Nightlife

Nightlife is Downtown L.A. is all about diversity.  From laid back hole-in-the-wall bars, to venues where you dress to impress - where else can you hang with artists, fashionistas and suits all in the same place?

With a workforce of over 450,000, there is never a shortage of happy hour locales in Downtown.  A great option is Bunker Hill's, Ciudad, the perfect place to fill up on tapas while sipping on a mojito.  Brainchild of chef's Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Ciudad's happy hour is Monday - Friday, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, located at 445 S. Figueroa Street, 213-486-5171.

Located in the Historic Core, the Golden Gopher and sister bar, the Broadway Bar attract a hip fashion crowd from the neighboring Fashion District.  Meet up with friends and make new ones at these intimate settings with crank out jukebox anthems.  Play a game of pac-man at the Golden Gopher, open Tuesday - Friday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am., and Saturday from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am.  The Golden Gopher is located at 417 W. 8th Street, 213-614-8001. The Broadway Bar is located at 830 S. Broadway, 213-614-9909.

Ready to dance? Put on your salsa shoes and head over to The Mayan in the South Park District.  Saturday nights feature serious salsa dancing.  Friday nights it's a mixture of Top-40, R&B and Latin Pop.  Doors open at 9:00 pm and dancing continues until 2:45 am, located at 1039 S. Hill Street, 213-746-4674.

If dancing isn't your thing, maybe singing is. Head over to Little Tokyo to the Oiwake Restaurant and belt out one of th eover 8,000 tunes on tap.  Karaoke officially starts at 9:00 pm and goes until 2:00 am daily, but get there early to get some practice in before the crowds get there, located at 122 Japanese Village Plaza, second floor, 213-617-2491.

Steps from Little Tokyo in the Toy District is 410 Boyd.  Mingle with artists at this restaurant/bar that doubles as a gallery.  The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm but the bar is open until the last person leaves.  Every Friday a DJ spins, located at 410 Boyd Street, 213-617-2491.

In Chinese culture, red is the color of luck, which means that The Mountain is blessed.  Located in Chinatown's Central Plaza, The Mountain has an artsy laid back vibe.  The Mountain is open Wednesday - Saturday, from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am; the later you get there the better it gets, located at 473 Gin Ling Way, 213-625-7500.

Perhaps one of the best downtown views, The Standard Rooftop Bar in the Downtown Center is a place to see and be seen.  Open daily from noon to 1:30 am the rooftop features a sparkling pool and waterbed pods, located at 550 S. Flower Street, 213-892-8080.