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    Dolby Theatre

    3.9 (316 reviews)
    Open • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

    About Dolby Theatre

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    Cristine G.

    First time at Dolby Theater to watch Woodz 2026 World Tour. We got seats on Mezzanine 3. Thank goodness for a good camera in my phone, as it felt we were too high up. It was still good coz I didn't have to deal with people in front covering the view. They didn't have big screens, so in the future we'll get seats at Mezzanine 1 or 2. We ate burger and chili dog at the restaurant on another floor. Pre-paid parking was $77 and the scanner was not working.

    Carolyn N.

    I hate this gosh dang location, but that's just because I hate Hollywood in general. I've been to this theater once a long, long time ago for a Kingdom Hearts concert and made the mistake of driving. I believe they have parking validation if you're here for a concert or spend money??? But not sure how it works nowadays. The problem at the time was, if you park here for a concert, it will take a long time to exit the structure since everyone else is trying to leave at the same time too...I think I was stuck here for like two hours after the concert literally because the traffic out was so bad. This time around I took the metro...which is really sketch on it's own, but reasonably prices and convenient. I didn't have the greatest seats for this showing, but was still glad to be there. Bathrooms are clean and security does a good job of getting you in pretty fast while doing a decent job of checking all your stuff.

    Drink menu (May 2026)
    Luke L.

    Dolby Theatre (formerly known as the Kodak Theatre) is a popular tourist attraction best known as the theatre where the Academy Awards have been hosted since 2002. However once the 100th Oscars are held at Dolby Theatre in 2028, the Oscars will move to the Peacock Theater beginning in 2029 and remain there until 2039. [Parking]: Dolby Theatre shares the same parking garage as Ovation Hollywood (Hollywood & Highland). Hourly Rate = $2.00 every 20 minutes. No validation from Dolby Theatre, but $3 for up to 2 hours with validation from participating retailers and restaurants from Ovation Hollywood. $3 for up to 4 hours with validation from participating cinemas like TCL Chinese Theatre. Daily maximum = $20.00. There is also a $20 flat rate after 10 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The garage operates 24/7. One downside is that it was not easy to exit the parking garage after the show ended. [Atmosphere & view]: This is a very well-maintained theatre. I came here to see a show and had a seat in Upper Level Mezzanine 3 Row J. Mezzanine 3 is quite high up (probably around the 5th or 6th level). The sound quality was good with no issues even from the upper level, but it was a bit difficult to see the main stage from Mezzanine 3. Unfortunately, the seat was not super comfortable. Public Wi-Fi is not available. [Food & drinks]: Beverage prices were surprisingly reasonable for a theatre of this magnitude - $5 cookies, $5 chips, $5 soda, $5 water, and $5 juice. No cash payments accepted. [Guided tour]: The theatre offers guided tours for $25 per adult, but please check the website for schedule times and dates. [Conclusion]: Thumbs up for the reasonable beverage prices, clean theatre, and parking validation from select retailers and restaurants at Ovation Hollywood. Thumbs down for the poor view from Mezzanine 3 and the difficult parking garage exit after the show. P.S. - There is a Hollywood / Highland Metro station connected to the B Line for anyone who wants to take public transit.

    Tommy M.

    We were fortunate to get tickets to the Dolby Theatre for Kelly & Mark after the Oscar live show on the red carpet. The Dolby Theatre was formerly name the Kodak Theatre, this is a historic building that open it doors in Nov.09 2001 it has a five levels grand lobby with a bar that also has a Incredible spiral staircase. The guests were Carson Kressley who was hilarios, Matt Friend, Leanne Morgan, Andra Day, DJ Cassidy and Wyclef Jean who turn this mother out. The the show was very nice and all of the show staff was nice and friendly. Paris Baguette was outside the theatre promoting the bakery by passing out their blue mugs, we didn't know that each mug had a gift card for $5.00 to spent at the bakery, overall the experience here at the Dolby Theatre good.

    92nd Academy Awards #Oscars - - - (9 February 2020)
    Cam E.

    Sunday, 15th March 2026 Los Angeles, CA As host to the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, since it's premiere hosting in 2002, the historic iconic Dolby Theatre venue did not disappoint! Winners included: - Best Picture: ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER - Best Actress: Jessie Buckley in HAMNET - Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan in SINNERS and the list goes on at www.oscars.org Always in awe of the best stylists providing the most fabulous gowns and formal wear to the talented artists of cinema historically. Beautiful! **the venue seats 3,400 and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art Dolby sound technology** **Do check out the Red Carpet arrivals ** **The entire show is aired on ABC Network and Hulu** Thank you!

