Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Ford Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Ford

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Inside
    Mark H.

    Wow, where do I even start? I had the honor of meeting John, who graciously invited me and my wonderful woman to the FlyPoet at the Ford--and what an unforgettable night it was. From powerful spoken word to incredible live music performances, the entire experience was nothing short of amazing. The Ford Theater is truly a gem--there's not a bad seat in the house, the food was delicious, and the customer service was top-tier. Huge thanks to John and the FlyPoet team for creating such an inspiring, soul-stirring event. We're already looking forward to the next one.

    Taylor J.

    I'll admit it, I love my little life! I have an affinity for solo adventures and live music. My recent trip to The Ford was the perfect combo of the two. Although, I have never been to the Ford previously, I've heard many positive things. Someone likened it to a "baby hollywood bowl" and that was the perfect description. Beautiful outdoor venue. Pro tip: Drinks are pricey (paid $15 for a seltzer) so having a few sips of wine before leaving the house was a good choice. I went to see The Mizell brothers produced music, put on by Jazz is dead. Absolutely spectacular show with incredible talent. I am so lucky to have bought my tickets to the show early and snagged such an awesome seat. (Pro tip 2: if you can get your tickets early, do it. You'll be able to snag a great seat) Totally lovely time at the Ford. I already bought tickets to 2 more shows which means i'll be back very very soon.

    Box Office
    Kevin C.

    Great outdoor venue to see a show. The size is much smaller than neighboring open theater spaces but still draws in full crowds. Despitie the small size, there is still great seating options at the venue. The seats are auditorium style seats so you may have to stand up to make room for people shuffling past you. Better to arrive early by a few hours if you'd like to picnic before your show, otherwise the lines can get really long closer to the showtime. There is a security checkpoint at the ticket entrance. Parking options are onsite or from other nearby paid lots that have shuttles waiting. From Ovation Hollywood parking, you can follow the same shuttle signage for Hollywood Bowl attendees; employees will direct you to the correct Ford Ampitheater shuttle. It is not recommended to park onsite because it is stacked parking which means everyone has to be leaving at the end of the show in order to get out of the parking area; however this is still an option to consider if you arrive hours early to your show.

    Conductor Christopher Rountree
    Jennifer N.

    What a beautiful intimate outdoor venue on the Hollywood hills!! How does a person (me) that loves live music and concerts did not know this venue existed until August 3, 2021?! Shame on me! We were here to see an intimate concert by LA Phil for essential and law enforcement workers. Conductor Christopher Rountree lead the Chamber Music with the LA Phil. What a stunning performance and we were lucky to have gotten 2nd row seats! I hope some of my favorite artists will start to perform here as we are living in a covid-19 pandemic world now and outdoor venues will be my first priority to concerts, (at least for now) Like the Hollywood Bowl you can bring your own food and drinks inside or you can buy food their. Todo Verde, their cater has delicious tacos there! We got the jackfruit taco and mushroom mole tacos. Outstanding!! It has 2 picnic patios with tables and chairs on the main level and terrace level. They sell drinks and food that you can eat out or take it in the Auditorium. My suggestion is NOT to eat or drink during the show as you can annoy people next to and around you by taking your mask off!

    Shannon N.

    I lived over this way for seven years plus, and once I moved to the other side of town, I finally had a chance to visit The Ford Amphitheater. Although it still appears to be currently closed, there was a recent screening for an AppleTV+ program. I figured I never saw the show, never been to the venue, so knock out two birds with one stone. I knew it would become a little chilly come nightfall, so I'm glad I dressed appropriately. You entered the area and a guy working there directed you down a narrow curvy road to the main parking area. This parking was stacked which i was a little put off by, but several attendants were there to guide you into the spot with no issue. I was grateful to be the very last car in one of those stacked lines, so I ended up having an easier exit. Had to wait outside until they allowed entry but once in, be prepared for a lot of steps, although I'm sure there was an elevator somewhere. On one level were the restrooms (the women's is kind of a trek compared to the men's location) and then up some more stairs where there are several doors leading to seating. As for that, I was fortunate to be on the lower center level and due to safety protocols, there was an empty row in front and behind, and I only had 2 other people in my row down the way. I was very pleased with this as I hate it when people are right on you (yeah, I don't go out much anymore) and someone starts getting on their phone during...don't get me started. Back to the topic at hand, the Ford was the setting for a lovely evening, and I would gladly go back again, even though they may start opening things up more as we go back to a sense of 'normalcy'.

