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Club Nokia
Rating Details »
Category: Music Venues
Neighborhood: Downtown800 West Olympic Blvd
Ste A335
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 765-7000
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
85 reviews for Club Nokia
This is one of those places that's more impressive by its appearance than the actual venue.
Don't get me wrong, it's very "House-Of-Bluesy" smack in the middle of the newest part of Downtown Los Angeles, that's not the focus of my complaint at all.
What did tick me off, however, is that it's the first stand-up venue I've seen that has a secluded section for those paid more to get closer to the platform. Even though I don't mind paying the extra money, I thought that was a pretty uptight move from the club.
If someone's gonna go through hell to get to the front, they're probably gonna make the most of it once the artist performs, raising the concert's energy. I like having all the fun rowdy people right next to me in a concert when I'm up front - not a bunch of snobs who think they can buy fun and wouldn't know what to do with it when it's right in front of them.
Boo-f%^#&ing-hoo.
On the positive side, the sound, the view, and the venue are all very nice, I'm not gonna lie. Great place to go if I won tickets on the radio... or if Radiohead were to perform there.
Then I'd eat my own words for being stupid. Haha
-Diego-
A new review is in. This last year was awesome and I would like to hope for one that is even better next year! For you as well my friends and Yelpers!
I am remembering the last years new years eve show. It gets a 10/10 all around score. The staff was awesome, the people were stoked.
Just the architecture and spectacle that it is is staggering. But remember this is the place to spend a wad of bills. Drop it big for the VIP experience here and it becomes more like a space adventure with a good party. Bring a group.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/23/2008
So, this place is so big and vast that it's impossible to receive a GREAT review, but all that said… Read more »
The Epitome of Everything I Hate About Los Angeles
For those of us who are carefully considering all of our expenses lately, but are willing to balance out costs versus a fun night out, let me tell you why seeing any event at Club Nokia should tip the scales AGAINST making the decision to plunk down a few bucks for a night out:
Ticketing: Completely incompetent, and wildly overpriced. Adding extra "convenience fees" when you're the only option for buying tickets isn't a "convenience" - it's a f**king rip-off.
Parking: For a giant venue in downtown Los Angeles that's trying to sell people on being a "total evening" with restaurants, shops, etc. -- not having a reasonably priced parking structure (excuse me, $25 bucks?) is unacceptable.
Bowling Alleys that think they're "exclusive"- Speaking of the total "night out experience" -- unless you're a fan of boring big-box chains, I'd strongly recommend avoiding EVERYTHING here pre-show, not just because it's a soulless, trashy experience, but on top of that, they've totally got the completely wrong idea about the kind of people who come to the shows that are being promoted at Club Nokia. (Really, Lucky Strike Bowl? You're going to take what could have been a fun hour before the show with drinks and a bite to eat and instead dress down my friends for wearing a sweatshirt before a Royksopp concert at 7:20? All for the pleasure of eating your overpriced crap food & drinks? Really? Do you have any idea at all who your customers actually are?)
MARKETING AT THE DOOR! And this is perhaps the most egregious, heinous thing about this venue: Accosting me with sales people for Nokia phones at the beginning of a show. ARE YOU F**KING KIDDING ME?!?! After paying you convenience fees, overpriced parking, and rude service people, you find it appropriate to put the equivalent of HUMAN POP-UP ADS standing just feet before the door to sell me a Nokia phone?!? Are you high? Thanks to your a**hole marketing people, I missed out (by a MINUTE) on getting to the floor to get decent seats at my show.
Thanks, Club Nokia, for a shittastic evening. I wish instead of leaving you one star, I could leave you a big steaming dump on your doorstep. Your venue sucks. Clearly I won't be returning for anything here, and I'll be discouraging friends from buying tickets at any of the Nokia venues downtown, especially if you're a cost-conscious person with any sense of taste. Go anywhere else instead.
I just purchased tickets from the box office (to avoid Ticketmaster fees) and after dealing with 20 minutes of incompetence am lowering my score by one star. Here's a running diary of the experience:
5:50 p.m. (PT): Find the Club Nokia box office and try to buy Royksopp tickets for the November 18 show. By purchasing at the box office I'm avoiding the FBSTMFs (f---ing bulls--t Ticketmaster fees). In your f---ing face Ticketmaster.
