Top 10 Hip Hop Bars & Clubs In Downtown Los Angeles

1. The Association

The classy and luxurious bar is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The cocktail lounge is hugely inspired by ‘Mad Men’. Based in the basement of a loft building, the bar reflects a perfect hideout for secret rendezvous. The class décor includes crystal chandeliers, dark wooden tables, and brown leather sofas, combining perfectly with the dimly lit atmosphere the bar wants to project. You must try their signature cocktails, with unusual names like French 76 and Brown Derby.

The Association

Address: 110 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Website: The Association

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 8pm – 2am (closed on Sun - Tue)

2. Exchange LA

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This hip hop bar is located in the building of the former stock exchange of downtown Los Angeles, close to the famous LA Convention Center and Staples Center. The building was built in the year 1930 and its interior still features the former art deco style, proudly projecting its past heritage. It had taken almost two years to renovate and bring out the recent look, which is an excellent combination of old heritage merging with modern style. The nightclub is spread over four levels, which can accommodate almost 1500 guests. It also hosts various social events, like charity galas, award shows, fashion shows, film shoots, premiere parties, and corporate events.

Exchange LA

Address: 618 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Website: Exchange LA

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm – 3am (closed on Sun - Thu )

3. The Continental Club

This charming club can be accessed through a back door, where you have to get down several stairs to reach the pub. It was established in the year 2014, by the partners Ashley Joyce and John Lasker. There are two different set-ups of this club — on Thursday, you are to enter from the 4th street in the J. Parkinson room. It is a cozy room named after the famous architect of this city. On Friday and Saturday, you have to use the back door to reach the main floor that has a bar and dance floor. The main theme of this bar follows London, Las Vegas, and Havana clubs of the 1950 era. Along with amazing music, you must try their signature cocktails.

The Continental Club

Address: 116 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Website: The Continental Club

Opening hours: Thu: 7pm – 2am; Fri - Sat: 10pm – 2am (closed on Sun - Wed)

4. Crocker Club

This nightclub is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, in the Gallery Row district. The building is called Spring Arts Tower, which used to be known as Crocker Citizens National Bank building. You can still find the bank vaults and the other places intact. The original bar is on the counter of the bank teller. There are several rooms, whereas the vault has a room which is called “the vault”. If you are fond of haunted activities, search for the resident ghost at “ghost bar”. The original 1920 design has remained intact, with its original Italian Marble, Batchelder tile, and sculptured brass. Do try the drinks recommended by the house mixologists, and do follow the glamorous dress code.

Crocker Club

Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Website: Crocker Club

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 5pm – 2am; Sat: 9pm – 2am (closed on Sun - Wed)

5. Broadway Bar

This bar is located in the theatre district of downtown LA, adjacent to the Orpheum Theater. It was opened in the year 2005, and from then, it has started gaining popularity. The Gothic Revival building had a renovation in 2014, and received the recent décor of gold and silk theme, complementing brass finish. A huge centerpiece circular bar is the main attraction, along with the cocktail lounge and smoking patios. The small mezzanine has its own bar overlooking the Broadway.

Broadway Bar

Address: 830 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Website: Broadway Bar

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 7pm - 1am

6. Elevate Lounge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The upscale nightclub sits on the 21st floor, in the penthouse of Wilshire Blvd. The wide windows offer an enchanting panoramic view of the downtown and the Hollywood hills. The massive venue has a dance floor and lounges. The atmosphere is excellent for dance, with its futuristic lighting effects. You must follow their stylist dress code to be allowed to enter. This bar is the location for the hit song “Womanizer” of Britney Spears.

Elevate Lounge

Address: 811 Wilshire Blvd 21st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States

Website: Elevate Lounge

Opening hours: Wed - Thu, Sun: 6pm - 9pm; Fri & Sat: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)

7. Mayan Theater

The nightclub is based on the place of a former theater of the same name. It is located in the heart of downtown, few blocks away from the LA Convention Center and Staples Center. It is a famous historic landmark, still bearing the original architecture. Today, along with high-tech audio, lighting, and other facilities, it is a premium nightclub in downtown. The nightclub is opened on Friday and Saturday, and events like Lucha VaVOOM, dance nights, concerts are often held here.

Mayan Theater

Address: 1038 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States

Website: Mayan Theater

Opening hours: Fri: 9pm – 2am; Sat: 8:30pm – 2:30am (closed on Sun - Thu)

8. The Reserve

This nightclub is also located in the location of one of the oldest banks in this area. The nightclub is basically located in the vault of an old bank building, which was established in the year 1924 for Hellman Commercial Trust and Savings. The nightclub is founded by Eric Cloutier, which was opened in the year 2015. Each day of the week has a specific theme, whereas the weekend is all about dance music. Do try their handcrafted cocktails.

The Reserve

Address: 650 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Website: The Reserve

Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Sat: 10pm – 2am (closed on Sun, Tue & Wed)

9. La Cita Bar

This bar has been in existence for several decades, which still attracts lots of young and hip crowd. Some of the regular clients are also coming here from a very early age when it used to be an unfriendly, dark place to party. Today, although the dark theme is still there, the place has been friendly and attractive. Here, you can dance to the Latin tunes, played by the young bands.

La Cita Bar

Address: 336 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Website: La Cita Bar

Opening hours: 11am – 2am (daily)

10. Onyx Lounge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This cool bar is located in the heart of downtown LA. It holds some of the coolest parties in the town. Every Thursday, you can hear the performances of the band California Feetwarmers. There is a huge space for dancing, which can get interrupted by the column in the middle. Along with dancing, you can also dine here.

Onyx Lounge

Address: 118 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Website: Onyx Lounge

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 8pm – 1:30am (closed on Sun - Wed)

Party the night away

Well, downtown Los Angeles knows how to party. From dusk to dawn, if you want to get lost in the music, there are several options to party. These hip hop bars are the place to enjoy the music, dance the whole night, or just have your favorite drinks.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the bars/clubs may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.