I went there 6/20/2020 for the first time after the lockdown. I'm happy to say that the music is no longer deafening. People were wearing masks but nobody was practicing social distancing. I had a great time. read more

I got to meet some SC girls and SGV Josh! Beyond friends the atmosphere is amazing with 3 bars you can always get a drink! DJs are good just wish they would play more die antwoord read more

Fun atmosphere great bar tenders! They remembered me in a crowded place and the music was great! Josie Pace cane in from Michigan.

Cool vibes during the goth/bdsm club saturdays! Love the people and performers and music! TIP: WEAR ALL BLACK OR THEY WONT LET YOU IN! read more

Bar Sinister - Bars Near Me - Hollywood, California

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The best goth club in Los Angeles! They have multiple bars and dance areas, as well as an outdoor section for taking a break from inside. I've been a regular since the early 2000's and always have a great time. The bartenders are fun and give great pours. The music varies from room to room, but it all is in keeping with the theme, Bauhaus, Jesus and Mary Chain, Bowie, Joy Division, Nine Inch Nails, and too many others to list. If you are into a "black" night out, Sinister is the place to be. read more

Never felt so comfortable in a bar before. Beautifully dark and full of amazing people. The entertainment is more delicious than your favorite desert. The music is spectacular. I think yelp reviewers are usually ass holes, but I'm happy to risk being apart of that group to give a good review for this gem. read more

Hands down my favorite bar in Los Angeles, let alone in Hollywood. Incredibly accepting atmosphere, friendly staff, they make you feel like family there. Music is always top notch, the entertainers are always gorgeous incredibly talented. It's no surprise as to why they come from all over the world to perform at Bar Sinister. Bottle service prices are incredibly reasonable for the area and their customer services couldn't be better. Purgatory room above the main room is always a must-see, so be sure to find yourself a spot (show up early if you want to sit on one of the incredibly comfortable couches with a great view), and grab a drink from the bar up there as well. Multiple rooms with multiple bars, there's plenty of space and entertainment to keep you engaged throughout the entirety of Saturday night. Security is great, I used to work security myself and one of our old mottos was if we were doing a good job the regular patrons wouldn't even really know we were there, that holds true for Sinister. I've never seen a single issue at this location, the security is just as friendly as the rest of the staff and makes for a safe environment to have a great time in Hollywood. They're very supportive of small businesses as they bring in vendors every single weekend that you can browse as you walk through the alley into the main room and grab yourself some new jewelry/chokers/outfits/and much more. Entry fee is nominal and stays consistent. The interior incredibly well designed, really transports you to a different place while you're there which is what everybody enjoys. Drinks are pretty standard LA pricing which is to be expected but from my experience their selection of booze exceeds most other locations (you're always gonna find what you want). If you're visiting LA, a local that hasn't visited, or haven't been in awhile then be sure to follow their instagram/adhere to dress code/and show up on Saturday. You won't regret it, easily some of the best times you can have and best people you can meet in the area. read more

The security (older White man) outside in front of the entrance was beyond rude. There's a way/tone/demeanor to talk to people. I've never been to a club or bar with this kind of behavior as someone who works in the entertainment business and runs other vip clubs with high profiles I was was very disappointed. Online, the bar says it's open to 2:30 am yet not letting people in at 1:15am anymore. Open means open and closed means closed. read more

This place is the fucking best! Saturday nights every week is the time to go. Make sure to wear all black. Best goth dance party in LA!

According to the head of security, Joe I believe his name is at Boardners/Bar sinister in Hollywood people who are handicapped should just stay home. I mean you have no business trying to go out and have fun. Allow me to quote him., me: I'm disabled and all I need is to sit down while my friend waits in line. Joe: "Then you shouldn't be here". After he said "I don't know what to tell you". He obviously doesn't know that disabled people are members of a protected class by law. I do go out thank you and I can live a productive life with simple accommodations. I have never been so insulted and disgusted and I've been going there for 18 years!! That guy is rude and he insults handicapped people. He almost brought me to tears and I was about to call uber and leave. Luckily the girl with the list saw me upset and asked what was up and she let me sit in the chair just inside the entrance. She then took care of us and all was well but the incident left a bad taste in my,mouth and almost ruined our night. Luckily we went on to have a blast! I have been going here for 18 years and I have many good memories from trips to Bar Sinister and Boardners. Last night there was a mix of the worst experience ever and I had a great time at the Halloween event. It's too bad that head of security did that because it cost them 2 stars. Oh well. read more

Kicked out for no reason. Apparently awanna be model ha dancer by the name of kori said i called her a name...I'm like how? I didn't even see any girls dancing on a pole let alone even talk to any workers we spent over 300$ there mostly just to get our big group in. People if you're in Hollywood. Save you're money and avoid boardners on any night especially Saturday! read more