    Shauna W.

    I had never been here before but was able to score some great tickets to see fluffy for his 50th birthday . The theatre itself was really nice , air conditioning worked great lol. Decent snacks and drinks but of course you know it's expensive as heck . Staff was pretty good , security did a good job . My only complaint was getting the collectors item for the 1st 2,000 people . They gave us a wristband when we entered the building and was told to collect it at the end which was fine . Once the show ended it was pure chaos , people cutting in lines , lines not even really being lines . It was a huge sloppy mess. I wish they could have figured out a better plan for that but it is what it is . It was a great evening out and a nice venue

    When you do things you don't want for the ones you love... Ballet @ the Dolby Theatre on Sunday...
    David W.

    I suppose this will resonate more with the fellas than others but have you ever been in a situation where a female, be it your niece, sister, mother, cousin or girlfriend, casual or otherwise put you in an undesirable situation using passive aggressive jiu jitsu, with a heavy dose of guilt? Maybe it's just me but this is how I find myself at the Dolby Theatre to watch the Nutcracker ballet. It only made me feel more like a child being forced to do something they did not want to do, when I realized that the Dolby Theatre was the once great Chinese Mann Theatre, where I watched many movies with my parents & brother as a child. To be honest, my expectations where negative but having never seen a ballet it was nice to indulge in something that was not in my usual menu of experiences. Although I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was allowed to bring my whiskey on the rocks inside rather than having to gulp it down in the lobby area like a maniac. In the end, the person who strong-held me into taking her was happy and sometimes in life, it's not always about you but what you can do to bring joy to someone else. To be fair, I did get mad at her while driving to and from the parking structure because it was maddening. But nobodies perfect and the traffic in the parking structure is unreasonably bad in my defense. Keep experiencing new things and thinking about someone else besides yourself my friends...

    August 15, 2026 Derek Hough and dance performers show
    Josie J.

    The Dolby Theater is located at the Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall on Hollywood boulevard. Nearby street traffic was heavy. We opted out of using local parking and instead dined at Moun of Tunis approximately a mile away and took Uber round trip for $22. The restaurant closes at 10 pm but there was no problem leaving our car in their parking lot. Finding the Dolby theater was difficult and confusing. The shopping mall has three levels. We asked a mall attendant near an elevator for help but received none. After you get in the Dolby there is also a security line where they check your purse. I didn't have to. We received no help to get to our section or find our seats. The venue was perfect to see Derek Hough and his dancing performers. The sound was loud but clear and not harsh. They had a bar where you could buy drinks. They also had wheelchairs and attendants who could take you to your seat if you had any mobility issues.

    Giovanna M.

    I was here for the Attack on Titan orchestra & live performance from Japan! Honestly if you missed this show, it was incredible. The orchestra, conductor, and vocalist had great pride and dedication for their works. The ambiance was gut wrenching & delightful in a stage theatre built for elite musicianship. Snacks were great I got a coffee and chocolates. Security and servers were there for the ultimate service.

    The venue filling up
    stephan f.

    Fun venue! It's where they do the Oscars! It's a nice sized theater for live performance right other heart of Hollywood. I saw the Jinkx and Dela Holiday show here. The staff was friendly and just sorts there. The guy at the main ticket booth seemed angry. They had your average snacks for purchase. The downsides are: Hollywood and Highland is a tourist trap. Watch out for touristy foods nearby. Also, they didn't validate so parking was like 25 bucks! Pro tip. Go to the coffee place in the H&H main quad and get a small coffee. They validate. Getting out of the parking lot after a big event can take a while. So be prepared. Pro tip 2: park one floor lower than where everyone parks. Usually tons of parking! Pro tip 3: walls to the lowest parking floor you can and use that ticket machine for your parking. There will be a lot shorter line! One last thing. For this show they placed seating in the orchestra section. The problem is the floor tilts slightly up so those seats are higher than the ones you are in if you are in the AA row. A rather large person sat in front of me and completely blocked my view. It's not his fault, they should arrange the seating better. Especially for those purchasing premium seats!

    Herb Alpert
    Eric U.

