What Time Do Bars and Clubs Close in Los Angeles? Here’s the Real Deal...
Posted 5 months ago
Posted 5 months ago
Your complete guide to LA nightlife hours, late-night curfews, and where the party really ends.
If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a packed dance floor in Los Angeles—drink in hand, the DJ peaking, the crowd electric—only to be hit with bright lights and a last-call announcement that feels way too early… you’re not alone.
So what time do bars and clubs close in Los Angeles?
In most of LA, the curfew for alcohol service ends at 2:00 AM, but the full story is a little more complex—and knowing the nuances can make or break your night.
The majority of bars and clubs in Los Angeles are licensed to serve alcohol until 2:00 AM, per California state law. That’s the legal cutoff for pouring drinks. You’ll often hear last call around 1:30 AM, giving patrons time to finish up and get out before closing.
Most venues will start winding down by 1:45 AM, and by 2:00 AM sharp, lights are up, music’s off, and you’re being ushered out the door.
If you’re wondering, “Are there any after-hours clubs in LA?”—the answer is yes, but they’re not easy to find on Google Maps.
After-hours parties do exist in LA, especially in neighborhoods like Downtown, East LA, South Central, and the Arts District, but many are private or semi-private. These underground events often run until 4 or even 6 AM, but they operate outside of standard liquor licenses—so don’t expect an open bar.
To get into these spots, you’ll usually need to know someone, follow the right Instagram accounts, or check apps like Beatmatch where local party collectives post private invites.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the unfiltered world of LA afters—how they work, what to expect, and why they matter to the culture—check out our full feature: LA After-Hours Revolution: How Early Curfew Sparked the Emerging Underground Scene. It’s the guide you didn’t know you needed.
Even though bars close at 2 AM, LA’s late-night food scene keeps going. You’ll find 24-hour taco trucks, ramen spots, and diners all across the city. Check out:
Want to find the best events, parties, and underground after-hours in LA?
Download Beatmatch, the social events app that helps you find the vibe and the people to share it with.
Because in LA, the night doesn’t end at 2 AM. You just need to know where to look.
