At the other end of the spectrum, LA has some of the most delicious
If you want entertainment that goes beyond the booze and the company, LA won't disappoint. Sunset Strip institutions are still, or again, going strong. Whisky a Go Go, for instance, is still cranking out the rock-and-roll, as is the Roxy Theatre. Catch a big star in an intimate venue at the Largo on Fairfax, if you can get in. Or provide the entertainment yourself at Dimples in Burbank, the mother of all karaoke clubs.
You've got plenty of options for your gay, lesbian, bi, and trans clubbing, mostly concentrated in WeHo and Silver Lake. Here Lounge in WeHo is a popular dancing and cruising destination for guys (and girls at Fuse on Thursdays). The Palms Bar, also in WeHo, has been a loud, proud lesbian dancing and karaoke institution for 36 years.
Leatherfolk have two prime choices, both in Silver Lake: The Eagle (what else?) and the Faultline. Keep in mind that in LA, the "gay" clubs are often also hot velvet rope destinations or infamous dive bars or dance emporia for all.
LA has its share of unique experiences for a night out. The Smell offers political and vegetarian activist acts and events -- but no booze. Club Fais Do-Do in South Central does serve booze, plus Cajun food, jazz, and world music, in a room where Coltrane played.
Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood is, believe it or not, the hot place to bowl, drink, rock out to hip-hop, and stand up to the karaoke mike with the stars.
There's more -- lots of it. If you can't find a good place to party in LA, check your pulse.