    My recent visit to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to see the Herb Alpert show was an absolute blast and a truly memorable experience. This venue is nothing short of amazing. ​The entire experience, from arrival to the final applause, was exceptionally smooth, largely thanks to the professional and welcoming staff who ensured a seamless and enjoyable evening. The acoustics are exceptional, delivering crystal-clear sound that perfectly enhanced the performance and artistry of Herb Alpert. It's the kind of sound quality that makes a world of difference for a live show. ​ I had seats in Mezz 1 Right, Row F, and I can confidently say there wasn't a bad seat in the house. Our view was clear, with absolutely no obstructions. The sightlines are perfectly engineered, making it easy to relax and enjoy the performance without straining or dealing with a poor angle. ​

    Sadhguru. In awe. Gratitude.
    Joi R.

    The opportunity to experience the energy of Sadhguru in person was one I refused to miss. There are many things going on in my life, so being in his presence what a profound moment allowing me to fully exhale. As for the Dolby, it's spacious and elegant in a grand Hollywood kind of way (of course). My seat in the 2nd Mezzanine-center-row A was the perfect distance with a clear view of the stage and away from the crowd. If you're looking for budget friendly tickets, I recommend this section. Just make sure you get the front row so you don't have any bobbing heads obstructing your view of the stage. Things to be mindful of entering the theater: no food or beverage, no large bags (including large purses), no safety "weapons" including pepper spray, and be prepared to go through a checkpoint. The staff is friendly so don't give them a hard time, just follow the rules. Before or after your show, take a stroll through the Hollywood Highland mall. Enjoy!

    Kim K.

    What a beautiful theater! We saw ANNIE here and it was fabulous. Parking was easy and reasonable. Just park in the Hollywood Highland parking structure. Entering was simple. Staff was friendly. Seats were comfortable and had decent legroom. The production was outstanding! What a great night

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    Ask the Community - Dolby Theatre

    What time do doors open for events if the ticket only says 7:30?

    What's the best place to park for a show at the Dolby theater? Highland and Hollywood garage? Can I get validation at any store without purchases?

    Highland is the most convenient. I do not think you can get validation without purchasing.

    What is the handbag policy at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles?

    I think it might depend on the show but I have always been able to bring any handbag and they do a security check in it so they will open each part of it.

    Going to see Keane on March 10th and have tickets in the PIT BB, seats 29/30. Is this now the 3rd row? And how are the pit seats numbered? Where would 29/30 be located?

    Hi Dana, Sorry for the delay in responding! Pit BB is the 3rd row. The numbers begin at 1 and BB goes up to 42.

    Is sitting in the pit better than sitting in the orchestra section? Trying to see which seats are better to get

    It depends on the show you're going to. The PIT seats are closest to the stage so if it's a concert you may have a better view of the artist. If it's an orchestral event or theatrical event, somewhere in the Orchestra will probably give you a better… 

    Can fans show up to see celebrities on Ted carpet premiere such as today for Avengers?

    For red carpet premieres fans can show up, however because of security concerns there are barricades. We did not host the Avengers Endgame premiere last night though.

    Does the theater provide booster seats for kids?

    Yes we do! Just ask any of our ushers before heading to your seat.

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    Review Highlights - Dolby Theatre

    “Another reason for the traffic was because near the Dolby theater is shopping and other tourist attractions nearby.”

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    The Hollywood Bowl - The iconic lights of The Hollywood Bowl

    The Hollywood Bowl

    4.2(2.9k reviews)
    0.7 mi•Hollywood Hills
    •$$

    Great venue for sitting back and watching a performance…read more This was the purpose of my visit to LA this trip. I came to see Cannons and Bob Moses play on a warm summer night in July. Visiting for a concert in summer is a must-do for a true LA experience. I was impressed by the sheer size of this place! Pictures don't do it justice. I walked in from my hotel nearby and it was the perfect way to soak it all in instead of driving and worrying about finding parking. Going through security was easy, and the walk up to the seats was well marked. I wish I had been able to get seats closer to the stage, I was in M1, but the audio quality during the show was very good. It was nice to be able to soak in the whole experience from further back though.

    I LOVE the Hollywood Bowl. Most recently, friends treated me to an amazing ABBA impersonator show…read moreas a late birthday present. The seats aren't incredibly comfortable, but I was out of my seat and dancing for most of the show! Since the shows are in summer and at night, the weather is warm but not hot. This feels like one of the few venues left where you don't have to bring a clear plastic bag or purse, but can bring a backpack or cooler of items including sandwiches, crackers, wine, water, etc as long as your initial bag fits under your seat. You can also purchase food and drinks here, but they will be expensive. Parking can also be quite an ordeal. That's the only downside to the Hollywood Bowl. I've seen the Blue Man Group, Back to the Future with a live orchestra, a Simpsons tribute-type thing, and ABBA here 3 times, and more shows. I never leave disappointed.

