user
El Rey Theatre
5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Appearance

Comments
D.
Review №1

Nice venue, not spectacular but nothing to complain about.

Ma
Review №2

Great place and parking available for $20 flat

Mi
Review №3

Just saw G&E man it was so sick I love el Rey always super intimate and fun.

So
Review №4

Wow!!! Really love what they did to this place. I dont remember it being this nice back in 1998. If you ever want to see your favorite band play this is the perfect place to see them. The place is small and its standing room only on the floor level. 🤘🤘🤘This means you can be as close to the stage as you want. If you rather sit down then you can buy a ticket on the balcony level. The sound is great there. Two bars for drinks.🍻 Not enough restrooms though.

Ni
Review №5

Lovely venue for live music. One thing that stood out was the lack of air circulation.. Im sure its because of the age of building but the heat became overwhelming by the end of the show. Aside from that the sound was fantastic and I had a great time jamming out with Raphael Saddiq!

Mi
Review №6

Went to go see Meg Myers October 2015 AND 2018! The venue is in great shape - velvet everywhere. Feels royal. The lighted signs outside are spectacular. And its just right - not to big, not too small. Best of all, there is free parking after 8pm at street meters all around. I tend to find empty spots west and south of the venue that require some walking. One of the best concert venues in Los Angeles!

Do
Review №7

Ive been here about 6 times now, and I love coming back. Every time Ive come, its always been a great concert, great experience, and the stage is small which makes it enjoyable because no matter where you stand, youll be able to see the singer and band with ease.The venue is extremely intimate. Tickets are usually $20-30 and an additional $10-15 fee, so the tickets are cheap but its worth the view, and the sound. Speakers are nice and loud for both acoustic and heavy instruments like drums, guitar, and sound boards.I absolutely enjoy going on the side wall because its always a perfect view to see the singers. There is an incline on the center floor so you can get a good view even if youre in the back. The balcony is usually for VIPs when a concert is performing, so Ive never been up there and I only know they have tables and chairs.The staff are quick to do security check and ticket scan so you get inside easy. Theyre also nice when youre in a spot you dont belong, or have any questions. They also go outside in line to give 21+ years old wrist bands so they can easily get an alcoholic beverage inside.The bar is great; they offer soda for underage people and its quick to get a drink even lf theres a line.The bathrooms are really clean and they always offer small items like gum, mint, chocolate, etc. For a charge of course but its convenient if you need/want any of those things.The only issue Ive had with coming here is parking. There is a structure right around the corner of the venue but its not always available. Sometimes Ill go to the structure two blocks down by the bank because its 24 hours and easy to get to.Overall, I love this venue. If a performance or show is happening at El Rey, everyone needs to at least experience it once.

Ro
Review №8

I saw BLS here. All I can say is amazing!!! The venue had a killer sound system and the crowd was wild and crazy. Ill be back El Rey!

Da
Review №9

Love the small cozy personal performances you get at the El Rey theatre. Its in a nice area named Miracle Mile with lots of good eats around. They have valet parking or if you are lucky you can find parking on your own.

Sa
Review №10

The El Rey is always amazing, absolutely beautiful, and Vic is the BEST security guard there hands down. If youre in his section he will take great pride in keeping everyone safe, yet allowing you to still have a wonderful time! This was the first time we had an opportunity to meet him, and he truly is a breath of fresh air! Cant wait to go back!

Ky
Review №11

Cool medium sized GA venue

Sh
Review №12

Intimate music venue with a mezzanine and side elevated platforms. Most recently came here to watch Hunny perform, and really enjoyed the show. The security line was short since we arrived pretty late, and you just have to go through metal detectors and scan your tickets (we used the axs app) at the door. Bathrooms are to the immediate right, and it was a very long line for the ladies room. Unfortunately there’s only one bathroom (3 stalls), but on the other hand, there’s two bars (one on the bottom and one upstairs). There’s some tables with chairs to sit in the lounge plus some along the edge of the second level if you don’t want to be down in the pit. Otherwise, for shorter people (like myself) the sides (there’s little steps that you’ll have to take up) provide an elevated view where you’re still on the ground, but might be able to see a bit better.Parking is a miserable situation. You can pay for valet and there’s various lots around. We got lucky and found parking in Wilshire that was free after 8pm, but most of the neighborhoods around are permit-parking. La Brea has some metered spots too, but those were all taken when we looked.The people who work here are standoffish and not that friendly. Note that they don’t sell advance tickets for other shows, and only sell shows in-person for the show that’s playing that very night. The website hadn’t worded it clearly enough, so I was confused about that until I asked (unfortunately Eve 6 was sold out online so I was hoping to see if they had some in-stock at the box office while I was there).

