One of the last darker clubs in LA. Love the music, drinks (they have some special ones like absinthe and aqua(?)). The dancers are beautiful, the decor is nice. I have seen quite a few great performers here live and the venue is small enough to get a good up close viewing. The fountain with candles is great and you can smoke in one of the covered outside bar areas. The bathroom can be a bit gross and should probably be cleaned some time during the night prior to closing... Admission isn't too bad if your dressed right and bring a flyer from facebook or their website. The halloween party is awesome great and people come in awesome costumes. Very beautiful people all dressed up in black or etc is the norm. I also enjoy the live shows they put on upstairs and sometimes they have different live art or performances downstairs. The art of bleeding has made it to this location at lest once that I know of and I love their live events. If you like the dark goth or industrial scenes you may want to head down here one saturday night and check it out. Drink specials for the first hour or so I believe, so getting there early can pay off. read more

Bar Sinister.... I've met some of the most amazing people at this place over the last few years. If you want to let go of yourself to industrial rock with beautiful women in leather dancing all around you then this is your spot. There are plenty of BDSM beginners and experts milling about the top section depending on the night. I've seen it range from gentle patting to full force slapping of the masochistic variety promptly followed by intense kissing. Talk about the wild sex those two must have! Anyway, I love bar sinister and as long as you come wearing black you will fit right in and find your niche. read more

I love coming to Bar Sinister to dance with friends, and to listen to some good music, where you can't find at too many other places. It's always fun with friends, although most other people there can be pretentious assholes. I've always had a problem when it comes to the ticket booth, always super rude. I understand the punk culture, but damn don't count on making any new friends or saying hey to anyone. read more

Great music, pretty good playroom upstairs (but too small), decent tasting drinks, decent looking dancers, was happy they had an upstairs bar as well. The cover fee was not too bad but the drinks were a little pricey. The problem: self-obsessed, washed out goths, most of whom looked like recovering meth addicts. I walked in with a lady friend who used to frequent that club in her younger years. I was dressed in shorts, a tee shirt, and running shoes. She was in yoga pants and tank top. We got about a dozen dirty looks. When I put her up on the horse for a heavy handed spanking and some manual coaxing of her erogenous zones, some stumpy looking goth employee came up to us and literally said "do you know what you are doing!?" Mother fucker, we're both from the bay. I spent most of my weekends in college at the Citadel and the Power Exchange. I don't need a cheap flogger to bring a girl to her knees in masochistic ecstasy. My strong hand can leave much darker bruises on her ass, I assure you. The overall ambiance was that espoused by some of the reviewers here. Whiny, self-absorbed goths who grew up and are romanticizing the club as if it will somehow fill the void in their personal lives. It is a club people. Get over it. You go there to head-bang to Manson, Skinny Puppy, and Rammstein. And if you're lucky enough to know a down ass girl, take her by the throat and beat her ass with your bare hand until she cums. Down a few Cuba Libres and you're out. No posing, no idolizing a business who probably cares less about you than that dollar bill you forgot to tip the bartender with. Get over yourselves. read more

If your SICK of your repetitive Saturday night at places like BLVD 3, etc, and want to try something alternative... dress in all black, and go to Bar Sinister... see where the night takes you... read more