    Photos
    The Hollywood Bowl - Great view!

    Great view!

    The Hollywood Bowl - Burning Spear

    Burning Spear

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    The Fonda Theatre - Pay public parking lot next to Fonda Theater

    The Fonda Theatre

    3.8(512 reviews)
    1.0 mi•Hollywood
    •$$

    I went to see The Warning last night and loved this venue. Small and intimate, and it has old…read moreschool charm with its Hollywood art deco decor. The real reason I am writing this review is because of the staff. Everything was well organized, staff is incredibly friendly, and very accommodating. I had a rather embarrassing incident at this concert, where I passed out on the balcony, and the staff had to carry me down to see the on-site EMT. When I tell you the care, patience, and professionalism they exhibited dealing with me- was astounding. I took a small edible, but ended up getting cross faded because I hadn't drank in a while. After I was able to sober up, they were able to sit my friend and I in the ADA section - so we could enjoy the show. Thank you Fonda staff and special shout out to the on site medical staff that had to carry my heavy ass up and down the stairs and deal with my obnoxiousness. 5 out of 5 stars.

    As long as I've lived here-even within walking distance-I've never been to the Fonda. Recently, a…read morefun event cropped up and this happened to be the venue, so majority of my review will be based solely on this visit. Checking in at the front, we were let in and there was pizza set up on the left side. The (ladies) restrooms was directly to the right but if you stayed straight ahead, the bar was after that. Proceeding a little further, you encounter the seating area with another bar. For this event there were a couple of food tables set up with snacks. I did notice a balcony area but secured a good seat downstairs, so I stuck with it. Although I was right next to the tech booth/FOH (front of house) area, I could still see pretty well all things considered. Sound was great, and although Fonda has nothing to do with this, performances were funny and had everyone laughing. They sure picked a great venue for this; apparently they overbooked and there were a large amount of people standing by the bar. Staff was also helpful and prompt; when we went to receive our gift at the end, they cut off our wristband to ensure everyone got one which was a very organized setup. I'm glad I was finally able to visit The Fonda Theater!

    Photos
    The Fonda Theatre - Side Bar Room (05/30/25). @FordTheatre #Hollywood #Concerts #LiveMusic

    Side Bar Room (05/30/25). @FordTheatre #Hollywood #Concerts #LiveMusic

    The Fonda Theatre - Side Bar Room (05/30/25). @FordTheatre #Hollywood #Concerts #LiveMusic

    Side Bar Room (05/30/25). @FordTheatre #Hollywood #Concerts #LiveMusic

    The Fonda Theatre - Fleetwood Mac Fest (02/2016)

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    Blue Note Jazz Clubs - It's a vibe at the Blue Note

    Blue Note Jazz Clubs

    3.8(160 reviews)
    0.8 mi•Hollywood
    •$$

    Wonderful quaint venue! Saw Boney James here. No bad seat in the whole place. Very intimate…read moreatmosphere Bar seating or table seating with a price. Definitely going back for more wonderful evenings of jazz,

    Jazz is for all. Jazz is for everyone. Jazz is for the people--but apparently only for a nice, high…read morepremium. This is the MO at Blue Note. They should call it Blue Greed, or perhaps, Blue Avarice. I came here with my partner for the first time this past weekend to see the great Alex Isley perform her first set at 7 PM on Sunday. She was wonderful, as always, and her band was great (although the instruments were mixed far too loudly and frequently drowned out her voice). Unfortunately, the performance was the only thing that made the evening worthwhile. The overall experience does not come remotely close to the value Blue Note believes it provides. There is little to no transparency about ticket types or what you actually get for them (guess again if you think you're getting your own table). The seating is horrendous: cramped, shoulder-to-shoulder communal tables meant for toddlers at Thanksgiving, often without even a direct line of sight to the stage. You have to practically turn yourself sideways--or completely around--to watch the artist you paid to see. And good luck getting to the bathroom. The food and beverage are subpar and cost the price of your kidney. Service is abysmal. And the crumpled, dirty table signage demanding a $20 minimum is downright cheap and tacky. Look, I get it. It's Hollywood. It's LA. It's the Blue Note. You're paying for the brand, the reputation, and the ability to draw artists you know and love. But that is precisely the problem: this place seems to have forgotten that the people buying those tickets are guests, not revenue streams. Blue Note doesn't seem to care about your comfort, your engagement, or your experience with the artist or the music you paid to see. It feels like a money-grab establishment trading almost entirely on its name and reputation--and knowing that people will continue to come regardless. Will this review move the needle? Probably not. And they know it. They're the Blue Note. They're too big to fail. And that's the saddest part. I damn well know I will never come here again. The price simply does not meet the value. Jazz deserves better. So do the people paying for it.

