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Category: Dance Clubs [Edit]
Neighborhood: DowntownMon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
sound:
This venue / club also has music performances. I saw Glassjaw and Rx Bandits here earlier this week. From where I was standing, the sound wasn't so great. The giant speakers are centered above the stage and is muffled from anywhere else other than the middle of the place.
Appearance:
The inside of the place was nice; you can spend a great time staring at the detail of the ceiling however, they should take more care of the restrooms, it was kinda' disgusting.
Please note:
-If you are with a person who is under 21, they must enter through a separate door!. Its not easy to find each other when that place is pretty full. Make sure to plan and meet somewhere!
-If you're a collector of ticket stubs, make sure to get it after the show because they hold 'em hostage.
So I hitup this place during the Halloween bash per my girl's request. We'd just been the empty 740 the night before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect here.
There's lot of parking around this place for about $5, and you can park immediately across for $10. Your call, but the area is decently lit and isn't back-alley creepy (it's right on Spring St.).
From the getgo, there was a line outside, but not too long at all. I waited less than 5 minutes while my SO and I chatted up and about the other patrons. There were a few crazy costumes (9ft tall alien in stacked platforms!), but the line was so quick to move that we didn't notice much else. The entrance fee was $20 (apparently for the special night), After a quick pat down (I was in my monkey suit), I paid the man and skipped the coat check (no thanks!). The entrance fee was exchanged for a pair of tickets, which in turn yielded no stamp or band (so no in-n-outs).
Right away, about 10:30pm, the place was bumpin' and packed. We stepped into the main room, which had a large and full bar against the wall (parallel to the street) that faced slightly terraced dance floors. There were tables in the immediate bar area (with no space to sit), and several more surrounding the main dance floor. A latin band (playing salsa) was already grooving right on stage. To the left of the main dance floor, there was another bar serving thirsty patrons.
I walked around a bit, getting familiar with the setting, and decided to check out the 2nd floor.... which was PACKED! They were playing reggaeton and latin hip hop, or what have you. This 2nd floor was narrow as F* (about 12ft across, at most). The space didn't span more than 50ft, and at the center of the place was a DJ spinning, on his laptop... I was quickly in the mood, and began my way into the sweaty pit with my SO and danced for about 1 hr. Afterwards, we cut across the other end, picked up some water at the 2nd floor's bar (a tiny outpost), and ascended the steps to the 3rd floor.
The 3rd floor was terraced seating, and as I've read that the Mayan was a music venue, showcased a good view of the main stage. You could see the main DJ working the lights and videos, while the live band played. We cooled off here for about 30 minutes (monkey suits are hot) and checked back in to the 2nd floor for a bit, then back down to the main stage to watch the costume contest (should have stayed on 3rd floor for a better view).
As some ladies have mentioned, and as I later heard from my girlfriend, a few of the guys here are just rude. Some fool apparently tugged at my girl's hair. Didn't hear about any groping, but wtf hair tugging guy? I'm supposing this is just a matter of a crowded area where people feel they can get away with it, because I've been pinched in the bum jam packed places too.
Anyway we danced to some salsa, bachata, and a bit of hiphop on the main floor. This is really a better area to dance, but some are a bit more aggressive about the space, and so might not be for the timid. Lots of guys just standing around watching though...
Finally, we descended down to the sublevel, where they had some old school hip hop and R&B playing. The room was small (20x30 maybe) with a bar at one end and a projection screen on the opposing wall. I definitely liked the music more, along with the 2nd floor, but that's just me. After about 30 minutes here, it was time to jet.
Overall, I plan on heading out to the place again, but on a night ther than Saturday. I'd like some more space to move and groove, and figured the wallflower thing was typical of clubs. The design was good, mix of music good, and drinks decently priced.
Wow is this place gorgeous! It is ornate in details all over the outside and inside. Just a beautiful venue to enjoy some amazing music.
I started the night on the railing and ended up at the bar railing due to an obnoxious hippie who managed to offer crappy energy in as little as 5 minutes behind me. I just wanted to have a good time, not battle some obnoxious guy.
Bar was good, they don't offer stamps so each time you leave you need to have your id ready when you want to re-enter. Kind of annoying but at least they are doing their job I guess.
Not as good a it used to be back in the day..
This venue looks great. People are okay.
Well I thin I'm just spoiled. That must be it. I've been rocking bottle service and vip tables in La and hollywierd for the past 6 years now so when I got here it was kind of a throw back to my younger days......Then I saw the packs of cougars and old dudes roaming around. LOL Where do I start, oh me oh my.
The music is good, the sound system is freakin great. The crowd wasn't my speed but nothing really wrong, just different for me maybe a bit ghetto. The cougars walk around in diva club wear so they're almost naked and throwing around some dangerous looks. HaHa Beware.
I wound up here on an invite but had a great time with my friend and her lil group. So long as I'm out with friends I always have a great time no matter where I'm at. We make the night, not the spot!!