If your into the Goth/Vampire/BDSM culture there are few places better than this wonderful place.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this was my experience at Bar Sinister in Hollywood: My boyfriend and mine's foree to try and see 45 Grave at Bar Sinister was so bad that I can put it on the top three WORST experiences I have ever had at any club in any city in any country that I have ever been too, and lord knows that's a fuckton. So given, I don't really like BS in the first place. But I REALLY wanted to see 45 Grave. So we traipsed over there (well, as much as you can traipse in H-wood on a Saturday NIGHT), and I just said fuckit, I'll spend the $10 for valet, since I'm not really gonna be drinking. So we went down the corridor. There wasn't a line, so we just walked right up to the girl, and I gave her $20, for me and my man. They searched my purse and stamped my hand. Fine. Then the guy frisks my man and finds his camera in his pocket. He says that we can't go in, because we have a camera. Here is the exchange: Boyfriend: Well, what should we do with it? We just valeted the car. Big Door Guy: That's not my problem. BF: Uh, ok. Do you think the car is CLOSE enough that we could go put it away? BDG: Probably not. Your car is probably pretty far away. BF: So what are we supposed to do then? Look, it's not like I'm going to use it or anything. Me: Is there a coat check that we could leave it in? BDG: Nope. This is where things spiralled out of control. My boyfriend went over to the doorgirl and was like "Fine. OK, we're leaving. Can we get our money back then?" MIND YOU WE HAD NEVER SET ONE FOOT IN THE CLUB, AND HAD GIVEN HER THE $$ ABOUT 3-4 MINUTES PREVIOUS. I was LOOKING at my $20 bill sitting on top of all the other ones in her fucking register thing. The girl looked up and said "Nope. No refunds." He got PISSED. And got into an altercation with the security guys at this point, because they pulled some macho bullshit, and that got his blood running, and I had to step in, as they were threatening him with handcuffing him etc. I told him to wait outside. I apologized and ate crow and was soooooooooo nice. I was just full of "I'm so very sorry that my boyfriend was acting like an asshole, he had no right to do that, I really apologize, etc etc etc. Can I please just get our money back and we'll leave." The girl basically laughed at me and said "No way." Me: But we didn't even go in the club! Door Girl: Doesn't matter. No refunds. Me: But that's my $20 bill sitting on top there. I'm sure that you'll get 2 more people in here tonight to make up for it. DG: Maybe if your boyfriend hadn't acted the way he did we would have given you YOUR money back, but we're not giving you any of it back. I start crying. I'm pretty damn broke right now, and I just wanted to see the fucking band. And now I was out $30, because there was the valet fee, too. I beg them. I plead with them. "PLEASE can I just get the money back. I am so sorry. I really am. I'm already out the money from the valet, and I'm really broke right now...Please can I have my money back? Please?" The Big Door Guy shoves me away from the table and says "Get the hell out of here. Go cry outside. LEAVE. Don't cry here. Go cry somewhere else where someone wants to listen to you." I keep begging the girl, even though she had laughed at me. Her response? "Why don't you go get it from your boyfriend? It's his fault, after all." I told her I realized that. I told her that he had no right to blow up like that, etc. I told her how sorry I was again. I also told her, "Look - it wasn't his money. I was paying for both of us to get in, so it was my money." She said, "You should've thought of that in the first place." I said "How was I going to know that he was going to do any of that?" She shrugged and said, simply, "Not my problem. Why don't you go cry to your boyfriend about it?" At this point, he comes back in because he hears me crying and is even MORE upset, causing the guys to get all in his face and the testosterone, etc, and once again, I grab him and tell him to WAIT FOR ME OUTSIDE. I've stopped crying now, but not begging. And not TRYING to get at least some of my money back. They're all being so horrifically rude it was astonishing. Finally, I just start begging for at least MY money back. "If you won't give me all of it back, can I at least get MY money back? What did I do to you that you can't give me my money back?" My answer? "Should've thought of that before. No refunds." "Please. Is there anything I can do? Is there anyone I can talk to?" And the girl said, "You can ask the owner, she's right there." Now I will say that the owner lady was really nice to me. FAR nicer than any of her door staff. After I told her the story, she at least gave me MY money back. But not the other $10, which was ALSO mine bc I was paying for my bf. So essentially, I lost $20 at Bar Sinister and I have nothing to show for it but the most GIGANTIC case of ill-will and hatred towards that place. read more

Overpriced with horrible customer service. Horrible place came with a friend who goes almost every weekend but I definitely won't be returning ever again. The security guards are so rude just like how they said in previous reviews. The dude with the dreads called me an idiot. And manhandled my friend. The other shithead security grabbed my husband. The girl with the list tried to help but I was shaking because I was so angry at the security I didn't even want to go in there anymore because of the horrible treatment but I also didn't want anybody else to have to go through all that bullshit especially after standing in line for two hours. For twenty dollars a person you guys should hire some professional security guards because they clearly don't do their job very well hence all the complaints. read more

The let down was the security. The place itself is fantastic, refreshing with friendly bar staff. However, my wife fell and twisted her ankle quite badly. The security had absolutely no sympathy when she needed some assistance at closing. The comment, "it's not my problem" showed a complete lack or respect and maybe training on how to help people/customers. Had it not been for this individual, I would have given 5 stars. read more

This club used to be an actual GOTH CLUB, I was so disappointed when I went in there tonight and they were playing KESHA!! Really? Kesha at a Goth Club?! If I wanted to hear pop techno shit I would have gone to a gay bar, Bar Sin you have sold out, so disappointed, save your money, try Das Bunkers. read more