Maybe because it was my first time coming here recently that I didn't take any pictures due to the fact that I was in such awe over this place. Right when I stepped in, I was immediately drawn to the décor, the vibe and the music! Bar Sinister is one of the few remaining gothic nightclubs in the Los Angeles area. Saturday nights are Gothic nights here. Entrance fee is $10 with a $2 coat check, if you bring one. Yes the goth scene is pretty much near extinction. You wouldn't think so coming here though! I myself am not goth but I am definitely open to trying new places. So when my friend recommended this place to try out(she had been here a handful of times herself), I could not pass it up. I was immediately drawn to this place. Where else can you hear music from greats such as Skinny Puppy, Combichrist, Covenant, Marilyn Manson, Ministry, Prong, etc?! A mix of goth, industrial music is played here on Saturday nights. The dance floor is a decent size, but can get filled quickly. Upstairs however is a small area where one can watch bondage and fetish shows! Nice! There are open bars on both floors and small areas where one can smoke. There are often live performances here which can also fill up to capacity. The ambience here is chill with a somewhat dark vibrance to it. I was left quite impressed and will return sometime in the near future! read more

I HATE Bar Sinister. I mean, I really *hate* it. First of all, the music is fine. It's always fine. (For the most part, anyway.) Unfortunately, that's where the fun ends. I've been trying to stomach this place since the late 90s and I have not once - NOT ONCE - made it past midnight. I keep trying, but it never ever fails to disappoint and skeeve me; the last time I went, I didn't even bother finishing my overpriced, watered-down drink. I just put it on the bar and walked right the fuck out. After ten minutes. 1. I go to clubs to dance. Dancing takes space. Maybe not the way you do it, but the way I do it, I need some room. Not a LOT of room - I'm not greedy, and I don't flail - but when you're smashed in between people like you're in a pit of screaming preteens at a fucking Fall Out Boy show, there's something fucking WRONG with that. My husband calls it a 'dance hallway', rather than a dancefloor, and he's spot on. 2. Remember when you were in your early 20s, and spotted the old dude on the dancefloor, and jabbed your friends in the ribs and shouted over the din of the music, "Dude, I never want to be THAT fucking guy. If I'm ever THAT guy, shoot me in the head!" Remember that? Well, Bar Sin is full of THAT guys. It's a cornufuckingcopia of THAT guys. It's like this. I don't go out to share oxygen with old, fat accountants in vampire teeth and fucking capes, all right? That's not what I have in mind when I take three freeways from the LBC, fight nasty traffic on the 101, and bite my fucking nails about leaving my car in one of the shitty, overpriced parking lots nearby. 3. Security. The bouncers at Bar Sinister are the most egomaniacal, aggressive assholes I've ever encountered at a club. "DON'T STAND THERE!" So you move over to the bar. "DON'T STAND THERE!" WTF? You can't stand at (or, in Sinister's case, smash yourself against) a bar anymore? So you move again. "DON'T STAND THERE, EITHER! YOU NEED TO STOP BLOCKING THE WALKWAYS!" It's like, motherfucker, there ARE no fucking walkways to block, dig? This place is wall to wall, stem to stern aging D&D geeks and Hot Topic weekend goths; show me a walkway I can block and I'll happily go fucking block it just to give you the pleasure of righteously yelling at me, because I'm not seeing any goddamn walkways here. Assholes. I hate security here. 4. Lame live acts. I am so sick of goth music (at least, today's version of it), where anyone with a black turtleneck, some MAC makeup, and the desire (but not necessarily the talent) to play music can somehow develop a fan base and gain goth 'scene cred'. It's like, douchebags, fucking knock it off, all right? You're embarrassing yourselves, and me, and everyone here, especially the assholes who are swaying around with eyes closed to your bleatings and brayings. Plus, I hate live music at danceclubs, anyway. Fucking stupid. 5. The go-go dancers. It's one thing to have a girl or two tucked away in the corners as, I don't know, eye candy, or whatever the purpose of go-go dancers is, but when they're the whole fucking club - when you don't have room to dance because a skinny, tattooed, meth-addicted go-go dancer needs the space to writhe around in her vinyl thong, it's like, FUCK. And they're BITCHES. Sorry, those of you reading this who may be friends with them, or hell, maybe you ARE them, but it's like, look. You're a not-fat goth chick who can writhe around on a box. Guess what - everyone in the whole SCENE can do that. Writhing is what we DO. It doesn't make you special, and it sure as fuck doesn't give you any call to give the rest of us the stink eye. Any one of us could have your job in about ten seconds flat, you know, if we wanted to hang out naked in a club with gross, aging, befanged fucking losers rubbing up against us. There was a time when the dancers at Sin added something. Now they're just one more reason to hate the fucking place. 6. Old, ugly dudes being whipped by fat, desperate chicks. Not hot. Not in a million years, not under any circumstances. So, in short: not for me. It's for most people I know, apparently, but not for me. read more

