About The Lash
The Lash was a one-of-a-kind nightclub and bar in Downtown Los Angeles opened in early 2013. Conceived by owner Ross O’Carroll with designer Erik Hart of ATELIER PROJECTS, the venue featured a stark, industrial-chic interior: raw concrete walls, broken white subway tile, Baltic wood accents and even an artistic disco ball made from chromed steel and Mylar “survival blanket” scraps . A neon Russian sign at the bar reading “Wish you were here” added to its moody atmosphere . The space was divided into two main areas – a front lounge with a pub-style vibe and bleacher seating, and a back room with a central dance floor and DJ booth – all totaling about 2,500 square feet. In its decade of operation, The Lash became notable for catering to underground and subcultural scenes rather than mainstream hits. It was known as a creative hub for Goth, darkwave, industrial and global dance music, and was beloved by niche crowds even as it sported a decidedly downtown LA look . (Note: the Lash closed permanently at the turn of 2023 , so it is no longer open for business today.)
Events and Programming
The Lash primarily hosted dance and club nights rather than conventional concerts, with events running most weekends and often during the week. Programming was famously eclectic – the club promoted parties ranging from darkwave and goth music to Japanese city pop and Eurotechno. Liz O., a local DJ, notes that while The Lash was closely tied to the darkwave/goth scene, “you could hear anything from techno to city pop” there, thanks to a rotating roster of theme nights and DJs . Indeed, the venue took chances on unusual lineups (for example, hosting a Scandinavian city-pop night before the COVID lockdown). Long-running weekly parties became staples: the queer-friendly Mustache Monday was legendary (bringing voguing and underground artists downtown), and holiday events like Halloween and New Year’s live shows were often special affairs . Prominent underground artists passed through as well – the LA Weekly recalled impressive performances by synth-pop and EBM acts such as Light Asylum and Drab Majesty, and even pop artist Robyn played there. (Other edgy or fringe acts, as well as emerging local DJs, also found a supportive launchpad at The Lash.) Cover charges varied by event, but many nights had modest entry fees (often in the $10–$20 range) and sometimes allowed free entry earlier in the evening. As of its final year, The Lash had no upcoming shows listed for 2023 – its social media confirmed the store closed at the end of 2022 .
Tickets and Booking
Because The Lash operated more like a nightclub than a formal concert hall, it did not have a standard box office selling tickets far in advance. In practice, tickets (or more commonly, “cover charges”) were typically paid at the door. For popular DJ or live events, you could often secure advance admission through local promoters or social media announcements, but many nights were first-come-first-served. The Lash’s official announcements (via Instagram or thelashsocial.com) would note if a show required advance tickets or featured a special guest. In general, strategy wise, joining the venue’s mailing list or following its Instagram was the best way to hear about pre-sales or guest lists. Otherwise, plan on arriving at the door for tickets. On a routine night, expect covers in the $10–$20 range; bigger-name acts or holiday parties might go as high as $25–$30. For context, even in 2013 their handcrafted cocktails were priced around $12 apiece , so cover fees were kept reasonable. The Lash paid with credit cards at the bar (and likely at the door) and usually had an ATM inside.
Seating and Layout
The Lash’s interior had limited fixed seating. The front lounge featured some long bleacher-style benches and a few cocktail tables for a pub-like atmosphere, but most of the floor was open. The back “dance room” was essentially all standing room around a central dancefloor and DJ booth. General admission standing tickets were the norm. (Some parties brought in extra seating along the walls or a small stage, but these were temporary.) As a result, the best views depend on what you want: the floor level by the DJ is where you feel the music and dancing for high-energy nights, while the front benches or bar side are better for visiting quietly or getting a break from the crowd. Acoustically, The Lash was tuned for dance events – the sound system delivered big bass in the back and was slightly less loud in the front lounge. There were no obstructed-sightlines issues; the open layout meant most angles you could see the DJ if you wanted. A unique feature: a massive custom disco ball and complex hanging mirror structure in the ceiling of the dance room created an immersive, strobe-like effect. (Insider tip: some nights they also burned incense, so the air could be hazy.) In short, there weren’t “bad seats” per se, but to really take in the light show and music people usually gathered near the center of the back room. The side benches in the front offered a quiet spot out of the main crowd, whereas the middle-of-the-floor center has the best energy for dancing. Notably, parts of the room were elevated in a stacked “bleacher” layout, so even standing back you could see over most heads if you moved up on the platform.
