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Punk & Live Music Venues in Los Angeles
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items Explore key spots in Los Angeles where punk and live music thrive. From historic venues to smaller DIY spaces, this list highlights locations known for loud shows, local energy, and underground culture. Whether you're into classic punk, hardcore, or ...
Keywords: punk venues Los Angeles, live music LA, LA punk scene, underground music Los Angeles, alternative music venues LA.
Keywords: punk venues Los Angeles, live music LA, LA punk scene, underground music Los Angeles, alternative music venues LA.
Map
Located in Boyle Heights, First Street Pool & Billiard Parlor is a longtime neighborhood staple known for its laid-back, dive-bar atmosphere. The venue features several pool tables, a full stage for live performances, and a spacious backyard area...
The crowd is a mix of music lovers, pool players, and Eastside regulars. Events range from jukebox nights to live underground performances, often leaning into punk, garage, and DIY scenes. With its gritty charm and unpretentious energy, the bar serve...
Open late into the night, First Street Pool & Billiard remains a cultural anchor in Boyle Heights, blending nightlife, music, and neighborhood spirit in a way few venues still do.
The crowd is a mix of music lovers, pool players, and Eastside regulars. Events range from jukebox nights to live underground performances, often leaning into punk, garage, and DIY scenes. With its gritty charm and unpretentious energy, the bar serve...
Open late into the night, First Street Pool & Billiard remains a cultural anchor in Boyle Heights, blending nightlife, music, and neighborhood spirit in a way few venues still do.
1st Street Pool & Billiard
Knucklehead Hollywood is a gritty, intimate bar and live venue located at 6202 Santa Monica Blvd, in Hollywood. With room for around 300 standing guests (200 seated), this spot combines a dark, alternative lounge vibe—complete with dim LED lighting a...
Best known for hosting punk, metal, goth, and underground shows, the venue features a small stage, full PA system, and open-air patio, attracting fans of heavy and loud music. The bartenders are praised for being attentive, friendly, and creative, an...
Open daily from early evening (~5 PM) until about 2 AM, Knucklehead Hollywood maintains a dive-bar feel with themed events, energetic mosh‑pit shows, and a cool, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s a showcase space for underground bands and a community hu...
Best known for hosting punk, metal, goth, and underground shows, the venue features a small stage, full PA system, and open-air patio, attracting fans of heavy and loud music. The bartenders are praised for being attentive, friendly, and creative, an...
Open daily from early evening (~5 PM) until about 2 AM, Knucklehead Hollywood maintains a dive-bar feel with themed events, energetic mosh‑pit shows, and a cool, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s a showcase space for underground bands and a community hu...
Knucklehead Hollywood
The Midnight Hour Records is an independent record shop and cultural venue based in San Fernando, California. Known for its strong community focus, the store offers a curated selection of vinyl across punk, metal, hip-hop, soul, cumbia, and more, alo...
More than just a retail space, The Midnight Hour functions as a creative hub—hosting live shows, DJ nights, and art events. Its DIY spirit and inclusive atmosphere make it a cornerstone for the Valley’s underground and youth-driven music scene. The s...
Having recently moved to a larger venue, it now features dual stages and space for private events, expanding its role as both a cultural center and safe space for expression. It’s become a go-to spot for collectors, creatives, and fans of alternative...
More than just a retail space, The Midnight Hour functions as a creative hub—hosting live shows, DJ nights, and art events. Its DIY spirit and inclusive atmosphere make it a cornerstone for the Valley’s underground and youth-driven music scene. The s...
Having recently moved to a larger venue, it now features dual stages and space for private events, expanding its role as both a cultural center and safe space for expression. It’s become a go-to spot for collectors, creatives, and fans of alternative...
The Midnight Hour Records
The Paramount Ballroom is a historic live music and cultural venue located on César E. Chávez Avenue in Boyle Heights. Originally opened in the 1920s, it has a legacy as a neighborhood institution that once hosted jazz acts and Chicano rock performan...
The venue now serves as a multifaceted space, including a music hall, arts conservatory, and home to Brooklyn Ave Pizza. Its programming reflects the diverse cultural landscape of East L.A., with shows spanning punk, cumbia, Latin alternative, and mo...
With a capacity of around 400 standing, it’s become a vibrant anchor for Boyle Heights’ ongoing cultural resurgence.
The venue now serves as a multifaceted space, including a music hall, arts conservatory, and home to Brooklyn Ave Pizza. Its programming reflects the diverse cultural landscape of East L.A., with shows spanning punk, cumbia, Latin alternative, and mo...