Do you like dealing with crappy/expensive parking? Do you like door girls with horrible attitudes who can't even keep up with how much the cover is supposed to cost for those in themed costume? Do you prefer to dance on a teensy weensy dance floor to sub-par goth music? Do you like paying $10 just to stand around and drink your overpriced booze? If you answered yes, then come on over!!!! This place works if you base your goth legit-ness on how you dress, it's right up your alley- however, if you're more about the music, you're going to pay more than you should for less than what you deserve. read more

Fun Fact: The friendliest clubs in Los Angeles are goth clubs. Go ahead, struggle with the implications of that, I'll be here when you get back. Have we come to terms? Are you decked out in funeral wear and boots? Does the sound of gears grinding very slowly make you want to grind very slowly as well? Great! You're ready, my friend. The fact that Bar Sinister is in Hollywood presents some inconveniences. The cover is murder and the drink prices are necrophilia, so bring at LEAST $20 in cash with you, $30 if you want to park across the street. Don't park across the street. Find a side street off of Gower and strut them shitkickers for a mile or so, you'll make lots of friends. The line to get in will be long. The line for the bathroom will be long. The coat check will be $2. But #Hollywood, this stuff comes standard. Once you're in, things get great pretty quick. There is a comfy smokers' patio (couches, art) and an outdoor area "where bands play" (it's just another smokers' patio). Inside there are more couches, plus arm chairs, pillowy lounges, and a big cross with shackles. It's whatever makes you feel comfortable, comrade. There is a dance floor that is watched over by gogo dancers with white-girl dreads and the very worst DJ ever. In other words, even you are cool enough to dance here. Upstairs, there is more alcohol, more couches, and occasionally people participating in some PG-13 BDSM. If you ask nicely, you can cuff your friends to the aforementioned cross and smack them around. Not that I would know first hand or anything. read more

Can't really trust this venue/night anymore. I know I praised Bar Sinister in the past and all I can say is that based on the disrespecting actions against me (a loyal and seasoned DJ not just at Bar Sinister, but in the scene since 1989) by this venue, I can no longer recommend it. It seems as all things Hollywood, the illusion can be quite strong here. I fell for it and won't deny I had a great time while I DJ'ed and VJ'ed there (well over two years combined). But when the curtain was finally revealed, the chain of disrespect for me as a DJ and a person was monumental. I was LIED to and blamed for actions I never did. All attempts to rectify and show this were blatantly ignored (?!). VERY VERY STRANGE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS ME. But then again, I've heard this from MANY OTHER DJ'S AND PROMOTERS and over the years, I stood up for this venue, never believing it... until now. I've even heard how bands repeatedly have not been paid in full which surprised me over the years until it happened to friends of mine basically in front of my face. I was truly put in an awkward situation. In the end, I've had no choice but to wash my hands of this venue based on their choice. To those who tried to tell me, I appreciated the warnings but for what ever reason, I was able to ride things out much longer then anyone else. However, that ride has come to an abrupt end beyond any of my control. read more

There's "goth" meaning a penchant for a lush atmosphere, sophisticated introspection, and elegant melancholy and then there's "goth" meaning ostentatious, suburban trashiness in ridiculous spiky rubber boots. Bar Sinister is the latter, and perhaps that's the zip code of your pleasure center, but I found a few other problems with this venue besides careening towards the cheesy and superficial pole of the darksider spectrum. For starters, regardless of whether or not you take stock in feng shui, this club has serious problems with it, the most glaring one being that the "dance" area is essentially a narrow space that people need to walk through in order to get around the club. Therefore, it feels like you're dancing in the middle of a busy sidewalk--good luck getting lost in the music and not feeling annoyingly aware of human traffic at every earthly moment. But of course one would have to WANT to dance in order to arrive at that little adversity. The music, on the night I went, was a brand of jackhammer metal-goth that I imagined to reside on the iPod of a fifteen-year-old boy in the suburbs who is angry about something but hasn't quite figured out exactly what that something is yet. Amid the meat-grinder "music" and the cartoonish attempts at fetishistic sexiness, Bar Sinister just felt like an accessory-smothered poser who was trying way too hard. For a "goth" club that allows adequate space to dance and superlative music you would actually want to dance to, I'd recommend Club Monte Cristo in Koreatown. But if what I've described sounds like your Saturday night of club-going ecstasy, then by all means come on down, and wait in line (for a good long time). read more

