Beyond The Bar: Late-Night Options In LA
It's hard to imagine vibrant and social Angelenos ever getting enough of a fill when it comes to the city's eccentric, diverse bar scene. But should you find yourself in need of a change of scenery, or if bars just aren't your thing, there are plenty of nighttime activities the City of Angels offers for residents and tourists alike. So give your liver a break and check out one of these late-night activities.
Sunday Summer Cinema
W Hotel
930 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8765
www.wlosangeles.com
Los Angeles, home of the stars, is quite obviously home to Hollywood and "the industry" - the movie industry, that is. What better way to spend a summer night than watching the stars under the stars? The W Hotel hosts movie nights in its own backyard, where patrons can dine, drink and watch flicks. This upscale, posh hotel has been hosting the event for the past six years. While this season's movie lineup is still keeping us all in suspense, last year's schedule included hits such as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "L.A. Story" (how appropriate) and "E.T.," among others. Arrive around 7 p.m. and be ready to be entertained when the sun goes down. Films will be shown throughout the summer on Sundays, until the end of August. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show into the night.
Related: Best-Late Night Happy Hours
The Pantry
877 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 972-9279
www.pantrycafe.com
We've all had those late-night cravings where we curse the drive-thru restaurants and our favorite sit-downs for no longer being open. If late-night binging on scrumptious comfort food is in your DNA, you absolutely must check out The Pantry. Having opened in 1924, this diner is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This restaurant, which boasts a proud history and survived the Great Depression, is currently owned by former LA mayor, Richard Riordan. Its diverse menu includes everything from breakfast favorites, like eggs and pancakes, to dinners like sirloin steaks or desserts like cobblers and ice cream. Whatever you are in the mood for, no matter how late at night it may be, order it at The Pantry.
The Comedy & Magic Club
1018 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-1193
www.comedyandmagicclub.com
Everyone knows the king of late night, Jay Leno. But what you may not know about is that in addition to "The Tonight Show," Jay puts on a pretty spectacular show right in the heart of Hermosa Beach at The Comedy & Magic Club. Unlike his censored-for-TV humor Monday through Friday, Jay doesn't hold back when performing each week in the South Bay. Every Sunday night, you can catch his stand-up at 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.). Tickets are available on the club's website for $30. Other nights, the club features performers like John Heffron, Ian Bagg, Michael McDonald and others. Mix up the typical bar night out and get your laugh on Tuesday through Sunday nights. Patrons must be 18 or over. Food can be purchased at the club both before and during shows.
Dockweiler State Beach
12501 Vista Del Mar
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
(310) 305-9503
www.parks.ca.gov
While Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach and the other beach cities of Los Angeles are known for their gorgeous, picturesque views, waves and overall beach worthiness, Dockweiler State Beach often gets overlooked. Its close proximity to LAX Airport is not as popular of a location as some other LA beaches and often leaves Dockweiler with a less-than-ideal rep. What Dockweiler has, though, is the only beach in all of LA where you can legally enjoy bonfires. Arrive early to reserve a fire pit (there are bike paths and volleyball nets for daytime fun while you await dusk), and party beachside when the sun goes down. You can BBQ, see who can get the biggest flames going, roast some s'mores and have a blast all night long. Parking is also plentiful.
The Vault
801 S. Hill St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 489-4342
www.thevaultnightclubla.com
Got dancing fever? The Vault Nightclub and Lounge sure does. If you're feeling jittery and just want to bust a move, this is a place to check out. The Vault features two floors of dancing and has great beats by DJs of LA's popular radio stations. In case you're wondering about the name, The Vault truly is a vault, as the building was formerly used as a bank. Requiring "upscale, trendy attire," The Vault attracts a variety of people for birthday parties and other celebrations, or for just a fun night out on the dance floor. This dance club is 21 and over only, and doors open at 9:30 p.m. Arrive early to avoid a long wait in the entrance line or hit up the guest list online for a VIP-style entrance.
Nicole DiCicco enjoys dancing, movies and live music. She writes about all the nightlife Los Angeles has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