5:52: Karma Gods punish me for disparaging Ticketmaster. Apparently it's everyone's first day in the box office "war room."
5:55: The glaring lack of testosterone in the room rears its ugly head when the ticket printer is jammed. Sadly, I'm not allowed to enter the office and rip out the ticket.
6:00: The delay wouldn't be so bad if the nitwit behind the glass wasn't wolfing down a taco salad. Really!? I'm standing three feet away and staring at you. There's no one else in line. How about waiting three minutes and eating the GD thing once I'm gone? Do you think the window is a two-way mirror? How do you have a job and I don't?
6:01: Remind myself I just met Bill Simmons at his book signing. All is right with the world.
6:03: There's a Band of Horses concert starting in two hours, and fans are already arriving. A steady stream are walking up to the will call confirming they have "the right tickets," that "we're supposed to line up over" (no shit), and that they're "at the right venue." My god, concertgoers are dumb. Maybe the box office mouth breathers are just dumb by osmosis.
6:11: The bus I wanted to take home is departing, and instead of boarding it I'm still at the Club Nokia box office. Special.
6:15: Mercifully, the tickets finally print. There's no receipt for me to sign (even though I paid with credit card). With any luck my card won't be charged. In your effing face #2 Ticketmaster.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/26/2009
My brother smashed his face on the steel exit stairs (that's what 6 Adios Motherfuckers will do),… Read more »
This is a great venue for a small more intimate setting. I saw Band of Horses here and was BLOWN AWAY... not that Band of Horses would deliver any different! I like that it was easy to see the stage from all angles. It is standing room; however, there is some seating in the upper balcony area where you can also get a great view of the stage. The drinks were a little pricey, but you have to expect that in the downtown area. It also was a little confusing to find since it isn't right next to the larger Nokia venue. Adding some signage would help.
All in all, good experience!
Checked out Club Nokia to see En Vogue and (unfortunately) Ginuwine....it was my first time at the "club"...and I didnt expect it to be so small.
Even it being so small..it was cozy. Seems like every seat in the house is a good seat. The bar was readily accessible even though a TINY cup of Rum & Coke was $10-!!
If you plan on attending an event @ Club NOkia...get your drink on before you get there...save yourself some $$$.
i love this venue. small, but not too small... very intimate if you want to watch your favorite artist perform. for me, it was Lupe Fiasco, and since im tall, it was awesome. i got pretty trashed at the back bar as well.
love this place, wish more artists would perform here. I cant stand watching concerts at halls or at staples (where the sound just really really sucks).
parking sucks here tho. its LA Live... what did you expect. i parked at one of those parking lots around the area that charges 5-10 bucks, and my car got vandalized.. awesome huh? for that, i give this place only 4 stars, but should really be a 5 if you get someone else to drive you here.
Seems I haven't written a review with a lyric stuck in it for a while, so here ya go, courtesy of Motorhead:
'If you like to gamble, I tell you I'm your man
You win some, lose some, it's - all - the same to me
The pleasure is to play, it makes no difference what you say
I don't share your greed, the only card I need is
The Ace Of Spades
The Ace Of Spades....'
'If you like to gamble...':
We recently went to see Motorhead at Club Nokia while on a business trip to the LA area. I find the above lyric befitting this scenario...site unseen, it is a gamble going to an unfamiliar venue in a city you don't (and won't) know so well, even if you've seen the humor in the band and their lyrics for decades. I was really looking forward to this show, despite the general admission tix and the possibility of being stuck in a mosh pit with grizzled old drunken bikers. I mean what the hell, we live once. But this place disappointed on so many levels.
'You win some, lose some, it's - all - the same to me...':
First, there's the industrial quality to the place. Concrete and beams. Sound bounced everywhere. I think it feeds a certain detachment LA 'fans' appear to have, as there was a lot of talking among the crowd, even as the band ripped through their set. Not cool.