There is Ruin, Batcave, Pervesion and Bar Sinister. Yes, I will say it, "Where old goths go to die." However, based on the above this is not so true anymore. Being an old scholer' myself, I prefer Disko Necro or the LA Dead scene. Bar Sin is becoming the new Bunker, which is soon to close its doors after about 20 years, infliterated by hipsters. Bar Sinister is the longest running goth club in the scene. A must try if you want to experience a first time, but if you have been in the scene for awhile you make appearances here but really don't like the place because of all the hype the quality of people and music has gone sadly down. I come here for the absolute best absinthe cocktails and few good bands that get booked. The DJ's that spin, sometimes will play something in the top 40, which in my opinion, at a goth club is a no-no. read more

I wish I could give less than one star. As much as I love the music (which is what I come for, especially the main room) the customer service here is beyond rude. The bartender (an older guy with glasses and little hair) gave really bad attitude while I was just ordering a drink. He proceeded to throw my card towards me after I didn't want to tip him for bad customer service. The same bartender also accused me of not paying for my drink, when I in fact did and was showing him how my card when through on my bank app. At this point, the bartenders are trying to get more money when they can. Another incident which I had was that security needs to do a better job. Waiting In line, I showed my ID (I am 21+ and so is my friend I came with) and we figured wristbands were given out to people who are younger than 21. I asked the security to make sure we don't need wristbands and he still didn't give us one. While I was dancing inside with my friend, another security guard snatched my friends drink out of her hand and was being rude to us while we tried to explain the outside security didn't give us a wristband. Lastly, I got hit in the face while I was dancing by a nearby group. I was on the floor and security didn't want to do anything about the situation. Security needs better work and better service. read more

I hate this place. So boring. So small. So smelly. Bathrooms should be condemned. The music isn't that great, I have a hard time dancing to most of it. The dance floor is tiny and people always bang in to you or spill drinks on you. The outside area used to be cool, I do really love the fountain with the dry ice but now that they covered it with a canopy it reeks because of all the smokers and I have been burned by folks several times. The dress code is strange here....I have been with people that have been turned away for wearing jeans (and they were cute!) but then been inside when folks were wearing jeans....really weird! I always wore all black but was always ticked when I saw people w/jeans and sneakers inside...One time I saw this really skanky frat boy/guy taking photos up girls dresses and he was wearing a button down pinstriped shirt, jeans, and sneakers....how did he get in???? I used to get dragged here all the time and I finally put my foot down and just stopped going. The last few times I went I was so bored I wanted to run into traffic. You always see the same people here so folks must really love it but man oh man do I hate it. If only the dance floor wasn't so small and the djs didn't suck that bad then I would go back again........maybe.......actually, probably not! read more

The coolest thing about this club is the venue itself, which I actually might appreciate more if it wasn't filled to the brim with your typical Hollywood crowd of douchebags. There are some really amazing murals on the walls of the main dance floor, which grabbed my attention more than anything else going on in the club. That alone says somthing. The dance floor itself is very small and akward. The music they play is horrible. It's about as mainstream of goth as you can imagine. Rob Zombie and Manson are on pretty heavy rotation around this hole. The DJ's are horrible and the concept of a mix/ beat matching is lost on most of them. There's a pretty cool smoking section outside where you will find a small stage. Occasionally they have live music. Too bad the sound system sucks. The coolest part of the outside is a fountain which will no doubt be crawling w/ spooky 30 somethings dripping in their weekend eyeliner, trying to sort out their mid life crisis through a glass of overly expensive faux absinth. Just to add to your scene cred they have a roaming photographer that will take your pic so you can find it on the web and show everyone how spooky you are. Drinks- Its Hollywood, so your paying for it. $14 for a bottle of beer? Fuck you buddy. Bottom line. If you want Industrial, go to Das Bunker. If you want Goth, go to Maladdiction. If you want fetish go to Club Hell. Bar Sinister doesn't do any of these 3 subcultures any justice whatsoever. But I guess if youre looking for a place to try out your new implants, with your coked up Guido boyfriend and don't mind wearing a little black with some eyeliner, then this might just be the place for you. read more

I am from Norway originally, excuse questionable English. I am not sure why bitter long-hair pasty man writing review above complaining about the presence of "Goth Posers." My understanding was Bar Sinister meant to cater to the "fetish" crowd, considered broadly, not "Goths" in particular. I do not know many a person who continued to be Goth out of American equivalent to High School (Age 17-18). Very difficult to have success in job market when constantly look like droopy zombie, especially if one desires a high paid profession. Forgive my ignorant prejudice, but would rather not have open-heart surgery performed on me by man with unwashed Al Jorgensen dreadlock and face like Hellraiser Pinhead. Judge probably not taking lawyer seriously if he dripping badly applied makeup all over important document. I am not Goth. I like some of Goth music, but much more interest in Jazz, especially Monk and Parker. But I AM a fetishist for Latex and Female Domination. Hence, I go to Bar Sinister, where I can wear my latex in peace, and perhaps receive spanking from dominant females. I go to Bar Sinister and see Taiko drumming, which was extremely cool. I was happy to see Bar Sinister branch out, not wanting it to narrow only be a place for Mopey Person. There are better fetish club in London (Torture Garden much bigger, and have public sex room. American very prude with sex. Much naked in Europe, esp. Sweden) but for LA, this one pretty good I think compared to what out there. I take away point because as the man point out above, the bathroom are disgusting. read more

