Dinner Shows Southern California
Credit: John William

Where to Enjoy Dinner and a Show in Southern California

Your Next Night out Just Got a Serious Upgrade

Why just eat when you can be entertained too? Whether youā€™re in the mood for sultry flamenco, mind-blowing magic or a full-blown medieval feast, Southern California has something for every kind of night owl. With venues that offer immersive entertainment alongside gourmet bites, there are so many reasons to switch up your normal dinner date for something a little more spectacular.Ā 

From swanky supper clubs to raucous dueling pianos, these are the best ā€œdinner and a showā€ experiences spanning from Los Angeles to San Diego. Whether youā€™re looking to sip craft cocktails while watching sleight-of-hand magic or belt out ā€˜80s classics at a lively piano bar, Southern Californiaā€™s got something for every kind of vibe.

 

El Cid

Flamenco, food and fiery passion.

If ā€œdinner and a showā€ had a Spanish accent, it would sound a lot like El Cid. This legendary Los Angeles venue serves up a four-course feast alongside an electrifying flamenco performance every Saturday night. Expect top-tier dancers, rhythmic guitar and an ambiance that screams old-world charm. For $85, youā€™ll get a soul-stirring performance and a meal to matchā€”just be sure to secure your seat with a $35 deposit in advance.

Location: Los Angeles (Silver Lake)

 

Members

A Bohemian jazz hideaway.

Tucked away in LA, Members is the kind of place where time slows down and the music takes over. This ultra-cool club is all about Mediterranean flavors, intimate vibes and live jazz that transports you straight to a smoky New York lounge. Donā€™t miss Kasbah by Members, where a Moroccan executive chef curates a menu thatā€™s as intoxicating as the music.

Location: Los Angeles (Hollywood)

 

Lou Louā€™s Jungle Room

A timeless supper club with a legendary stage and classic drinks.

Credit: Kimberly Motos

Lou Louā€™s Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel and Club is a revived gem blending live music, elevated dining and classic cocktails in a space rich with history. Anchored by its iconic 1940s clamshell stage and original sunken dance floor, this 580-person venue brings music and history together. It hosts a curated lineup of traveling bands and local talent, making every night feel like an event. Designed as a supper club, it offers a chophouse-style prix-fixe menu by chef Ted Smith, formerly of Born & Raised. Select shows include dinner, with jazz legend Gilbert Castellanos holding a standing residency. Every detail feels intentional, blending fine dining with live music.

Credit: Kimberly Motos

The circular bar, made famous in Top Gun, serves expertly crafted cocktails by Anthony Schmidt. Expect saffron-infused gin and tonics, espresso martinis, and more. Non-ticketholders can also stop by before and after shows, making it a lively hangout. With its seamless mix of nostalgia and modern hospitality, Lou Louā€™s has become one of San Diegoā€™s most iconic music and dining destinations.

Location: San Diego (North Park)

 

Black Rabbit

Magic, mystery and killer cocktails.

For a little sleight of hand with your supper, LAā€™s Black Rabbit is the move. Hidden behind unmarked doors in Hollywood, this speakeasy-style magic venue brings together three master illusionists for an intimate, mind-bending performance. The vibe? Dark, sexy and slightly surreal. The cocktails? Crafted with as much artistry as the tricks. Shows run Thursday through Saturday, and upscale attire is encouragedā€”because mystery deserves a little extra effort.

Location: Los Angeles (Hollywood)

 

The Drake

Jazz, nostalgia and elevated eats.

Credit: Sarah King

Jazz lovers, this oneā€™s for you. With talented live music performances every night, The Drake in Laguna Beach is a supper club where live jazz sets the mood, and the food is just as impressive. The Drake in Laguna Beach is a supper club where live jazz sets the mood, and the food is just as impressive. Executive Chef Paul Gstrein, formerly of Spago, delivers a knockout menu featuring dishes like ahi tuna tartare and chili lime-crusted salmon. Itā€™s all wrapped up in a swanky, art deco-inspired atmosphere that pays homage to the iconic Drake Hotel in NYC.

Location: Orange County (Laguna Beach)

 

PS UNDERGROUND

Themed dining and immersive entertainment.