Getting There and Parking
The Lash’s address was 117 Winston Street, Los Angeles, in the Historic Core of DTLA (sandwiched between Los Angeles Street and Main Street off Winston) . It’s a few blocks south of 4th Street and west of the Broadway arts/loft district. If you drive, street metered parking is available on Winston and nearby streets (although pay meters are enforced evenings in downtown). A parking lot adjacent to the building provided extra spaces , but during big events those often filled up. Additional pay lots and garages can be found within two blocks – for example, parking structures on Main or Broadway near 4th Street. Ride-sharing is convenient: drop-off right on Winston Street is fine (it’s a quiet one-way street). The venue is also accessible by public transit. Metro’s B (Red) and D (Purple) subway lines stop at Pershing Square (5th & Hill) and 7th St/Metro Center, both roughly 0.5–1 mile away. From Pershing Square station (5th & Hill), it’s a 10-minute walk east along 4th to Winston. Several local bus lines also run within a block or two – routes 4, 16, 18, 40 and 60 all stop near 5th or 4th and Main, which is a block from Winston Street . Angels Flight (the short cable car between Hill St and California Plaza) is also nearby if walking from Grand Central Market. Late-night crowd? Keep this in mind: transit schedules may thin out after midnight, so coordinate a cab or rideshare for going home after 2am.
Inside the Venue
On arrival you would typically find a small check-in area. Expect a brief ID check and possibly a bag or metal search at the door – common for LA clubs. Most nights had little formal protocol beyond the cover charge and showing ID (driver’s license or passport) if you looked under 21. Once inside, the atmosphere was dark and clubby. A long concrete bar ran along one side (staffed by a couple of bartenders). Spirits and beers were on offer, but the emphasis was on cocktails: The Lash famously avoided fussy mixology in favor of no-frills drinks. In 2013, they listed only six simple cocktails (such as a Dark & Stormy and an “Untitled” tequila-Kahlúa espresso drink) , plus shooters and standard bottles. The bar stocked quality liquors – bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, gin, etc – and even had an Irish stout tap (a nod to O’Carroll’s Irish pub roots). Expect to pay cash or card here, with average drink prices in the $10–$14 range (cocktails about $12 as of its original menu ). There was no kitchen, so no food beyond maybe a bowl of nuts at the bar. A small merchandise area occasionally appeared for special events or DJs, but not a permanent store. Beyond that, amenities were basic: The bathroom facilities were unremarkable (restroom signs near the front lounge), and there was no coat check (though staff would often stash jackets behind the bar if needed). The Lash did not provide Wi-Fi, so cell service was your only internet connection (most patrons used phones only if needed, especially on the front lounge side). Any photography and videography were done at your own risk – flash photography or professional cameras weren’t discouraged per se, but in practice the low light and strobes meant most people just used phones sparingly. On a busy night you could find security strolling the crowd politely to ensure no one took big bags or umbrellas inside; small purses were okay. In short, inside The Lash you’d experience a no-frills club environment: dim, industrial décor; friendly door staff; loud music; a busy bar on one side; and the dance floor in the back. The staff and bartenders were generally noted as friendly and welcoming, per firsthand reviews – adding to the people-centric vibe of the venue.