'The pleasure is to play, it makes no difference what you say...':
There are what seem to be endless stairs to get to the upper level. We've never encountered so many stairs at a concert venue, and after the show they were littered with slick fliers which proved hazardous for many. Not wise.
'I don't share your greed, the only card I need is...':
We didn't bother with drinks, being in an unfamiliar place and knowing we would be paying untold sums to a cabbie to return us to our hotel in another city following the show. But based on other reviews, it definitely sounds as though luck was with us on that decision. Not fun.
'The Ace of Spades, The Ace of Spades...':
I will give them this: while we were surprised to see lots of security peeps with multiple metal detectors at the entrance instead of just a few concert staff doing the pat-downs that are customary at Bay Area concert venues, no one bothered to make me reveal the hidden video camera that has become a habitually-smuggled item--and the machine was beeping like crazy. Heh. Not bad!
Ultimately, though, we were very disappointed in our overall experience at Club Nokia, regardless of the myriad of performers we loved who graced the stage on that particular night. Because much like the greater LA area, Club Nokia seriously lacks a soul. Yeah, I said it.
First time being down here since this has been up. I was more in awe of the completed construction then I was of the venue inside. It reminds me of the House of Blues. Just not as cool and the HOB hasn't really been cool since 1997.
The beers are way overpriced and I would hate to find out what a vodka and soda would cost.
I suppose it can be a cool little venue if you were there to watch someone you were really passionate about. I just went because it was a free ticket and I had yet to see the area.
I was lucky enough to be put on a guest list to visit this venue. Never having been, it was a nice little treat. Our comedienne friend, Cristela Alonzo, was filming The Latino Knights of Laughter and invited us. Nice, cozy little venue.
We were able to go to the VIP lounge upstairs where there were seats galore. It also has boasts a second bar so you don't have to keep walking downstairs to the main bar. I will have to say that the drinks were a bit pricey. $11 for an Absolut Cosmo. Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't in a cheesy, clear plastic cup.
The seats were comfy, the view great, the sound awesome. Voo Doo Glow Skulls were the host band for the evening. ;)
If given the chance to return to this venue, I definitely would. It was clean; it was nice.
Hey there. Just came back home from Royksopp's show from Nokia club. Sound was pretty good but I hate persons that work there.My ticket was VIP with access to the lounge with alcohol. I am legal to have it (I'm 22). They did not let me in just because my ID (international passport) was russian. They said they accept California ID ONLY! So they just gave me worse seats. If I am not californian I'm not allowed to see the show from the seats that I've paid for??? Huh....... that is dumb I guess.
This place is AWESOME. My first time to Club Nokia and my first time seeing Motorhead. So excited for both!
Pros:
great view of the stage from almost anywhere
parking not as bad as I thought it would be (only $7 and close!)
no line for the ladies room (whaaaat?)
bartenders were cool
Cons:
they need a bigger smoking patio
drinks were crazy expensive
security inside was a little over zealous
It's 4 days later...my ears are still ringing and I love it.
Went here for the first time last Friday for halloween bash 2009! this club is rather smaller than i thought but the atmosphere inside is nice. there's a full bar and a dance floor in front of the stage. the dance floor is quite small too..overall i didnt come here for clubbing..it was just for an event. met a cute guy that night so that's a plus for this place haha!
Loved this venue. A lot of the bad reviews seem to be from the cheapos who were stuck down on the main level. Spend a little and get up to the VIP section in the balcony, accessed by elevator. You'll have your own reserved leather seat, and private bars, lounges and bathrooms away from the unwashed masses below. The sound and sightlines were great up there. The multiple security checks are kind of annoying but why join the beer soaked crowd below, when you can sip your cocktail in the comfort of a big theatre seat above.
The sound quality wasn't great? The restrooms and the bar are attractive, but the quality of the materials are noveau-cheap. I've sat in the upper balcony area, and underneath the overhang, and both we're sub-par. It's shocking how they didn't get it right.
Ordered a margarita, it was horrible. Pre-made sugary syrup. Not good.
The Nokia is actually 100 x's better.