Jo
Review №13

I love seeing shows at this venue. Its a good sized space with a great stage. The staff is always friendly and hospitable.

Ma
Review №14

My goodness... This place is intimate, the lighting is perfect 👌🏾, and the staff was so warm and welcoming. I love the vintage vibe of this theater- it was so beautiful! I was highly impressed with this venue...I saw Alice Smith here and she was absolutely lovely as always ... I will definitely be coming here again for concerts in the future ...

Ky
Review №15

Fun little venue. Attended Zoe church here. Great atmosphere, great church.

He
Review №16

Cute old school theater perfect for small venue up close and personal with artists

Jo
Review №17

Great intimate venue for Harry Hudson concert, bar had tons of options, elevated stage so you can see from anywhere!

Di
Review №18

Amazing the only thing its a little small

Jo
Review №19

One of my fave old LA venues. Some great act come through here. Only complaint is the sound can be heavy-handed with bass being too high in the mix causing mid range (and vocals) to get lost in the rumble. But good vibes make up for the sound issues.

Sh
Review №20

One of the coolest places to see a show in Los Angeles with friendly staff and art deco beauty.

Jo
Review №21

I have really enjoyed the few times I have been to the El Rey. It is a small standing room only music venue. One negative or way to enjoy the music better is to avoid standing at the back of the room, behind the sound equipment is pretty bad. You really need to move up toward the front of the room for best music listening. They have valet parking that wasn’t too expensive ($7-10 I believe) and relatively quick after the show.

Fa
Review №22

I love the El Rey Theatre because it was the best music venue in Los Angeles

J
Review №23

Looks great. Sounds great. Not oversold. Good sightlines. Great acts.

bu
Review №24

One of my favorite venues to see a show.

Cr
Review №25

Great venue for smaller artists in an intimate setting. Acoustics were great and the lighting ability was fantastic. The sounds, lights and atmosphere made for a great experience, however the drinks were weak, beer was flat and tasted like water, and they were really overpriced. ($8 for a small redbull). Def pregame beforehand if you dont want to get ripped off. Also the parking situation is inconsistent. The structure is forced $20 valet but they refuse to inform you about the $10 valet right in front of the theatre.

Ti
Review №26

Excellent venue to see shows. Cool interior and lobby as well.

Mi
Review №27

Nice, intimate venue! Be forewarned they wont let you bring gum inside, even if the package is sealed.

An
Review №28

Great staff and very clean venue. Love it!

Va
Review №29

AMAZING venue with great views from wherever you are standing. Staff is usually friendly, bartenders are fast, and restrooms are clean. Parking is a NIGHTMARE, arrive early.

da
Review №30

Clean and amazing experience!! Several open Bars, beer on tap, easy in and out

Na
Review №31

Excellent location . Great to have a connected restaurant where you can go in and out of the venue. Lots of bars. Great set up. A bit small and the staff is very uninformed regarding access and areas available to the patrons.

RJ
Review №32

Great smaller venue! Loved it.

Ma
Review №33

Intimate theater, great sound quality

An
Review №34

The venue is small making it great for being up close to the artist you are seeing! They do have some steps on the side which is good for short people like me to see over the crowd!

Fe
Review №35

Nice and warm atmosphere

He
Review №36

I always enjoy photographing shows at this venue. The building is absolutely gorgeous and the staff is always professional and friendly

El
Review №37

Its pretty cool place, the acustic is really good and Ive enjoyed all the gigs Ive seen in here.

Ja
Review №38

Amazing venue!

Ho
Review №39

This was my first time at the El Rey and it was kinda cool! Small intimate theater with standing room only seating, unless you pay extra for tables on the 2nd floor! They have quite a few bars for a spot so intimate! The Bartenders make great drinks! I will definitely visit again!

Jo
Review №40

Small, intimate vibe, great atmosphere. Can easily soak in the bands to the fullest potential due to the close proximity. 😎💖

sh
Review №41

Fairly small venue, loved the old building.

Ja
Review №42

#VintageTrouble Gotta Love this band!

