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For many, Downtown LA is a mysterious zone only visited during jury duty or must-see MOCA exhibits. But after dark there's a new nightlife scene buzzing with fresh energy, something few people thought possible after the 1992 riots. Classic venues have been joined by transformed banks, edgy bars for art-damaged hipsters, dance dens for beat junkies, megaclubs for hip-hoppers partying until 6am, and chic design-centric spots for the hip and fabulous.—Alexandra Le Tellier 
1.
Broadway BarBased on Jack Dempsey's New York bar of the same name, this 3,800-square-foot space next to the Orpheum Theater brings '40s-style glam to Downtown's burgeoning bar scene with chandeliers illuminating a lounge fit for a kingpin.
2.
The EdisonLocated in the basement of the nearly century-old Higgins Building (the first building in LA to generate its own electric power), this highly ambitious nightspot is part trendy nightclub, part shrine to turn-of-the-century American ingenuity.
3.
Club 740Since opening in 2005 with a DJ set by Tiesto, this decadent club has lured in Usher, Missy Elliot and members of the Black Eyed Peas. But unlike the exclusive boites in Hollywood, here clubbers don't need to be A-listers to bypass the velvet rope: Fashionable attire and a good attitude will do.
4.
Bonaventure Brewing CompanyThe mirrored circular towers of the Bonaventure Hotel are a spectacular sight. Even more amazing is that they house a lively microbrewery.
5.
BordelloTattooed girls in their prettiest cocktail dresses make the scene with greaser dudes at this brothel-inspired bar.
6.
Roof Bar at the Standard DowntownHollywood and fashion types gather on at this sky-high oasis, which looks like the set of a 1960s space film, to check out the spectacular view of the city skyline and, of course, each other.
7.
Bar 107This kitschy-cool hub for artists, loft-dwellers and USC grads provides a much-needed quirky edge to the banking district.
8.
Golden GopherOutside: Grimy streets, panhandlers and skeevy dudes leering from the dive next door. Inside: Video games, Liberace-esque decor and a jukebox pumping out The Cramps and Al Green.
9.
Blue VelvetUsually we expect hip decor or high-quality cuisine, but this hip spot accomplishes both at once.
10.
Gallery BarLegend says that the Black Dahlia enjoyed her last drink here before disappearing into the night and becoming one of LA's most famous murder victims. Only in LA, kids.
11.
Mountain BarChinese brides wear red, and so does this edgy haven for art scenesters. Service is often slow and the hard surfaces everywhere make conversations hard to hear—but who cares? When skinny girls in neon sweat pants and plastic high heels make it their own, a bar's cred is established.
12.
Mayan TheatreOnce the home of Gershwin musicals, this 1920s homage to a pre-Columbian temple now keeps the party going with superstar DJs like John Digweed, salsa competitions (with lessons for rookies), burlesque shows and ironic Mexican wrestling.
13.
Noe Bar at the Omni HotelAnyone who insists Downtown is skanky needs to have a stiff one at this fancy hotel. It serves up stogies and martinis for business types and visitors stopping in after MOCA or a show at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
14.
Fox Sports Sky BoxTucked between the Fox Sports broadcast booth and Staples Center's Star Plaza entrance, this crowded sports bar is a popular pre-game meeting point. Tables are surrounded by TVs and huge sports tickers.
15.
The Optical Lounge and Audio Lab at the Spring Arts TowerArt-damaged hipsters celebrate underground culture during Create:Fixate's edgy bi-monthly evenings. The sensory buffet includes dozens of visual artists, and musical acts, plus two cash bars and plenty of boys sporting asymmetrical hair.
16.
Pete's CafeDowntown virgins looking to dip their toes into the revival should start with this Art Deco-style bar and bistro in the heart of the loft district. The strong drinks lubricate interaction between the City Hall types and the local artists.
17.
The SmellThis all-ages DIY club for indie rockers and political activists is more about prophets than profits.
18.
La CitaThis is the Downtown version of SkyBar, where artist DJs have transformed the formerly un-cool space into bumping, grinding hipster heaven.
19.
Firecracker at Grand StarEven before Chinatown housed slick bars and art galleries, this hip-hop night helped rejuvenate the neighborhood's club scene. A night here is like Urb magazine come to life.
 
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 Downtown is a lot like Hollywood was a decade ago. I think some people need an alternative to the new over-hyped Hollywood scene. Our crowd isn't drawn by seeing celebrities—they're not hoping to get with Paris Hilton.
--Cedd Moses, owner of Broadway Bar and
Golden Gopher
Late-Night Eats
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