With the first Endless Night: Los Angeles Vampire Ball “Anti-Valentines Day” this February 19th 2017 at the Globe Theatre, I couldn’t resist but prepare this article.
Los Angeles is a perfect vampire city; even though it is in the middle of a desert and the direct sun. It comes alive at night and this night is filled with rockstars, actors, nightlife, celebrities, ghosts, hauntings and legends. Here are my suggestions for any vampire living or visiting the “City of Angels” or should I say the “City of Fallen Angeles.” Here is my personal guide for those visiting or living within Los Angeles and are lovers of vampires and creatures of the Night. Within the Sabretooth Clan, the community of my personal fang clients, we call Los Angeles “Angel Halo” for the energy, culture and spirit of the city.
1. Bar Sinister - Is probably the most famous vampire hangout located right in the middle of Hollywood. This club known for live performances, its vampire host Kent Kalibur, Suicide Girl go-gos with fangs, gothic, rock & roll vibe. Bar Sinister is also the sponsoring premiere partner of the Los Angeles Vampire Ball. 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Web: www.barsinister.net
2. Vampire Wine War - nestled deep into Beverly Hills, this small but beautiful bar is home to a fine election of Vampire Wines from Transylvania Vineyards. Beautifully decorated and classy you can stop by for a tasting and some beautiful classy snacks. 9865 S. Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Phone: 310.203.9476 Web: www.vampire.com. Macabre Mondays - held at the Vampire Wine Bar, this great Monday night is hosted by the lovely Vampirephilia. Photobooth, local DJs, giveaways, etc. Web: www.facebook.com/macabremondays.
3. Ghost Tours – No trip to LA is complete without a tour of the local spirits, ghosts and haunted houses. Dearly Departed Tours – as seen on Ghost Adventures, offers driven tours in a bus to many haunted locations. It is located at 6603 W. Sunset Blvd and their website: www.dearlydepartedtours.com. City of Dark Angeles Walking Tours – is a walking tour by the lovely Kim, exploring many of the haunted locations and stories Hollywood Blvd. Approximately two hours. Web: www.cityofdarkangelstours.com
4. V Society - hosted by the legendary promoter Perish are fetish, vampire, gothic cosplay gatherings. V Society pops up at various locations throughout Los Angeles like a secret cult while the Crypt is a secret members only vampire fetish dungeon. Both locations are by invite only and very secret. Web: www.vsocietyclub.com
5. The Magic Castle - This is a majestic place if you can get an invite, since it is a private club for magicians and their guests in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles. Opened in the 1960s, the Magic Castle is not just a performance space; it is the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. Everywhere you turn this is the perfect haven for the vampire sorcerer. This place would make even make Harry Potter jealous, especially you Tremere (if you know what I mean). 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Phone: +1 323-851-3313 Web: www.magiccastle.com.
6. The Stinking Rose - The running joke is to bring a vampire you want to have met the Final Death here for dinner and don’t tell them it is a world famous restaurant with garlic in almost every dish. Their official mantra "We season our garlic with food." This restaurant inspired two cookbooks for garlic enthusiasts including The Stinking Cookbook (1994) and The Stinking Rose Restaurant Cookbook (2006). Vampires will enjoy or die! 55 North LA Cianega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Phone: 310.652.7673. Web: www.thestinkingrose.com.
7. Bella Legosi’s Star - On the Hollywood Walk of fame on the South side of the 6300 block of Hollywood Boulevard, you will find the star of Bella Lugosi. Right across from the L. Ron Hubbard Museum. This is a pilgrimage for every vampire fan.
8. Necromance - a very unique store which opened in 1990 and sells artifacts and remains in a Victorian style display, with a morbid and romantic touch. One can find insects, skulls, horns, obscure jewellery, taxidermy, feathers, antlers, moths and butterflies, sea creatures and wet specimens. Absolutely a must stop for all vampires, makes this #4 of the top attractions for vampires in Los Angeles. 1990 7222 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046. Open every day: Noon to 7pm. Phone: (323) 934-8684. Web: www.necromance.com.
9. Pans Pipes - for those pagan and esoteric vampires this is a well rounded and very well located old school pagan and magical shop. Being a lover of the esoteric and occult I found this stop to be very genuine and a must stop for all your esoteric needs. 1641 N Cahuenga Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028. Phone: (323) 462-7078. Web: www.panpipes.com.
10. Dark Delicacies - a one stop shop for all things in horror (including books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, graphic novels, gifts and collectibles) done in a loving and caring atmosphere from owners who are not only experts but lovers of the subject. 3512 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505. Hours: Tues-Fri. 10am-7pm. Sat & Sun 11am to 6pm. Closed Mondays. Phone: 818-556-6660. Web: www.darkdel.com.
11. Museum of Death – famous around the world, this museum is dedicated to the void in death education in the USA and is a self guided tour lasting an hour. Located at 6031 Hollywood Blvd. It is open 11am to 8pm with extended hours on the weekends. www.museumofdeath.net
12. Hollywood Forever Cemetery - If you are famous you need to be buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the “cemetery of the Stars.” Founded in 1899, the crypts and graves include more directors, actors, performers, writers and celebrities than any other place in the world. They choose this cemetery because of the famous dead buried here and this adds to their legacies. In the summer the cemetery runs a cinema where you can watch old horror movies within. Located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, California. Web: www.hollywoodforever.com
13. Gothic Bar at Clifton’s Cafeteria is an amazing location for an aperitif or a cocktail with heavy gothic décor and imagery. With a $10 million dollar renovation over 5 years this is not a cheap experience but one which you should soon not forget. Great for dates, dinner parties or coven gatherings. Found at: 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Web: www.cliftonsla.com
Outside LA:
ISPO FACTO - although outside LA in Fullerton, Ipso Facto is a classic gothic shop from the 1990s and one of the last in the era. They carry steampunk, gothic and alternative clothing for all of your needs. 517 N. Harbor Bl. Fullerton CA. Web: www.ipso-facto.com