I am going to be honest, as someone who goes to a lot of shows, I am not thrilled with Club Nokia (I have now seen four shows at this venue). First off, your experience will depend a lot on if you are VIP, or just a typical fan. If you are a VIP, they will basically kiss your backside and you can get away with just about whatever you want. However, if you are a normal fan, well watch out.
The venues security tend to take their elevated mall cop to the extreme, often without any cause and merit. Case in point, this weekend at the Warped 15th Anniversary. It took 8-10 guards 15 minutes to drag one large drunk audience member out of the pit (while not a saint, he was simply trying to start a second pit on the main floor, something one should not be kicked out of a Warped Tour show for). In the time it took 8-10 guards to kick this guy out, at least 25 people hoped from the second level of the main floor to the "wrist band only" front of stage section. In the process many people were kicked, punched, knocked over and or had overpriced drinks spilt on them. All this could have been prevented if guards were not out for one dude.
I have also had issues with bringing a camera into a show. I have called box office day of and they have said it was fine, only to get there and have to go back to my car with the camera. Upon coming back to the car, I find folks are bringing cameras in. Communication seems to be an issue.
Call me old fashion, but I like venues that feel like venues. This place is stale and generic inside. In addition, if you are in the back on the main floor, it is very possible the balcony above you will block the view of the stage. I'd much rather see a show at the Wiltern vs. this place any day of the week.
Came here Saturday night for Garth Trinidad's (of KCRW's Chocolate City fame) event. I quite enjoyed the layout of the club, swank and sexy with a lot of "VIP" seating. However I can't say that I'd venture out there again for just anything. The "no cover" helped a lot, otherwise it gets pretty pricey for the drinks. I alone spent 60 dollars on a couple rounds for myself and some friends. The pours were weak and of course small, but that's to be expected for a place such as this.
The smoking area could be done nicer with some seating and heat lamps...otherwise it's just concrete with a crappy view of the Holiday Inn across the street.
If you can manage to find street parking in the area, that's recommended. If not, you'll need to drop a ten at the parking lot, which isn't horrible per se, but I just hate paying for parking. It's a principle thing.
Basically, I was only here for one particular reason, and that was to hear Garth spin. He could do a show out of an alley dumpster and I'd be there. So needless to say, I'll have a good time anywhere he's at.
I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with Club Nokia, it's a pretty sweet venue. I had gotten a tour of it once just as it had opened, but had yet to hear a live band perform in there.
It's definitely not an intimate venue, but for being a large music hall, it still has that intimate appeal. The bar as you walk into the joint is really big! Didn't spend much time here but we did in the 4th floor VIP lounge witch was awesome. Very modern, and simple decor with vibrant neon lights and plush seating. The walls and ceiling had a really cool, fluid galactic vibe.
Drinks are pretty pricey up there. We ordered four Stoli crans and the total was $44! It's Stoli, not Greygoose yo! But whatevs, we took our drinks to the balcony and enjoyed a funny Dan Band show.
Great views from the balcony, but not much leg room. If you got them daddy-long-legs, watch out for a leg cramp. However, the seating was cozy enough for our boys to pass out during the show. Guess the Dan Band is just more of a girl thang.
I'd give it a 5/5 but I only heard the Dan Band here. I need a real rock n' roll band to hear how the sound travels for five stars. Will updated once that happens.
fuck this fucking place. ahh its like lucky strike with plasmas and lazers. and the largest gathering of wankers. not that i didnt know what i was getting into but fuck. now i'm going to have to crawl deeper into my hole
I went to Club Nokia, very excited to see one of my favorite bands. This venue just about ruined the night for me. Where should I start? How about the security who completely abuse their authority, I watched them throw punches, and kick people who were on the ground, and every one I encountered had a bad attitude.
I had a general admission, floor ticket, and you cant even get to the floor in front of the stage, you are limited to an outer ring in the middle and back of the club, by the highly over priced bar, I mean, 8 dollars for a 12 ounce Newcastle beer, in a plastic cup? Come on! 4 dollars for a coke.. plain coke, for a 16 year old kid?
I seems if you have the VIP wristband, you can go wherever you want, balcony, floor pit, but those vip ticket holders are not the real fans, who want to be up front by the band, for the most part.