Nearby Amenities
Historic Core DTLA has a wealth of restaurants, bars and hotels within walking distance. If you’re looking to dine before a show at The Lash, consider strolling a few blocks. For example, Grand Central Market (near 9th & Broadway, about 4–5 blocks north) offers dozens of fast casual eateries (Mexican, burgers, ramen, etc.). Little Tokyo (east of Main Street) is only a 10-minute walk away and has sushi bars, izakayas and ramen shops (Daikokuya, Sushi Gen, and others). Upscale options like Bottega Louie (Italian market and restaurant at 7th & Grand) or Cafecito Bistro (tapas on Grand Ave) are also a short drive away in downtown. Numerous 24-hour cafes and bistros operate downtown if you need an early dinner or late snack. Right around the corner on Winston or Main you’ll find some casual spots like a taqueria or diner. For pre-show cocktails, several lounges and bars in the area come to mind: a block south on Main is The District (a relaxed lounge), a few blocks north on Broadway is the bar at Spiral (in the 7th & Broadway mall), and the Ace Hotel’s rooftop Bar Lis (at 9th & Broadway) has a late-night vibe. On days of events, it’s wise to arrive early; many guests come 30–60 minutes before showtime to have a drink and avoid lines. If your show ends late, note that DTLA has few options very late-night – ride-share and car services are your main way home after 2am, or you can walk safely a few blocks to a major hotel area (Pershing Square/Spring Street or 7th/Figueroa) where more cabs circulate.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Lash stood out for its highly curated, alternative vibe in a city full of glitzy mainstream clubs. Architecturally and atmospherically it was unlike any other downtown spot – a raw, bunker-like “concept space” that felt imported from Berlin or Rotterdam rather than LA. Designers intentionally created a “journey” through multiple spaces: for example, a blackout corridor resembling a subway tunnel connected the front lounge to the pitch-black back room . Everywhere you looked, the décor doubled as art: tilted mirrors, a jagged chrome disco ball, neon graffiti, and that intriguing Russian neon sign over the bar. This bold design underscored The Lash’s reputation for risk-taking. Over the years it played host to many stories and traditions. It helped launch LA’s queer underground crew (Mustache Mondays found a home here) and let local DJs try wild new concepts (the owners proudly recounted doing a Scandinavian pop night when no other club would). Famous names even popped in – Robyn was known to show up for a set, as were danseuse legends and choreographers associated with Mustache Mondays. Staff and promoters affectionately recall that The Lash was one of the only places in L.A. where you could hear completely unheard-of music late at night, and the place embraced that oddity . In short, both artists and audiences loved The Lash because it felt authentically underground and artistically driven. Patrons made friends there under the flicker of colored lights and incense – many still say it was an “iconic underground destination” . (Its closure in 2023 left a tangible hole in the city’s nightlife scene.)
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Lash’s entrance required climbing a few steps from Winston Street , so it was not wheelchair-friendly. No elevator or ramp was provided. (However, the dancefloor itself was all on one level once inside.) If you need assistance, it was best to call ahead and check if staff could help with entry. ID and Age: The venue was generally 21+ to enter (“21 and over” policy was typical for club nights), and you should always carry a valid ID or driver’s license. Some select parties may have allowed 18+ entries, but most mainstream nights enforced 21+.What to Bring: Plan to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suited for dancing. The dress code was casual to hip – creative attire was welcome, but no extreme “club attire” was enforced. You should bring your photo ID, and either cash or card (bar/tab runs). Bringing earplugs is wise if you’re sensitive to loud music. Small bags/crossbodies were allowed, but large backpacks or professional cameras were not recommended. If you have allergies or sensitivities, be aware that incense was sometimes present during peak hours . Venue Policies: The Lash had a no-outside-food/drinks policy (stick with purchased drinks at the bar). There was no coat check, so if it’s cold you would need to leave coats with friends or balance them at your feet. Smoking and vaping were not allowed indoors (L.A. law). The club did not allow open containers from outside. If you stepped out onto the street, be sure not to bring your drink back in. Violence or harassment was not tolerated – the staff were known to escort out anyone causing trouble. Arrival: For popular DJs or shows, arrive early (often around 9–10pm or as noted on a ticket) to secure entry and get a good spot. It was common to line up shortly after doors opened – big crowds tended to accumulate after 10pm on weekends. Checking ahead whether the night sells out (via social media or calling the venue) can save waiting. Parking/Cabs: If driving, aim for a nearby public lot (such as those at 4th/Main) as a backup. Uber/Lyft drop-off is straightforward on Winston, though watch for traffic. Plan your ride home in advance – late-night downtown fares spike after 2am. Connectivity: Wi-Fi was not provided, but cell service in the area was generally okay. Note that cellphone reception can sometimes be spotty on crowded dance floors. The venue had an ATM near the bar for cash needs.
What was the capacity of The Lash, and how was seating arranged?
The Lash’s total indoor space was about 2,500 square feet, with a standing-room capacity around 220 people . It had very limited fixed seating: small bleacher-style benches in the front lounge and a couple of side benches. Nearly all patrons stood or danced. So there were no reserved chairs – just general admission. Best spots depended on your preference: for dancing and lights, stand near the center of the back dance floor; for a break from the crowd, the front bar and side benches provided a little seating area.
How do I buy tickets for Lash events, and what were typical prices?
