10 Best Piano Bars & Live Music Establishments In Los Angeles, California

piano bars in los angeles
Oishi
Oishi 
Updated
| 4 min read

For those who are fond of both listening to and playing music while enjoying light grub and some good alcohol, a piano bar should be on your list of places to visit. Piano bars are not too loud and not like other boring restaurants, allowing you to have a conversation in a relaxed manner while listening to some pleasant music. Some of them might even offer karaoke nights, so you can sing along to the piano or request your favourite piece. Piano bars are a great place to be for aspiring musicians who want to start playing live music before an audience. You have the opportunity to not just observe and enjoy but also observe and learn. Listed below are 10 such awesome piano bars in Los Angeles, California, that you could consider visiting.

1. Blue Whale

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Blue Whale is a combination of a jazz club, a bar and an art gallery. It has hosted and still hosts some of the very very well-established, as well as up and coming jazz musicians. It was founded by a jazz musician himself, in honour of the genre and the people who appreciate it. The tilted speakers on the ceilings contribute to the even sound of the music. This place has been praised by fans and musicians alike for its ambience, acoustics and wide selection of alcohol, ranging from bourbons, scotch, whiskey and craft beers to fantastic cocktails.

Blue Whale

Address: Weller Court Plaza 3rd floor, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite.301, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Website: Blue Whale

Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)

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2. The Varnish

Cash Register
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ron Dollete used under CC BY-ND 2.0

The Varnish is a very cosy and comfortable place, where you can relax and chill with your buddies. It serves a great variety of drinks and they are well concocted. If you’re not sure what you want, leave it up to the bartenders to choose your drinks for you. Apart from the cocktails, the music is also amazing here and features live piano. This is the perfect spot for a date night.

The Varnish

Address: 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

Website: The Varnish

Opening hours: 7pm - 2am (daily)

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The ambience and atmosphere of this place are very laid back and if you are fond of live music and enjoy lounging in a nice, cosy, warmly lit place that is not too loud, this is the place for you. It also has games you can play and pretzels at the bar. This is one of those rare bars in LA that does not really see a lot of boisterous crowds. 1642 is very calming and relaxing, yet fun.

1642

Address: 1642 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA

Website: 1642

Opening hours: Sun: 6pm - 12am; Tue - Sat: 6pm - 2am (closed on Mon)

3. Red Lion Tavern


The Red Lion Tavern features good German food and you get a generous portion for your money. They also have live piano sessions, which you can enjoy along with the tasty German food. The prices are not too steep at all, however, if you visit during happy hour, you get everything for cheaper. They also serve great beer here. Order the bratwurst (which is huge) and a nice big mug of beer to wash it down.

Red Lion Tavern

Address: 2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039, USA

Website: Red Lion Tavern

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 2am; Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2am

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4. The Hotel Cafe

The Hotel Cafe 02/26/2015
Source: Photo by Flickr user Justin Higuchi used under CC BY 2.0

The Hotel Cafe is not exactly a restaurant – it is mainly a bar that serves some accompaniments to go with your drink and it showcases the talents of upcoming musicians, singers and songwriters. Here’s where the up and coming artists start out before making it big. The cafe has dim lights, which adds to its appeal, especially when combined with the smooth sound of the music. The bar is close to the stage, so listening to some music while treating yourself to some fancy drinks is an easy task.

The Hotel Cafe

Address: 1623 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

Website: The Hotel Cafe

Opening hours: 6:30pm - 2am (daily)

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5. The Dresden


The Dresden is a restaurant-cum-lounge. It is pretty vivacious and the cocktails they serve are delicious. They also have a seasonal cocktail menu, so make sure you try out the Blood and Sand or the Whiskey Fix. With its yummy cocktails and great live music, this place easily makes its way to the list of must-visit bars in LA. The interior design and lighting here is dreamy.

The Dresden

Address: 1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Website: The Dresden

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 2am; Sun: 5pm - 12am; Sun: 5pm - 1am

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6. The Hotel Bel-Air


The Hotel Bel-Air is a great place to visit. It has several intimate dining areas that are supremely well decorated. The stay, the nightlife and the dining experience here – everything is of superior quality. The outdoor bars have booths to relax in and they are pretty, with a view of the hotel’s very own Swan Lake from some of the private alcoves. Enjoy utter peace and serenity with gentle live music, along with a fine Sunday brunch at one of the luxurious restaurant options at the Bel-Air.

The Hotel Bel-Air

Address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077, USA

Website: The Hotel Bel-Air

Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)

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7. Tramp Stamp Granny’s

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We know it’s January, but this is LA. What kinds of cocktails would everyone like to see on our Spring menu ??? #throwback

Posted by Tramp Stamp Granny's on Sunday, January 12, 2020

Tramp Stamp Granny’s is a very cool spot, keeping pace with the tastes of the vivacious people of Los Angeles. The venue’s live music is a treat for guests visiting and you can join in and sing along – everyone does! Tramp Stamp Granny’s also organizes theme nights, which are always a success, so make sure you visit during one of these nights. They also serve seasonal drinks and the cocktails are super yummy.

Tramp Stamp Granny’s

Address: 1638 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

Website: Tramp Stamp Granny’s

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 8pm - 1am; Thu: 8pm - 2am; Fri: 6pm - 2am; Sat: 8pm - 2am (closed on Sun & Mon)

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8. Garden Cafe


If you happen to visit the Garden Cafe, you must try their soy chorizo burrito. You might even want to visit for breakfast and enjoy a hearty burrito meal. The burritos are cheap, in huge portions and are so tasty you will want to keep coming back. You can also check out some live music here, so, if you are someone who prefers acoustic music over electronic, this is your jam. There are several branches of this restaurant across LA.

Garden Cafe

Address: 1990 S Bundy Dr # 150, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA

Website: Garden Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Friday: 7am - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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9. Noe Restaurant & Bar

piano bars in los angeles | noe restaurant & bar
Source: instagram

Noe has an amazing cocktail menu with different sections and flavours of drinks, such as earthy and botanical. This menu will blow your mind and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Apart from awesome drinks, they are known to serve very fresh and yummy food. Do try the ribeye and the steamed PEI mussels, accompanied with the Noe house salad for a starter. Enjoy the live piano to keep you company during a sumptuous dinner.

Noe Restaurant & Bar

Address: 251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Website: Noe Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 5am - 10pm

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Treat your soul and feed your tummy under the same roof!

The Mynabirds 02/28/2016 #4
Source: Photo by user Justin Higuchi used under CC BY 2.0

Witness mesmerising live performances at these top piano bars and enjoy great food and good conversation, accompanied by a glass of beer.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Oishi holds a fondness for poetry and music. Her passion for traveling is evident in the numerous articles she has authored for online magazines, covering topics such as women's empowerment,...Read more

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