I've been going to the Bowl for over two decades and this place is just such an LA institution, I…read morecan't imagine a spring, summer or fall without going to at least a handful of shows each year. We are so lucky to have such a gorgeous open amphitheater overlooking the Hollywood Hills that have wonderful acoustics wherever you sit and world class talent you wouldn't see anywhere else. It's a wonderful place to gather with friends or family and enjoy a variety of shows and events that you won't see anywhere else in the world. It's also been host recently to a variety of musical features, symphonies with movies, and even comedy shows. If you sit in the garden boxes you can order food in advance (make sure you do it at least before 6pm the day before your performance online if you want it delivered). Or you can bring food and beverages (no cans allowed and also you have to bring empty bottles to fill your water and depending on the event you should look at policies to bring alcohol like wine. Parking can get a little tricky. I like Lot D but that is currently $55 online (also recommend buying in advance). The closer lots are more expensive and/or reserved for VIP or season ticket holders. Another option are the park and ride/ shuttles that will get you to the base of the Bowl and it's a short uphill walk to the entrance. Typically doors will open 1.5-2 hours before the show. There are picnic benches and tables outside and inside the bowl area if you aren't in the garden boxes and people also often bring food to the benches. Seat cushions available to rent as well. Escalators/people movers available for some of the higher seats to help with the hike up.

The Hollywood Bowl has provided some of the most unique and memorable experiences I've had in Los…read moreAngeles. I've seen the likes of Gustavo Dudamel, Joshua Bell, Mariah Carey, Deadmau5, Harry Connick Jr., and the LA Philharmonic here, and every concert felt completely different from the next, some more peaceful and elegant, others far more chaotic. The classical music concerts were definitely my favorite experiences overall. They were less crowded, more relaxed, and honestly just felt more immersive. Parking also seemed cheaper during those events. Concerts like Mariah Carey's Christmas special, however, were packed. The atmosphere was louder, more hectic, parking was significantly more expensive, and unfortunately there were quite a few people who seemed more interested in filming themselves for social media than actually enjoying the performance. As for parking: LISTEN UP! Plan ahead. I usually park farther away near the Dolby Theatre area because it was cheaper ($10-$15), though it does require a lot more walking and cheap parking isn't always guaranteed. Other times, if I simply wasn't in the mood to suffer the walk uphill and feel my thighs burning, I paid the extra $40 for closer parking. Worth it some nights tbh. The walk up to the Bowl can be rough because of the incline, especially if your seats are toward the back, but thankfully there are escalators throughout the venue. Comfortable shoes are a must!! Bring an extra pair in case you want to wear your dressy shoes. I'd also recommend bringing extra money for food and drinks because prices are definitely steep. Personally, I usually either eat beforehand or just a budget for snacks there. During the classical concerts, I'd get charcuterie-style snacks and sparkling rosé from the marketplace near the restrooms, which made the evenings feel even more magical. One very important warning: if you're attending a massive concert like Mariah Carey's Christmas special, prepare yourself mentally for the traffic afterward because it is absolutely brutal. My husband and I actually left 2-3 songs early just to avoid sitting in traffic for eternity, and I don't regret it (i simply regret not seeing Mariah sing the legendary All I Want For Christmas song Live) Despite the crowds and occasional chaos, the Hollywood Bowl is still one of the most iconic experiences in Southern California and somewhere I look forward to revisiting for years to come especially once my son is older enough to experience it with us. Do go at least once in your lifetime!

Don't make me sit all the way at the back of the theater just because I am with a disabled person…read moreand can't do the pit. It is really quite rude. We used to love the Fonda, but I don't care for their new toss us in the very last row if you have an issue policy. That is just not okay. They used to have an ADA section somewhat near the front and that is where it should be. So, stop making us feel unwanted. The sound system was great this time for the lead act, but for all the others it was awful. The place is very pretty with art deco everywhere and great neon. The bartenders are super nice and they have a nice merchandise table. Parking is for a fee, but close by. The line for the pit is nuts, but that is not the fault of the Fonda. They have some excellent shows.

Went there for a concert. Loved the building and artwork. The roof top with a bar was a bonus…read more There are some chairs for lounging if it gets too hot down stairs. It's definitely hang out vibe. The bar on every floor and the bartender were nice and friendly. Loved the whole Hollywood vibe.