    View from fourth row
    Lindsay R.

    Loved this venue! Seating: Outdoor amphitheater with reserved seating not a bad seat in the house (although the 4th row was amazing!) Tips: Merch: if you're wanting to get merch get there when the venue opens and get directly in the merch line. The line was so long the rest of the night Food: you can bring food and even drinks into the venue but the food with is served in the venue was a delicious as well. The sourdough pizza was incredible as were the arepas (Venezuelan street fair food the avocado chicken salad arepa was delicious!)

    Beautiful backdrop
    Diane T.

    Wow, they never cease to amaze me here at the Ford theater! Great tics for members early in the season- this is the last of the season but line up is excellent at this folk festival with 7 acts tonight! Always a treat here and best acoustics I've truly ever heard from any other venue in LA County.

    Raegan N.

    Live very close to the theater and was waiting for it to open after the remodel. Came for the first time to watch the movie, the shining in partnership with Street food cinema. Ample parking but stacked parking. Very attentive, well-dressed employees and staff. A special canine to check for bombs, etc. Felt very welcomed and safe there. Watched the Dodgers on the outdoor TV while we ate our food before the movie started. Very lovely display of fog on the ground surrounding the theater. The sound was lovely. It was nearly sold out, and every single staff member was very very accommodating. Beautiful venue I highly recommend this place. My only complaint is the majority of all of their acts that perform here are unknown. Maybe they ought to give us more information on their artist that do perform there. And possibly branch out and get more acts that are different than what they have. Maybe some classic 70s bands or something more mainstream. Hope to come back!

    Calexico, Jun 2022
    Alex D.

    Very cozy venue for small scale events. Looks well maintained and clean. You can bring wine and snacks in here. We didn't get metal forks and knives just to be on the safe side. Security was very friendly and easy going. Staff was very friendly and help us get seated. The sound was pretty decent. Parking was $12. There's 2 parking lots and they aren't big so the cars are parked in a stacking order so you may not be able to leave before the event ends and all the cars in front of you leave. We got free tickets to see Calexico on a Friday night and we had a lot of fun. I'd be happy to be back.

    The stage
    Elizabeth L.

    The Ford Theater is located near Universal Studios. Make sure you have directions to get there, if you get turned around it is not fun. It is right off the 101. The theater is stunning. It is outdoors and is a smaller venue which is great, but large enough to draw great acts, from Classical to Blues. They have something for everyone and going there is such a treat. The place is just so beautiful. It is built right into the Hollywood Hills, and the stage is backed into a wonderful hill with trees and brush. The stage appears to made of redwood, but maybe it is just the stain color. It is also beautiful. The entire area feels like you have left the City and entered Big Sur, without the redwood trees. It even smells fresh and calming. The seats are comfortable and there is not a bad seat in the house. You will be able to see the stage from anywhere, no view is obstructed. The sound system is amazing. You will be able to hear from where ever you are and it will sound great, it also will not be so loud you want to cover your ears. Now, the parking is stacked, so get there early because it is limited. If it fills you will end up down the street and you will have to shuttle up. So, get there at least 30 minutes ahead of time, an hour if you want to eat at the restaurant, and get over the fact that you will be in a line of cars to get out. It does not take long. And what is great about the stacked parking is it is right near the entrance--no long walk. It also has security for the entire event. At the gate you will see how pretty The Ford is. Every detail is lovely from the gates to the steps. There are quite a few steps so if you have a hard time walking, take it slow and if in a wheel chair, there are ramps for you and an elevator. Once at the top of the steps, you will see an outdoor area to bring a picnic or go into their restaurant. The restaurant they have at present is very pretty but only serves vegan food, to which I say no thanks. But if that is your thing, the chef is semi-famous. I like the Grab and Go little market they have there. You can bring all manner of food to your seats or sit in the patio area before the show. The Grab and Go market is pricey. Can I please just get an actual bottle of water or a coke and not have to pay for the fancy waters and ever so cool cans of stuff. I mean really. And the food is also expensive and not the best, but good. We had a ham and butter sandwich which was great. We also had mini corn dogs, made with chicken and no sticks and spicy chicken. Both of those were fine, but not that good and for the price they should have been much better. They also were not hot enough. But we love The Ford, and I can't take a star for just okay food, now I know to bring in stuff, including some water or just try other things at the market or hope that get a new chef that will make food that is not just vegan. Once inside the theater you will be helped to your seats and you will just relax. The place is calming and fun. We saw a Blues band, Vintage Trouble, there and danced the night away, but there was always this calmness that ran though you. Everyone was friendly. Don't dress like a slob. You won't fit in, even through it is allowed. Nice jeans and a decent shirt are really the minimum. The entire staff is great. They know this place well, will help and direct you and answer any questions. They are also very calm. It must be in the air. Note the weather because it can get chilly outside in that hilly area. The Ford follows all Covid requirements. You will be vaxed or have proof of a neg. test or you won't get in. You will also wear your mask when you are not eating or you will be told to do so, refuse and out you go. I love that. The staff all have proper masks on the whole time. If you are in town and want to see our best outdoor amphitheater you can't go wrong with The Ford. You can find all events on their web page and their prices for tickets are reasonable--makes up a little for the pricey fancy water. I just can't say enough about The Ford. Go there.