    Photos
    Blue Note Jazz Clubs - View from the Restrooms

    View from the Restrooms

    Blue Note Jazz Clubs - Charlie Puth on stage

    Charlie Puth on stage

    Blue Note Jazz Clubs - March 26, 2026 | Outside | Blue Velvet Ropes | Thursday Night |

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    Hotel Café

    Hotel Café

    4.4(664 reviews)
    0.6 mi•Hollywood
    •$$

    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.

    Photos
    Hotel Café - Second Stage, front row

    Second Stage, front row

    Hotel Café
    Hotel Café

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    The Ford - From the back

    The Ford

    4.5(204 reviews)
    0.9 mi•Hollywood Hills
    •$$

    I have never even heard of the Ford theater I was lucky…read moreenough to be invited to attend an event here last Saturday night They had no on-site parking for this event so there was a shuttle option or rideshare There are a few stairs to get to the top Then an elevator to take you the rest of the way We had a reception on a nice outdoor patio Then went into the open air theater The sound was fabulous Every seat was amazing This was truly a special treat I would love to come here again one day soon All the staff was super cool I guess most of them work at the bowl also

    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.

    Photos
    The Ford
    The Ford
    The Ford

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    Troubadour - 4.4.2026 justin bieber at the troubadour

    Troubadour

    4.3(789 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    •$$

    I took my daughters to see Em Beihold at the Troubadour... it was the first time seeing a…read moreperformance there, and my first time as well. It is a great intimate venue with lots of history and great sound. We parked about a half mile away and a public lot by the West Hollywood library, parking was only 12 bucks and it was a nice short walk to the venue and no traffic getting g out when we left the show. The event was sold out, and we got there right when doors opened. The line out front was not too long and security kept everybody moving really quick. Full bar and food inside. The main room is tiny, so anywhere you stand you will have a great view of the performers. I definitely plan to come back to see another show here, wish I had caught shows here in the past... Great venue.

    The experience was everything but the service was horrible!…read more So after standing outside for 45mins my baby and I finally got to go inside. We thought we were so lucky by standing by the stage but then one of the workers tells us we need to move because it was cleary handicap and we did. The manager a female came to yell at me and my son along with a father who was there with his autistic son and a young lady visiting from Nashville. We were told that once show starts and no one uses space we can return to our spots. Opener came on and we moved to our spaces but then we were told only four guests had permission to stand in those areas. A lady who had shown up with her babe and the father and son. The lady got loud with me as if she was there prior to my son and I, like lady it is not that serious and I have a child! Other than the terrible experience with customer service it was an epic show. Blake Whiten even handed my son a guitar pick he used which was super awesome for his first experience at a concert!

    Photos
    Troubadour
    Troubadour - ZZ Top - Birthday Bash for Billy

    ZZ Top - Birthday Bash for Billy

    Troubadour - Alice Merton with Juliana Madrid tonight at the Troubadour

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    Alice Merton with Juliana Madrid tonight at the Troubadour

    Hollywood Palladium - Center Bar

    Hollywood Palladium

    3.4(932 reviews)
    1.0 mi•Hollywood
    •$$$

    First class operation. We saw Courtney Barnett last night and it was our first show here. Tickets…read morewere very reasonably priced and the venue was old, but kept up very well. Several parking options close by. The staff and security procedures were very reasonable. You have the option of standing in the main hall or upgrading to VIP for $35 extra each for seats by the bar or upstairs. Good sight lines, good sound and lighting. Decent restrooms. Probably 10 different bars with standard concert pricing.