First time going here this wknd and it was an intresting place . Its a gothic club a lot of rock ppl a lot of goth ppl it had a fun vibe I had a good time. It was fun seeing ppl get spanked up on the top floor and even tho it was super hot it still didn't hurt my experience . But unfortunately Even tho I enjoyed myself I can only give 3 stars and that is because of one thing and that is when we arrived everything was fine we went thru security check showed our IDs everything great . But once we went to pay the lady that was charging was being very rude she got annoyed when we couldn't find a simple stupid picture on Instagram that Would take 5 bucks off wow it was such a simple whatever thing and she seemed so mad and gave super attitude to us when we pulled up the wrong picture wow it was very annoying but we kept our cool and proceeded to go inside and enjoy ourselves we weren't gonna let this bitter ass fat bitch ruin our night . So yea incase any of u ever decide to go here watch out for her she seems very angry . And let me describe her so u guys can know how she looks . Shes fucking fat and white wit blue bangs and has tacky tattoos on her upper back so make make sure when u go to her be ready cause pretty sure she'll act stupid wit u too. Other than that not a bad place. read more

Drinking too much (dramatic pause)... either means you are having a great time OR you need to compensate for your surroundings and make it more bearable by making it blurry... and spinning. I've come here on and off through several of it's incarnations. Oh I remember when... blah blah blah... and now? Well, if you go knowing what to expect (or not), and knowing what to avoid (like the hideous people upstairs), it can still be a good time. Besides I have too much black in my closet at this point and am really too poor to buy a new wardrobe. You can still meet silly friendly 'goffs' and I like the eighties they spin into the mix and the random band keeping the drunks company outside. So why do I end up drinking too much there? Probably a little from column A, a little from column B. But most likely because I know this is where all the old goths that never escaped hollywood go to die... *sigh* :'( read more

Been there a few times, and I have a great time every time I'm there! Friendly staff, spacious dance floor, and pretty good music on the outside stage. It's a little pricey, but it's a club and it's in Hollywood so idek what else anyone would expect lol. Overall, I love it at Bar Sin! read more

We are visiting LA. We first went to a standard club, with typical club type people. Bored, we decided to go to the antithesis. Bar Sinister comes alive around 11 or later. Very good crowd. Yes, you will find the creeps. Yes, you will find posers. However, you will find people dressed in their BDSM outfits and such, all dancing. Dance as you want, nobody cares. Excellent DJ with Performance Dancers. No Top 40 here. Drink are expensive, but it helps pay for everything going I guess. We watched two BDSM "performances". Well done, sexy, real and fun to watch. I would recommend this club to anybody looking to get away from the boredom of typical club scene. Keep an open mind and have fun. We loved it. read more

sometimes Bar Sinister is cool and sometimes it sucks. seems that in one evening there is a window of 'coolness' that gives way to suckage. definitely more of a gender-bender / cheesy tittie bar than a darkly elegant goth nightclub, especially after 1 a.m. - the place is jam packed with Rue Paul wannabe's, and i thought surgically enhanced females were kinda freaky. cool for people watching until the drag queens show up, then just very repetitive. their ladies room has got to be the most putrid jane in town. i used to like them on FaceBook but as i mentioned, all of their pics and postings look like ads for cheesy strip joints. read more

Went for the first time on Dec 19th. The venue is gorgeous. The service is fast, efficient. The population-density at the club was just about perfect. It didn't feel empty, but people weren't stacked up three deep at the bar either. The music was a good mix of Goth/Industrial, alternating between the two styles at intervals to allow for dancing and drinks if one style is more to your liking than the other. One negative: The drinks are pretty pricey. As for all the "gother than thou" reviews... Many aspects of the scene are great, but holy @#$! we've got more than our fair share of pretentious douchebags. If you're one of those uber-goths who sit in the back of the room complaining because "your scene" is being corrupted by the Hot-Topic generation, do feel free to start your own club, exclude everyone except those that pass your purity test, and see how that business model works out for you. All in all, there seemed to be all types at the bar. I myself am a weekend enthusiast. My wife is a complete newcomer to the scene, and we were accompanied by someone who used to DJ at various goth/industrial venues in San Diego and Santa Cruz. My wife, though somewhat apprehensive, ended up really liking it. I haven't had so much fun in years, and our friend really liked it as well. So essentially, coming from the complete experience spectrum, we all had a blast and will most likely be back. Highly recommended. read more

I loved this place...the music is circa 90's goth clubbing old skool days, which I loved. The go-go dancers are fun and make it lively and interesting. I danced my ass off in between lounging upstairs watching some S&M stuff and drinking at the bar. I found the other ladies in the ladies room to be friendly (not always the case at bars) and overall, I had a blast. Drink prices are comparable...$10 cover. The only thing that was weird is that there is a sign near the front door that says you can't wear jeans, but they let our friend in anyway. There were lots of people dressed up in what I would call costumes and they had a fun show on the stage in the other room with Angelic girls dancing and singing. Super fun experience! read more