Tr
Review №43

Ive been here twice and both times, I had a great time! The bands I saw put on a spectacular show and that was only made better by the awesome sound system/sound guy and great lighting guy/rig that they had. The past few hours spent were amazing there. The drinks were super delicious (also a little bit pricey) but they had a great selection. Pabst and Jack Daniels were really good. The restrooms were surprisingly clean as well. Parking was pretty good as long as you arrive early, there are lots a couple blocks down that will valet your car for $10. Definitely a great deal there. I will definitely be coming back if I have another favorite band playing there!

Ja
Review №44

For the Ninja Sex Party concert. I was so happy that even with the sweaty bodies, I could still feel the all conditioning trying to work its magic

Ce
Review №45

This is one of LAs best venues. It was recently remodeled a few years ago, but they preserved the theaters original look. (Yes, those are glass chandeliers.) Its a good size, the sound is usually top notch, the staff is generally cheery (hey everyone has a bad day, yeah?), and inside it is welcoming and isnt intimidating. Theres a smoking area, and the drinks - cost as much as you think they would at a concert venue. Its reasonable, but not cheap.I am short, so having a good view of the stage is important to me and theres really not a bad spot in the house. I usually even stand towards the back!DO NOT bring gum in. It is not allowed. I have probably spent the cost of 5 concert tickets in packs of gum that Ive had to throw away because I absentmindedly brought those in.Lastly, if you want to see a show, buy a ticket before hand. Though it might not state SOLD OUT the morning of the show, chances are if its a hot ticket, it will sell out by the time the first band goes on. Dont sit on it!*Hollywood note: In the Corey Haim/Corey Feldman movie License To Drive the El Rey was their destination before grandpas car gets towed.

Pe
Review №46

Great venue for shows as good sight lines and acoustics. Wish they carried better, local independent beer.

Dr
Review №47

Wonderful Performance By Raphael Saadiq 💣💣👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

No
Review №48

Very intimate space but for some damn reason the AC wasnt kicked on so it just smelled like ass

Do
Review №49

This place is really dope, I like the architecture inside.

su
Review №50

Great venue...

al
Review №51

Amazing venue,concert too

Ve
Review №52

Faith Forward Future : Pastor Chad Veach • Zoe Church LA - Book Release #FFF

ma
Review №53

Aaron Watson!!!! Love love loooooooove him!!😍😍

Ch
Review №54

Great medium sized venue, much like the Fonda. There are tables and raised areas along the sides if you want to be above the crowd. Balcony is vip only. Keep in mind if you do the valet parking, youll be waiting a while for the guy to be ready to serve you after the concert is over. It also gets fairly warm inside

Sh
Review №55

Awesome venue, great drinks and amazing acoustics. Plenty of parking near by.

La
Review №56

Plenty of seating, great sound quality

Ro
Review №57

My first time seeing a concert here. Its become one of my favorite venues! Its got a cool vibe. Its small and had a great view of the stage and probably could have gotten even closer! Drinks are pricey but thats to be expected. Hope to see more of my favorite artists playing there in the future.

Jo
Review №58

My friend invited me to attend Xavier Rudds concert at El Rey for my birthday. It was a fantastic, enjoyable, and fun experience. The sound and lighting were incredible.

Ve
Review №59

Best venue

Sy
Review №60

The El Rey Theatre is a small, intimate venue for concerts, and is a welcoming place for watching your favorite band. I saw The Cat Empire there, and the space is great for die hard fans to get involved in the experience. Did not have any drinks but they seemed to have a good selection at the bar.

Li
Review №61

First of all theres valet parking right on front for ten bucks. Cocktails are also ten bucks and arent super weak. Its a good amount of space and you can sit up stairs or see pretty well around the perimeter. Id come back the next time someone I want to see is here.

Aa
Review №62

One of favorite spots to see a show Los Angeles. Small Venue, Good Sound and reasonable bar prices.

Jo
Review №63

I love the atmosphere here, but it is truly for artist/musician fanatics. If you are going to see an artist you like or are being introduced to, it may not be the right venue for you. The acoustics aren’t that great. However, if you know all the words and want to be heard when you sing along, this is for you and that artist you so adore. I had the pleasure of attending a few concerts here and I would recommend it.

BI
Review №64

Enjoyed this venue very much. We saw the Victor Wooten Trio on a Thursday evening. The parking structure for El Rey (located on Cochran) is $15 and valet is $10. Found some free street parking. Walking distance to plenty of restaurants to visit before seeing a show. Great sound and good view from anywhere in the venue.