The main bar in the front is way over crowded so take a 10 second walk towards the stage and hit one of the bars on either side.
I don't like that they don't have bottle service. I drank $118 bucks worth of drank by myself and wasn't even on the doorstep of being buzzed yet. My buzz don't start till I'm halfway down the 2nd 750ml bottle of goose. LOL. Yeah, I like to drink! It's my sport of choice.
The crowd was definitely there to dance but with the bouncers not being selective or controlling the in flow of crowd it gets pretty packed and sloppy. Lots of people spilling drinks on the dance floor and on people dancing next to them but no fights or to much hostility, all in good fun.
I think this is a good spot if you're going for the music more than anything else.
There's also another room downstairs with a bar, more private and hidden. The only down fall here is the lack of seating. There's like 10 tables in the whole place that seat 3 each I think.
At least they close later, 2:30am. Don't forget to buy a yummy TJ dog across the street when you leave!!!
It's you're turn now, go try it out and let's hear what you think. LOL.
I didn't like the crowd here that much, though the ambiance was pretty good. Drinks are pretty reasonable too.
I absolutely love Mayan energy, no wall flowers here. If you are looking for a night club where dancing is acceptable this might be your spot. Friday nights they play different types of music from hip hop, to Spanish rock to 80's.
I was scared that the one bathroom of the first floor was going to be a problem, but not at all. Since there are no mirrors in there the line moves quiet quickly. There is also a second floor where only hip hop is played, but this i did not like. It was small and super hot.
This is not your typical Hollywood club with sexy lounging, in there mostly everyone is hot and sweaty from all the dancing. Guys were not afraid to ask girls out, the majority seem Latinos but you'll get your occasional little bits of everything in there too.
Drink prices are average... long island $10, vodka on the rocks $10. Going to get fresh air was just a door step away, they got the side doors open for a convenient smoke or for a momentary break.
I would def go back, i just wish the place wasn't as crowded.
Ooh I totally agree with Marilu R. and Violet D... NOT a pretty crowd!
The music is great but we didn't enjoy dancing because people spill their drinks or push up against you...very irritating! The club could have potential if they were more selective with their clientele...as it was back in the day.
Okaaaaaaay, I am convinced- and I mean convinced that the owners of this joint have a golden shower fetish, or get off watching women in long bathroom lines squirming and shuffling.
A club that size should have more than 1 women's bathroom with just 4 stalls. when I was there, that was reduced to 3 for the time being because one stall was not available for use. WTF, Mayan? I was here to see Digweed with my dancin' buddy Jim, and I have no complaints about Digweed's performance (he nailed it).
Yeah, the architecture is interesting. The sound system is decent, ditto for the acoustics of the venue. The drink prices are what you expect in LA clubs- expensive, but not any more than other clubs. However, the bathroom situation is untenable. Be sure to get your bum in line WAY before you have to go, and do NOT even think about going here when you have a urinary tract infection, because you WILL have an accident. I'm docking a point because the bathroom situation is beyyyyond ridic.
In fact, maybe if ppl started peeing all over the place, the owners will be forced to get over their fetish and build another f&*king bathroom.
Okay, so maybe I used to date primarily latin women. And a lot of latin women like to dance salsa. And maybe I don't know how to dance salsa. And maybe I'm not ashamed to make an ass out of myself nonetheless. Yep, I think that's about accurate.
So Club Mayan. What can I say, other than that I used to go on Saturday nights with relative frequency, and yep I was pretty much the only white guy in there. Shaking my ass and biting my lower lip... you know how we roll. Not really, but that's how I was treated.
I was wearing a pair of True Religion jeans one time, and the bouncer made me go back to my car to change into another pair of pants (luckily I had a change of clothes with me). Why? Because there was a small tear on one of the knees. Funny thing though... a latino guy who walked in right before me HAD THE SAME PAIR OF PANTS WITH THE SAME FUCKING TEAR. What is that? Another time, a bouncer claimed that I was wearing tennis shoes (which I wasn't, but they were white shoes... fyi, WHITE DOES NOT EQUAL TENNIS SHOE), but I chatted with him and he was going to let me wear his shoes in (true story) since we both wore size 11s... then I explained to him that I appreciated the offer, but that this was ridiculous... so he just let me in. Some of them are nice, some of them are pricks. Usually the latter.
Other than that, the music is good, although the crowd leaves something to be desired. I used to smoke, and it was nice having the outdoor areas so conveniently located. The hip hop room upstairs sucks, because it's tiny and crowded and you walk in and not only break out in a heavy sweat, but you have to rub arms with everyone else while navigating through guys who are trying their best to look as hard/tough as possible and get their sweat all over you too. Oh yeah, and the bathroom? Is in the hip hop room. Right in the center. So if you've gotta piss, you have to enter that shithole of a sweatfest.