And why is the whole entire floor wet, everywhere you go, it's like a slip n slide in there.
Finally, the bathroom, 1 bathroom on the entire bottom floor in a 2300 person club, the line was 50 dudes deep into the club, like I've never seen.
Overall, I might go back, if I have to, because we can't pick where our favorite bands play, but this place sucks.
Club Nokia is beautiful, contemporary venue that looks like Vegas was lifted back into L.A. after it was lifted in L.A. in the first place. Surrounded by restaurants, there is no excuse to come into here hungry, and you could easily spend hours here chatting with friends, listening to the music "spun" by the DJ, and losing hours in a good kind of way. The concert venue itself is somewhat intimate with a balcony/VIP section with a remarkably good view of the stage. My only complaint is that there is still a lot of construction in the area and people do strange things when they realize they are going the wrong way. Beware the bad/confused drivers. Otherwise, parking cost is the norm for L.A. Downtown. Drive around and find the balance of price and convenience. Don't do what other people do and park in a dark street where you have to criss-cross a construction area unless you want to see your car on blocks or worse.
I ain't complaining, because I know how expensive parking is in other cities and believe you me, we got it better than most for a world class city. Viva Los Angeles.
great venue! it's pretty new, place is medium sized, and has a upstairs balcony area as well. i went to the vans warped tour 15th anniversary party & saw the ting tings here. they didn't sweat me for filming the shows here both times that i came, so makes me like it even more. check it out http://youtube.com/k9r... my only complaint is that the drinks are $12 for grey goose and it comes in one of those little tiny plastic cups like the ones that are in hotel bathrooms. had to take away the 5th star because of that. parking is also pretty expensive. you have to either park in the garage or in one of the staple center lots outside and walk.
I have been to my share of venues in Los Angeles and I have definitely seen my share of live bands, at least since the early 90's. This was my first time going to Club Nokia but I was excited to find out about this new venue. Located just next to where my better half works all day is so very convenient.
With many local restaurant and bar options and parking easy just a block away in any direction. I like the new look of the venue with no piss on the floor or old school washed out Hollywood staff. I liked the view from all of the venue. One point that I thought was a bummer to me on this particular night was that they take first come first serve on the front general area and you get a wrist band they only allow 400 people in the front otherwise you have to stand in one of the farther back sections. It really is a good policy to keep over crowding from happening but I had hoped to wave to my 2 friends in the band that night and I wasn't gonna be that asshole who asked them for passes or other special treatment. Oh well we still had great seats/standing area/ view from the place we found.
I would like to see other bands here in the future, I would definitely recommend the sound quality in the venue and the over all view, not too sure bout the drinks though. Will have to experience more shows.
Club Nokia can easily be my new favorite venue for live rock music, even though I'm too lazy to check out live bands nowadays.
I won free tickets to see Shiny Toy Guns and Nico Vega on Saturday. If it weren't for free tickets, I probably wouldn't have checked out Club Nokia for fear of the unknown.
Why I like Club Nokia
1) Will Call opens early. I was able to pick up my tickets hours before the show started and even buy an extra ticket. Why are people standing in line at 5:30pm when doors open at 7:30pm and the first opening band plays at 9pm and main attractions at 10:30pm?
2) Cameras allowed. You know I don't go anywhere without my two cameras in my purse. I can write a book on creative ways to hide cameras or bypass security but I rather just go to a venue where cameras are allowed
3) Elevated general admissions floor. If you don't like standing where the sweat of the band flies at you and instead, like standing near the sound booth like I do, you'll often find that the tall people in front will most likely block all of your view. The view's pretty good here even with all these tall green giants.
4) Large, easily accessible bar. It's right in the back - no need to exit the room and miss any songs.
5) Tons of clean bathroom stalls. For once, I have never seen a line for the Ladies' room. Wow.
6) Great sound system at great volume level. You leave the venue with your hearing intact. The volume is just right. Club Nokia is so humane!
7) Good location. Tons of street parking / independent lots nearby if you're willing to walk - just hope there's no Laker game going on. Located at the LA Live! in downtown with lots of food and drink options within a few city blocks beforehand. Hooray for not having to go to Hollywood!