Mi
Review №65

This place rocks! I live very close to this theater and they always have something going on, always a line in front. Its one of these old, classic theater is that just hosts wonderful shows. Check it out. Its different every night, every night you might find something that you really like

Al
Review №66

There is not enough seats you should sit on the ground!

Ma
Review №67

Was at a concert here last night and had a really good time . The space wasnt that big so even if you were standing in the back you got to see the performer pretty well. Also there were steps between the area in front of the stage and the rest so you get a good view if you are stuck behind someone tall

Ma
Review №68

Ive seen a few shows here including Marion Hill, Lemaitre, and Private Island. Its standing room in the middle and private booths on the edge for these type of concertsVibe/What to wear:El Rey is a nicer venue in good shape with an open layout and red carpeting in lots of places. The vibe depends on the band, but people will wear everything from jeans and a t-shirt and jacket or boots to casual club dresses with chunky heels. Upscale hipster environmentTips:- Standing on the stairs along the side helps to give a better view if youre not right at the front or if youre a bit shorter than your friends.- Water cups are $1 with free refills so get one for the group (so long as youre all healthy) and stay hydrated!

Na
Review №69

The sound was great, the sightlines were good, the staff was lovely. The temperature was freezing, which has never been my experience in an LA venue before. Im bringing an extra sweatshirt next time.

bo
Review №70

Really good ADA services and the sound system was fantastic. My only complaint is with the layout of the floor. It was very awkward. There was an upper part and then a lower part with two tiny steps. Seems like a major tripping hazard at a rock show. And the staff kept hounding people to stand inside the invisible blue lines. Either light up the line or let people stand where they want. It cant be a fire code thing because I have never seen that before and Ive been to dozens of shows. Just get a normal (1 level) floor and let people stand where they want! Rant over.

Ru
Review №71

Great theatre!!!

Lu
Review №72

Went to see Adam Conover. Parking was easy. We used the valet which was $10. Starts 1 hour before show time. There are also a couple of parking structures around the corner. Security was fast and the venue itself is pretty small compared to other theaters. It hold 770 people. They do have a couple to bars which never got too crowded which was a great thing.

Ki
Review №73

I love this venue! Ive seen three concerts here and I love the atmosphere. There is seating on the sides of the venues for some shows and if you call in advance you can book a table to yourself. Service is sufficient enough to not be critiqued. The manager is very nice, however.

Fo
Review №74

What a great venue for a party!

po
Review №75

The lighting is fabulous for the on-stage performance. The decor is beautiful and quaint with lovely large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling over the audience. The bathrooms are very well maintained and secured with bathroom attendants. And the security guards are very attentive and on top of their game. The only thing that I found lacking is the sound quality: the music was SO LOUD that the sounds were just distorted altogether and I couldnt hear the vocals clearly within the mess. However, that could be on account of the individuals performing and possibly THEIR sound tech employees, if they provide them theirselves. Other than that, its a very pleasant place to visit and perform at.👀👍

Ma
Review №76

Amazing atmosphere! It has an old town LA vibe with a sizeable stage which gives the feeling of intimacy while still making the show feel big.Theres a bar, a merch stand, and plenty of space. It didnt take long to get in and the show was a great time. Im looking forward to seeing more artists here.

El
Review №77

Saw King Krule. My life has been made!

Ch
Review №78

Classic LA Venue, small but feels big.

Fa
Review №79

Awesome show with Des Rocs and Glorious Sons! Good venue, cozy but relaxed.

JR
Review №80

This super cozy theater is a great place to see shows! Max capacity is in the 700s to give you a sense of the space size. Parking can be a challenge here, however there are several parking lots near by. I suggest you map them out before you arrive if youre not familiar with the area. There is security when you go in, so prepare to empty your pockets. There are two bars on the first floor, right when you walk in and again when you go into the main room. The main room has a sunken floor, as well as raised areas to both sides of it. Both areas provide fine viewing of the stage. There is an upstairs as well, much smaller, that has small tables and chairs. If youre looking for an intimate concert - El Rey is the place to go!

st
Review №81

I have to say everything went pretty smoothly. The security guards the ticket process and the floors are clean prior to the end of the venue there were two bars for those that drink and the security guards were not too pushy when it came to keeping aisles clear which everybody hates

Ca
Review №82

#swisher sweets artist project #charlesbryan

Je
Review №83

What a great venue. The decor its nice and you can see the stage from everywhere.

