Though it's a beautiful 1936 art deco theater with luxurious staircases and preserved details, the El Rey isn't the most ornate venue in Los Angeles. It isn't our city's hippest spot, either. But the El Rey offers a concert experience second to none, thanks to a combination of pleasing aesthetics, solid bookings and accessibility. Whether you're sipping a White Russian while watching Jeff Bridges or a gin and tonic while taking in Femi Kuti, it's a clean, comfortable room with good sight lines and sound. Parking on the surrounding Miracle Mile streets isn't usually a problem, and the lines aren't usually too bad. In fact, the spot maintains a touch of glamour from its days as a first-run movie house: the kind of place that's as much fun for the experience as for the band. 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile. (323) 936-6400, theelrey.com. —Ben Westhoff

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.