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“Either way, you can enjoy a show with an actual chance to view it.”
“Parking is tough (get there early) and drinks are expensive (beer is $5).”
“The restaurant in front might look sketchy but the food is actually quite good and it's a great place to kill time before the show.”
“The restaurant in front might look sketchy but the food is actually quite good and it's a great place to kill time before the show.”
“But the venue itself seems cool and I'd be curious to come back for other bands to see what the deal was with the sound.”
“The blonde bartender who usually works the front bar is cool.”
“Parking is tough (get there early) and drinks are expensive (beer is $5).”View Less
Citysearch Editorial Review. Built in 1936 as a movie house, this indie music venue can pack in about 900 for standing-room-only shows in the atmospheric grand ballroom. Beyond an art deco lobby with sweeping side staircases and a small lobby bar, the main room features sky-high ceilings adorned with three giant chandeliers and maroon everything, from carpets to walls to curtains. A large bar anchors the back of the room, and if you really don’t want to stand, plan to get there early. You can try snagging a precious seat in the single row of chairs against either wall of the always-packed side sections. If you end up standing on the edge of the main crowd, be prepared for militant theater personnel insisting that you keep the hallways clear and stay within the lines. Upstairs, a low-lit, intimate lounge dripping with the ubiquitous maroon color scheme is often open for drinks, but the prime balcony seats are reserved for VIPs.…
One of my favorite venues. I enjoy concerts at El Rey. It's the perfect size venue. Most importantly, the sound system is excellent. And the decor inside is awesome -- rich, classy art deco.
wanna have fun DO NOT GO to el rey. wanna have fun go somewhere slse. There are so many great places in LA you dont need to go to place where there are rules as where you can sit, drink, stand and walk.. Staff is rude.Its a complete waist of time…
Fascist Management. I've seen a couple good shows here, but what has gotten to me is the way the place is operated. The place has so many stupid rules that it can really take the fun out of the event you're attending. Tonight as I reached the ID check, I was told I would have to remove the gum from my mouth because there is no gum allowed inside the theater. Excuse me?! Inside the theater, along the edge of the risers on both sides, there are these curved sort of walls reminiscent of private boxes. Their height and the way they're positioned makes them ideal for leaning against while standing on the main level and watching a show. But, you know, you can't! Some guy spent the whole concert shining a flashlight at people because the management has decided you can't stand there. That may be for fire safety reasons, but c'mon, the amount of space they've made unstandable is wide enough for three or four people abreast, whereas the standable space for part of the way is so small that one person can barely teeter there.…
Nice Venue!. El Rey is a nice venue in the Mid-Wilshire community. The staff is very helpful and relatively laidback. There is an opportunity to be close to the stage, sit on the sides, or chill in VIP. Either way, you can enjoy a show with an actual chance to view it. In regards to parking, be careful and read the signs very carefully. Some street parking has signs saying that you can't park there after 11pm, so know the hours of the show and how long you are staying so you won't be stuck with a $55 ticket like my friend was. Valet parking is recommended.…