    Plenty of seats available for a show at the ford

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark H.
    11
    136
    733

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kaye Y.
    115
    364
    1318

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 26
    Thanks 8
    Love this 25
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 27
    Thanks 1
    Love this 26
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lindsay R.
    216
    26
    21

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Diane T.
    3551
    335
    1626

    3 years ago

    Helpful 23
    Thanks 1
    Love this 25
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B K.
    0
    246
    25

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Kenya J.
    97
    102
    17

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jesse H.
    1608
    65
    59

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Inna I.
    376
    141
    2325

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim G.
    598
    1014
    901

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lissa G.
    1176
    1478
    256

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vinh N.
    505
    574
    1519

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sean B.
    2677
    3481
    2515

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve B.
    63
    88
    67

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert W.
    1128
    86
    106

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Ford

    What time do shows usually end at The Ford during weekdays?

    Hello, how much is parking? Thank you!

    It depends on what event you are going to. The big World Fun is $5. I believe The evening shows are more expensive.. $12.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Ford

    The stacked parking is not a problem if you are patient, I say get there early if you can to park!

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Performing Arts 8,916 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Hollywood Bowl

    The Hollywood Bowl

    4.2
    (2.9k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I saw Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass this visit. The show was terrific…read more I also ordered the "Supper in Your Seat" Mulholland Drive Meal with the tenderloin supplement. It was an outstanding meal, worth the price of $100 for three courses (heirloom tomatoes salad, steak, dessert). However, it's worth noting they automatically add both a 20% Service Charge AND a 20% tip. So that 40% on top plus, of course, taxes. Service was outstanding and very convenient in my terrace box seat.

    In order to understand my rating, you have to distinguish between the venue and the people who make…read morethe programming decisions... The venue, particular on a warm summer night, is without peer. It is almost a spiritual experience! The lighting, the sound quality, the bowl itself and the sky full of stars are truly memory makers! The Hollywood Bowl is clearly a 5-Star VENUE. So why the 2-Star rating? You simply cannot trust that what you pay for is what you are going to get when it comes to the programming! Last night I bought a tickets for what was advertised as "Bernstein and Ellington" only to be unpleasantly surprised by the fact that NONE OF THE FIRST HALF was either Bernstein or Ellington. In fact, less than half the show by total time was Bernstein or Ellington. Excluding the encore, there was a total of 11 minutes of Bernstein and 14 minutes of Ellington. Regardless of their motives, Hollywood Bowl/LA Philharmonic top management are guilty of "Bait and Switch." I don't care whether it is a restaurant, a concert venue or a car dealership, customers deserve to get what they pay for. It really is that simple. If I order French Fries and get a baked potato, I am going to give the restaurant a low rating. If I go to a dealership because of an ad for a specific car at a specific price, I am going to give them a low rating if they offer me a different car when I get there. So, to be consistent, I have to give the Hollywood Bowl a low rating for advertising the music of two amazing mid 20th century composers and delivering something very different. This is NOT rocket science... Say what you are going to do and then do it. I overheard several season ticket holders at intermission that were complaining that this misrepresentation of the content is a repeat of last season and, as much as they love the venue, they are not going to renew for next year. Hollywood Bowl Management, when your customers are opening complaining in the men's room, you need to take a long hard look in the mirror!