The Lash didn’t have a traditional box office – events usually sold tickets through promoters or at the door. For most club nights, you simply pay a cover charge when you arrive. Typical covers ranged roughly from $5–$15 on a regular night, and up to $25–$30 for special concerts or holidays. There was often no extra seating fee beyond this admission. Certain shows might advertise pre-sales or guest-list tickets online (via the venue’s social media), which could be cheaper if booked early. In any case, buying or reserving early was wise for popular acts. (Cocktails themselves ran about $12 each in 2013 , so cover fees were kept modest by comparison.)
Where exactly is The Lash and what are the best transit/parking options?
The Lash was located at 117 Winston Street in downtown Los Angeles (Historic Core), between Los Angeles St and Main St . For public transit, the closest Metro rail stops are Pershing Square (Metro Red/Purple lines at 5th & Hill) and 7th St/Metro Center (at 7th & Figueroa). Several bus lines (4, 16, 18, 40, 60) run near 5th or 4th/Main , just a block away from Winston. If driving, metered street parking is on Winston/Main and nearby; an adjacent lot offered additional spots . Parking garages on 4th or 5th Street are also within a couple blocks. Ride-shares and cabs can drop off directly on Winston St. Keep in mind peak downtown traffic and plan extra time on weekends.
What was the typical door policy or dress code at The Lash?
The Lash had a relaxed, alternative-friendly vibe. There was no strict dress code – patrons usually dressed casually or in creative nightclub attire. Many people showed up in all-black or eclectic styles to fit the club’s goth/industrial aesthetic. The policy was simply “dress to enjoy the party” – no uniforms or fancy attire required, but do avoid obvious street clothes if you want to blend in. You must carry a valid ID (21+) for entry, and remember small bags or purses were fine but large backpacks might be checked. The door staff were known to be friendly and open-minded, reflecting the club’s inclusive atmosphere .
Is The Lash wheelchair accessible and did it have any ADA accommodations?
Unfortunately, no. The Lash’s entrance was up a short flight of stairs from street level , and there were no elevators or ramps into the club space. Once inside it was all on one level, but anyone requiring step-free access would have been unable to enter. The bathroom stalls were not marked as handicap-accessible (and likely too cramped for larger wheelchairs). In short, the venue did not have ADA-compliant entry or facilities, so it was not recommended for guests needing mobility assistance. Anyone concerned about access should check with the venue well in advance of an event (when it was still operating).
What items were allowed or prohibited inside The Lash?
Standard nightclub rules applied. Small personal items like wallets, keys, phones, and compact purses were fine. The Lash did not allow outside food or alcohol – you had to buy drinks at the bar. Weapons, open flames, and large bags were forbidden; expect a quick bag/coat check or pat-down at the door. (Incense was occasionally used inside, but that was provided by the club.) Photography with phones was generally tolerated, but professional camera gear might be questioned at the door. If you needed something special (medication, camera equipment, etc.), it was best to ask staff on entry. In short: bring your ID, wallet and phone, and nothing else large.
Are children allowed inside The Lash?
No – The Lash was strictly an adult venue. It typically enforced a 21+ age limit on most club nights, as required for serving alcohol. Even if it was not directly stated by signage, all events were aimed at adults. Occasionally the venue might have an 18+ night (with closed bar) if it was specifically advertised, but in general you should assume only guests 21 or older were admitted. (Proof of age was checked at the door.) Minors were not permitted entry, even with a parent.
What are the address and hours of The Lash?
The Lash’s street address was 117 Winston St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (Historic Core, near 4th & Main) . It had no regular “office hours” since it was a nightlife club. When open, doors usually swung wide in the evening (around 5PM or later) and stayed until 2AM at the latest . Check with any event info for exact door times (special shows might start later, e.g. 8–10PM). Note that The Lash has permanently closed as of early 2023 , so verify any posted times carefully – any future events would be at a new venue, not 117 Winston.
Why did The Lash close, and what was its legacy?
Like many clubs, The Lash struggled financially after the COVID lockdowns. In late 2022 the owner announced that business costs had risen and the time had come to shut down (forcing closure in Jan 2023) . Despite its closure, The Lash is remembered as a beloved underground cornerstone. Fans and promoters often say “there was nowhere else like it” in L.A. – a place that welcomed freaks and innovators alike . Its legacy lives on in the artists it launched, the friendships made on its dancefloor, and the template it set for inclusive, art-driven nightlife. Even though you can’t visit 117 Winston anymore, The Lash is celebrated in LA nightlife lore for a reason: it genuinely expanded what a club could be in this city and left a mark on LA culture.