With a capacity of around 400 standing, it’s become a vibrant anchor for Boyle Heights’ ongoing cultural resurgence.
The Paramount
The Sardine is a compact and atmospheric bar, record shop, and live music venue located at 1101 South Pacific Avenue in San Pedro. The front area functions as a punk skate–pop culture–themed lounge, complete with a concrete bar, booth seating, and mu...
Decorated with VHS-era artwork, skate decks, comic visuals, and music ephemera, the venue reflects punk’s irreverent aesthetic. It’s co-owned by musicians Todd Congelliere and Isaac Thotz, who also run indie label Recess Records based in the same bui...
Open evenings and late nights, The Sardine hosts frequent shows, DJ nights, events and even vinyl releases. A small outdoor patio and central foosball table add to its community-centric vibe. The venue is celebrated for cultivating San Pedro’s emergi...
Decorated with VHS-era artwork, skate decks, comic visuals, and music ephemera, the venue reflects punk’s irreverent aesthetic. It’s co-owned by musicians Todd Congelliere and Isaac Thotz, who also run indie label Recess Records based in the same bui...
Open evenings and late nights, The Sardine hosts frequent shows, DJ nights, events and even vinyl releases. A small outdoor patio and central foosball table add to its community-centric vibe. The venue is celebrated for cultivating San Pedro’s emergi...
The Sardine
The Smell is a legendary all-ages, alcohol- and drug-free DIY music venue located in downtown Los Angeles. Founded in 1998, it was created as a safe and inclusive space for underground music and experimental art, especially for youth and marginalized...
Operated entirely by volunteers, The Smell runs on a strict DIY ethos—staffed by showgoers who take on roles like booking, sound, and door work. The space maintains a raw, intimate feel, with shows often priced affordably and featuring zines, vegan s...
More than a venue, The Smell is a cultural landmark in L.A.’s underground scene—a symbol of creative resistance, inclusion, and self-determination.
Operated entirely by volunteers, The Smell runs on a strict DIY ethos—staffed by showgoers who take on roles like booking, sound, and door work. The space maintains a raw, intimate feel, with shows often priced affordably and featuring zines, vegan s...
More than a venue, The Smell is a cultural landmark in L.A.’s underground scene—a symbol of creative resistance, inclusion, and self-determination.
The Smell
Five Star Bar is a long-running dive bar and DIY music venue located on Main Street in DTLA. It originally opened in the early 1970s and became a local hub for punk, metal, indie, and underground shows—offering cheap drinks, pool tables, and burgers ...
The bar features a small stage for live bands, a casual indoor atmosphere, and outdoor taco stand setups that appeal to a wide range of patrons—from punk kids to longtime regulars. It remains beloved as one of the few spaces that let almost anyone up...
The bar features a small stage for live bands, a casual indoor atmosphere, and outdoor taco stand setups that appeal to a wide range of patrons—from punk kids to longtime regulars. It remains beloved as one of the few spaces that let almost anyone up...
Five Star Bar
The Escondite, also known as "The Hideout," is a vibrant, retro-inspired bar and live music venue tucked between Little Tokyo and Skid Row in Downtown L.A. With colloquial charm and neon accents, the venue is known for its eclectic menu (especially i...
Operating since around 2011, The Escondite has established itself as a neighborhood hub featuring three indoor stages and outdoor patio spaces with skyline views. It hosts regular live music, DJ nights, and special events, offering a DIY-friendly atm...
With a diverse clientele—from hospitality workers to musicians and longtime locals—the venue feels both inclusive and unpretentious. The decor’s mix of Western saloon motifs and industrial dive aesthetics reflects its personality: warm, unpretentious...
Operating since around 2011, The Escondite has established itself as a neighborhood hub featuring three indoor stages and outdoor patio spaces with skyline views. It hosts regular live music, DJ nights, and special events, offering a DIY-friendly atm...
With a diverse clientele—from hospitality workers to musicians and longtime locals—the venue feels both inclusive and unpretentious. The decor’s mix of Western saloon motifs and industrial dive aesthetics reflects its personality: warm, unpretentious...
The Escondite
The Regent Theatre is a historic live music venue and former cinema located on Main Street in Downtown L.A. Originally opened in 1914 as the National Theatre and renamed the Regent around 1917, it operated for decades as a first-run movie house, a gr...
