Dena Burroughs

You’ve seen it on the floors of LA's best dance clubs, on Dancing With The Stars and even in an odd teen movie or two… salsa dancing is sexy, passionate and fun, and we've all imagined ourselves twirling on the dance floor and looking damn good doing it. Turns out that dream is totally achieveable, as long as you can find the right club (some of which even offer lessons). We've done the leg work (pun intended) for you, compiling a list of clubs, cocktail bars and more where you can show off the moves you already know and add new ones to your repertoire.   

Steven's Steakhouse is a restaurant with a menu worth paying attention to in its own right, but the venue has also positioned itself as an important part of LA’s salsa dancing scene. Salsa Sundays are quite popular here, but there are also salsa bands scheduled to perform Thursday through Saturday. Steven's is a good place to enjoy a fine meal and burn the calories you’ve eaten immediately thereafter. On selected dates Stevens also offers salsa concerts by renowned international bands in its large dance hall. A good way to keep up with the venue's salsa parties and dance lessons is by becoming social with them on their Facebook page.

One of the few venues fully dedicated to salsa dancing in the Los Angeles area is the Granada in Alhambra. Here you are bound to get your salsa fix on any Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. If you are interested in dance lessons, not only for salsa but also other Latin rhythms like bachata, cha-cha, or tango, you may want to look at the extensive list of group classes offered at the Granada. There is a kitchen at this venue, so you can make your outing a dinner and dance combo. The dress code is casual to dressy; you can check the website to peruse the menu and find specific dress code information.

The Cocopalm is a Cuban restaurant that opens its "Coco Room" for salsa dancing on Friday nights only. The venue consistently features Chino Espinoza y los Duenos del Son (a 10-piece salsa band), as well as the recorded selections of Super DJ Robby, who also plays Top 40 and contemporary tunes during band sets. Appetizers are available for purchase, there is a full bar and plenty of seating. We recommend that you call ahead, as some Fridays get cancelled due to private parties; the Cocopalm is quite popular for weddings and similar private events.

Co-owned by Latino stars Jimmy Smits, Jennifer Lopez and Sheila E., among others, this fabled and fabulous showcase of Latin music and musicians features an all-star salsa band rules on Thursdays and Saturdays. Here you can see and hear leading salsa groups like El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Orquesta Guayacan de Colombia enhanced by the outstanding sound and lighting systems of this gorgeous club. Admission prices will vary depending on the occasion, so keep an eye on the calendar of events. It is for this exact outing that you have that little black dress or that trendy new shirt. Wear it!

If it's Tuesday night and you cannot keep yourself from salsa dancing, Ixtapa Cantina in Pasadena will do the trick. DJ Luis Pachanga plays a fine selection of salsa, bachata, and cha-cha. The venue has a full bar and a kitchen, so you can make it a dinner and dance combo. The promoter for Salsa Tuesdays at this location is famous for his theme parties, so don’t be surprised if you arrive to find several people dressed in 1920s outfits or dancing on stilts. Don't fret; you're not required to wear anything in particular, the dress code is always casual for non-performers.  

If you're looking for a true salsa dancing adventure, head over to the San Manuel Casino, where a live band performs every Tuesday inside the Tukut Lounge. It will require a drive for most, but you'll hardly find a more affordable option, with free dance lessons, free admission and free parking, plus drinks at great prices. The Tukut Lounge has a Vegas-like stage, with a fancy curtain that opens and closes between band sets. The floor is wooden and perfect for your best moves. What's a little drive when so much awaits!

Tres Vinos is the place to go when you feel like Salsa dancing on a Wednesday night or a Sunday evening. This corner venue is aesthetically beautiful, with smooth wooden floors, an island bar and modern seats. The kitchen closes at 8pm on Wednesdays, so you’ll have to arrive earlier if you want to dine, but on Sundays there is an $8 buffet available until 9:30pm. The dress code is casual, and the dance classes at this location are often large and could become your key to making friends and meeting future dance partners.

If you want to enjoy a nice Cuban meal, listen to live salsa music and get your body moving, consider El Floridita in Hollywood for a Friday, Saturday or Monday night rendezvous. Here you can also enjoy one of the best mojitos you’ll find in town. Check the menu ahead of time, and since this is a popular place, call for reservations. The atmosphere will be festive, the dance floor will be full, and keep your eyes open—this is a preferred place of stars such as Andy Garcia and Mario Lopez.