I'm giving 2 stars. Good music, shitty clientele (although some are attractive if you can just avoid the hoodrats). Oh, and a cover... come on, for the prices on these drinks you guys should be letting us in for free... or at least not $20 or $25 (I can't remember how much it is now). I will give props to the salsa competitions... they get some pretty good dancers in there. The best part? The taco stand across the street!
I used to party here MANY years ago back when the crowd was hot and the dress code was like.. prom night. It was great those days but when I went back with my date a few months ago, it was far from what it used to be. Sure people are still dressing up but not in those GQ suits and beautiful gowns. I saw a lot of flashy sequined strange clothes. I guess it was because there was a salsa dance competition that night.
Sure I enjoyed trying to dance to the live salsa band and watching the competition but I wouldn't come back, especially on girls' night out. BUT if you're into extremely short men dressed in glittery see-through shirts, sweating to salsa music.. this is the place!
I need lots of drinks for this.. oh wait..It's too expensive to get drunk here. Let's go somewhere else.. oh wait... I just paid $20 admission. D@mn! I'm stuck here.
Maybe it was just the wrong night. I might give it another try if I ever learn to salsa dance.
This place has really gone downhill. For starters, what is up with all the shorties at all the L.A. salsa clubs?? I'm average height (5'6") but every time I go to a salsa club lately, I feel like an Amazon surrounded by dressed up oompa-loompas. And please, guys, if you've never danced salsa and figure that girls will be willing to teach you here, don't be surprised if you find yourself dancing alone. Don't be cheap and invest a little for some basic salsa lessons.
I digress... so the Mayan. Very high cover charge that once used to be justified. The dress code for men is strictly enforced, only wish the same applied for women to prevent the wannabe stripper/hoochie variety. But I guess that's what brings the guys.
What Ryan said about the 2nd floor is so true! It's an actual mission to make your way to the restrooms on the second floor. My advice to you is that if you even THINK that you might want to go to the rest room, you should start making your way to it then. And take a paper towel on your way out to dry yourself from people rubbing up on you... which brings to another pretty annoying point about the type of clientele now patronizing this establishment....
What is it with guys who think that somehow it's okay to feel you all up or grab your hand/arm while you're trying to get yourself through the crowd? This hasn't happened on the main floor, but if you are a woman expect to be fighting off some wandering hands on the basement and 2nd dance floors (hip hop rooms).
All in all, a cool setting that really shows off salsa bands/dancers but no so cool clientele anymore and an even uncooler cover charge.
Came here for a special house night featuring DJ John Digweed. I was excited because I don't party downtown quite enough and I have heard good things about this venue. The first thing I will say is that the security is another level. Not only was I patted down like I was crossing the border ("whoa buddy, that's all me there relax"), but I also walked through a metal detector to insure I was weapon free. I suppose I appreciate the added safety measures though it can tend to be a bit of a buzzkill.
The interior is LARGE. Reminds me a lot of Avalon in Hollywood but nicer and cleaner. There's a huge entryway leading to a main room where the musical acts are playing and there is plenty of room to dance without feeling too suffocated by large crowds. There is a second floor lounge area with bathrooms as to give you a break from the big room which is a nice touch.
The smoking areas run along the alleys beside the building and give a cool quieter area from the insanity going on inside. I do like the old school theater feel to the place. You can tell it's an old building with a lot of history but definitely well kept. Like most super clubs in LA, the drinks are expensive but depending how well you tip your bartender they will hook you up with some strong "pump you up" Arnold style drinks.
Just a note: I heard they have a phenomenal salsa night here so if that's more your style, check it out.
This review is for the Digweed event on 3/11/2009
Summary: Converted theater venue made into a great venue for music/concert-related events.Big name DJ's, etc.
Pro: Beautiful Decor. Smoking areas. Expansive space. The acoustics is great because it used to be a theater. 5 minute walk from my place.
Con: Bathroom lines can get quite long. Redbull vodka with house vodka was $10. Crowd can get older-creepy-esque. Cougars can get quite demanding.
So after prepartying with some remnants of rum and soda and maybe some kind of inhaled substance that probably is tobacco if you are asking, and maybe not if you aren't asking, we strolled over to the Mayan.
We arrived relatively early, around 10:30, and was impressed by the decor and sheer expansiveness of the place. We did our normal thing, which was to immediately drink more, and then I did my thing, which is to dance my heart out.
... and then the cougars came out.
With ferociously fabulous Fendi gear, plumped lips, alphahydroxy/retin-A reduced wrinkles, botox-smoothed crowsfeet around their eyes, they came in packs, silently, with high heels, staring, peering, no.. purring into the club wilderness. They knew what they wanted, and this was man meat. Young man meat.
They used all the tricks of the trade they learned as apprentice cougars, before failed marriages, days and loves gone by, and the torment of daily life itself. With a flip of their hair, with a small shimmy in their denim capris to stretch out worn and heavy hearts, a cosmo in their red acrylic enhanced hands, they got to work.