    I have been to a lot of music venues, in LA and throughout North America, and this is one of the…read moreworst. I can't see myself ever coming back. I saw Sisters of Mercy here May 15th 2023. My husband had never seen them perform and they were at the top of his live music bucket list, yet we lasted less than an hour before giving up and leaving. The sound was really scratchy and distorted, like the sound of an underpowered speaker played much louder than it can handle; you could barely even make out the vocals. It might have been the band's equipment, I guess, as I have seen positive reviews of the sound system, but still you'd think the venue would work with the band to get at least average sound quality. The main space is set up so people are funneled onto the floor in one 10-15 foot wide space in the center back, which meant a lot of jostling and being pushed from behind as people tried to get closer to the front. I couldn't really relax because I never knew when the next shove was coming. The floor is level and the stage is low, so the line of sight is poor, unless you are lucky enough to be taller than everyone else between you and the stage. I kept having to move around to catch a glimpse of the band. The temperature inside was easily in the 90's despite the outdoor temperature being quite mild (I want to say mid 60's?) To top it off, the drinks were absolutely OUTRAGEOUSLY priced - I ordered a gin and ginger and a vodka cran and soda, and with a 20% tip it came to $84!!!!! I did get premium liquor so I wasn't expecting it to be cheap, but we're talking gin and vodka, not 100 year old single malt scotch, so $35 for a light pour (mayyyybe 1 oz) is insane. The security was good, they were quick but thorough and friendly enough. But that's literally the only nice thing I can say about the Palladium.

    Photos
    Hollywood Palladium - Main ballroom after the show.

    Main ballroom after the show.

    Hollywood Palladium - Main bar.

    Main bar.

    Hollywood Palladium - Guns N' Roses - September 2019

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    Guns N' Roses - September 2019

    The Baked Potato - Baked potato

    The Baked Potato

    3.9(437 reviews)
    2.7 mi•Studio City
    •$$

    This place is THE place for live entertainment, especially if you're a big music nerd like me. If…read moreyou're into jazz bars, you'll enjoy this one. They have some amazing musicians come through here doing jam sessions & full-on concerts. The ambiance is lively & great service. The only drawback I found is the size of the venue. Very small & only holds about 75 people. It was crowded when I was here so I wasn't able to get any pictures inside the venue but did get the outside. Next time, I'll make up for it. TIP: Parking is scarce here so it helps to park a block or so away from the venue & walk.

    I am a blues fan and follow a few bands. When I heard Joey Delgado was performing two shows, I…read morecalled a some friends to check him out. The venue is small, every seat has a good view of the stage. They are very organized in accommodating seat arrangements so you can sit with your friends. The menu is simple and specializes in LOADED baked potatos. It's a hearty meal with the proteins, veggies, sauces and cheese. I ordered a Grilled Chicken Salad, which had a good ratio of protein and crisp veggies. Our server was quick and on top of her game! There is a two-drink minimum, be prepared to order and make your purchase before the show begins. I had two lemon-drop martinis. They were shaken, not stirred with a sugar rim. I liked the mix of sweet and sourness of the lemons. Order tickets on their website, an email will be sent with the bar-code for admission. There is a small service charge, which I felt was reasonable. Thank you, John, Te-see, Doug, Dominick, and Nancy for coming out for a fun night and lots of laughs. Notes: - Metered street parking til 8pm. - Credit Cards accepted - Indoor or Patio seating - Loud and fun atmosphere Sincerely, Rosemary

    Photos
    The Baked Potato - Before the show, a view from the bar. No photos or recording are allowed during performance.

    Before the show, a view from the bar. No photos or recording are allowed during performance.

    The Baked Potato - Salad with steak

    Salad with steak

    The Baked Potato - Seating

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    Seating

    Avalon Hollywood

    Avalon Hollywood

    3.2(920 reviews)
    0.8 mi•Hollywood
    •$$$$
    Full bar
    Private events

    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.

    Avalon Hollywood & Bardot is an entertainment venue located in Hollywood. It used to be a theater,…read morethen became a television studio, and is now a nightclub. The first floor is the large concert venue while the second floor (Bardot) is the smaller more intimate space. We bought tickets online ahead of time which were affordable, but when we arrived we overheard security charging more than double the cost in cash to get in. The venue was mostly standing room surrounded by tables for bottle service. When we were there the shots cost $13 but your mileage may vary depending on the night and the artists performing. Compared to other nightclubs this one is smaller so it's more intimate and you can be closer to the DJ or artist for a better experience.

    Photos
    Avalon Hollywood
    Avalon Hollywood
    Avalon Hollywood

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    Dolby Theatre - theater - Updated October 2026

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