The Catwalk Club

The Catwalk Club is underground in the literal sense. It sits in the lower level of a 1920s building in the Historic Core of downtown LA, in what the venue's site describes as the former boiler room of the Bank of America headquarters. The door is at 698 Harlem Pl, an alley between Main and Spring just off 7th Street, and LA Live is about a mile away. EMC Hospitality Group rebuilt the space as an industrial club modeled on Berghain in Berlin. The name comes from the catwalk that runs between platforms over the dance floor, with the DJ deck hanging out above the crowd.

The room is about 5,500 square feet with two full bars. The venue lists a 14-speaker JBL system, Pioneer DJ gear, 24 moving beams, a 150 by 80 inch LED wall and a haze machine, and says there's space for an eight-piece band when a night goes live. The site also warns that busy nights get warm down there, so dress light and drink water.

Public nights come from promoters. Hip hop, reggaeton, EDM and live-band karaoke have all run here recently, and each night on the venue's Parties page points to its Eventbrite listing. Some nights are free before a set time with an RSVP, and buying ahead is advised because dates sell out. Entry is 18+, drinking is 21+ with valid ID, and any mask or costume face covering comes off at the door for the ID check. Hours vary by event, but most nights run from 9 or 10 PM until 2 AM. There's a designated smoking area beside the lobby entrance.

Parking depends on the night, with meters and public lots nearby, and the nearest Metro station is about half a mile away on foot. VIP tables are for guests 21 and over and are quoted per night.