I've gone to Bar Sinister off and on for years, and it's pretty dependable if you're looking for something to do in Hollywood that's a bit on the dark side (Bar Sinister is a goth / fetish type club). First: The dress code. I'm not exactly what you'd call a committed goth or rivethead, just a guy with a fondness for 90's era industrial music. I'm not one for much in the way of dress-up - and, yes, some of the people here really do dress the part - but I've not been hassled as long as I wear black (which is my usual attire). I'm not sure what has prompted the talk of a restrictive dress code, but I've not seen the door people be overly restrictive on this matter. I suppose if you're a frat boy type you may be turned away, but I'm okay with that. You're probably lost. Second: The music. You'll find a mix of 90's industrial, dark wave and the like here. Mostly the mainstream stuff (ie. Manson) with a mix of older stuff. The tendency is toward danceable beats and that works for me. It's a good vibe. They do, at times, feature live acts. Several years ago I saw Sister Machine Gun (with a surprise appearance by En Esch of KMFDM, who proceeded to attempt to pull Chris Randall from the stage for some inexplicable reason) here. Fun times. Third: Upstairs. If you want an escape from what may be at times a crowded downstairs dance area, head upstairs. It's quieter (suitable for socializing), has its own bar and then there's the beatings. What's that? Yes, there is (consensual) soft core whipping, flogging and spanking to be had here. It's rather tame by such standards, but the people I've seen who've partaken seem to enjoy it. Either way, it's purely optional and open to spectators. Fourth: The people. This is one of the few Hollywood clubs that doesn't feel completely overrun with pretentious jerks. Please don't be one of those. Fifth: Miscellaneous. Drinks are reasonably strong but overpriced. This is Hollywood, after all. It does get crowded. Come early. A good parking lot is the one on the north side of Hollywood Blvd, on Cherokee. read more

Bar sinister is my spot. I love Bar Sinister. I love people watching, I love dancing, I love the friendly peeps and I love this club. The only downside, wtf happened to the live bands???????? Now its bottle service with a stripper pole! That's so whack and so NOT sinister! What happened to my live bands??? I am truly upset about this!! I love the go go dancers, I love the music (what up Marilyn Manson!), and I love the soft core whipping, spanking and all that good stuff... Its a fun fun fun club to go to. Drinks are hollywood prices, peeps there are super cool and I love the way all the people dress there. Mad people watching! I always have mega good times here and I super, duper can't wait until I come back. Yay for Bar sinister! ;) bring my live bands back and ill make it a 5 star review! read more

Went here on my last night of my first visit to Los Angeles. This was also my first time at a Goth/BDSM theme club. As I walked in, after waiting in line for nearly 20 minutes mingling with Hollywood's Goth crowd and BDSM aficionados from all over the greater Los Angeles area, this club had the essence of a dark abandoned church combined with the feel of that old private school from the movie, Dead Poets' Society. It was pretty much what you expect to see in any goth club. On my way in, I saw the following types of patrons: pale specimens in dark leather and black attire, cute Hot Topic costumed girls, women in kinky sex shop lingerie, an old guy wearing a nylon jacket and doing trippy leg work dances, steampunk outfits, and I even saw a topless girl who had duct tape pieces in an X format covering each of her nipples, all on the crowded main dance floor with industrial music being blasted by a featured DJ, with smoke effect coming from behind like a haunted house built for children. There was even a table full of gothic jewelry and accessories, and a payment device that accepts credit/debit cards. Because nothing says dark essence like a payment device next to a metallic demon finger ring ;) There were a couple of BDSM displays happening at the same time, one outside the patio/bar area where I saw a large breasted women use cool whip in a can and a shoe lace tool to whip a guy and/or girl in their underwear meanwhile faking emotions of "pain and/or pleasure" while being whipped. The other BDSM display was situated upstairs in a more intimate smaller lounge area with 2 red light bulbs, where a Dominatrix was whipping volunteers who laid down on a saddle like a Thanksgiving turkey dinner, while spectators and their $10 cocktails watched in perverted glee. I even got a chance to briefly meet and dance with a dark hair, pale, tatted girl who was a regular in this goth scene as she described herself to be a "wild child" but she really meant that she was a raging alcoholic. Overall, it was a fun night and an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend for anyone who plan on visiting the Hollywood area to stop by for a night , especially if you are into the whole goth scene read more