    Photos
    Great view!
    Great view!
    Burning Spear
    Burning Spear
    "Los Aguilar w/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra" (08/15/25). @HollywoodBowl #Hollywood #LiveEntertainment @Angela_Aguilar_ #MexicanHeritage

    See all

    "Los Aguilar w/Hollywood Bowl Orchestra" (08/15/25). @HollywoodBowl #Hollywood #LiveEntertainment @Angela_Aguilar_ #MexicanHeritage
    Blue Note Jazz Clubs

    Blue Note Jazz Clubs

    3.8
    (133 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Arturo Sandoval at Blue Note Los Angeles - Table Seating (Jun 06, 2026)…read more My husband and I had a wonderful evening at Blue Note Los Angeles for the Arturo Sandoval show. We arrived for the 5:00 PM dinner, and the food was really good. The service was friendly, though I'd rate it about a 7/10 only because the staff seemed backed up with so many tables at once. The music itself was incredible. Arturo Sandoval delivered an unforgettable performance, even with the unexpected sound issues that caused about a 45‑minute pause. Once everything was back on track, the energy in the room picked right up again. Overall, despite the delays, we truly enjoyed our night. Great music, good food, and a memorable experience.

    My group of five drove nearly 2 hours from Irvine for the Monday 7 PM Omarion show. We arrived…read morearound 6 PM and were told the left side had the better view as the center seating was already full. The food, drinks, and service were great, but the experience was ruined by a cameraman standing directly in front of our section for much of the show, blocking our view of Omarion. For nearly $80 per ticket, this was unacceptable. If seats have obstructed views due to filming, Blue Note should disclose that upfront or have the cameraman move around. We came to watch Omarion, not the cameraman. Unfortunately, this experience makes me hesitant to return.

    Photos
    Charlie Puth on stage
    Charlie Puth on stage
    March 26, 2026 | Outside | Blue Velvet Ropes | Thursday Night |
    March 26, 2026 | Outside | Blue Velvet Ropes | Thursday Night |
    It's a vibe at the Blue Note

    See all

    It's a vibe at the Blue Note
    Hotel Café

    Hotel Café

    4.4
    (664 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    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
    Second Stage, front row
    Second Stage, front row
    Hotel Café
    Hotel Café

    See all

    Troubadour

    Troubadour

    4.3
    (785 reviews)
    3.9 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.

    Was in town for a birthday and we went out in West Hollywood on a Thursday evening and I was so…read moreexcited to be by the Troubadour who I know has had so many famous and up and coming artists. Especially since BTS had their first American performance at this venue years ago o was a fan girl just being here. It looks like they have a valet parking stand and there is some street parking out front. I was next door and I needed to find an atm for cash and they have an atm inside of troubadour and since their event was over, they were kind enough to let me in to use their atm.

    Photos
    Troubadour
    ZZ Top - Birthday Bash for Billy
    ZZ Top - Birthday Bash for Billy
    Alice Merton with Juliana Madrid tonight at the Troubadour

    See all

    Alice Merton with Juliana Madrid tonight at the Troubadour
    Hollywood Palladium

    Hollywood Palladium

    3.4
    (921 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$

    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).

    Photos
    Main ballroom after the show.
    Main ballroom after the show.
    Main bar.
    Main bar.
    Guns N' Roses - September 2019

    See all

    Guns N' Roses - September 2019
    The Baked Potato

    The Baked Potato

    3.9
    (429 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Seating
    Seating
    Salad with steak
    Salad with steak
    Before the show, a view from the bar. No photos or recording are allowed during performance.

    See all

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

    Avalon Hollywood

    3.2
    (917 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$$
    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.

    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.

    Photos
    Avalon Hollywood
    Avalon Hollywood
    Avalon Hollywood

    See all

    The Ford - theater - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...