by Anthony » Sun Feb 22, 2026 6:04 pm
While West Hollywood fights with its own residents and Hollywood recycles the same tired club concepts, DTLA quietly became the most exciting nightlife district in the city. Exchange is pulling world-class DJs into a stunning 1930s building.¹ New spots keep opening. The crowd is younger, more diverse, and actually there to have fun — not to be seen. Reddit threads increasingly point downtown when asked for recommendations.¹ WeHo’s old guard is nervous, and they should be. The center of gravity is shifting, and it’s not coming back. Hollywood had its run. DTLA’s turn.
While West Hollywood fights with its own residents and Hollywood recycles the same tired club concepts, DTLA quietly became the most exciting nightlife district in the city. Exchange is pulling world-class DJs into a stunning 1930s building.¹ New spots keep opening. The crowd is younger, more diverse, and actually there to have fun — not to be seen. Reddit threads increasingly point downtown when asked for recommendations.¹ WeHo’s old guard is nervous, and they should be. The center of gravity is shifting, and it’s not coming back. Hollywood had its run. DTLA’s turn.