Lodge Room

Housed inside a 1922 Masonic Temple in Highland Park, the Lodge Room is a music venue where the building’s history is a main part of the show. The three-story structure itself is a city landmark – a Renaissance Revival design of mottled red brick and terracotta that stands out on Figueroa Street. The entire building is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and a careful restoration preserved its original character when it was converted from its first life as the meeting place for Lodge 382 of the Free and Accepted Masons. Just know that the entrance isn’t out front – you’ll find it around the back of the building. A staircase leads you directly into the main hall, a grand room with 18-foot ceilings and walls wrapped in original cherry wood paneling. Look for the embossed cotton panels, a Victorian art form known as anaglypta, and the large murals depicting Egyptian scenes like a sphinx and pyramids at either end of the hall. The combination of historic grandeur and modern performance gives the whole place a distinct character. With wood floors and a standing capacity of around 500, the room is big but still feels intimate. A modern stage and sound system are set against this historic backdrop, hosting an eclectic lineup of national and international acts – from jazz legends like Roy Ayers and indie bands like Khruanghbin to stand-up comedians. There are three bars to keep things moving, and tickets are sold directly through the venue, not third-party sites. The Lodge Room also shares the building with its sister restaurant, Checker Hall, which is right next door.