Ambiance: 10/10 Service: 9/10…read moreFood: 7/10 PRO TIP: come first served, so arrive early if you want your choice of spots and don't want to get stuck in standing room only. Had a fabulous time at this club! I came on Tuesday, May 19th to see Tanerèlle with a friend. Show started at 7, doors opened at 5. We arrived ~6. That timing was perfect tbh We had ample time to get situated, validate our parking, order and devour our food without stressing about hurrying up for the show. The only way to experience this venue well is to get there early. Only issue with this place is the food, perhaps unsurprisingly, is very overpriced for what it is. I paid $40 for a salmon dish that resembled a dish I could easily make at home. Home. It was just salmon, mashed potatoes and broccolini. Nothing to write home about. And they pull world-class talent in such an intimate setting. I'm so grateful we have a jazz club like this in LA now. Will be back!

March 26, 2026 | Hollywood | After having a quick bite to eat nearby, my Vegan Chef friend and I…read moreheaded to a concert at Blue Note! What a beautiful and elegant venue! The concert was everything! Digable Planets | Yes, please! The group was amazing! Jazz Rap at its finest, as Butterfly, Ladybug Mecca, & Doodlebug took the stage! Their vibe was easily smooth and their lyrics flowed with ease! I love the interaction with the crowd as well! Good vibes all around & a whole lot of flavor! Inside | Elegant decor, moody lighting, and the velvet blue curtain stood front and center, as well as the stage set up with equipment for the musicians and recording artists!! There was a variety of seating areas! Some were right by the stage, others were at wide velvet chairs near the back, including seating at the bar! It's actually a large space, once you step inside! We selected a table right in front of the velvet chairs, which was perfect! Not too close to the stage, not too far, but just right! I would easily select the same seating again! Outside | We were met with blue velvet ropes, which fit the theme & name of the venue! We easily found parking at a meter nearby! Food & Drinks | Order $20 per person plus ticket price! We both had a drink, sure the delicious olives and I also had a few bites of the olive oil cake. I would try something different on my next visit! Overall | The Blue Note as an elegant venue that I would easily go back to, depending upon who is performing! We had a great time!

Strong drinks, dim lights, and the best new artists!…read more Its been almost 20 years since I first went to a Hotel Cafe, before they had the second stage (which is a great room), when they still had a parking structure in back. It was all a foreign concept to me. Booking three or four or five acts in one night, charging you admission only once based on which act you came in for and most of the time if you came to the first you could stay through the 5th, or as most did, they came to see who they intended to see and maybe saw some of the act that was after and then went out to Hollywood to get some eats with their friends. Hotel Cafe is going away in 2026, but it is not gone, they will just be moving from their iconic Hollywood location, that small room that barely held 150, a small stage in the corner, a few low tables and a bar in the back to a new location in Los Angeles. It is the place where the singer-songwriter movement of the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s hard launched a revival. It's like what the Troubadour was to the Laurel Canyon singers in the 1970s. Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Greg Laswell, Priscilla Ahn, Meiko, Cary Brothers and many others. Adele even played here before her first album released in the US. I saw Sara Bareilles here once and she left everyone in tears after her song and bolted out the back door. I went to the front of the house and her family were blowing out the last of the signed copies her tour posters for only $10 since it was the last show of her tour. I bought a few. I have come here to see a friend like Big Phony sing, and then exit into the back room/lobby and see Hollywood stars entering to see their friend who would be singing next. It's that kind of local spot. The sound was always great and the drinks were well crafted and strong. I recently saw Priscilla Ahn sing here again and it brought back memories of the first time I saw her here, when she only had a 5 track EP CD. When she sang Dream again this year, it felt like everything had come full circle, since that first CD released 20 years ago. I cannot wait to see what the new building looks like, but a huge part of me, like for everyone else that has been here, will miss that little room in the back of the alley, where young dreamers became singers, where singers became stars.

We got to go to the SoCal Sound's Women Crush Wednesday concert to benefit the best radio station…read morein the LA area. The tickets were very reasonably at only $36 per person. Glad we got there when they opened so we could snag seats. There were only about 25 seats with standing room behind. There is a bar. It was very dark inside. And the guitars were mixed TOO LOUD! But the concert was fabulous and ran for 3 hours.

