The Echo
1822 W Sunset Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-8200
Another one of the staple east-of-Hollywood music venues, the Echo caters heavily to the art and indie crowds on weekends, though its DJ nights bring out the area hip-hop population during the week. The retro-outfitted stage area has an ‘80s-glam feel, with plenty of standing room between the bar and the seating area. A narrow hallway leads to the spacious, fenced-in outdoor smoking area in back. The place is frequented by local bands as well as touring bands with loyal cult followings, and has also been known to host secret shows by acts like Weezer, Beck and Steve Malkmus. The acoustics are good, but sound-wise the levels tend to be loud and unbalanced, and it might take some moving around to find the “good” spot in the room. Monday nights are free, otherwise the cover is usually between $5 and $10. Everyone parks in the huge lot (free after hours) located a block away, and there are a few decent taco joints in the neighborhood that make for good late-night food.
The haiku version:
The third tower of
Echo Park and Silverlake’s
Classic retro scene