Ma
Review №84

Historic concert, great acoustics

Su
Review №85

I love intimate venues and this is about as intimate as you can get. Theres a cool little pit section and no barrier between the stage and the crowd, so you can actually climb up if youre feeling brave (security will come and escort you off the stage promptly, however). Theres an upper section with seating and tables as well, but I didnt venture up to take a close look. Bathrooms were fairly nice with an attendant. Ended up parking just a few blocks away near Ralphs at a metered spot (they dont enforce after hours) for free.

Sh
Review №86

Great sound and choice of multiple eateries adjoining the venue. There is even limited parking in the back if you get there early enough....

De
Review №87

I went to an event here three weeks ago and after checking my Hydroflask at the front counter—they dont allow you to bring water bottles in from the outside—I forgot to pick it up at the end of the show. I live in Santa Barbara, about two hours away by car. Whenever I call, the phone rings until it goes to the answering machine—even if I call directly before a show there is no answer whatever. I have left six messages on their machine asking about my Hydroflask, but none of them have been answered.I will gladly delete my review or change it to a positive one if my water bottle—which cost as much as the price of the ticket to see the show—is returned to me, or if I can at least get a confirmation that its still there so I can be sure of picking it up.

Ju
Review №88

No parking, a pain to get to, didnt even end up going to the show we had such a hard time getting to the venue

Sm
Review №89

I love the intimate atmosphere of this place. A lot of other local venues, dazzling as they may be, can blend together a bit in the memory but this one definitely stands out for its set-up. Not to mention that the sound is bangin, and the staff are actually friendly and dont seem to hate their jobs! Great spot.

Br
Review №90

I saw They Might be Giants here. Interesting layout. Theres a small pit in the center and areas for people to stand on the side. Great show. Great venue. Would love to see more concerts there.

Da
Review №91

Saw Dance Gavin Dance on may 11th and the venue space seems small but it fit a sold out crowed very nice and has great AC. beer at $14 for a large beer or 8 for the small so i was able to afford only one and a $3 can of coke. If you are able to go to the attached restaurant on the side go there its a bit cheaper for the soda

Be
Review №92

Nice, small venue. Art deco decor. Huge chandeliers. Clean bathroom. I saw the worst show ever there but I had a great time! Thank you Dana!

Cl
Review №93

Always the best music and staff. I love seeing shows here. The little place to eat here is a nice mexican style spot with quick bites.

Bo
Review №94

El Rey Theatre is so beautiful and I love it! I wish theyd turn up their AC though. I was just standing and I was sweating.

br
Review №95

The stage is big enough to suffice a good show. I saw Skizzy Mars here. It was a good show. Its General admission so if youre there early you can get to the front. Its clean and a good atmosphere. Good for creating memories.

ST
Review №96

One of my favorite venues for a show. Be ready to stand though as there are only a few chairs on the sides. Loads of great shows pass through here continuously. Check the calendar frequently as they are always adding new shows.

Ni
Review №97

As far as a venue goes this place is top notch. Theres a lot of flair here in the decor of the bathrooms all the way to the shape of the area where the seating is. Ive mainly been here a few times for charity events so the regular seating arrangements werent in place. I think something that needs to be added here is when I go to a concert venue sound is important. This is a venue where the sound quality is pretty good, the lighting is good, and overall you get a good performance. I caught the end of Capital Cities when they were in LA recently and the trumpet playing here was very clear and everything seemed to bring you into the performance itself. So this place is definitely recommended and in my top 20 venues for concerts in Los Angeles. Check it out for yourself and see if you agree.

Ra
Review №98

Came here to see Bag Raiders and I loved the venue. The setting is intimate and you can be up in the front dance floor or off to the side or on the balcony if you want to be low key. Id definitely come back to see another show.

Jo
Review №99

Great little venue. Nothing better than a sweaty, rockin place and this place fits the bill perfectly. Saw Candlebox here, great show - even the support acts.

Mu
Review №100

Great sound, every band killed it! Voivod are legends and probably had the best sound mix.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
  • Site:http://www.theelrey.com/
  • Phone:+1 323-936-6400
Categories
  • Banquet hall
  • Live music venue
  • Concert hall
  • Event venue
  • Wedding venue
Working hours
  • Monday:9am–6pm
  • Tuesday:9am–6pm
  • Wednesday:9am–6pm
  • Thursday:9am–6pm
  • Friday:9am–6pm
  • Saturday:9am–6pm
  • Sunday:9am–6pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Restaurant:No
Similar organizations