They proceeded quickly, with an eerie methodicalness, dispatching their opponents one by one. They stalked with their eyes, carefully formulating scenarios, outcomes, plans, counter-plans, contingencies, exit strategies. I watched in horror as a young virginal man was stalked, inexperience emanating from deep within, his body posture signaling an easy prey. They quickly surrounded him, offered him drinks, and he was quick and easy work, his drooping eyes, his eyes glazed over, and his soul soon to be forever tarnished. This was worse than shark week on Discovery channel. This was cougar night at the Mayan.
My friends were mostly all paired off, and my buddies used the common but effective tactic of having a woman in their arms to fend them off, but alas, I was alone, and I severely regretted my cocked fedora, a red feather upturned, as this was like an open wound in the Bermudas.
I sought shelter by sandwhiching between two of my buddies, but they were soon to be distracted by their feminine partners. I spun furiously, my eyes cockneyed as I avoided all eye-contact, and made sure the front of my body was pointed nowhere in particular. I started to pop and lock, my flailing arms and legs providing a furious and effective barrier to the the dreaded lean and boob bump into the back.
I enhanced my defenses by using the ice from the drink my friend dropped, spreading it around behind me-- the cougars would not be able to cross this barrier in their heels, I hoped. And they did try, one of them being so bold as to walk to this barrier and dance three times.
The story must be ended now as the harrowing details are far too painful, but suffice to say, I survived this brutal assault, and learned a new lesson about the fragility of life.
I lived another day, and the cougars will have to wait their turn.
I should have known better when the stupid parking guy kicked us out of MY OWN car because we "had been in there too long." What the hell was his deal? It is seriously non of his business how long we stay in the car!
I can't believe I actually paid the $20.00 cover! Totally NOT worth it. NEVER EVER going back. Seriously, this place feels like a ghetto high school's prom. Ugly tacky people come here. Not to mention the DISGUSTING smell. This place reeks!!! I guess I should have known better, this place is in the middle of the ugly side of downtown LA. There were disgusting men undressing girls with their eyes everywhere, how tacky!!!!
The place is pretty big, and is normally crowded, well the salsa room. The hip-hop room was outrageously HOT!!!!! I walked in and thought I had walked into a sauna. Also, the bartenders could be pretty slow.
Avoid this place. It sucks!!!
the two stars says it all.
the pics on the web make it look glam and luxe, but the venue is showing its wear and tear and starting to giveoff that "carpet needs a change smell". IF youre really into salsa and merengue and stuff like that, its for you. if not, dont go.
wedidnt stay long but the hiphop room was HOT and it wasnt even crowded yet
parking is 10 bucks across the street (standard)
15 bucks to get in before 10:30
It's always kind of crazy when you realize you've been some place before. When I walked into the Mayan and looked at the stage, I had some sort of hazy memory of screaming at some awful band there. But if you asked me what band, I couldn't tell you. And then I feel like I've been here before some dance club night. Yet another memory lost to the wind.
What I didn't remember was how huge this club is. Or how ornate the decor is. This is a kitschy theater with its gigantic ceiling feature and stone walls. I fell in love with the place for its decor.
Last night, we sat upstairs. There aren't actually seats, just rows and rows of barely padded blocks. Some guy was even laying supine on the one at the very top during intermission.
There are bars everywhere. I lost count how many there were but there was even a makeshift bar at the very top. Pricing is fairly expensive but expected for a club. My $8 screwdriver was tiny but strong.
The restroom situation was out of control though. The venue was sold out and then some. Lines were so long, I crossed my legs and waited for the show to start again before attempting to go to the restroom. There were only four stalls in the second story restroom. With that many bars, this place needs more restrooms!
As for parking, there are lots everywhere. Just be aware of the lots that say $3...and then in tiny print, it says for every 20 minutes, $10 max. I got suckered but considering it was a well-lit lot and fairly painless to get in and out of it, I conceeded it might have been okay.
So, despite its flaws, I would definitely come back.
the place: the outside looks like Mayan ruins crossed with Legends of The Hidden Temple. i choose team Blue Barracudas! it's a really huge place. when you enter (for yr safety) you have to walk through a metal detector. i don't mind that at all. i have no problem with the main floor. it's big, sound is good and loud, they provide you with go-go dancer entertainment. fully loaded bars with expensive drinks (of course) and a large smoking patio. you ask why i come here? my siblings enjoy these places. i don't.
i do have a problem with the other floors. you'd think that with all the money made with $10-20 cover charge and bar money they'd be able to offer proper ventilation on the third and basement floor. i went to the basement and i seriously felt like i was in a sauna. i left with my jeans stuck to my legs. disgusting. i don't know how this is legal. the upstairs is the same. not only that but the restrooms are located next to the dance floor. it's a really narrow claustrophobic area to be standing in. this is why i spent a lot of time outside in the smoking patio. i like that you have direct access from the upper floors to the smoking patio in case of an emergency.
