When it comes to live music venues, no city does it like Los Angeles. Indeed, ours is a storied history, from the rambling folklore of Woody Guthrie to the rock ‘n rolling, raunchy indulgences of acts like The Doors, Van Halen, Motley Crue and even Guns ‘n Roses. To this day, the city remains one of the best for unbeatable concerts – and, in many instances, amazingly free concerts – not in small part due to its wide array of venues, from hole-in-the-wall clubs and dive bars to awe-inspiring amphitheaters.
There’s a steady stream of impressive local talent here, and no A-list artist completes a tour without stopping in the City of Angels. We’ve got it all when it comes to live music, and the following Woodland Hills venues prove that even a local scene can rock out alongside The Hollywood Bowl.
Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, located at 18389 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, was established in 1976 and has been a neighborhood institution since then, evolving from a local watering hole to a live music venue wherein every band clamors to play. In fact, bands that generally do not venture off L.A.’s famed Sunset Strip are drawn to Maui Sugar Mill Saloon’s intimacy, acoustics and old-school feel, and it’s here that you can regularly catch great bands on weekends, with no cover charge. Open daily from 11 am to 2 am.
Sagebrush Cantina, located at 23527 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, has been a Southern California landmark when it comes to authentic Mexican and American cuisine, catering, events, nightlife and even live music entertainment since its inception in 1974; the restaurant has been celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing good times to residents all over Woodland Hills. A plethora of acts and shows are scheduled for February, from YouTube guitar sensation Dovydas and solo acoustic guru Guy Thomas to live band karaoke, a performance by Higher Ground, D.J. dancing, vocalist Megan Marilyn and much more. Open Monday through Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Fridays from 11 am to 1 am, Saturdays from 11 am to 1:30 am and Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm.
Olive and Fig, located at 23759 Roscoe Boulevard in West Hills, is a premier restaurant and blues bar offering live music from Thursday through Sunday. Experience world-class performances from artists specializing in jazz, R&B, blues and more as you dine and enjoy an array of specialty martinis, wines and selected craft beers. No matter the genre of music, you will immediately feel at home inside this intimate urban oasis – whether you’re settling into one of the comfortable dinner tables or couches or pulling up a stool at the bar. Open Tuesday through Wednesday from 5 pm to 9 pm; Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm and Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm; closed Monday.
Pickwick Pub, located at 21010 Ventura Boulevard, is owned, and managed by a local family and strives to provide customers with an authentic English pub experience courtesy of two tournament dartboards, 14 large televisions and a menu diverse enough for any palate. Hang out with friends or family as you throw back a few pints and enjoy good British entertainment and live music on the weekends – the staff is amiable and welcoming. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
Unwind, located at 19100 Ventura Boulevard Suite N in Los Angeles, specializes in boutique wines and beers in addition to delicious craft cocktails from Margaritas to Cucumber Martinis – but beyond the delectable cuisine and bodacious beverages are intimate live performances by artists such as the beautiful Mia Xitlali, actress, singer and songwriter extraordinaire, and Ryan Vo, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter. Unwind remains an ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, wine-tasting events or any celebration worth remembering. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm and Friday/Saturday from 4 pm to 11 pm; closed Sunday and Monday.
Seeing big-name artists at giant stadiums can be fun, if a bit harmful to our hearing over time, but sometimes it’s great to experience live music in a setting where you can see the faces of the people on stage. Fortunately, Woodland Hills is full of hip bars and restaurants where you can do just that.
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