One of my favorite places to hang out. In fact, I meet my wife almost 20 years ago here. I wish many more years to this place and hope to have an anniversary date here soon! read more

You used to be able to gauge the health of the club by the photos posted on it's website best way to judge the week-by-week action when you can't judge it in person. But based on what we've been seeing (or not seeing) since the reopening last fall, the status of the club may not be critical YET, but it's damn sure in serious condition. I gave it 3 stars for sentimental value, don't know how ANYONE can give it 5 starts when they admit they haven't been there for years. read more

So, I went to this play in early June and was waiting at the bus stop afterward headed home to the valley when two very peculiar people approached me. The first was a stocky guy, about 5"8 and 30ish with a shaved head, horrible tattoos covering his arms and a faux-blood splattered tank top reading, "Weapon of Mass Destruction" with an arrow pointing down to his crotch. His name was Cannibal. I believe he had a lazy eye. With Cannibal was Christina; one of the ten most beautiful women I had ever seen. Not only was she drop dead gorgeous, she also wore punk/goth makeup exceptionally well. You'll often see one of the two, but rarely do you see both on the same girl. She was was the French call, "Le Unicorn." I could already tell we were going to be friends. After a few minutes of talking, Cannibal asked if I was headed to BarSin. I said I didn't know what that was. He seemed surprised. All the same, Cannibal was friendly, the night was young, and hey, maybe this was a place where I could find more women with judgement as poor as Christina's. I accepted the invitation and we all hopped on the bus. We arrived at the club and they got me in for free because they were on the VIP list as friends of the DJ (the lead singer of Orgy). I was dead broke at the time, so this was pretty cool. Once inside, Cannibal and Christina introduced me to many people, all of whom were extremely friendly. Several of whom bought me drinks. After a period of adjustment to the fact that I was in a fetish club (weirdly not the third time I've been invited to such a place without anyone telling me what it was), I hit the dance floor. The music was pumping and the crowd was full of lithe bodied nubiles frantically swaying to and fro. I liked it because I suck at dancing too. As the second song ended, a woman came up and began to dance with me. She wasn't really my type - at all - but, a dance is just a dance. When the next song ended, she leaned back, kissed me and said, (and I quote), "I'm a tranny. I would fuck the shit out of you." I didn't know how to respond. This was a kinda out there club and thus a 'Safe Space'' and even if it weren't, I do my best to never be homophobic/transphobic/what have you, so I said the only thing I could think of -- "I...respectfully decline." I was pretty much done with dancing at this point and shuffled back out to the smoking lounge for more people watching and conversation. It was about 12:45 by this point and I had already missed the last subway home. This meant I was going to be awake and in Hollywood until at least 4:30 when the trains started again. I was broke and sober and was just kissed by a dude, but I was still having a pretty good time and I fortunately still had a full pack of smokes. I lit up and struck up a conversation with an attractive young woman sitting by herself at the only open table. We sat there talking about French Postmodern philosophers and cool photographers and books we both liked, (I'm almost as good at small talk as I am at dancing), as we watched the birthday boy and his friends take turns semi-effectively whipping each other on stage until closing time (at about 2:30). I was so smitten. I had never met a cooler, more intelligent, more literate woman. And she was a hottie. And Not only that, she also had a real career, her own apartment, and didn't do any drugs. I figured it was just a conversation because I had been honest about my life as a semi-employed screenwriter and journalist who was/is dead broke and without car. But as we said our goodbyes outside, she gave me a very specific hug...and her phone number. Somehow, I ended up at another party in Echo Park where I pretended to be drunk so that I could sing along to Springsteen. Later, I almost got in a fight with a hipster when I questioned the sincerity of his facial hair. I called the girl up the next day and we've been dating ever since. She's even more awesome than she first appeared. This rundown of my evening might seem distinctly unappealing to some, but it was honestly just about the coolest night I have ever had. If the idea of public S&M displays, subversive gender performance and DJ sets by B-level rock stars from the early 00s sounds awkward to you, don't bother. However, if you're open to all new experiences and fully recognize that everything in life can either be a burden or an adventure, then I cannot recommend Bar Sinister highly enough. read more

