About The Airliner
The Airliner is a historic bar and music venue at 2419 North Broadway in Los Angeles’ Lincoln Heights neighborhood (www.indieonthemove.com ). Built and opened in 1923 (www.indieonthemove.com ), the century-old building features a newly polished interior with original details like its vintage curved copper bar. It includes a large patio garden behind the building (www.indieonthemove.com ) and an upstairs performance room. The Airliner is known for its deep roots in LA’s underground music scene (famously hosting the “Low End Theory” club nights until 2018 (binghamtonherald.com ) (lamag.com )) and has welcomed early shows by artists like Tyler, the Creator, Flying Lotus and Thundercat, and even a surprise visit by Prince (lamag.com ) (binghamtonherald.com ). Post-renovation it operates as a pan-Asian izakaya-style bar and lounge with live performances upstairs (binghamtonherald.com ). The venue is a cozy, dive-bar style lounge (standing-room capacity about 150, plus roughly 50–75 staffable seats (www.indieonthemove.com )) licensed for 21+ patrons. (www.indieonthemove.com )
Events and Programming
The Airliner hosts a mix of live music, DJ sets, comedy and themed nights. In its past it was home to the legendary weekly Low End Theory night; more recently it has seen indie rock, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental shows. For example, 2022 lineups included indie folk (Ye Vagabonds), dreamy rock (Wild Pink) and punk/ska acts (Teenage Halloween) (www.concertarchives.org ). Regular offerings today include stand-up comedy nights (often promoted as “Upstairs at The Airliner” featuring comics from Comedy Central/Netflix (www.eventbrite.com )), karaoke on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays (www.barairliner.com ), and DJ parties and local band showcases on other weeknights and weekends. Weekend schedules often feature rotating local DJs and bands (Friday and Saturday nights, and some Thursdays) – Grammy-winning producers and indie collectives alike have played upstairs. A variety of genres are covered: for example, past bills have featured electronic artists (Daedelus, Daddy Kev, Gaslamp Killer), hip-hop DJs, and genre-blending jazz/rap fusion artists (www.concertarchives.org ) (binghamtonherald.com ). Most shows are 21+ and the vibe ranges from laid-back lounge events to dance parties. Cover charges are usually modest – small gigs and open-mic nights are often free or ~$10, while some special acts or comedy shows have paid door covers (e.g. one comedy show was $20 at the door) (www.eventbrite.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are generally sold via the venue’s announcement channels or at the door. The Airliner doesn’t have a traditional box-office window; for upcoming show info you typically check the official website or social media (no tickets are needed for many free/R.S.V.P. nights). RSVP opportunities may be offered for special events (one comedy night’s first 50 RSVPs were free) (www.eventbrite.com ). For popular concerts and comedy shows, tickets can sell out, so it’s advisable to watch for announcements and secure tickets early. If advance tickets are available, they’re usually inexpensive (often $10–$15); otherwise most events sell tickets at the door on a first-come basis. For extremely popular acts or limited-capacity events, it’s wise to arrive early or sign up online in advance to avoid disappointment. Promoters sometimes offer presales to mailing lists, and last-minute tickets occasionally appear on event sites, but the safest approach is to plan ahead via the venue’s official channels.
Seating and Layout
The Airliner’s main performance area (upstairs listening room) is mostly general admission standing room. It accommodates about 150 people in front of the stage (www.indieonthemove.com ), with roughly 50–75 seated spots (bar stools and a few small tables) scattered toward the back (www.indieonthemove.com ). The sights and sound are good from anywhere – the upstairs is designed with wooden acoustics and high-fidelity Klipsch speakers for an immersive experience (lamag.com ) (www.eventbrite.com ) – but the best viewing spot is usually near center front. There are no permanent reserved or VIP sections; for VIP-style seating you might reserve a table or booth downstairs for dining and jump up to the show upstairs when it starts. The downstairs area includes a vintage curved wood-and-copper bar (an 85-year-old original) (lamag.com ) and lounge seating, but that section is mostly separate from the music venue upstairs (though you can order drinks downstairs and bring them upstairs). The gardenside patio behind the building offers open-air seating (covered partially) and is a unique feature for warm nights. In short: take advantage of early arrival for front-row standing spots, or grab one of the few barstools or benches toward the rear if you prefer to sit. Avoid crowding only in the immediate middle of the aisle if you want a full view from all sides.