The Ford may be to The Bowl as a quickie in the elevator is to a rose-petal trail to a big…read morehoneymoon suite bed. The "Cinderella" of venues, it takes the grand, outdoor setting of the Bowl (concrete Jerusalem gates carved into the Hollywood hills) and the intimacy of a backyard party. With 1200 seats (opposed to 17500), you're always under 100 feet from the stage. The seats being steeply raked means you are closer to the stage than the Greek. (The Theater, I mean, not loud, hairy Niko guy next to you). And being tucked into a natural canyon makes the acoustics extra crispy, which made Erasure (10 years ago today) one of my favorite concerts. Side note: I found the 3 tickets on ebay for 99 cents, something that pissed off the guy next to me who paid $200. He Loved to Hate Me. He called me "Biggie Fries" all night, referencing Wendy's Value Meal. Built in 1920 by Christine Wetherill Stevenson, a wealthy heiress who wanted to build a space for her play about he life of Christ "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Calvary". No, it was "Pilgrimage Play" It burnt down in 1929 but rebuilt in 1931 to look like stone, making it feel like an ancient, rediscovered space. Anyway, it only hosted Christ plays (I would have called it "Nailed iT!") until the 1964 separation of church and state opened the venue to all arts. It was named after the county supervisor John Anson Ford, who was a champion of the arts. In the late 80's it was the "West Coast CBGB", hosting Ramones, Social D, X, Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction. If you need more bands, just use your first three Wordle guesses: Tacos Marry Happy opened for Radio Caulk Barfy. It unveiled a $80 million renovation in 2017, so if it was gorgeous in 2006, I am sure it is Gorgeouser now. In 2019, the LA Phil took over, so now it is the little sister of the Bowl and Disney Concert Hall. In 2020, it had its centennial, marking 100 years since Stevenson first staged a Christ play in that canyon. To celebrate, the partygoers turned wine into pee.

Sometimes, I forget how much entertainment is available in LA, from theaters to museums to outdoor…read moreexcursions and more. I had previously seen advertisements for The Ford LA through various outlets, but I am frequently reminded of my introversion and often avoid driving through LA traffic. However, my wife wanted to check out the The Natural World of Studio Ghibli, and what a night it was! We have seen nearly all of Miyazaki's creations, but this was our first time watching "Howl's Moving Castle" in an outdoor theater. It was lovely! Fresh air, a few butterflies flying across the projector, stars in the night sky, and the iconic backdrop were some highlights to mention. The Ford is as fun as advertised, and I've already begun recommending it to my friends. This place has history, and you can feel it! Additionally, there isn't a bad seat in the house! We sat in Row P, and when I arrived, I took it all in. There's certainly a bit of magic here. The only negative is the parking. It's stacked parking, so you may end up waiting on other visitors to get to their cars before you can even think about moving. Otherwise, we already have plans to return to The Ford Theater!

The memorial for Jennifer Perry was amazing. Thank you Troubadour for hosting such an important…read moreevent. I felt good to go down memory lane!

Fun evening watching Jonah Kagen at this well established spot. It's one of these history ridden…read moreplaces with everyone and anyone who's performed to become someone or at least tried. The walls can talk for sure. It's small and intimate which is a perfect setting. parking can be a tad frustrating but it's doable. full bar on sight with nibbles and plenty of restaurants all around.

I absolutely love this venue! I have been here working shows as well as a fan, and the history…read morealone makes it a fantastic venue to visit. I was most recently here for a Steven Tyler event, and while it was decked out by another company for the event, simply walking around and looking at everything, you can see the attention to detail in every single thing. The bars are beautiful, and the view of the stage is great whether on the floor, the raised sides or upstairs. There is a new event space in the back, and I love it! It felt like a completely different place! Great bar and lots of tables to sit! I look forward to coming back!

