The El Rey is one of the classier places to see a show in LA. An art deco theater located in the Miracle Mile, The El Rey definitely has a cool vibe about it. But could The El Rey beat up another venue in a street fight? Let’s find out.
1) Size
The size of the El Rey is perfect. Big enough to not feel cramped, but small enough to let you feel intimate with the band. (Not in a sexual way… unless you’re into that kind of thing… which you shouldn’t be).
2) Sound
The El Rey’s sound quality is fantastic. I’ve seen full bands play here (Mike Ness and his blue grass band) as well as single artists (just Billy Bragg and his guitar) and they’ve all sounded like they were mixed in a recording studio. Even that weird guy you knew in college who paid $1000 for headphones would be happy here.
3) Cleanliness
Many venues smell like a Jr. High locker room. The El Rey, however, keeps it clean and classy. So clean, in fact, that they rent the place out for weddings on the weekends, which is really saying something. Have you seen “Bridezillas?” Those chicks don’t mess around.
4) Bands
While The El Rey does get some great bands to grace that stage, it seems they try to avoid any bands that would elicit a mosh pit. I don’t hold this against them, however, because my definition of a night on the town doesn’t always include blunt force trauma.
Overall grade: A-
If you can find a band you like playing at The El Rey, you will almost certainly have a great evening out. To Los Angeles, it is the distinguished gentleman of concert venues, ready to knock out many other venues flat on their face.
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