the music: i've come on friday and saturday night. fridays are top 40 nights on the main level. Saturdays are salsa nights on the main floor while other floors are top 40 and hip hop. to be honest i would rather go to the salsa night. i don't know how to dance salsa but the crowd is way better. people are more real and there's a lot professionals. you can observe and envy their skills. the only time i got down was when they played flashback 80's.
the crowd: ladies. there's a difference between dressing classy and sexy and dressing sexy and slutty. i don't think these girls get that. i could seriously walk around taking pictures for What Not To Wear. i guess some girls like the attention and to be disrespected by hungry wolves. while it's entertaining to see these weak displays of attention, it's also annoying. i'm not a prude but please don't blind me with your horrible assets. i'm always expecting to get my hair pulled. seriously, chill the eff out. peace, love, and kisses. i don't want yr man so please stop staring me down. i'm very aware that i was not born and raised in LA.
men. these men don't know the difference between being a gentleman and coming off as perverts/creeps. one thing about latino men is that they are aggressive. they do not quit. why do guys think that they have a right to just grab yr hand, waist, or ass? sorry, if you think i'm a bitch, but really back off. no i don't want to dance with you and sunglasses at night. just don't.
sorry for being so harsh but seriously...meh to Club Mayan. i'd rather spend $20 buying a ticket to a concert or drinks at a dive bar with a jukebox. i kinda hate clubs.
Was here for the Last Shadow Puppets Show.
Beautiful exterior and interior.
Weird neighborhood.
Great sound system.
Made me like LA again.
-1 star for the confusing way they let people into the club. I was at the front of the line but somehow did not end up at the barricade.
I think its one of the best musically driven places around. I don't know why promo engines like Liquified don't have more events there. Its hands down just a special place if you are into the bigger name DJs. Digweed is coming there the 11th of March DON'T MISS IT if you are a house music fan, come check out superior sound and mind blowing lights thank you Vincent and ELS in Sun City for that. When they have that lights going in full effect, its easy just to get completely lost on the dance floor. I love it.
The art deco exterior and interior mixed with the lighting rig and sound is sweet. Check out that Aztec influenced sun dial on the roof inside. Cool balcony too that has a bar up there when it gets busy.
The drinks are not outa control expensive but not cheap. I hate plastic cups, but heck, you cant have it all.
They are lax on the dress so come prepared to dance, and they are open until 4 or 5.
I wish they had more bigger events there.
Came here last for a special event that was being held.
The admission was $20 but it was actually a minimum donation for the cause they were sponsoring at the Mayan, which I was gladly to pay $50 for. The venue itself is VERY nice.. much better than many of the clubs that I've seen in the Hollywood area. You can tell that it used to be a venue for large shows and performances as there was a huge stage and a large 3rd floor balcony from where you had a very clear view of the stage.
The drinks I thought were the average fare... $10 for a Jack and Coke, $7 for beer. Prices you'll see anywhere. The parking though was only a pleasant $8 right across the street from the Mayan. This is SO much better than paying the BS $20 at some ghetto lots in Hollywood.
The sound system that night was pretty good, although the more you got to the walls, the more bass you would start to feel, but that's just the acoustics of the room. But you could literally feel the ground shake while you were on the sides. Also the sound on the balcony was just TOO loud... but I knew that the system was set so the sweet spot would be on the ground floor.
I don't have any reason to ever come back to this place though, unless there was another event worth coming to, but then again, that's all clubs in general right?
I was pretty skeptical about this place. I mean, come on, downtown LA, you would think this place is like in the ghetto area of downtown. but its not. i was brainstorming the idea of being it ghetto. But its not what i had expected online. when you go on their website, it will show you a picture of an actual pyramid and all kinds of cool computerized functions when you click on each and every level. (thought that was cool), to come fnd out, the mayan is not an actual pyramid shape building, its more like a regular sized building. The front looks like a an old vintage atmosphere.
It's great and has wonderful decor and i love how they lay out the inside of the place. pretty unique. This place is pretty cool and a relaxed place. the crows was aight, there were so many levels inside this club. the dance floor is huge and the music is GREAT!!!
This club is wonderful.
Pros: great cielings, carvings and decor and of course the hip hop / reggae music.
Cons: downtown LA
The Mayan is a great dance venue for those who just want to shake their booty all night long with three dance floors spinning various music from hip hop, 80's, Spanish dance, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton on Fridays. It's opened until 3 am and cover is $10 before 10:30 pm and $15 after, but Saturday's pricing is different since it's Salsa Night. You can find nearby parking for as low as $4 up to $10 depending on proximity to the club, but there's also street parking if you don't mind the hike.