So I finally saw the legend, Dave Chappelle…read more Before I speak about the infamous Hollywood Palladium, let me first give my reaction to the overall performance. Going to a Dave Chappelle stand-up was truly a spectacle worth seeing. I didn't even seem to care if this special topped any of his others; just being in the same room was something to behold. I've been waiting for over 20 years to see this show, and not because I couldn't afford it, because these tickets had only cost me around $500(Cheap), no, it was because I had other things in life to accomplish that were more important, so this had to be placed on the back burner. I almost couldn't see myself going to this event either, and that is only because I live way out in Temecula, CA. It had taken me over two hours to get here. And just two days prior, I also attended the Katt Williams special over at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. So the venue had stated that the doors would be open at 6:00, and the show would start around 7:00. That was not the case. The doors actually opened at 8:00, and the show started at 9:00. I could only imagine if I pre-scheduled an Uber to pick me up according to those provided times, I would have been so pissed. Before entering the venue, it was stated that Dave Chappelle would not let anyone bring in any personal electronic devices without storing them first in one of those goofy-looking Yondr pouches. So we had decided to just tell security that we had to check our blood pressure every so many minutes(Cap), and they understood, and let us keep our phones out. But we were also warned not to take any photos or videos during the show, otherwise they would have to escort us out. The seats at this venue were almost equivalent to what I had felt just three days prior when I went to the Intuit Dome(Hard). Now, on the topic of seats. Why did the venue state that provided seats wouldn't be a thing for General Admission? It was stated that any General Admission ticket holders would be more on the lines of a first come first serve. But once having gotten through the security checkpoint, they for odd reasons, now provided us with physical seat tickets as shown in one of my images below(Liars). It's funny that I speak so harshly about the Palladium, because during Chappelle's set, even he acknowledged how this wasn't his favorite venue either. He had stated that there were two significant reasons why he had chosen to perform there that night, and one of them was that this was the last place he had seen Prince perform, and the other was for some personal anniversary of his. Other than those few things, he wouldn't have performed here(Yikes). And you don't have to believe me, because the special will come out on Netflix soon enough(Verbatim). So, who was in the building that night? Some may be wondering. Well, it was a weird line-up if I'm being honest. So for Dave's opening acts, first it was Donnell Rawlings, Trevor Noah(Super Strange), Black Star(Mos Def & Talib Kweli), Killer Mike(Rapper), and for his closing act, it was Lizzo(WTF) out of all people. You could tell early on that people were not feeling any of the musical acts, a bunch of mumbling over the loud beats. But once Dave had finished his set, and Lizzo was being announced, that's when everybody started to grab their personal belongings and head for the doors, while she was in the middle of playing her flute(Embarrassing).

Always amazing cocktails here and a great selection of Vinyls. Justin & Kyle were a delight :)read more

Tucked away on the top floor of a pizza joint is this hidden gem! We were looking for a relaxing…read morelounge with good music and top whiskey, we found it here. The vibe is perfect, the bartender is friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the drink menu. There is no wine here but the cocktails are excellent, full of flavor, and so is the whiskey. The prices of the drinks are on the higher end but well worth it. The music takes you to all different eras and we had a really great time and highly recommend a stop here! Cheers!

Hadn't been here in a while, til a friend said - let's go see Luis Conte and some of his gang…read more WOW!!! First, the place is as I remembered - tiny, a bit cramped, and LEGENDARY! Every seat is literally 15 feet from the stage. If you're going, you better love the band and their music, because you will be right in the middle of it. Second, there's every type of baked potato imaginable- except "baked potato ropa vieja" - suggested by Luis Conte himself! Third, yes you need to stand in line before going in - worth it if you love the band that's playing. Sr Conte and his boys knocked it out. There were several guest musicians, and - surprise, surprise! - Andy Garcia himself joining in; he and Sr Conte are pals. If you haven't heard this group play, you must! And if it's at the Baked Potato, all the better. Will be back soon...

We came here recently for the first time and had a great time. We lucked out and got a parking spot…read moreon the street right outside, and since we got there early we had great seats. They pack in a lot of people though so it can feel a little cramped. We enjoyed both of our potatoes (Philly cheesesteak and chicken fajita, which was the special that night). They were giant and we would probably just split one next time. Service was good. I wasn't expecting how cold it would be inside! Next time I'd wear long pants and bring a sweater.

