Troubadour

This storied club has a rich musical history: Randy Newman got his start here, Elton John made his U.S. debut on its stage in 1970 (introduced by Neil Diamond), Joni Mitchell played her first L.A. show here, and Richard Pryor opened for Nina Simone. And it hasn’t lapsed into irrelevance in the time since, often showcasing bands on the rise and serving as an intimate showcase space for more famous artists. Within the past decade, Harry Styles and Stevie Nicks have shared the stage, John Mulaney reopened the venue post-pandemic with a string of 15 shows, and Chappell Roan, Hozier and Portugal. The Man have all played to sold-out crowds.

The sound is great, the drinks are strong, and the views are decent from almost anywhere in the room—just stay out from under the balcony (and arrive early if you want to claim one of those seats). No matter who you see perform here, you can feel the history imbued in the wood-paneled walls.