I always have fun with my girls partying here, but don't expect to find too many dreamy looking men where you can dance with or feast your eyes on. Yet, the men certainly have a better selection! The main floor is the biggest with plenty of people dancing everywhere, and it was surprisingly packed when several months ago, the population was significantly less. Either way, you can't help but get down even when your feet hurt so badly you feel like hanging them up. The second floor is where the main restrooms are located at with a bar and a dance area spinning more Latin music. This is also where you will likely be partnered up if you are dancing with your girlfriends. They tend to be a little aggressive and I was almost lured away from my girlfriends by a Latin lover, who even pulled up his shirt for a preview!
I met a Vietnamese guy the last time I was here, and the poor fellow didn't realize that the Mayan was predominately Latinos with 95% representation. He was from out of town visiting and I informed him, "Wasn't it obvious in the name of the venue?" Too bad he didn't do his research beforehand because Yelp would've been a great resource!
Gorgeous detailing on the walls and ceilings. It really makes you feel like you're partying in a Mayan palace. Main room was a mix of techno/pop/ Latin. Bottom floor was hip hop. Top floor was salsa.
Parking was pretty easy on the street (and free)! Of course we got there early so we had no problem.
Oh and one of the go-go dancers was bootylicious! I never saw a dancer w/ such a big ass (in a good way).
I have an affinity for places with world wonder ancient themes. That's why I like Fry's Electronics and that's why I like the Mayan. Actually, the place is old two fold: 1) for being designed like an ancient Mayan ruin and 2) for being an old historic downtown LA building. I love the cute little old fashion bathrooms, and the smell of something old and grand. Mix that with the stiff a$$ drink the lonely bartender upstairs will fix ya, and you're set for any show.
The only thing that's slightly annoying is the 'mock' office box office is a table out front and they don't accept any modern day form of payment. They simply point to the Skank of America ATM down the street, forcing you into the dark, ugly alleys of downtown LA. Shivers!
Ghostland Observatory rocked my world here. One of their best performances yet. Boom!
I've gone here on
-Electronic special events (Digweed, BPM parties, Sasha, PVD)
-Hip hop (proof positive promoted)
They search you and have you go through metal detectors.
ATMOSPHERE: First off, this place is HOT as FAWK!!! Due to this venue being a theater style, this place seriously has NO ventilation. You'll be sweating balls! Ladies, wear as minimal amount of clothes as possible. Especially if you wanna go up on the stage and dance! It's hotter up there. To get to the second room which is basement level, you gotta walk outside and then down corner stairs to get to the second room. It's about half the size of the mainroom.
SET UP: As you walk through the entrance, you first enter the lobby where there's a bar and then you finally walk into the main room. There's a center bar and tables on the mezzanine floor. Walk down a ramp to get to the main dancefloor. There are also ramps on each side of the dancefloor that will lead you to a stage level in case you want to dance higher up. On electronic nights, the dj is waaaaaay the fawk up there on the toppest level of the stage. You strain your neck trying to check out the dj spin.
SMOKING AREA: The patio is actually alley ways on both sides of the club. There are bathrooms in front the left alley way if you're facing the stage. Those are single use bathrooms in case you need to take a dump. =X
The club was sold to some Vietnamese peeps a few years ago (my family sold some plants to them) and overall they seem to be running the club pretty smoothly. BUT they check everything, so don't expect a heavy tip=heavy pour from bartenders.
Booze it up in the parking lot before you go in. =)
I haven't gone on salsa nights but I hear this venue has some pretty good salsa dancers in So Cal.
HOW TO BE DRUNK WITHOUT A WAIT
1) Designate a DD.
2) Fill your flask with your fav throat burnin' liquid.
3) Park and pour it down the 'atch, Arrrr!
4) Enter at least one hour after doors open
5) Drunkards2B head to balcony
7) Do NOT enter bar line ("HOLD!" shouts William Wallace)
8) Situate self close to bar ("Stand your ground!" yells Aragon)
9) Once main act begins, line dissipates.
10) Order away ("Give them nothing! But take from them everything!" screams King Leonidas)
Good Salsa club on saturdays, and hip hop on fridays. there's three floor two of them are always too crowded. The music is good. there's alot of ghetto chicks, and the bodyguards are assholes, but besides that this place is good to dances reggeton, rock en espanol, merengue, cumbia and specially salsa.
Wow, I was very astonished by reading the reviews of this place. Obviously there are a wide array of feelings on the Mayan. I really think it has to do with the fact that there are so many different types of nights here. The clubbing nights, the salsa nights, the concert nights, etc. I happened to go here last Wednesday on a "concert night" to see the Black Kids. As far as a concert venue goes, this one is hands down one of the best in LA. The acoustics were great, you always had a way to escape the crowd and noise, it was easy to get a drink, and it was easy to get really close to the stage. Sure the Mayan is in a little bit of a shady part of downtown but that adds to the mystique!
Parking is super easy and surprisingly cheap. Personally I would take the Mayan over the Wiltern any day without question.
A few years ago this place would be so much fun -- after quite a long haitus, it seems that the Mayan shifted gears as far who it attracts.