Getting There and Parking
The Airliner’s exact address is 2419 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (www.indieonthemove.com ). This places it in Lincoln Heights, a few blocks east of the Chinatown downtown area. By car, you can access the venue via the North Broadway exit off the Arroyo Seco/Route 2 or via Stadium Way from I-5. Street parking in Lincoln Heights is generally free but limited, with no large dedicated lot for the venue – spots can fill up on busy nights. Rideshare/drop-offs work well; drivers can pull up in front or on nearby side streets (Broadway or Griffin Avenue). There are no official event parking lots, so plan to park on adjacent side streets (be mindful of any posted residential parking rules). Public transit options: the Metro L Line (Gold) has a Lincoln/Cypress station about a 10-15 minute walk northeast, and several local buses (including LADOT DASH Lincoln Heights/Chinatown route and Metro bus services on Broadway) stop within a few blocks of the venue. Taking the Metro Gold Line to Lincoln Heights or hopping the DASH Lincoln Heights/Chinatown buses (there are stops at Broadway & Griffin or Broadway & Thomas) is an easy way to reach the Airliner without parking hassles. Late-night taxi and rideshare service is available on weekends when the venue closes.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, expect a classic dive-bar atmosphere. The main ground-floor lounge and bar are immediately inside – there is typically an ID check, and you’ll be asked to show a valid 21+ ID (the venue is strictly 21 and over (www.indieonthemove.com )). Inside, you’ll find a long wooden bar still with its original bent copper top (lamag.com ), bartenders mixing craft cocktails and pouring beer from taps. The interior design mixes old-school brick and wood with updated wallpaper and lighting (lamag.com ). The hidden backyard patio garden is accessed through the lounge (usually to the rear or side) – this space has seating and heat lamps for evenings, and is covered to allow outdoor dining. Upstairs is the intimate performance space (“listening room”) with no separate tickets for bar use; you simply go upstairs to stand or sit once the show begins. Food is served downstairs (see below), but you can carry drinks upstairs to your spot during shows. The stage is modestly raised, with professional lights and speakers pointed at the audience – sound quality is actually quite good for such a small space (lamag.com ) (www.eventbrite.com ). There is no formal coat check at the entrance; coats and bags can usually be left on a rack or hung at your seat area. Restrooms (men’s and women’s) are located near the bar on the main floor. Wi-Fi isn’t advertised and may not be reliable; cell phone service is generally available. Overall, the vibe inside is convivial and casual. Note that The Airliner is also a working restaurant in the early evening, so if you arrive for dinner you can order from the kitchen – after dinner is served, the focus shifts fully to the bar and stage.
Nearby Amenities
Lincoln Heights is mostly residential, but there are a few eateries and bars walking distance away for pre- or post-show dining. Notably, Moo’s Craft Barbecue (about 1 block north on Broadway) is a very popular spot known for burgers and ribs. Le Blanc’s (a traditional Mexican tavern) is also nearby, as are casual cafes and taco shops on the surrounding blocks. If you’re looking for a sit-down meal before a show, consider the fresh pan-Asian menu of the Airliner itself starting at 5pm. Otherwise, downtown Chinatown (just west) has many restaurants and modern eateries within a mile of the venue. For late-night options after the club let out, a rideshare over to Chinatown or the Arts District will find plenty of 24-hour restaurants and bars. There are no hotels in the immediate Lincoln Heights block where The Airliner stands; the closest decent hotels are back toward downtown or in Echo Park/LA’s downtown Arts District ( roughly 2–3 miles west). Plan your transportation home in advance – Uber/Lyft or taxi remain reliable options late at night. The venue typically advises arriving early (15–30 minutes before showtime) to ensure seating and avoid lines.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Airliner’s charm lies in its history and authenticity. It’s essentially an old-school neighborhood dive bar that unexpectedly became a cultural incubator for Los Angeles. Architecturally, it retains its original 1920s bones – a centerpiece walnut-wood bar that’s been in place for 85+ years (lamag.com ), rustic brick walls, and a tucked-away garden patio that give it a “found gem” feel. When music is playing, the entire upstairs turns into a warm, wooden “speaker box” – the renovations include custom crumpled-paper acoustic panels and a high-quality vintage hi-fi speaker system that make the sound truly enveloping (lamag.com ). Culturally, The Airliner has legendary status: it was the longtime home of the Low End Theory club night (a weekly hip-hop/electronic fusion party from 2006–2018) and helped launch the careers of multiple Grammy artists (binghamtonherald.com ) (binghamtonherald.com ). Even global stars have popped in – Radiohead’s Thom Yorke admired the shows, and Prince famously made an unannounced visit in 2015 (binghamtonherald.com ). After a brief closure in 2023, new owners revived it with care: the original bar is preserved, the menu nods to the neighborhood’s diverse heritage (binghamtonherald.com ), and a new upstairs stage honors its legacy. In short, both fans and performers love The Airliner for its genuine, unpretentious atmosphere, its role in LA music history, and the blend of great drinks, good food, and live art under one roof. Artists know they’re stepping onto near-legendary ground here, and audiences relish the laid-back, DIY vibe – it’s a place where Angelenos “fell in love with nightlife and music” decades ago (lamag.com ), and that spirit still lives on.