The venue retains period architectural touches like a sloped auditorium floor, proscenium arch, and parts of its original Gothic-inspired interior, while offering modern amenities including mezzanine viewing, a full bar (“The Love Song”), and onsite ...
With its blend of historic character and modern function, The Regent is a vibrant fixture in L.A.’s downtown revival and nightlife scene.
The venue retains period architectural touches like a sloped auditorium floor, proscenium arch, and parts of its original Gothic-inspired interior, while offering modern amenities including mezzanine viewing, a full bar (“The Love Song”), and onsite ...
With its blend of historic character and modern function, The Regent is a vibrant fixture in L.A.’s downtown revival and nightlife scene.
Regent Theater
The New Scotland Yard Pub is a longtime punk and underground music bar located in Canoga Park, Los Angeles. With a rugged, well-worn aesthetic and a small central stage, the pub offers a distinctly Valley twist on punk culture—complete with pool tabl...
Known for its frequent live shows—mostly punk, metal, funk, and occasional jazz covers—the venue maintains a mixed crowd of local regulars and subculture fans. It runs daily from around midday into the early morning hours, and is also known for its s...
Atmospherically old-school and authentic, The New Scotland Yard remains one of the few enduring neighborhood spots that still support underground music, local after-parties, and Valley-based counterculture.
Known for its frequent live shows—mostly punk, metal, funk, and occasional jazz covers—the venue maintains a mixed crowd of local regulars and subculture fans. It runs daily from around midday into the early morning hours, and is also known for its s...
Atmospherically old-school and authentic, The New Scotland Yard remains one of the few enduring neighborhood spots that still support underground music, local after-parties, and Valley-based counterculture.
New Scotland Yard
Redwood Bar & Grill—also known simply as "Redwood"—is a beloved dive bar and live music venue located at 316 W 2nd Street in the heart of Downtown L.A. Themed with pirate décor and industrial charm, the space features a small back-stage area host...
With a cozy capacity of around 150, Redwood offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, happy hour specials, and surprisingly good pirate-themed pub fare like burgers, wings, and sweet potato fries. The crowd is a mix of music-loving locals, punks, r...
Open from late afternoon into the early hours, the venue is known for low cover charges (typically around $5–$10), friendly bartenders, and a jukebox vibe that feels welcoming to both first-timers and regulars. Often described as a "pirate den" of al...
With a cozy capacity of around 150, Redwood offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, happy hour specials, and surprisingly good pirate-themed pub fare like burgers, wings, and sweet potato fries. The crowd is a mix of music-loving locals, punks, r...
Open from late afternoon into the early hours, the venue is known for low cover charges (typically around $5–$10), friendly bartenders, and a jukebox vibe that feels welcoming to both first-timers and regulars. Often described as a "pirate den" of al...
The Redwood Bar & Grill
The Teragram Ballroom is a mid-sized live music venue located in the Westlake district near Downtown L.A. Housed in a restored early 20th-century theater, the venue combines historic architectural charm with modern production quality. With a standing...
Opened in 2015, the Teragram quickly became a key player in L.A.’s live music scene, known for its stellar sound system, intimate layout, and diverse programming. It regularly hosts indie rock, punk, alternative, hip hop, and electronic acts—often sp...
Beloved for its strong community vibe, professional staff, and top-tier show experiences, the Teragram Ballroom stands as one of L.A.’s most respected venues for both artists and fans alike.
Opened in 2015, the Teragram quickly became a key player in L.A.’s live music scene, known for its stellar sound system, intimate layout, and diverse programming. It regularly hosts indie rock, punk, alternative, hip hop, and electronic acts—often sp...
Beloved for its strong community vibe, professional staff, and top-tier show experiences, the Teragram Ballroom stands as one of L.A.’s most respected venues for both artists and fans alike.
The Teragram Ballroom
1720 is a raw, industrial-chic live music and nightclub venue situated at 1720 E 16th Street in the Warehouse District of DTLA. Housed in a former garment factory, the space retains its warehouse aesthetic while offering modern amenities: a state-of-...
With a capacity of roughly 700 people, it’s known for blending underground authenticity with professional production. The venue regularly hosts a diverse mix of music and events—from punk, metal, and hardcore shows to electronic, hip-hop, and undergr...
Located in a gritty industrial area, parking can be sparse and surrounding streets are considered sketchy. Most attendees recommend arriving by rideshare and waiting inside for your ride after events. Despite the surroundings, the venue itself is pra...
1720’s mix of DIY spirit, high-quality production, and daring bookings have positioned it as a favorite hidden gem among L.A.’s underground communities.
