Top 10 Best Hip-Hop Clubs in LA
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but…
Los Angeles was, is, and will always be a HIP-HOP town.
Sure, electronic dance music has surged in popularity around the world over the past decade. And yes, an international hub like LA has world-class venues that cater to this genre (Academy, Sound, and the legendary Avalon to name a few).
However, let’s not forget that hip-hop had a similar – if not bigger – global surge across 2+ decades in the 90s and aughts, and Los Angeles was THE MOST INSTRUMENTAL CITY in this rise to prominence. From Boston to Barcelona to Bangkok, an entire generation of humanity was culturally shaped by the beats, rhymes, and lifestyles of LA’s enduring hip-hop legends: Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, The Game, Tyga, Kendrick Lamar, YG, and Nipsey Hussle. The preponderance of a taste for hip-hop music among Angelenos has always exerted strong influence on Hollywood. Nowhere is this more evident than in LA’s nightlife scene, where the hottest spots – established paparazzi “it” spots and well-funded newcomers alike – always spin hip-hop to packed crowds of locals and tourists.
In 2023, hip-hop is making a comeback…. but here at the best clubs in LA, our old friend never really went anywhere. Here are the most popular hip-hop nightclubs across the sprawling City of Angels. And when you have some time, grab a cool drink, chillax in the Cali sunshine and dive into the ocean of hundreds of available entertainment venues and events across LA using our Discotech app.
1. Hyde Sunset
A high-end dinner spot from 6-10pm, Hyde Sunset transforms into a top go-to place for celebrities and affluent club-goers when the clock strikes midnight. Its capacity is relatively smaller – only 500 max – and thus the doormen can be pretty selective (but hey, you already knew that). However, that doesn’t stop this place from being one of the best hip-hop venues in one of the most trafficked tourist areas of the city.  Weekdays are for young Hollywood, where fashionable artists and college kids (and NBA players) mingle to a mix of hip-hop classics and new radio cuts; on weekends, bigger-name stars and their entourages fill up the couches (and sometimes even take the stage). When you’re ready to see and be seen, hop on our app and schedule a night to “Hyde” out with your besties.
2. Warwick
For 6+ years, Warwick has been endlessly lauded by celebrity glitterati, globetrotting party people, and hospitality industry insiders alike as one of THE BEST nightclub experiences in the world. The venue perfectly captures the chic vibe and glamorous ethos that has defined Hollywood for a century, while incorporating unique modern touches such as tableside craft cocktail service, ultra-friendly service staff, and themed interior design decor that changes periodically to create the fresh feel of a brand-new upscale venue. The “X” you’ll see in Warwick’s social media posts refers to Warwick’s tenth and current remodel, which calls to mind a pink-hued secret garden with fresh flower arrangements hanging from the ceiling and walls. (The previous remodel No. 9 was a dimly lit French brasserie; No. 8 was an airy, colorful Moroccan bazaar theme.) Weekend nights are certainly can’t-miss, but it’s the Wednesday nights here that are what partying in Hollywood is all about.
Formerly known as the Trousdale Lounge, actor David Arquette revamped this space into a nightclub in 2012 and named it after his mother. Bootsy Bellows is a luxurious celebrity hotspot that sports a swanky vintage style courtesy of a multimillion-dollar remodel completed in 2019.  With a rosy pink hue, bright green accents punctuated by a plethora of live house plants, sparking chandeliers viewed through a reflective main bar, and plenty of plush banquette seating, the space radiates a vintage Hollywood shimmer. A night at Bootsy will rarely go by without a celebrity sighting, but it’s no easy feat to gain entry particularly with a male-heavy group – bottle service is the only surefire way into the greatness that lies within.
The view alone is enough reason for you to try out the experience Elevate Lounge has to offer. Sitting 21 floors up in a skyscraper on Wilshire Boulevard, the club – one of the longest-running venues in the city – offers a breathtaking panorama view from the glittering Hollywood Hills in the backdrop all the way down to the DTLA skyline in the foreground. A clean and modern design complements a spacious and open venue, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic big-city metropolis dancing experience with the option to take open-air breaks to enjoy the scenery. Unlike most other upscale LA hip-hop venues, Elevate is a place for the masses: there is a guestlist for free admission is on most nights before 10pm, and even though the Elevate’s bottle service packages are most certainly the cheapest and best value options in LA relative to the fun that awaits.Â
Mood lighting? Check. Celebrity sightings? Check. Bare-legged, high-heeled model types? Check. It’s 9 PM on a Saturday night inside Doheny Room. Sandwiched between two landmarks, the Troubadour music venue and Dan Tana’s restaurant on Santa Monic Boulevard where West Hollywood meets Beverly Hills, the lounge-like eatery has quickly become the area’s newest spot to see and be seen since its soft opening in late April. Alicia Vikander, Chris Brown, Caroline Vreeland, Vanessa Hudgens with Ashley Tisdale, and, fascinatingly, Keanu Reeves with Winona Ryder have all been spotted. It’s been the setting of choice for various occasions, particularly birthday parties (Molly Sims, Stevie Wonder), as well as special events, like Nick Jonas’s secret acoustic show for Creative Recreation’s Sole Sessions. Last weekend brought out Kourtney Kardashian; on this particular night, there’s David Spade and The Game.
