Goth and Punk in Los Angeles: The Best Stores, Bars, Clubs, Events

We write a lot about punk and goth clothes and fashion. But the fact is, living that life can look different in different cities and locations. When it comes to the Los Angeles goth stores and the goth/punk/alternative scene in general, you’ve got some of the best options out there.

But what are the Los Angeles punk and goth stores, bars, and clubs that LA residents and guests enjoy when they go out on the town?

Here we take a look.

Los Angeles Goth and Punk Stores

Hot Rock Hollywood

On Hollywood Blvd, Hot Rock Hollywood is the perfect place to start looking for punk, goth, and alternative clothes and accessories. They boast a lot of top notch fashion, such as tops from Lip Service and Punk Rave, along with funky bags, purses, hair accessories, and women’s and men’s jewelry. Their men’s and kid’s clothing section isn’t something to balk at either. You will also find that they have a nice collection of decor, Funkos, and collectibles.

One Google review: “My go-to place for chains, belts, shirts, and pants! And bracelets. And jewelry. And patches. Any thing punk, goth, or metal, they have it all! Everything isn’t cheap, cuz that’s how life works, but they aren’t overpriced or anything either. They also have fitting rooms, so trying on pants and clothes is easy!”
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Blackcraft Cult Clothing

In Anaheim, Blackcraft Cult Clothing is one of a number of Los Angeles goth stores that offer alternative clothing at a solid price point. While many shop their website, their store is a solid option for those wanting to browse clothes, shoes, decor, and accessories that are just a bit on the darker side. But don’t forget the pets! Don’t forget alternative and goth swimwear! There are a lot of things that Blackcraft covers to create the lifestyle look and sense you are going for. Check them out.

One Yelp review: “I’ve been shopping their website for years and finally got a chance to visit their bad ass store front: amazing! Decor, selection, message all perfect for someone like me with a firm grasp on reality and a dark side.”
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Red Zone L.A.

In Van Nuys, Red Zone L.A. offers a number of the punk and goth fashion options as other stores, but it also provides a wealth of goth and punk boots and shoes as well as punk band and horror-centric shirts available for those looking for such a thing. There is a lot there, so give yourself time to browse.

One Google review: “They have everything from patches to TUKs. A rockers paradise. They carry shirts, accessories, pins, bomber jackets, vests, shoes, stickers, hats, etc. Reasonably priced.”
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Bar Sinister

Located in the Hollywood Cherokee Building, Bar Sinister offers a chic, alternative environment and kick-ass music in an upscale venue. It’s dark and classy rolled into one. As their website advertises, this isn’t somewhere to wear your torn jeans or flannel… no street or beach attire here. Dress up in a bit of business goth or dressy goth attire and party here.

According to a Google review: “This nightclub is seriously hot. The lineup outside looks long, but we were inside within about 10 minutes and there are a lot of attractive people and outfits to look at while you wait… There are lots of people selling beautiful goth and vampire accessories in the walkway entrance, We met lots of really friendly people who said they go there every week, so you can really find a community there.”
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Five Star Bar

Located on Main Street, if you’re looking for sick punk music in a relaxed scene, Five Star Bar is a good fit for you. It is low key, and that is what a lot of people are looking for.

According to a Google review: “A very nice punk place. I’ve been there at night with a friend to see punk groups performing. It was awesome. People are nice, the beer is good.”
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The Lash

Located right in the middle of historic downtown L.A., The Lash was designed by visual artist Erik Hart and his creative studio and founded by musician Ross O’Carroll. It is industrial and stylized and just what many may be look for when looking for something alternative in Los Angeles. As many reviews point out, a concept club like this provides a great atmosphere for people to be comfortable expressing themselves while out enjoying the town. The Lash is an upscale option for that.

According to a Yelp review: “This was such a great find on a night out. They had the best electro music and everyone was kinda goth. Went here a few more times and the place was pretty wild and a great time.”
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Offbeat Bar

This bar is a mix of goth and punk vibes along with other alternative and common subcultures. Check out their weekly schedule to get a better sense of what night might suit your particular vibe. They have a weekly drag night, atomic night that goes in the direction of 80s and new wave, as well as guest DJs that create an atmosphere all to their own.

According to a Yelp review: “Live bands, awesome djs, and great bartenders. Can’t praise this place more.”
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Oddities and Curiosities Expo

This is a touring event that makes its way to Anaheim about once a year. According to their website, you’ll find items such as: taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, goth jewelry, animal skulls/bones, funeral collectibles & much more.

According to a Ozy.com: “The event draws everyone from curious families to the costumed, pierced, and tattooed. There’s a sense of camaraderie among vendors and attendees of the expo, bringing together appreciators of oddities and providing an opportunity for expression in a safe space. Many attendees arrive without realizing how many others share their interests, Michelle explains, and leave feeling connected and supported.”
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Aside from a number of the above Los Angeles goth and punk stores, there are many options for online stores that people can browse outside of the area. Here are a few major options.

Tragic Beautiful

If you’re not necessarily looking for a NYC goth store or punk store and you just want something to come in the mail, online stores like Tragic Beautiful could be the right option. Tragic Beautiful is an Australian-based online store that has been around since 2006. They carry Killstar, Punk Rave, and many other major goth brands. As they say on their website, they provide “a niche for the outsiders – those that go against the grain, wander off the path and live outside of the box.”

They provide everything from goth clothes to pillows, wall art, goth jewelry, to witchy things such as stones, candles, and jars. It’s a great place to start for all your goth needs.
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Punk Rave

Punk Rave was founded in 2006 as a punk and goth brand and online shop. Their main collection is inspired by punk, gothic lolita, and “visual kei” clothing that includes shirts, jackets, pants, and kinds of accessories. The brand includes both Punkrave and Pyon Pyon.
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Killstar

Their motto: In Goth We Trust. Established in 2010 in the UK, Killstar is a fashion and lifestyle brand with a lot of goth clothing mixed with some fun plush and all kinds of weirdness. They boast that their products have “a twist of darkness, channeling emotional power and raw energy into every thread.”
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Photo by Wendy Wei

Last Updated on January 3, 2023.