Gold Line

Tucked away on Figueroa Street in Highland Park, Gold Line stands as LA’s premier listening bar—a dimly lit sanctuary where vinyl culture meets exceptional cocktail craft. This isn’t your typical neighborhood watering hole; it’s a destination for anyone who appreciates the tactile warmth of records spinning while sipping something thoughtfully made. The atmosphere pulses with energy seven nights a week, courtesy of local DJs who spin everything from indie jazz to rare Japanese funk deep cuts from decades past.

The cocktail program here takes its cues from classic Japanese highball bars, with whiskey highballs being a particular standout. The drinks are crisp, well-balanced, and designed to complement rather than compete with the sonic experience. Whether you’re a vinyl obsessive who gets excited about obscure pressings or simply someone looking for a memorable night out, the bar delivers on both fronts without pretension.

The space itself invites multiple ways to enjoy an evening. Settle into a spot at the long wooden bar for intimate conversation with a date, or claim one of the leather couches near the disco ball and gather your crew for a proper night out. The music plays at house-party volume—loud enough to feel immersive, but you can still hold a conversation if you lean in close.

For those seeking something beyond the typical LA bar scene, Gold Line offers a genuinely distinctive experience. It’s the kind of place where you show up thinking you’ll stay for one drink and end up losing track of time as the DJ drops an unexpected Detroit techno set that reshapes your entire evening.