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Airliner is in a 1923 building. The main floor, patio and restrooms are on ground level, but the upstairs show space is only reachable by stairs (no elevator). If you have mobility needs, contact the venue in advance to discuss accommodations.What to Bring: Bring a valid ID (21+ required (www.indieonthemove.com )). Cash is handy for cover charges or tipping bartenders, though credit cards are accepted at the bar. A charged phone for rideshare or tickets is useful. Some shows are loud, so if you’re sensitive bring earplugs.What Not to Bring: Large bags or outside food/drink are not permitted. Cameras are generally okay, but isolation in a small crowd means keep flash off and only take brief photos – if in doubt, ask staff. No large tripods or professional video equipment unless pre-cleared. Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor patio area, not inside the building.Age/Dress Code: The venue is strictly 21+ (www.indieonthemove.com ) due to its liquor license. Dress is casual – denim and sneakers are fine. Some trendy DJs or comedians perform, but there’s no formal dress code.Arrival: Aim to arrive at least 15–30 minutes early for popular shows, especially if you want a front-row spot or hope to sit outside. Dinner service is available, but full kitchen service can close right when shows start, so arrive early if eating. If you plan to grab dinner on Broadway first, give yourself an extra hour.Doors/Timing: Shows usually start around 8pm or 9pm, with doors about an hour earlier. The bar is open from 5pm, while live events generally run until midnight. Occasionally events may run past closing (especially on weekends), but the venue typically stops serving drinks by midnight. (lamag.com )Insider Tip: Wednesday karaoke nights are a sleeper hit – they call it a “hi-fi” karaoke lounge (about 21+, often free). First and third Wednesdays see a lively crowd singing any genre you want (www.barairliner.com ). Also, keep an eye on local event calendars for the “Laugh City” comedy nights here; they often offer $20 at door specials (www.eventbrite.com ) and it’s a fun chance to see L.A. comedians in a laid-back setting. For dining, try the house noodles or wings which are among the editors’ favorites (binghamtonherald.com ).
What is The Airliner’s address and neighborhood?
The Airliner is located at 2419 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (www.indieonthemove.com ). This is in the Lincoln Heights area, just a few blocks east of Chinatown and downtown Los Angeles.
On which days and what hours does The Airliner host events?
The Airliner is generally open from late afternoon into the evening. As of recent schedules it’s open Wednesday through Sunday, with most shows on weekends (Friday/Saturday) and some weeknights (lamag.com ). Bar service typically begins at 5:00pm, and performances usually start in the evening (often 8pm or 9pm). The venue commonly closes around midnight, though that can extend slightly on busy nights (lamag.com ).
What is the seating capacity at The Airliner?
The Airliner is small and intimate: it holds roughly 150 people standing and about 50–75 seated, for a total interior capacity around that size (www.indieonthemove.com ). For live events, this means it’s often packed but never too huge. There are a handful of barstools and small tables, but the bulk of the audience stands near the stage.
Is The Airliner a 21+ venue?
Yes. The Airliner is strictly 21 and over. You will be asked to show a valid government ID on entry to prove you’re at least 21 (www.indieonthemove.com ). There are no minors allowed after regular hours.
How much do tickets or cover charges usually cost?
Most events at The Airliner have low cover charges, if any. Small shows or open-mic nights are often free or $5–$10. Bigger acts or weekend events might have a modest cover (typically $10–$20). For example, one advertised comedy night offered early RSVPs for free, then charged about $20 at the door (www.eventbrite.com ). Always check the specific event listing ahead of time, but plan for roughly under $20 in most cases.
How do I buy tickets to shows at The Airliner?
Tickets are usually obtained directly through the venue or event promoters. Some shows offer online RSVPs or presales (often via the venue’s website or social media), but many events sell tickets right at the door on the night of the show. For guaranteed entry to popular events, it’s best to follow The Airliner’s official channels (social media or mailing list) for announcements. In practice, arrive early or RSVP if available — last-minute walk-up entry is also common if capacity isn’t reached.
Is seating reserved or is it general admission?
Most events at The Airliner are general admission. Admission gives you standing room in front of the stage, and you can take any available seat on a first-come basis. If you want a guaranteed table or stool, plan to arrive early to claim one. There are no fixed VIP sections – the venue is so small that all guests mix on the floor. Wherever you stand or sit, the sound coverage is good thanks to the venue’s high-quality audio system (lamag.com ).
What kinds of events and music genres does The Airliner host?