8) Tuck the non-fans away upstairs by calling it the VIP lounge. Do you hate it when people just talk the whole time during the concert and you wonder why they're even there in the first place? Club Nokia has a VIP section upstairs for those who want to hang out and be seen in certain circles and are not fans of the music. There are couches and seating areas and not much room for a view of the stage since there seems to be only a pane of glass separating you and the thousands of people in the pit below.
Pretty solid venue all around!
"Ya know... for the amount of time we've known each other, I'm amazed we haven't f*cked yet."
Yeah. That was definitely the quote of the frikkin night at the Nokia tonight as I warped myself back in time to the metal days of yesteryear for the LA Metal Awards. So many familiar losers, so many past flames, so many burnouts and far too many memories to cram into one VIP room, but on the whole, wow, I am so happy to be where I am today.
The theater itself was fine and dandy. It's very modern and new and honestly felt like an odd contrast to the Metal fan base that packed it's halls tonight. Regardless, the Nokia is a swank little spot in the heart of DTLA and I can see it doing good things. The only downside to this place is that it really stands out like Vegas' bastard step child in the understated Downtown LA area. It's bells, whistles, bright lights and big city and mirrors a CityWalk explosion on the once tranquil and untouched and cool Downtown scene. But that is change, I suppose.
I have no idea what else goes on in this place, be it concerts or what have you, but for the right show, I would definitely hit it up again and have a fine time here.
I came here on Friday the 13th to see singer Mick Hucknall (better known to most people as "Simply Red").
The venue is well laid out for a club, with seats on the main floor and then another level behind it. There is also a balcony upstairs which also looks like it has a lot of seats with great viewing angles.
The nice long bar at the back of the room had super-quick service; a beer and a chardonnay with a water back was $16.
I was sitting on the main floor, in the center, about 4 rows from the stage. And while I came to see Simply Red in what is his final tour ever, I did not come to see all of the LA douche-bags who insisted on dancing in front of the stage, or, who continued to wander up towards the artist during the entire show so they could snap his picture on their iPhones. It's as if all of these over weight, middle-aged women with large ankles and their Chico's stretch pants had never seen a celebrity before. And having to watch all of them dancing right in front of the stage nearly burned my eyes out. Why does NOKIA even bother having security guards at the front of the stage if they're going to let all of the douche-bags go wild? I didn't pay nearly $100 a ticket to see this.
As for the show, Simply Red was simply brilliant. Hucknall is an incredible R&B singer who did a variety of songs from his 25-year career and did all of his hits ("Holding Back the Years" was his biggest..), as well as wonderful soulful arrangements of the Hollies "The Air That I Breathe" and the Moody Blues "Go Now".
A wonderful show by the bloke from Manchester!
(A five-star rating, minus 1-point for the LA douche-bags and the crappy security...)
This was my first time at this venue and it is fantastic. I love this part of downtown LA. Nokia center is located across the street from the Staples center =) Parking was $10 bucks flat rate.
We got pit tickets which is a standing area only. The bar was located directly behind the pit. It was huge and had nice pretty lights! lol. So we didnt miss any songs by the performer while going back and forth for some drinks. =) You can bring your drinks to the pit area, cameras are allowed inside, and the sound and stage was great. View of the stage was pretty good, I am kinda short, wish i was a little closer to get better pictures.
A great venue, better then The Grove of Anaheim. I wouldnt mind watching another show or concert here =)
After catching two shows at the Nokia Theatre, I decided it was time to check out Club Nokia. I was curious to see how it would be different. First off, as a venue, Club Nokia is much more intimate than the Nokia Theatre... .Think House of Blues or the Troubador vs. The Gibson.
We got there right before the doors were scheduled to open. There was already a line which I guess is understandable since there are escalators and metal detectors to go through and the Venue is on the third floor so the lines sort of serve as crowd control.
We had first row seats upstairs. I didn't know what the crowd would be like at the show I was attending so I didn't want to take my chances on the floor, but from our awesome vantage point I wouldn't see any reason to spend the entire time standing when I could have such awesome seats for $10 more (unless I wanted to dance, but this wasn't exactly shake your hips and ass music we were going to be hearing....)