I found that most people were kind of pretentious about dancing -- I mean, come on ... it's dancing! Maybe I have a more laisse-faire attutude about dancing and letting loose but I found people here to be very hardcore. I get it, it's a sport -- but I'm in it to have fun and let loose. If I can learn a few steps along the way ... well, hey .. that's an added bonus! :-)
The club itself is beautiful and love its architecture. I'll come back ... maybe w/friends. It really is a beautiful club. Oh, and don't go w/o calling beforehand ... one night they had kind of a metal head show (a Thurs) and it was a special event. So, yeah ... we stayed but it was odd b/c we were like the only two people who were not in all black and dark makeup. =P
This place was awesome. The decor is something we'll never see again - carved wooden ceilings, walls and accents. Straight out of the early Hollywood era. Good acoustics, lots of room - I really dug it.
Saw Portishead perform there at a free show for fans only. Best ever!!!
I would recommend this place to all of my friends
The venue itself is fine, not great, not terrible. The reasons behind my 2 star rating have to do with their super lame security. When we arrived there was a huge line outside and once we stepped in the door we saw why, there was a single metal detector inside the tiny lobby area. Everyone was crammed into this small lobby because once each person went through the detector and it inevitably went of each time (who doesn't have keys or a cell phone in their pocket?) they were subjected to a pat down and a bag search, bye the way did I forget to mention this was a Hope Sandoval show, you know Mazzy Star...not exactly a ruckus crowd. So anyhow, the most annoying aspect of the security went on once the show began and the security people were shining their lights in the faces of everyone trying to enjoy the show pretty much the entire set. Beaming anyone with a cell phone or camera out, mind you on the band's website they requested posts of photos from the show. It got to be so obnoxious that large groups of people just started flipping off these jerks when the lights were pointed their way. It was so terribly distracting from the show I would say it came close to ruining my experience it was so over the top. Needless to say I will not be rushing back here to see a show.
Even on bad nights, this place is a blast on account of how ridiculous it is =D
Yeah, 99% of the people there are Latino on non-concert nights. Yeah, they hold up the line to make people pay more after 1030 pm. A one second around look confirms that hoochies of all ages and sizes abound. And yeah, this place is nowhere near upscale. But its all part of the experience...
Have gone here a couple times with groups of friends and s.o's and I enjoyed myself because there's always something to do. It's good to move around (don't stay upstairs too long -- too hot, too small, too sketchy) and even when you sit, you can people watch and comment/critique all night.
From what I remember, drinks are solid. $15 cover on Fridays, $20 on live salsa Saturdays. On Fri. the main floor is the best, though they really start playing techno, dance and spanish pop/techno later into the night. I do commend the place for playing cumbia though! The decor is breathtaking the first time around too.
If you love to dance, you'll like it.
So thanx to Yelp I was able to get enuff info on this place before I went last nite and I definetely loved this place!
Drinks-Most of the time I go anywhere I always wanna get a drink first,that way I can taste if their gonna be good or im gonna have to hop around and find a good bartender in the place.I ordered a Sex on the beach for her,and an LA Water for me and both were real strong but I didnt mind cuz it helped me get my buzz on faster.Came out to $17 which aint bad.Theres definetely enuff bars in the place to get a drink so U dont have to wait forever to get one.
Atmosphere-I definetely liked Bao T.'s review cuz as she put it and dont wanna get all racial but U can tell by the name of the place what kinda people it attracts and sure enuff there were many hispanics left and right.Everyone seemed to be having a great time though,there were definetely alot of older men & women but wasnt a big deal to me cuz if U luv to dance U luv to dance.The place was very BIG and spacious,U walk in to the main room and its the biggest dance floor there,my date wanted to check out the rest so we checked out the upstairs where they were playing Salsa & Cumbia music and as it was very true by other reviews as soon as U walk in there when its packed,U FEEL THE HEAT!The place is like a long hall way and with all that body heat around might be tuff to stay there long,me and her didnt really dance there,just wanted to check it out,but be careful as the real steppers are dancing there doing spins and all other type of pro moves,almost got kicked by one.There is 2 small bars there i believe on each end.Last would be the hip-hop room,which you go far right walk outside and head to the stairs leading down.I liked it,def. had enuff room for everyone and there were bathrooms right there.The other bathroom location is upstairs where all the steppers are.The hip-hop room had a decent sized bar and i liked the screens they had around to see the music videos/music the DJ was spinning N i liked the lighting in there.
Music-The choices there real good as far as where it is you wanted to get down.We mainly danced in the main room cuz they were playing alot of reggeaton music N its hard to find a place out in Orange County that plays alot of that if not any of that type of music so it was definetely great switching it up.They also played alot of pop songs and like sumone else's review said U can never be mad when they play Tupac!Toward the end of the nite we went upstairs to just watch the main floor and they played alot more techno music.The DJ definetely did his thing though on the main floor.The upstairs seemed cool,we just went there to use the restroom,but they were playing alot of good salsa,merengue music so if U luv that stuff this is DEFINETELY the place for U,but like i said its a lil small so dont get all mad if U get bumped into a couple times.The Hip-Hop room DJ definetely did his thing and played sum cool party music N then played Ne-Yo's closer which was cool cuz he slowed it down just a bit but did it very cleanly.I dont know how it gets on Saturday nites but by others review's theres a live band which aint bad but i definetely luved the Friday nite there and if ur bringing a dance partner MAKE SURE they like all that music that way U can just bounce around N dance in all the rooms.