With a capacity of roughly 700 people, it’s known for blending underground authenticity with professional production. The venue regularly hosts a diverse mix of music and events—from punk, metal, and hardcore shows to electronic, hip-hop, and undergr...
Located in a gritty industrial area, parking can be sparse and surrounding streets are considered sketchy. Most attendees recommend arriving by rideshare and waiting inside for your ride after events. Despite the surroundings, the venue itself is pra...
1720’s mix of DIY spirit, high-quality production, and daring bookings have positioned it as a favorite hidden gem among L.A.’s underground communities.
1720
The Virgil is a stylish yet laid-back bar and performance venue located in East Hollywood’s Virgil Village. Housed in a retro-style space with art deco touches, the venue features two main areas: a performance room for live music, DJs, and comedy eve...
With an intimate capacity of around 200 people, The Virgil has become a staple of L.A.’s creative nightlife scene. It’s known for well-crafted cocktails, a friendly and inclusive vibe, and a diverse calendar of entertainment that spans stand-up comed...
The Virgil offers a unique mix of bar culture and performance, making it a go-to spot for those seeking a low-key but vibrant night out in Los Angeles.
With an intimate capacity of around 200 people, The Virgil has become a staple of L.A.’s creative nightlife scene. It’s known for well-crafted cocktails, a friendly and inclusive vibe, and a diverse calendar of entertainment that spans stand-up comed...
The Virgil offers a unique mix of bar culture and performance, making it a go-to spot for those seeking a low-key but vibrant night out in Los Angeles.
The Virgil
The Offbeat Bar is a retro-inspired neighborhood lounge located on York Blvd in Highland Park. Since around 2014, this relaxed, dimly lit venue has blended vintage mod style with rotating art installations and a laid-back atmosphere. It features a co...
Known for its eclectic programming, The Offbeat regularly hosts live DJ nights, drag shows, comedy, and dance parties—often spotlighting local DJs and performers across genres like post-punk, disco, new wave, and indie. With affordable cocktails and ...
Celebrated for its strong community feel and varied entertainment, The Offbeat offers a welcoming space for locals, creatives, and curious visitors seeking offbeat fun without pretension.
Known for its eclectic programming, The Offbeat regularly hosts live DJ nights, drag shows, comedy, and dance parties—often spotlighting local DJs and performers across genres like post-punk, disco, new wave, and indie. With affordable cocktails and ...
Celebrated for its strong community feel and varied entertainment, The Offbeat offers a welcoming space for locals, creatives, and curious visitors seeking offbeat fun without pretension.
The Offbeat
The BLVD is a neighborhood bar and live music venue located on Whittier Boulevard in Boyle Heights. With a cozy capacity of around 120 people, it offers affordable drink specials, pool tables, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. The space regularl...
Locals praise it for its friendly staff, strong beer lineup, and casual vibe—making it a popular spot for both weekend nightlife and weekday specials. Owned and operated by Eastside natives, The BLVD maintains a solid connection to the community, bal...
Locals praise it for its friendly staff, strong beer lineup, and casual vibe—making it a popular spot for both weekend nightlife and weekday specials. Owned and operated by Eastside natives, The BLVD maintains a solid connection to the community, bal...
The Blvd Boyle Heights Bar
The Slipper Clutch is a retro-tinged, speakeasy-style bar and live music venue hidden behind the main hall of Bar Clacson on Broadway in Downtown LA. Tucked behind a neon “Highball” sign, the intimate space blends gritty charm with modern flair—concr...
Upstairs, a small stage hosts regular live performances ranging from punk and hardcore to indie and hip-hop. The venue’s house cocktail program centers on classic highballs delivered via a soda-gun, alongside cheap tallboy beers and straightforward d...
With seating for about 60 and standing room for around 100, The Slipper Clutch attracts a mix of local creatives, nightlife veterans, and subculture enthusiasts. It’s known for its casual, unpretentious vibe—perfect for grabbing a drink, tagging a wa...
Upstairs, a small stage hosts regular live performances ranging from punk and hardcore to indie and hip-hop. The venue’s house cocktail program centers on classic highballs delivered via a soda-gun, alongside cheap tallboy beers and straightforward d...
With seating for about 60 and standing room for around 100, The Slipper Clutch attracts a mix of local creatives, nightlife veterans, and subculture enthusiasts. It’s known for its casual, unpretentious vibe—perfect for grabbing a drink, tagging a wa...
The Slipper Clutch