regatta (5)
    • Carnival (5)
    • Cinco de Mayo (2)
    • Exercise and Socalize (2)
    • Fourth of July (8)
    • Halloween (9)
    • Holidays (18)
      • Thanksgiving (6)
    • Indy 500 (10)
    • Kentucky Derby (12)
    • Memorial Day Weekend (5)
    • New Year's Eve (39)
    • Oktoberfest (10)
    • Party Report (46)
    • Running Of The Bulls (4)
    • Spring Break (6)
    • St. Patricks Day (8)
    • Sundance Film Festival (8)
    • Super Bowl (15)
    • Valentine's Day (9)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Sports

  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Sports (467)
    • Baseball (7)
    • Beach Volleyball (3)
    • College Football (262)
    • Golf (11)
    • NFL (44)
    • Olympics (13)
    • Racing (25)
    • Soccer (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Lifestyle

  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Lifestyle (1,504)
    • Beach Reads (1)
    • Cannabis (4)
    • Celebrity Sightings (6)
    • Entertainment (18)
    • Mr. Sorehead (3)
    • Music (269)
      • Festivals (56)
      • Jimmy Buffett (35)
      • Trop Rock (13)
    • Party Stories (2)
    • People Profiles (9)
    • Singles Life (6)
      • Men Vs Women (2)
      • Relationships (2)
    • Social Media (2)
    • Spirits (25)
    • Travel (634)
      • Airlines (29)
      • Blogger (360)
      • Cruise Ships (19)
      • Hotels (14)
      • Product Reviews (3)
      • Singles Travelers (1)
      • Solo Travel (2)
      • Touring Blog (12)
      • Weather (17)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

From the Bar Stool

  • From The Bar Stool (306)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Bars

  • Bars (258)
    • Bars & Food (24)
    • Bars & Nightlife (195)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

News

  • Business News (3,413)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • News (41)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Colleges

  • Colleges (28)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Food and Drinks

  • Food and Drinks (360)
    • Beer (94)
    • Cocktails (41)
    • Foddie Blog (25)
    • Rum (4)
    • Singles Cooking (1)
    • spirits (6)
    • Spirits & Beer Industry (79)
    • Tequila (9)
    • Wine (76)
  • Homepage Fun Stuff (4)
  • Homepage Lifestyle (2)
  • Men's Stuff (4)
  • Virtual Happy Hour (8)

Subscribe To The PubClub Party Report!

Subscribe To Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

About PubClub.com

PubClub.com is a content-oriented nightlife tourist guide dedicated to social-minded travelers with articles on worldwide destinations such as Amsterdam, the Greek Islands, Prague, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Canada, and more. Top keywords for search are pubclub, pub club, party pubs, club pub, travel pub, pub club night, pubs and clubs and the pub club.
Read More...
Our Terms | Privacy

Legal

Featured Video: The PubClub Song

The PubClub Song By Evyn Charles!

Powered by imFORZA