Bonaventure Brewing Co.

You walk off Figueroa and head straight up the elevators to the pool deck level because that is where Bonaventure Brewing hides out. It does not feel like a typical gritty rock club since you are sitting high above downtown LA surrounded by glass towers and concrete. The air smells like hot asphalt and house IPAs instead of ancient cigarette smoke.

The stage setup sits right out on the open patio by the water. You grab a cold pale ale at the bar and squeeze near the railing while the local indie opener dials in their guitar pedals. Sound bounces hard off the hotel walls, so the drums echo across the courtyard. It is loud, weird, and totally different from playing a dark basement.

Security doesn't bother anyone as long as you keep your drink on the deck and stay out of the elevator lobby. The crowd is mostly downtown apartment locals and industry folks taking advantage of the weekend breeze. You just lean against the ledge and watch the city lights flicker on while the headliner kicks into their final set.