The front entrance is open and airy – almost the style of a Moroccan riad – and a U-shaped interior balcony overlooks the lower level of the two-story restaurant, where upside down palm tree decorations with twisted rope as tree trunks hang from the ceiling like chandeliers. “It has a European meets California, farmhouse feel,” says Doheny Room’s Director of Nightlife Nick Montealegre of the architecture and decor, designed by the Rockwell Group. And somehow, his unusual description makes sense. The exterior feels very art deco, with its bold blue-green, geometric front; but the interior, also rich in colors, features floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized, light wood shutter treatments. There’s a mid-century modernist touch with upscale finishes and a profusion of greenery throughout. By 11:00 PM, Doheny Room’s downstairs is packed, as guests with reservations carry on their late-night dinners, and others mingle around the central, open-air bar. The main action is upstairs, however, where a DJ spins and bottle services begins to flow – though access isn’t guaranteed.
Downtown Los Angeles has a wealth of stunning properties leftover from its twentieth century heyday and this bank vault in the middle of Historic Core has been transformed into The Reserve. As one of LA’s oldest bank spaces, the building goes back to 1924, when the Hellman Commercial Trust and Savings was built into the ground floor (it was eventually absorbed into Bank of America). Since 2014, The Reserve spans a number of sub-lounges and dance floors for a multi-faceted experience each weekend. From their unique location to the handcrafted cocktails to the alluring ambiance, The Reserve is pleased to offer a wide-range of luxuries in an intimate setting for your every need. Enjoy Hip Hop and Reggaeton each Friday night and Hip Hop, R&B, and Throwbacks for Saturday’s turn up! If you’re hungry, a tight list of bar bites such as cajun fries or street tacos will keep you satisfied while you dance the night away!
The latest SBE concept in the former Greystone Manor space, Nightingale is an avant-garde nightclub named after Hollywood’s after-party-rich Bird Streets. The first thing you’ll see upon entering is an elegant lounge with surreal wallpaper strewn with phantom limbs, flower with eyes and even dinosaurs designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group. Four distinct areas allow guests to freely dine, lounge or dance in. A photo booth is also installed in line with the wallpaper to let up to 8 people capture their unforgettable memories in the club. Where refined elegance meets crafted technology, this venue is poised to be the next A-lister go to place. Cover charge is often not an option at the door, so you’ll want to get bottle service here, particularly on their signature Greystone Sundays event which for years has been a well-attended meetup/party for the up-and-coming actors, musicians, and creative artists of Black Hollywood.
The final idea for Dream Hollywood has arrived, and it is stunning. The Highlight Room takes over the rooftop and poolside areas of the trendy hotel, which formally opens tonight with some of the best views in town. With spectacular views of Hollywood and beyond, it’s clearly designed to be a nighttime party place, complete with speakers everywhere, two DJ booths, and bottle service. The far corner of the rooftop has a significant number of dining tables with full service. Think hamachi crudo, lobster toast, chopped chicken salad, grilled prawns, and spectacular views. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Want to discover everything Los Angeles nightlife has to offer? See the latest clubs, events, and pricing in the Discotech Mobile App. Or you can call/text us at +1 (415) 735-6716 or WhatsApp us at 1 (323) 405-8823 for help planning your party weekend in the City of Angels.
- We’ve been featured on BBC Travel and we are also highly reviewed on Yelp! and in both the App Store and Google Play.
- 6+ years experience in the LA nightlife game, we’ve also successfully serviced dozens of corporate entities and large groups of 50 or more clients.
- What we know from our experience is this: like Hollywood itself, party planning is NOT for the novice nor for the faint of heart.
Failure to plan ahead – even if it’s just days or hours ahead – is one of the biggest mistakes that we see countless LA customers make on a weekly basis, and it inevitably results in financial and logistical headaches – and embarrassing moments at the velvet ropes of entry – that could easily have been avoided.
LA Nightclubs FAQ
What time do Los Angeles nightclubs usually open?
Clubs in Los Angeles usually open around 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM. If you want to avoid long lines, we recommend arriving by 10:00 PM.
What time do Los Angeles nightclubs typically close?
Most Los Angeles clubs will close at 2:00 AM. The EDM venues typically stay open past 2:00, but last call for alcohol is always 2:00 AM.
What is the dress code like at Los Angeles clubs?
We suggest playing it safe – wear collared shirts, nice jeans, dress shoes. If you’re getting bottle service, you can get away with a more casual look (blazer + tshirt, etc). For nightclubs that are on the elegant side, most girls will be wearing heels and dresses. For a more relaxed dress code, put on your favorite swim trunks or bikini and head over to a Los Angeles pool party.
How can I get into Los Angeles nightclubs for free?
Some Los Angeles clubs have a free guest list, some have a discounted list. Remember that many Los Angeles nightclubs are more exclusive and require bottle service to get in.
Which Los Angeles nightclubs play Hip-Hop?
If you’re on your phone looking for “hip hop bars near me”, Warwick, Nightingale, Highlight Room, Elevate, Bootsy Bellows, and Doheny Room are going to be great options. There are also many bars in Ktown that play Hip Hop.
Which Los Angeles nightclubs play EDM (Electronic Dance Music)?
Avalon, Exchange, Sound, and Academy are the EDM clubs in LA.