Partygoers dancing at Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco in Los Angeles, circa 1974
Los Angeles has no shortage of great places to dance. Not only is it a city with a thriving nightlife with clubs and venues galore, but it also has a plethora of bars with dance floors that are equally packed every night of the week. Los Angeles may be the film and television capital of the world, but it also has a musical history to rival its musical greats. And wherever there’s a great music scene, dancing isn’t too far away. Here are some of the best places to get your groove on in Los Angeles.
The Blind Barber’s speakeasy-style barroom, tucked away behind the barber shop.
The Blind Barber
Culver City
One of the best spots in the city to catch some hip-hop, Blind Barber is known for having DJs who really understand what the West Coast crowd likes. For those who love a speakeasy vibe, one of the highlights will be walking into a fully functioning barbershop before entering the club. With multiple locations across the city (the flagship is in Culver City, with another satellite venue in Highland Park), Blind Barber is my top pick for anyone wanting the club vibe without the hassle of dress codes, bottle service, and more.
10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City
Highland Park
If you’re visiting Blind Barber in Highland Park, put Gold Line on your list for a pre-game or nightcap spot. Thanks to the bar’s extensive record collection and ties to West Coast hip-hop legend Peanut Butter Wolf (Stones Throw Records), the place is always stocked with a vintage jukebox and real turntables, and packed with music lovers. Don’t be surprised if the back half of the bar turns into a dance floor when your favorite DJ set is playing, though no one will mind if you’d rather dance with a drink in the front half of the bar. But because it’s run by a local legend, it tends to fill up quickly most nights, so it’s best to go early or late.
5607 N Figueroa Street
Venice
One of the oldest bars in Los Angeles, Townhouse is a great place to grab a few drinks on the weekend or enjoy a weekday happy hour. On weekends, however, the basement venue becomes the home of some of the city’s best DJ nights. If you’re heading out to the west side, stop by for a chance to work up a sweat and dance the night away. Pro tip: For even more live music, try supper club Winston House, located across the street.
52 Windward Avenue, Venice
Silver Lake
Los Globos has long prided itself on offering one of the most extensive international music programs in Southern California. With a huge space along Sunset Boulevard and a long history of great bookings to back up its reputation, it’s literally impossible not to encounter a rabid dance party when you go here. Check the schedule as they have everything from reggaeton to house music to drag nights. There’s something for everyone, and if you want to venture a little outside your comfort zone, this is the place for you as they book the best in any genre.
3040 Sunset Boulevard
Mesa-inspired rooftop seating area at Desert 5
Desert 5 Spots
Hollywood
Country fans, unite! If you love Joshua Tree, Western chic, and ’90s country radio vibes (or if you just love line dancing), this rooftop bar at the Tommy Hotel has the perfect atmosphere for dancing on the weekend. If you plan ahead, you might even be able to snag a dance lesson or two. Country music dominates here, but there are plenty of other musical moments most nights, too. Plus, the drinks are great. Its location right on the edge of Los Feliz and Hollywood makes it the perfect central location for meeting friends from all over the city.
1516 Selma Avenue
East Hollywood
One of the city’s coolest venues, Gold Diggers is a hidden gem for locals thanks to its slightly odd location between Larchmont and East Hollywood. It’s a formal music venue where many artists perform live (including private shows for music industry insiders), but it also hosts plenty of dance parties. Check the schedule to make sure it’s not a concert or private event, then pop in for some strong drinks and a laid-back East Side vibe. Fun fact: there’s also a recording studio in the back, so you never know who’ll stop by the bar after a session. And if all that walking gets tiring, there’s a hotel on-site too. It’s got it all.
5632 Santa Monica Boulevard
Let’s Go’s floral-decorated bar space and integrated dance floor
Cannon Schmidt/The Salty Shutters
Arts District
Downtown LA has a few real clubs, but it’s much more fun to sip great cocktails and dance the night away at Let’s Go Disco, without having to deal with pushy doormen or underage guys trying to sneak in. Let’s Go Disco is a cocktail bar and club for adults who prefer natural wine and martinis over vodka sodas, but still want to get a little active. The drinks are great, the atmosphere is spot on, and you won’t be disappointed. Even your non-dancing friends will likely get invited to dance here; the environment is so comfortable and welcoming.
710 4th Avenue
Silver Lake
If you’ve ever popped into this little pink-and-green joint on Hyperion Avenue early in the evening, you might be surprised to know that this mellow bar and cafe transforms into one of the city’s busiest, sweatiest dance floors once the sun goes down. Come early for some snacks and spritzes, and grab your spot on the floor while the DJ sets up. Later in the night, the venue becomes standing room only, rivaling any club in the area.
2611 Hyperion Avenue
Frogtown
Zebulon’s best feature is the multiple spaces you can occupy once inside: a cozy, dark front room where you can sit at a table or at the bar for a drink; a back dance floor with a disco ball that lights up the crowds; and a spacious patio where you can smoke, chat, and take a break from the hustle and bustle inside. During the week, it’s more of a bar and restaurant, but on weekends it’s one of the best (if not the best) spots to see and be seen on the east side.
2478 Fletcher Drive
Atwater Village
Another space with a variety of options for your evening, Tee Gee has a relaxed front room away from the crowded dance floor, allowing you to choose whatever suits your tastes. Make sure to tip your bartenders well, and it will pay off – they leave lasting memories and tend to offer free shots to those who understand the value of good service. This place gets better the later it gets, so if you start your night elsewhere, plan to end it at Club Tee Gee.
3210 Glendale Boulevard
Hollywood
Another speakeasy-style spot, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a must-visit for visitors to LA and first-timers alike. Walk through the vintage fridges to reach what feels like a plush ’70s-style party house, complete with orange and brown décor, old-fashioned furniture, and DJs spinning the funk and soul of the era. There’s also a large backyard with food trucks for you to take a break between musical acts. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the lines; this is the kind of place everyone wants to go to every weekend.
1611 N El Centro Ave.
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