Palm Springsā€™ PS Underground is part dinner, part theater and entirely unexpected. No two nights are the same at this immersive dining experience, where menus are a mystery, and themes range from whimsical storytelling to over-the-top cabaret. What started as a pop-up has now evolved into a full-time culinary spectacleā€”because why just eat dinner when you can experience it?

Location: Palm Springs

 

The Shout! House

Dueling pianos and rowdy vibes.

Dinner Shows Southern California
Credit: John William

Not your typical piano bar, The Shout! House in San Diego is where things get loud. Two pianists go head-to-head, taking audience requests (and hefty tips) to fuel their setlists. Expect high-energy singalongs, bawdy humor and waitstaff that arenā€™t afraid to hop on stage. The drinks are big, the vibes are chaotic and by the end of the night, you will be screaming along to Billy Joel.

Location: San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)

 

Somerville

A soulful celebration of South Centralā€™s past, present and future.

Credit: Jakob Layman

Somerville is a modern ode to South Central Los Angeles, blending contemporary American cuisine with a deep respect for the neighborhoodā€™s history. Set along the Slauson Corridor in Historic View Park-Windsor Hills, the Art Deco-style space is rich with mahogany details, white oak flooring and custom banquettes, while a grand piano sets the stage for live jazz and curated entertainment. Chef Geter Atienza has crafted a menu that leans refined yet soulful, featuring Parker House rolls, charcuterie, crudo and oysters alongside entrees like braised lamb shank, wagyu strip loin, and fried chicken and caviar sliders. Steen Bojsen-MĆøller leads the beverage program, offering a West Coast-driven wine list and cocktails named after jazz legends and cultural icons, such as the rum-infused Trouble Man and the Midori-laced A Love Supreme.

Location: Los Angeles (View Park-Windsor Hills)

 

Lips Restaurant

Drag, drinks and all the drama.

Dinner Shows Southern California
Credit: Lips San Diego

Glitz, glam and a whole lot of attitudeā€”thatā€™s what youā€™ll find at Lips Restaurant, tucked on San Diegoā€™s El Cajon Boulevard. This drag haven serves up dinner (and brunch!) and a show with a side of sass featuring queens who can belt Whitney and roast your bestie all in one breath. The cocktails are cheeky (hello, Screaming Kiki and Spankyā€™s Pomitini), the food is indulgent and the energy is through the roof. Pro tip: thereā€™s a dress code. So, whether youā€™re attending Bitchy Bingo or the iconic Dragalicious Brunch, leave the shorts at home.

Location: San Diego (North Park)

 

Medieval Times

Jousting, feasting and epic battles.

Credit: Medieval Times

Step into the grandeur of a medieval castle and experience the spectacle of Medieval Times, where the 11th century roars back to life. As you cross the drawbridge, youā€™ll enter a world of valiant knights, noble steeds, and epic battles. Choose your champion and cheer them on as they compete in jousting matches, sword fights, and impressive displays of horsemanship. The expansive arena sets the stage for an unforgettable night of chivalry, skill, and medieval excitement. Meanwhile, indulge in a four-course, utensil-free feast fit for royalty. With dazzling pageantry, booming battle cries and an immersive storyline, this experience is equal parts theater, action and feast.

Location: Orange County (Buena Park)

 

The Dinner Detective

Eat, solve, repeat.

Calling all true crime loversā€”this is your chance to step into the scene of a crime, where you might just be the prime suspect. The Dinner Detective is no ordinary dinner; it’s an interactive murder mystery show that keeps you on your toes from the moment you arrive. The twist? The actors are disguised as regular guests, making it nearly impossible to separate fact from fiction. Throughout the night, clues will unravel, accusations will fly and youā€™ll work alongside fellow diners to solve the mysteryā€”while enjoying a full plated dinner. Suspense, comedy, and a touch of improvisation make this experience as hilarious as it is thrilling. Just be careful who you trustā€¦ the culprit could be sitting right beside you.

Location: San Diego

 

REVIVE | Los Angeles

A 20s-themed, circus-infused dinner show.

If Gatsby threw a dinner party at a circus, it would look like REVIVE | Los Angeles. Set in the historic Vibiana cathedral, this immersive, ā€˜20s-themed spectacle features aerialists, fire breathers and an extravagant menu by Chef Neal Fraser. Guests sip curated cocktails in the courtyard before stepping into an opulent wonderland where the past and present collide.

Location: Los Angeles (Downtown)

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