El Rey Theatre

Citysearch Editorial Review

by Melissa Gage at Citysearch

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.

10/20/09

One of my favorite venues

by BigRoger at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Great sound system
• Cons: parking

02/09/09

wanna have fun DO NOT GO to el rey

by khashi1966 at Citysearch

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

12/17/08

Fascist Management

by ccfoodie at Citysearch

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.

12/15/08

Nice Venue!

by vivaciousdivah at Citysearch

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.

12/08/08

havent been yet

by grabtrees at Citysearch

but im really excited to check this place out, the best part of LA is going to different venues and knowing which ones you love and which ones such to see a show at. ill be going next week to see murs, so hopefully it will be good!

09/01/08

Pretty good venue!

by MissHavok at Citysearch

I saw Aiden here on October 9, 2007 and at first I had doubts that this venue would stink, but it didn't. I got to the venue at around 4pm and the line wasn't that long. Security are pretty good, the venue is good and I managed to take good photos from the show.

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: Parking

05/16/08

Great concert venue

by evywang at Citysearch

Went to see my first show there last night and had a great time. The neon sign outside didn't really match the old-fashioned decor inside but it has a classier feel than most venues I've been to. There's limited seating along the sides of the floor and more chairs on the cafe-styled balcony, but be prepared to stand. The floor is actually slanted toward the stage so that people in the back can still see. There's no barrier between the floor and stage, so it was nice to have something to lean on - and of course, be super close to the bands. My only complaint would be that the air-conditioning seemed unnecessarily strong.

• Pros: Decor; no barrier between floor and stage
• Cons: Air-conditioning too strong (maybe this is just me)

04/19/08

always great sound

by mel3378 at Citysearch

I have been to the El Rey theater a few times. Its one of my favorite venues to see bands. They always have great sound ,great service,and 2bars.They usually save the upstairs seating ONLY for drink buyers ,but there is other limited seating around. The El Rey is classy. It also has a unique and effective lay out. The bathrooms are clean and like most places in LA have a woman selling candy.?!?! The only thing that bums me out is there is no parking usually unless early and random people at parking garages charge what ever they want!

• Pros: classy place but casual! great sound
• Cons: parking

11/20/06

used to be pretty good

by bootsytown at Citysearch

I used to go to a lot of shows here but the lineups don't seem to be of the same quality lately. It's a small and intimate place, though. Alas, it's all the way down at the Miracle Mile so it's not that convenient of a location.