Where To Go and Where Not To Go: Truth From a Lady Who Doesn’t Promote For Any Nightclubs, Bars or Parties

Scroll all the way down to see the top 5 spots.

I know this isn’t about dating, but feel free to make these opportunities an excellent date night!! I’m writing this because I myself, at this very moment on friday October 26th have absolutely no idea what I want to do for this very fun weekend. Most of my Halloweens are spent escaping LA to Santa Barbara or San Diego, but this time all of those friends are coming into town, and of course my wonderful entourage of wild California kids are calling me to ask– Where are we going?!

If you have friends who are throwing a fun house party, then before all else I would recommend this venture. It’s fun to get out into Hollywood, West Hollywood, Downtown or Santa Monica, but be prepared for lines, difficulty getting into bars, raised cover fees, and frigid doormen.

If you follow this one rule, you’ll be okay: Show up earlier than you normally would. I promise, if you show up at 11 you’ll be waiting in line until 1am.

That being said! I’ve got a few places and parties at the top of my list this year that are good possibilities for my attendance.

First off here are the ones to AVOID:

In almost all cases- and especially in Hollywood, avoid any parties in venues that are not nightclubs, or hotels that have nightclubs. These promoters who are selling you tickets to anything “open bar” for $50 and up are ripping you off. In particular, anything held at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood is a major gamble.

As young 22 year olds, we ventured in this direction for New Years Eve and found ourselves in a venue surrounded by people who had drank past their ability to function (Read: the smell of vomit), a terrible indoor bar space, a terrible outdoor bar space, a mediocre DJ, and a balloon drop that didn’t actually happen until a few minutes after the countdown. Beware.

If you like to do drugs, or like having a lot of space, definitely go to the Vanguard. I’ve gone to a great party there, but you must be in the mindset to socialize and create a party amongst the people who have come along. Staying past 2am will allow you to see a seedier side of Hollywood- though not altogether unpleasant (read: old asian guys on lots of opiates, who generally mind their own business).

Now on to the good stuff….

Here is what my research has boiled down to for this weekend:

5. The KCRW Masquerade Ball– Westlake, CA – Individual tickets are already sold out, however VIP tables still seem to be available. $3000.00 for 8 people is a little high for us. (Lets be honest.. it’s fuckin’ ridiculous). Next year, I’ll keep a better eye on this party and their individual ticket sales. This one looks like it’s worth going to.. plus.. who doesn’t love to support KCRW.

4. Sanitarum at Blvd 3 – Hollywood, CA – This place has a cover of $40 and you need to get yourself on their guestlist– just sign up on their website- no promoters needed. Watch the video below to get a pretty good idea of what the place is like. I spent my 22nd birthday here. We did bottle service, and the front was busy but we were let in quickly without any hassle. They have a large stage with entertainment- dance routines, one large dance floor- HUGE- with tables up above on the second floor as well as downstairs. There is a gorgeous outside area, and the $40 earns itself as they have a taco stand (free tacos! so good when drunk!) and either smores or chocolate covered strawberries. It’s definitely a Hollywood night club- from the crowd it attracts to the music it plays. From what I remember.. it was a blast. Show up with the right attitude and you can’t go wrong! Drinks are expensive on top of the cover though.. so expect to pay. (Cover is usually $20.00). This might be a possibility for our Saturday night as well.

3. Halloween at The Roosevelt: Hollywood, CA – In particular, this weekend, HomeMade LA is throwing their annual Halloween Party at the Roosevelt hotel. It’s a top possibility on my list of places to go as the music and the venue is a sure thing. If you’re looking for a nightclub party experience that sorta feels like a house party, without any major hassle with lines, then this is the party to go to. The promotion team and events managers are so on top of their game that they are able to move people in and out of the venue without any major lines. I have never waited in a line to get into one of these parties at the Roosevelt, a reflection of excellent event organization because when we get in, it’s packed. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself with a group of friends without feeling crowded or squished into a corner.

2. “Gypsy Scaravan” at The One-Eyed Gypsy - Downtown Los Angeles, CA – It’s got great yelp reviews and a tempting Halloween poster. We’re going to head over here tonight to check out the scene and see if it’s worth spending a Halloween night out. The costume contest for Sat night, the fun of palm readers, live music and burlesque is not something we plan to miss.

1. 213 Halloween Weekend - Downtown Los Angeles, CA – Every single one of these bars are considered our favorite downtown LA bars. Many of them are our favorite bars in Los Angeles, in general. Each bar has their own version of a special Halloween Fruit Punch for $6, and each is decorated according to a special Halloween theme. I’m expecting lines at every spot (particularly at Seven Grand), so keep in mind it’s best to pick one place and stay for the evening once it hits 11. I don’t know about you but the fact that Casey’s Irish Pub has themed their night the “Scary As Shit Carnival” has me hooked. Of course, Golden Gopher and Seven Grand are my top two– and within walking distance of each other! If you don’t live downtown, get a hotel downtown for Saturday night and head out to one of the many excellent Sunday brunch opportunities the next day– my fav is at Perch!

I’ve got a wide range of options here from pricey to the more affordable and low-key.

Everyone drink responsibly and call a cab if you need to!

If you know of better events, comment below!!! Or if you think I’m wrong, tell me how terrible my research on Halloween spots has been!