Top 21+ Bars/Clubs Near USC
By Lauren Brose ‘15
The 901 Bar & Grill (0 min, obvs)
The 9-0 is literally across the street from Row and is conveniently located next to Panda Express and McDonalds. What more can I ask for? I used to hate the 9-0 because it was overcrowded and too intimate for my liking— but recently, with parties being frequently shut down before or around midnight, the 90 became the go-to spot for all students regardless of which frat party they started their nightat. Whether you planned it or not, chances are if you’re out on Row with your friends, you are going to at some point end up at the 9-0.
Bungalow, Santa Monica (20 min)
Bungalow is
situated right on PCH and has a cozy, beach house ambience. Although it is more
on the sophisticated and trendy side, Bungalow is a great choice if you’re
looking for a less hectic night out—although lines do get long after 9PM on
weekends. Also, there’s outdoor ping pong and pool tables.
Sound Nightclub
Sound is perfect for those who are into quality house music that won’t cost an exorbitant amount of money. I’ve seen a number of artists here and have to say it has an amazing sound system. Some upcoming shows include Gorgon City and Le Youth.
The Nice Guy (20 min)
Nice Guy is a sophisticated lounge and cocktail bar with a late night menu that features a selection of cocktails, champagne and pizza. There’s live music and a full dinner menu during the earlier hours of the night but then later transitions into a nightclub.
Exchange LA
Considered one of the best club venues for live DJ’s, Exchange LA has a top-notch roster of talent due to their frequent collaborations with Insomniac. This upcoming month Don Diablo and Eric Prydz will be performing. The venue is huge, it’s typically open until 3am, and the Uber ride will be significantly smaller because it’s in Downtown!
Honeycut (10 min)
Finding Honeycut for the first time has its challenges because the entrance is situated in an alleyway in Downtown Los Angeles. The bartenders will make you amazing mixed drinks, on the weekends there is a light up disco dance floor and the DJ will whip out some amazing tunes from all genres.
Hooray Henry’s (20 min)
Considering it’s Hollywood, the prices are ridiculous at Hooray Henry’s. It also has a T-shaped bar, a moderately sized dance floor and hip hop music. Hooray Henry’s is designed to represent London nightlife and features dancers dressed in British attire.
Hyde Sunset (20 min)
Get
your drink on during Sunday brunch at Hyde Sunset, where restaurant meets
cocktail lounge. Or, check it out at night when it turns into a chic lounge
that overlooks the Sunset strip.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
The first thing you’ll notice about this speakeasy is its peculiar entrance: a refrigerator door. The décor is outstanding— a chill 70’s vibe paired with hammocks situated between trees. Also, they serve alcoholic snow cones.
Create
Similar to Exchange LA, Create is a nightclub that partners with Insomniac and is able to attract numerous well-known EDM, electronic, and house DJ’s every week. Warning: the more mainstream the DJ is, the more difficult it is to get into the club if you show up after 10:30.
