The Hard Rock Cafe Guitar at Universal CityWalk Hollywood

In a city like Los Angeles, the nightlife options are endless. But if you find yourself spending the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, you might want to stay a little longer and enjoy some of its CityWalk nightlife options.

Like the Orlando version of CityWalk, most of these are restaurants with bars, so you can catch a meal and have a few drinks after the parks.

You can’t miss the signature guitar to find your way to the Hard Rock Cafe, where you can have drinks at the Pink Cadillac bar.  Howl at the Moon is a dueling, sing-along piano bar, with an interactive atmosphere. Samba Brazilian Steakhouse and Lounge breaks out the carnaval atmosphere on weekends, especially on Fridays, when admission is free before 10pm.

Beer lovers will want to stop by the Karl Strauss Brewing Company to have one of its handcrafted microwbrews along with their meal. Happy hour is everyday between 4pm and 6:30pm, and you simply must try their Beeramisu dessert, served with an ale caramel sauce.

Yes, You Can Try to Ride This at Saddle Ranch Chop House

Saddle Ranch Chop House caters to the country fans, and inside you’ll find a mechanical bull to ride after a few shots of courage. Another nice touch is a small drink menu of alcoholic beverages under 150 calories, for those watching their intake.

The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club serves up the laughs, but don’t expect it to be G-rated. Among the regulars who take the stage are Adam Carolla, Kevin Smith, and Jon Lovitz himself.

For families looking for an early night of entertainment, Jillian’s offers up neon bowling and video bowling to go along with the adult refreshments. There’s also an AMC 19 screen theater complex, with IMAX.

The adventurous may want to try iFly Hollywood, an indoor skydiving experience. On weekends, you can fly in the wind tunnel until 11pm.

Finally, Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk is home to the Gibson Amphitheatre, which features major concerts an average of five to ten times a month.

Now the downside: parking is $10 per car after 3pm ($15 if you park all day until close), so this generally won’t be a destination you go to specifically for the nightlife (unless you’re attending a concert). But it’s great when you’ve been at the park all day and want a little fun and drinks before returning to your hotel.

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Universal Studios CityWalk Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Phone: 407-224-2155
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[Photos courtesy of Michelle Snow]