Our tickets also gave us access to a VIP area with a bar and food service.
I thought the venue was great...clean, new, not too crowded, fairly easy to get in/out of. I'm always surprised how simple it is to get to the parking lot and venues. I've been there 3 times now when there have been multiple events going on and it's never taken more than 5 minutes from the time I turn on my car to get out of the parking lot and to the freeway. I can't say that about most other venues.
The only negative about Club Nokia was the exiting process. Everyone was leaving at one and there was a dangerous pile up on the escalators. Maybe the staff needs to exercises the same crowd control they do on the way in during the exit....Next time, I'll have a drink and chill and wait for the first wave of people to leave before I head out to avoid the pile up.
I recently saw the "Cut Copy" concert with opening act "Matt & Kim" (marking my second "M&K" show this winter). This place is HUGE on the inside.
Things to expect: metal detectors at the entrance (so leave the heat at home). In the men's room, there are attendants with cologne, gum, mints, EAR PLUGS, and they will put soap on your hands and give you a paper towel. Have you dollar ready. I got report that this wasn't the same for the ladies room.
The "pit" is the area at the front. IF you don't get in earlier enough, you won't get a wrist band to be able to stand up close. This is nice because the guards actually make it so there is enough space to move around (until everyone does the crush for the stage).
The balcony had an impressive number of seats. Looked like there were 500+ seats up there for those who wanted to enjoy the stadium seating.
When the entire crowd jumped in the pit, the floor physically bounces. I think they have a special suspension system. I mean, I'd like to HOPE there was one, because it was like being on a trampoline at some points when 300 people jumped in unison.
You can easily get here by the Metro Red Line, so don't bother driving if you think you'll get the last train at night. I look forward to going back for another concert.
DOWNSIDES: No fountains and bottled water is $5. Get a beer; it's a better deal. In the pit, you're so tight with people that you can't really get close with the person you want to be close with. I kept getting slammed in the crotch by someone who was jumping in front of me and repeatedly falling backward... ended up dancing with one hand near my face and one downtown.
Nice sized, clean venue. Saw The Faint and Moving Units here. I had seats on the balcony which is nice since I feel I can't be bothered in the pit w/ the young kids. Beer is expensive, but what do you expect? The VIP/upstairs bar is nice with really cool lighting. I hope I get to see another show at this place.
I've been here twice, both shows are GA standing room only.
Beside Wiltern and Hotel Cafe, this is one of my favorite venue.
Nicely Decor.
They have hardwood floor on the first level, we can feel the vibe from the floor up from the music, and people hopping.
One downside is that if its a no camera show, they really enforce it, they even have a storage area by the front entrance so you can store your camera.
Alcohol are average venue $.
Parking is on the high end ($20 flat) for space right below LA Live, but then it is downtown.
I watched O.A.R. in concert a few months back and was quite impressed with this small space. Instead of standing in the mosh pit I made sure we had a seat upstairs. We got to the place early so we ordered a few drinks and appetizers. When the show was about to start, we headed upstairs and had a great time listening to the band. The crowd's reactions also added to a wonderful experience. Since I've only been there once, I'll have to check it out again to see if my experience would change (based on everyone else's experiences.
We were there the night it opened to see Beck. Oh so in love and wide eyed with wonder.
"It's brand new. Part of a revival they're trying to do downtown."
It seemed like downtown was a ghost town. Except for the Club Nokia. It was filled with light and for the first time I really saw a venue downtown that appeared to be worthwhile.
Hardwood floors and posh lighting. The tickets said it started at 7, so we got there a bit early... thinking it would start on time. Heh, it didn't start until 10. The time gave people plenty of opportunity to get boozed up.
What was great about the show was that you could stand anywhere and get a good view of the stage. We were in the back of the bottom floor behind a short little wall to put drinks on. There was ample room to dance- as many did.
Upstairs though... there was seating that was first come first serve. We didn't partake. Instead my eyes caught view of a photobooth. Being a photobooth aficionado, we had to partake.