The Airliner is eclectic. While it’s famously associated with underground hip-hop and electronic music (via the historic Low End Theory club nights (binghamtonherald.com )), it also hosts indie rock, jazz, punk, world-fusion, and experimental shows. Local DJs and electronica feature prominently, as do touring alternative and indie artists. For example, past bills have included electronic producers like Daedelus alongside hip-hop/DJ crews (Daddy Kev, DJ Nobody) (www.concertarchives.org ). The venue also holds comedy shows, karaoke, and occasional film or art events, so program variety is high. Always check the event lineup to know what style to expect.
Does The Airliner offer food and drinks? What kind?
Yes — The Airliner serves a full menu of pan-Asian izakaya-style food along with a full bar. The kitchen offers small-plates inspired by East Asian cuisines (shanghai-style noodles, Hunan-spiced ribs, panang curry rice dishes, etc.) (binghamtonherald.com ). Most items are in the $10–$15 range. There is a cozy indoor bar downstairs where cocktails, beer and wine are served. Cocktails often feature creative house concoctions (tropical and spicy mixers), plus draft/local beers and rotating “natural” wine. You can order food from 5pm until about 10pm and enjoy your meal downstairs, then head upstairs for the show. Drinks can be taken anywhere, including up to the upstairs venue, but outside food/drink is not allowed.
What parking or transit options are there near The Airliner?
Lincoln Heights has mostly street parking. There are no venue-owned lots, so you’ll typically park on nearby residential streets (usually free). Arrive early on busy nights to find a spot – late arrivals may need to circle. The venue’s main drop-off is on North Broadway itself. For public transit, Metro’s L Line (Gold) stops at Lincoln/Cypress Station about 10 minutes away, and Metro bus routes run on Broadway (e.g. the 45 line). The LADOT DASH Lincoln Heights/Chinatown shuttle also stops on Broadway at Griffin Ave or Thomas St., just blocks from the bar. After shows, night buses in the area may be limited, so many patrons opt for rideshare/taxi if staying late.
Can I bring a camera or record performances?
Personal photography is generally allowed (no flash), but professional video or audio recordings without permission are not. Since it’s a small indoor venue, use common sense – discreet photos are usually fine, but be respectful of the performers and other guests. If a show is particularly high-profile, the promoter may restrict camera use. Bottom line: bring a small camera/phone for personal photos, leave large recording gear at home.
Is there a dress code at The Airliner?
There is no formal dress code – it’s a casual neighborhood club. You’ll see everything from jeans and sneakers to more fashion-forward outfits. Feel free to dress comfortably or according to the event’s style (for example, some like to dress up for hip-hop nights or comedy shows), but nothing fancy is required.
Are outside food or drinks allowed in the venue?
No. Outside food or beverages are not permitted. The Airliner is a full-service bar and restaurant, so you must purchase food and drinks on-site. Alcoholic drinks should be bought at the bar and are allowed anywhere inside (and on the patio if permitted). Don’t bring outside alcohol or snacks.
Is The Airliner wheelchair accessible?
The main entry, bar, and patio are at street level and accessible. However, the upstairs performance room is only reachable by stairs and does not have an elevator. If you require wheelchair access, you can still enjoy the main bar and patio areas, but the upstairs show space may not be accessible. It’s best to call ahead and discuss your needs with the venue staff.
Which notable artists or events have taken place at The Airliner?
Over the years The Airliner hosted many now-famous acts. Weekly club nights like Low End Theory featured early performances by Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, and Odd Future members (binghamtonherald.com ). It even played host to one-off appearances by major stars: Prince showed up in 2015, and hip-hop artists like Tyler, the Creator and A$AP Rocky performed at Low End Theory’s final shows (lamag.com ) (binghamtonherald.com ). More recently it’s seen popular local bands, EDM DJs, and rising rappers. Its musical legacy is a big part of why Angelenos revere the venue.
What was Low End Theory, and how did it relate to The Airliner?
Low End Theory was a famous weekly club night (2006–2018) held at The Airliner. Curated by DJ Daddy Kev, it centered on experimental hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. The Airliner became synonymous with Low End Theory’s creative energy. Its “Final Voyage” party featured performances by artists like Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, A$AP Rocky and TOKiMONSTA (binghamtonherald.com ). After that final 2018 show, Low End Theory ended and The Airliner changed hands. The new owners have since honored that legacy with music-focused programming upstairs, but Low End Theory itself no longer runs there.
How can I find upcoming events and purchase tickets to shows at The Airliner?
The best way is to check The Airliner’s official website or social media pages, which list upcoming shows and ticket information. You can also follow local event listings or mailing lists for announcements. Tickets (or RSVP links) are usually made available through those channels. Otherwise, you can call or stop by the venue to inquire about specific dates. In short, look for official announcements online or on the venue’s site and book early if it looks popular.