As is my wont to do and MO, if there is a door slightly open or ajar of an interesting or…read morehistorical looking place, I will go in like I belong. I have never been shot nor hardly ever told to leave. I have wandered into Courtyards, sacred sites in Old Jerusalem and all kinds of buildings that I'm not supposed to go into. Tonight I was invited to my old twin friends birthday party at the Lemon Grove at the Astor Hotel rooftop and I was a tad early. As I crossed the street there was a metal stanchion blocking most of the entrance to the Avalon Club with one door open. I wandered in and people were milling about setting up for an Emo night with the band called Waiting For April. I had seen this club change over the years but I had no idea it was still operating and it's a beauty with tremendous history and cavernous rooms with bars and side rooms. I wandered around and upstairs I found a merch table and a drum kit with guitars and some guys warming up. I started talking to them and it turns out that is the headlining band. We talked music and the struggles of a young band, I gave them some insight from my experience, they gave me their CD which is quite nice and I proceeded to check out the historic place. I wandered through every part of the club while the band was doing sound check including the Bardot room and unlike many clubs, you really feel the history here in the design and architecture of this historic venue. Here is the fascinating history: The Avalon Hollywood (also known simply as Avalon) at 1735 N. Vine Street in Hollywood, California, near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street (across from the Capitol Records Building) was built in the Spanish Baroque (Churrigueresque) style by architects Henry L. Gogerty and Carl Jules Weyl, with decoration by Steffan Horbaczek, it has operated continuously as a live performance space since opening--never as a movie theater. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as part of the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment Historic District. It started as the Hollywood Playhouse (1927-1930s). In 1942, the theater was purchased (reportedly for around $105,000) and renamed the El Capitan Theatre (distinct from the more famous one on Hollywood Boulevard). NBC acquired or leased the building in the early 1950s and converted it into a television studio. In 1963, ABC invested heavily (around $400,000) in renovations--including extending the stage, adding camera equipment, control booths, and other TV infrastructure--and briefly renamed it the Jerry Lewis Theatre for Jerry Lewis's short-lived (13-week) ABC variety series. From 1964-1970: it was The Hollywood Palace. From 1970s-1990s: The Palace Music Venue. ABC sold the theater in 1978 to businessman Dennis Lidtke, who restored it and reopened it in 1982 (or around 1987 per some accounts) as The Palace (sometimes called the Hollywood Palace). Seating was reconfigured for concerts (raked floor leveled, bands on stage), and it became a music club and event space. It hosted rock concerts, HBO specials (e.g., Sheena Easton, Bruce Willis), the Ramones' final show (1996), the American Music Awards, and film appearances. It operated as a live music venue through the 1980s and 1990s. 2002-Present: Avalon Hollywood Nightclub with a major renovation that transformed it into a modern nightclub, concert hall, and event space with standing-room/dance floor capacity (around 1,250-1,500), state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and visuals. It emphasizes electronic dance music (EDM), DJ sets, and live performances, with upstairs space later becoming Bardot, an intimate lounge/restaurant/club opened around 2008. Notable modern acts have included Tiësto, Sasha, John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz, Armin van Buuren, Kaskade, and many others in the EDM scene. It has also hosted award shows, benefits, screenings, political fundraisers, and private events. In recent years (2024-2025), Insomniac Events (founded by Pasquale Rotella) partnered with and then acquired the joint marking the first ownership change in about 50 years and ensuring its continued role in dance music culture. The Avalon has adapted remarkably over nearly a century--from legitimate theater and WPA productions to burlesque, TV studio, variety show epicenter, rock club, and EDM nightclub--while retaining its core as a live entertainment landmark in the heart of Hollywood. Its architecture and location have contributed to its enduring appeal. I definitely will return.

Last night at Avalon Hollywood was something I'll never forget.This wasn't just a night out--it was…read morea celebration of life for Reza Gerami, our DJ Reza. Special thanks to Pascual from Insomniac for putting together such a beautiful and unforgettable tribute. You could feel the love the moment you walked in. There were memorial wreaths everywhere, life-size cutouts of Reza, and so many thoughtful details that made the night feel personal. They had specialty cotton candy and cookies printed with Reza's photo and Go Venture logos, plus Go Venture hats where you could even airbrush your name on them. It was creative, heartfelt, and so him. The night was filled with incredible moments--hors d'oeuvres, a dove release, free Persian food all night, and an open bar. But more than anything, it was the people. Over a thousand friends and family, all connected through the old-school underground rave scene, coming together in unity. It was powerful. Reza was always about peace, love, and bringing people together--and that's exactly what this night represented. A true promoter in every sense of the word. He created something real in this world, and the underground will always recognize that.It was emotional in a way that's hard to put into words. I don't know how I'm going to move through life without my best friend. He always looked out for me, always protected me, and he changed my life in every possible way. Reza, I love you so much. You would have loved this night. And I'll carry you with me--in every part of who I am--forever.Always in our hearts.