Come to find out that it's free (or well included in the ticket price) and it was stamped with the date and headliner.
Awesome.
Ne-Yo was less than 10 feet away from me and he put on an awesome show!
I expected a large venue like the Wiltern, but Club Nokia is much more intimate. Blue lights wash the interior of the venue, and I have to say that I was very impressed with the decor. The entire bottom floor was general admission standing room only while upstairs was the seating mezannine/balcony area.
Get there early if you want to be close to the stage, there's a certain number of wristbands that are given out for people to be in the first pit section. If you get hungry, they sell wraps at the bar which are decently priced and pretty yummy--I'd suggest the turkey one.
This is one of my favorite venues and I can't wait to come back here for another show.
I have been here for numerous live shows, most recently Babasónicos last night. I have to say the sound is *crispy*. I love it. The lighting. It's small enough to feel very private and big enough to where you can walk around. Not to mention it's a beautiful beautiful location @ LA LIVE. I haven't had the drinks there yet but perhaps next time I will. I've loved my experiences here.
It's been pretty cool having another venue that's not in Hollywood that is just as cool or cooler than most!
Parking situation: I've never paid $20 --- so that's some BS!
*YOU MAY NOT KNOW THIS*
BUT --- parking is ACTUALLY $10 after 9pm so don't pay $20...wait til 9pm and pay 10 bucks less!
First time at Club Nokia last night; saw Steve Martin's with the Steep Canyon Rangers.
I was impressed overall with the venue. There was a bit of a problem getting people inside, apparently because they only sold 500 tickets ahead of time and nearly everyone was will-call. Getting out after the show is a bit of a traffic jam as well. He held the show, though, and everyone got in before he went on.
It is nice and clean and new. The bar seemed very accessible. Prices were normal for this situation--19 bucks for a cocktail and a Sierra Nevada. Our seats weren't the worst, but there were only a step or two up from that, and I felt pretty close to the stage and the sound was very clean, clear, and nicely balanced.
It is also located in the ambulatory vicinity of many bars and restaurants for pre-show imbibement and gnoshing. The bar at the Farm, by the by, serves a solid cocktail.
This place is alright if your fuggen rich!!!
I saw New York Dolls and X here.
Tooooo fancy for me.
It takes forever to finaly get there.
Seriosly like a maze.
meh.
The only intimacy you experience at the Club Nokia are with the other concert goers. That might be a great thing for most people but I'm claustrophobic and hated it. I felt like a tuna in a can up in this b*tch. Dude next to me kept on elbowing my girl. Not to mention he almost knocked the beer off my hands on multiple occasions. If you wanna dance, stay in the back please. But at that point you might as well stay home, save $, listen to the CD, and dance at the convenience of your own home since there isn't much room for you to dance here.
I'll be the first one to admit that this place is very nice. Decor was state of the art. I do hate the wide pillars as it blocks your view of the show. Another bonus - it was 18 and over which means the bar was wide open.
At the end of the day, the performer is what counts. We saw Ne-yo this night and it didn't matter how packed it was. He put on a great show.
Extra tips:
1) do not park in the LA Live structure. They will tag you $20 since they don't validate your ticket
2) If you don't want to feel left out, make sure you dress up for the event. Hence the name "Club" Nokia.
3) If you don't wanna be up in the mix. There is a section on the side of the stage that is empty. Decent view and less crowds.
4) Pay the extra $ to be VIP.
Clean. Check. Fresh smell of paint. Check. Space-age decor. Check.
After hearing that this place is actually a club, it just seems too small. I'd understand why you'd feel like a sardine.
But this place was intimate yet spacious enough seating for a comedy show. We saw The Queen of Mean - Lisa Lampanelli.. what a funny ass night. The bar has a long counter and the bartenders are pretty attentive. Drinks are expensive though - $12 for Jameson & Coke.
PRO: I'm just glad DTLA has more local spots to check out some entertainment....
1 Red Stripe Beer = $8.
Sound quality was good, but sound guy was off on some of his levels.
Don't half step. Get crunk before you go here, as they are worse than a movie theater for gouging their customers on the cost of food and drink. LAME.