When I first went to Bar Sinister 4 years ago, I fell in love with the place. It was this fantastic old building in the heart of Hollywood with black walls, a high ceiling, wrought iron staircases, a gorgeous mural from Casablanca on one wall, and victorian style furniture all over the place. It was beautiful! Had this atmosphere I had never experienced before. Also, at the time, there were three DJs who worked really well together, the music flowed wonderfully. All the Goth, Darkwave and Industrial I could stand. Back then, this was the only club I went to. In my mind, there was no other. Since then, it's declined quite a bit. They moved the bar so the mural is covered up, the victorian furniture is gone too, replaced by, I don't know, stuff from IKEA or some other completely modern retailer. There's also fabric hanging from the pillars for some reason. And the three DJs who once spun the music so well, only one is left, and the ones he works with now, they don't always work so well together. Music on any given night will be fantastic or horrible. There is no in between. These days, I go to any other club on Saturday nights if I can, if there's an option. If I go here, it's out of desperation more than anything else. I hate the traffic in Hollywood. The parking is ridiculous. Bar Sin says they have $10 valet, which is true, but I waited 45 minutes for my car one night. It's kind of not worth saving the money if I can't leave when I want to. Also, the people who go to Bar Sin? About 1/4 of them actually belong there, actually know and like the music. The rest have no idea why they're there, other than because they were told it's the "place to be." They go there, get drunk, and stand on the dancefloor, which ruins it for anyone else who went there to dance and enjoy themselves. Four years ago, it was the pillar of perfection. Now, it's merely a shadow of its former self. read more

Bar sinister honestly made me want to move to LA. I'm from the south, and I can honestly say I've never seen anything like this in my life. My friend I was visiting wanted me to experience how different LA was from anything I had ever seen. We went to the abbey one night and bar sinister the next. Both places were a total hit. First things first. Everyone wears black, so wear something black. Go crazy with it. Wear leather, rubber, a little doll dress, your favorite face-covering bandana - whatever. It's fun, and only in a city like LA can you go somewhere dressed like this and 100% fit in. You walk in, pay $5-10 for cover. You go inside and find yourself in a little stage area where bands play. There's this spooky goth fountain, and it's neat. Walk down the hallway, and you get to the club area. People actually dance here, so it's pretty fun. The dancers wear scant clothing. Tip the dancers, because they work it out there. Upstairs... Well, it's interesting if you've never seen anything like that before. The bathrooms are small and only have a couple of stalls. Toilet paper is scarce, so make friends in line. The drinks are hella expensive, but I guess that's LA for you. All-in-all, fun/totally normal/awesome people here, they're just all wearing black. The music is good and the club has diverse enough areas to keep everyone interested. It was a crazy experience, and I would definitely do it again. read more

This bar has never really let me down, with its continuous contribution to my fetish/gothic habits. There have been nights were I've been at countless trendy clubs in Hollywood where I turn to my friends and say "let's go to where our 'people' are." Cause that's just what it is, it's a club filled with people who don't give a shit and don't give a shit about what you think. I like that mentality and I apply it to my everyday life. Yes it's true that there are some "freaky" people in black, that is the usual crowd there but it is a bunch of bullshit that they won't let you in if you aren't wearing all black. I've worn red dresses, blue jeans, and god forbid a pink blouse. They just like to keep it dark in there. I've seen many amazing things go down at sinister from the bondage room upstairs to an awe inspiring band called "red lily" perform... It can definitely be hit or miss, but there is always something to appreciate there. Definitely get down with your gothic self here and dance the night away to Sarah mclaughlin's "Delirium" or Garbage's "#1 Crush" the go go dancers in latex will keep the mood in full swing. And don't be afraid to get a free drink every now and again from the cute vampire at the bar ;-) read more

I show up and its very obvious I'm the best dressed there. Sorry but its obvious. Bouncers told me leave bar, I leave bar. They tell me I can't go into the atrium that I have to go back into bar. Then I have to leave the bar. I tell my girlfriends at our table I have to leave so I take my beer. Bouncer starts fight with me over beer and pepper sprays my face while I'm pinned down on the pavement by two dudes and steals my iPhone and chain. I come back a year later and the scene is still lame, music is still lame, the scenesters are still trash- only thing different is that the bouncer now has bitch-tits. read more

Damnit, I was going to make this my 666th review but I got so caught up writing reviews last week, I forgot. Who knows what I actually wrote for 666. In any case, I came for my friend's wedding reception here. Yep, yep, she had a Halloween wedding and what better place to have the reception than at a goth bar? Well, at least this time I was wearing black. A somewhat rare occasion for me. I got hit on by the same guy repeatedly who apparently forgot he had tried numerous occasions with the same line. Okay, I didn't realize how much of a "just another Asian girl in black" I would become if I wore something non-colorful. But yeah, I love the music. I can dance all night here. read more

It was such a fun experience even if you don't like these kind of things it's still pretty fun!!!!!! I recommend it strongly!! It has a fun Alice in wonderland theme and the costumes I saw were very creative!! read more

Got kicked out of Dungeon and ended up at Bar Sinister's door. They wouldn't let me in. I must have been a rainbow of fucked up that night. A nice dog walker snail-mailed my driver's license back to me a month later. It said... "I was walking my dog on Hollywood Blvd and found your DL on the sidewalk." Erika. The following week I was back at Dungeon again. read more