Line-Well i saw that it was $8 before 10:30pm and drove real fast to get there before that time that way i dont pay $15 bucks,i mean U gotta save at least a lil when U can right?The line wasnt that big around 10pm so got right in,passed thru the metal detector and security did what the always do,pat U down if ur a guy and then just paid the lady.I parked right across from the place which was $10 even though sum big ass sign said $3 but didnt see the small print that said $3 every 15 minutes or sum shizz when i asked the guy but i didnt care N was an easy jay walk to my car when we left.I saw enuff places to park around so that doesnt seem like any hassle.
Well i hope this helps any first timer wanting to go as I said it helped me reading all this before we went and we both had a Great time & cant wait to go back!Hope U do too.
Overall, I love the decor and their web page is cool too. I visited Mayan several times but for three different type of occasions.
1) Mayan the night club (hip pop/house/etc)
Very crowded, several different rooms. Typical club scene.
2) Mayan the Salsa Club
Expensive cover charge, great dancers, though not a lot of diversity
3) Mayan the Church
When my friend told me her church hold their Sunday gathering at Mayan, I was shocked! :O I mean Mayan is a CLUB, not a place to worship God. I totally thought she was messing with me so I asked her to bring me one of those Sundays.
Well, she brought me and I was amazed at how they transform the club into one of the coolest Churches. Most attendee were in their 20s. Everyone were singing Gospels, a priest was teaching sermons, and they even have a troupe acting out scenes from the Bible. It was the most entertaining church experience I ever have (thought it's pretty easy to beat consider most of time I look at the clock and waiting for the sermon to be over).
Of all the occasions I been to Mayan, the best time I've is when I visited Mayan to worship God (and usually you've to drag me to Church).
Shocking? Yeah, I can't believe it either; especially since I'm not a Christian and I love to sleep in on Sunday mornings.
Great place when you're in the mood for dancing!
R&B downstairs, salsa on the main floor, and reggaeton upstairs... what more could you ask for?? It gets pretty packed on the main floor later in the night if you want to dance salsa, so go early if you are going to dance salsa. Cover charge is $10 before 10:30pm and $15 after that. Not too bad. You can find parking across the street for $8 flat rate, and drinks are reasonable.
The major downfall of this place is they charge $3 for a little 12oz bottle of water, and they wont give you a glass of water at all. So, no water or be prepared to spend all your money on it. After all the dancing and drinking, you're going to be thirsting, so I found this to be very annoying.
Otherwise, fun place!
Friend: Hey, what's up with tomorrow?
Me: What do you mean? What's going on tomorrow?
Friend: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs show is tomorrow, isn't it?
Me: Oh!! I am a dummy!
I'm going to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs tomorrow!
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*Group of 4 asks Rodger and Hana: "Hey, sorry guys, could you scooch just a bit and make room for these two girls? They don't need that much room!" I should have told them to go suck a big fat one right then and there.
2 minutes later *clunk clunk* As I felt a nudge, I looked down at my feet and see a girl who had fallen from the standing level above me. We help stand her back up on her feet and lift her back to her level. As I look up, I see her and her friends still drunk and drugged up on whatever they were on (because I think 90% of people in L.A. are on something, okay okay, too high? 89%) and smiling! Her friends didn't even gasp and ask how she was.
I was getting down with Karen O, and boom! I feel a someone crash onto me again. I look at my feet and all I see is hair. We pick this hairball up and under her was the same girl that fell on me the first time. We push their asses back to where they were and again, ALL SMILES. I don't know what they were on, but keep it away from me. I looked back to check if they were still there 10 minutes later but they were gone. I hope they went to find level ground and they aren't smiling still.
recently went there on a friday night and have to say it was OK
the bf and i love to go to clubs and just DANCE, not sit around or lounge around like many OLDER sketchy men were doing, so this was definitely the place! The crowd is pretty mixed, there are a lot of younger women there, as well as a plethora of OLD MEN looking for a dance partner :S
I wish I could give this place 3 1/2 stars as it was fairly spacious, had PLENTY of bars (the wait for drinks was not long) and had different spaces suited for different tastes of music
Negatives: salsa/latin room was VERY small & stinky by the end of the night, the hip hop "basement" made me claustrophobic, and the amount of older men/ women creeped me out,
other than that, if your going to dance and dont mind bumping into a couple of weirdos this is the spot!
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Category: Music Venues
Neighborhood: West Adams
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Category: Dance Clubs
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