Always a good time... I used to frequent Bar Sinister (Saturday's at Boardner's) weekly (2002-2007), but now I go a lot less frequently... Only because I am getting old and lazy... The hour drive to LA from OC is difficult. Bar Sinister is a really beautiful club. It is billed as a "goth" club, but I would call it a very cool "Hollywood" club... Something right out of the movies. Filled with friendly fiends... Rockers, Goths, Punks, Rivit-Heads, Trannys, Starlets... Every type of person you would expect to be at a cool (alternative) Hollywood club. They play a great mix of Industrial, Goth, Deathrock and 80's... Their DJ's know how to keep people dancing. And the best part is they book incredible bands to play in the courtyard! Beautiful decor, friendly people, go go dancers, circus acts, strong drinks, great music and great bands make this place a must for anyone with an open mind looking for fun in Hollywood on a Saturday night. read more

First off, disregard all the haters offering up two stars or less. They're the real egomaniacs who, for whatever reason, weren't received from on high on their reviewable visit to BS. The proprietess has grown and expanded this club continuously for over 10 years and she receives impeccable marks from me. Everyone here is a looky loo just like any other joint in Hollyhood. I don't care whether you're in jeans or fishnets, so get over it. The beauty of BS is the diversity of the crowds, bands and music. If you need 100% of your expectations met 100% of the time then don't go and just go to Malediction where you'll apparently satisfy your hermetic desires. But if you maintain a modicum of openmindedness to origin, size and age then you will have a good time at BS. And while you're on the dancefloor just try to visualize a second the coffin testing scene from Ed Wood which brought Martin Landau an Oscar...because your dancing where "Bela Lugosi" evaluated his perpetual resting place as being "too constrictive!". :-P read more

I visited this bar from out of town, about 7 years ago. After being in there for an hour, someone had dosed my drink with roofies. The staff was aware of this, but we were told to leave immediately, as to not cause a spectacle. I never forgot that awful experience by such an uncaring staff, in an extremely unprofessional manner. There were numerous ways in which my situation could have been handled, but instead of caring for my well-being, they were much more interested in their image, therefore I was sweft under the rug, when I needed medical attention. It was such a great welcome to such a wonderful city. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Overall when I woke up 15 hours later, I would say that it was a positive experience. read more

I love this place! It's a great place to dance or just chill, and everyone there is friendly and down to have fun. I've been coming here for years and I'm never going to get over over it. read more

love it !! music is sometimes good and sometimes not !! dj's need to pay more attention to whether the crowd is responding to them positively. Atmosphere rocks ! dark in nature.... gotta go !! read more

love this place, tends to be a little to crowed outside and drinks are really pricy other then that i always have an amazing time

Good music, lots of sexy ladies and freaks everywhere. Nice eye-candy wherever you look.

ok if you can get past the "fashion" police at the front door...oh wait sorry I used to be spooky but I evolved...and past the sorry excuse for a bathroom, bar sinister can be a fun place. you definitely will not feel old here. there's always some grandpa here living out his fantasy chained up and on his knees -so watch your step and he better pray you don't has gas-whoops. The music can be all around the place depending on the dj. the bar can be frustrating at times in which I check the outside bar but that also can be a nightmare. it's got a dash of go go dancers who sometimes are attractive but can look like a horse ready to be canned for alpo. I never go upstairs. last thing I want to see is that grandpa in chaps being told to meow or bark or something. ok nice things. I like the fact the bands play outside. it does'nt interupt the dance floor. nothing more annoying then having to stop dancing for some crappy band. the atmosphere is nice. and the people are too. but then again I lived here for a long time so they might be a-holes to new people. all in al it's a good time. but beware of the street dogs when you exit after the club. it's death. read more

First off, I don't understand how this place can have such a low rating. I went there tonight for the first time (also my first club, as well as going solo) so it as a very new to me. This place on the other hand is incredible. When you walk in there is a live band playing industrial music (believe or not, people still do play instruments, not just mac books). In the other is a fairly large dance floor with the most eclectic people you will ever see. You have individuals dressed in standard black clothing, then you have people wearing green gas masks and parachute pants, so It is vary diverse and enthralling. Now there is one thing that is VERY unique about this club, upstairs they have a "fetish room" where girls only cover in g-strings and pasties are tied down to perform some hardcore S&M. It isn't my personal cup of tea but was very enlightening to see things from a new perspective. So even if you aren't a goth( as I am not) I am certain that you will have a blast. I got there when it open and left only because it had to close. Plus you can't beat $5 enter fee with a coupon. read more