My friends who are regulars invited me. They warned me the staff is rude, but I just can't accept the behavior I witnessed. The way they were disrespecting people and instigating fights was completely unnecessary. Like others have said, the security is beyond rude and will get physical and downright mean just for kicks. The barback was mocking a girl who was alone like she was slurring her words when she was acting fine. He was egging her on, repeating what she was saying in a dopey voice like a 10 year-old. Eventually she got mad and the bartender kicked her out. The way they talk (bar staff and security), it's like they think everyone is below them instead of just paying customers trying to have fun. Icing on the cake, my friend thought someone drugged his drink and we had to get tf out of there. Maybe treating people like crap is part of the appeal of this place? There are much better goth clubs, or just places to have a good time in SoCal. read more

If I was about 10 years younger and Mexican, I would like this place. I walked in and people were drunk! I had to pick one girl up off the floor. The bouncers were pulling a guy down off the roof. You don't see that every day. The good part... I talked the cover down from $20 to $10. The bouncers were very nice and friendly, not your typical Hollywood bouncers. The drinks are strong, even if they are served in a plastic glass. Which means that people get drunk and need shatter proof glasses. I also give props to the gogo dancers. If all you want to do is dance, this is a good place for it. The DJ outside looks like he has his own harem of women. read more

I love this place. Great music. Friendly people. Toss on some black cloths, get ready from some interesting outfits and dance a little buzzed. The drinks are pricey (I won't lie to you) but it's so much fun. I'd recommend parking at Hollywood/Highland to save a headache. Buy a bottled water from Starbucks on the way out ... BAM! $2 parking that's close, and safe. read more

Have been coming to this place for years. It can be hit or miss depending on the night. We've made lots of lovely friends here that we've known for years. It's a fetish bar/club so they want to you to dress the part. Wearing at least black is fine although a lot of the outfits people wear here are pretty interesting. It's my favorite place to go to and dress up in all my fetish wear. It's a good place to people watch. Sometimes they have bands performing or fetish play scenes up on the main stage. There is also a play space upstairs called purgatory where you can get a spanking or two! Paul is awesome, I've never played with Feenix but he's a nice guy as well. The doms here are very respectful and professional. This was actually where I got my first introduction into BDSM. There's also a dance floor downstairs and some go-go dancing boxes where girls sometimes dance. I've seen some girls who are supposedly from the suicide girls. Always a fun time. The music selection here is pretty interesting as well, lots of Depeche mode, 80s, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie. A nice change from the mindless hip pop played at most Hollywood clubs. At this point bar sinister is my go to place when I can't figure out anything else to do on a Saturday night and I still want to go out. Lots of good memories made here it will always hold a special place in my heart. read more

I almost forgot to review this place this month. I had some friends visiting from Chicago on a Saturday. They wanted to catch up as we hadn't seen each other in awhile, and they suggested a placed called Bar Sinister. Never heard of it before. Dance club, maybe. Goth club, sounds like it. I was only partially right. Only problem is I was best man at a wedding that day so my schedule was tight, I didn't have time to change out of my tux and was wondering how uncomfortable I would be at a dance club. Its Hollywood, I was already 3 sheets to the wind after giving my groomsman speech and I hadn't seen them in close to a year, so what the hell. I arrive at the place and after plunking down a $10 cover and start sifting through the crowd of Goths looking for my friends. This place is kind of cool. I like the courtyard with the stage, it has a New Orleans feel but with people in black instead of drunken frat dudes. The interior is cool too, rustic, carved wooden bar, good music (Depeche Mode, Pixies and Garbage) and lots of semi-hot Goth girls making out on the dance floor. To top it off they have smoking hot Go-Go dancers dressed up like something out of 5th Element/Blade Runner shaking their asses. They liked the tux, got more attention from them then the guys tossing them singles. Awesome, awesome to the max. Still no sign of my friends, hmm. Oh, they have an upstairs, I'll go check up there. OMG! Whips, and chains, and gag balls oh my! Were not in Kansas anymore. I quickly reassess my no touch zones as I start moving through the sea of black. They have a full-on wooden post to strap people to as a professional whips them with a frayed leather whip, as everyone watches. Wow this place has got everything, except an Iron Maiden and a hunchback named Egor. Oh, there are my friends.... In full on fetish gear. Neato! Not really my cup of tea, but who am I to judge. They're good people. We proceed to catch up over some drinks and have a really good time, mixing it up on the dance floor and hanging on the patio. S&M is not really my thing, but the bar is cool and for a Goth club there was some decent eye candy! I recommend the place if your into this scene, but then again if your in this scene you probably already know. Surprisingly the tuxedo blended right in, EVERYONE dug it. Oh and parking sucks around here, the end! read more