Marlan H.
Yelp
Probably my favorite venue in L.A. It's a cozy place with great sound for a show, and the history just vibrates off the wooden walls. If you get to see a good band here, you're in for an intimate show that will probably get sweaty. The drinks are as expensive as any place else, but they have food if you're hungry when showing up early for the opening bands. The restroom in the back is pretty sleazy but it fits the aesthetic; better to use the john in the front, even though there'll be a wait. The lounge upstairs is no real treat but maybe there's less of a line for the bar. I haven't been in a while (since the pandemic), but it hadn't changed for so many years that I'd like to doubt it hasn't recently.
Bands I've seen here: the Airborne Toxic Event, Helmet, Concrete Blonde, Bettie Serveert, Local H (multiple times), Toadies, Rollins Band, Marion, Old 97's, Curve, Spinnerette, Bash & Pop, Saul WIlliams, Mark Lanegan, Greg Dulli, the Gutter Twins, the Twilight Singers, Warpaint, and probably twice as many that I'm blanking on.
Pro tip: We used to get street-parking on the other side of the hotel across the street, but it's been a while. If you try it, be sure to heed the parking signs and let me know if it's still available.