What is there to do in Encino at night?

Encino offers diverse nightlife along Ventura Boulevard including hookah lounges like Carnys, craft cocktail bars, live music venues, late-night Mediterranean and Persian restaurants, wine bars, and sports bars. The scene ranges from relaxed dinner spots to lively late-night lounges, with most venues open until 2 AM.

What is the best hookah lounge in Encino?

Carnys is widely considered the best hookah lounge in Encino, offering premium shisha, signature blends, Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music Thursday through Sunday. Located at 16101 Ventura Boulevard, it combines a luxurious atmosphere with exceptional service.

Where can I find live music in Encino?

For live music in Encino, Carnys features jazz trios, Mediterranean bands, and acoustic performances Thursday through Sunday evenings starting around 8 PM. Other venues along Ventura Boulevard occasionally host live entertainment, but Carnys is the premier dedicated live music venue in the area.

What are the best date night restaurants in Encino?

Top date night spots in Encino include Carnys (Mediterranean, hookah, live jazz), various Italian restaurants along Ventura Boulevard, upscale sushi venues, and intimate wine bars. Carnys is particularly popular for dates due to its romantic atmosphere, live music, and unique hookah experience.

Is Encino good for nightlife?

Yes, Encino has a thriving nightlife scene along Ventura Boulevard. It's more sophisticated and relaxed compared to Hollywood or West LA, making it ideal for those seeking quality dining, craft cocktails, hookah lounges, and live music without the crowds. Most venues cater to a 25-45 age demographic.

What restaurants are open late in Encino?

Several Encino restaurants serve late into the night. Carnys kitchen is open until 1 AM with the lounge serving until 2 AM. Various Mediterranean, Persian, and Middle Eastern restaurants along Ventura Boulevard also offer late-night dining options, typically until midnight or 1 AM on weekends.

Local Guide

Encino Nightlife Guide

Discover the best bars, restaurants, hookah lounges, and live music venues along Ventura Boulevard. Your complete guide to nightlife in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.

Updated December 2024 • By Carnys

Live jazz performance at a hookah lounge in Encino - Ventura Boulevard nightlife

Live jazz at Carnys - one of Encino's premier nightlife destinations

Why Encino for Nightlife?

Encino, nestled in the southern slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a sophisticated alternative to LA's more chaotic nightlife scenes. Ventura Boulevard - the neighborhood's main thoroughfare - is lined with diverse dining and entertainment options that cater to a discerning, predominantly 25-45 crowd seeking quality over quantity.

Ventura Boulevard

The main artery of Encino nightlife. This 18-mile stretch through the San Fernando Valley is lined with restaurants, bars, and lounges - with Encino offering some of the best options.

Sophisticated Vibe

Unlike the flashy Hollywood scene, Encino offers a more refined, mature nightlife. Think craft cocktails over club shots, live jazz over thumping bass.

Diverse Cuisine

Mediterranean, Persian, Italian, Japanese, and more - Encino's restaurant scene reflects LA's multicultural makeup with authentic, high-quality options.

Free Parking

Unlike nightlife in DTLA or West Hollywood, most Encino venues offer free parking lots - a major plus for the car-dependent Valley.

What Encino Offers

From hookah lounges to live music, here's what you'll find along Ventura Boulevard.

Hookah Lounges

The San Fernando Valley has a rich hookah culture, and Encino is home to some of the best lounges.

Carnys

Premium Mediterranean hookah lounge with live music, craft cocktails, and an upscale atmosphere. The signature blends and attentive service set it apart.

Premium shishaSignature blendsFull food menuLive entertainment

Live Music Venues

For live entertainment without the trek to Hollywood, Encino delivers intimate performances.

Carnys

Jazz trios, Mediterranean bands, and acoustic sets Thursday through Sunday. The intimate stage creates an up-close experience.

Jazz nightsAcoustic setsCultural performancesIntimate setting

Late-Night Dining

When hunger strikes after 10 PM, Encino has options beyond fast food.

Mediterranean & Persian

Carnys serves until 1 AM with a full menu of mezze, kebabs, and shared plates. Several other Mediterranean spots along Ventura offer late service.

Kitchen open lateFull menusQuality ingredientsRelaxed pace

Date Night Spots

Encino excels at romantic evenings with numerous options for couples.

Atmosphere First

From candlelit Italian restaurants to the jazz-infused ambiance at Carnys, the area caters to couples seeking memorable evenings.

Intimate seatingRomantic lightingLive musicShareable menus

When to Go: Hour-by-Hour Guide

Encino's vibe shifts throughout the evening. Here's what to expect.

5-7 PM|Happy Hour

Many Ventura Boulevard spots offer drink specials and appetizer deals. A great time for casual after-work gatherings.

At Carnys: Carnys offers a relaxed early evening vibe, perfect for dinner before the live music starts.

7-9 PM|Dinner Prime Time

Peak dinner hours across Encino. Reservations recommended at popular spots, especially on weekends.

At Carnys: Live music begins around 8 PM Thursday-Sunday. The atmosphere transitions from dinner to lounge.

9-11 PM|Lounge Hours

The energy picks up as dinner crowds give way to the late-night scene. Cocktails flow, conversations deepen.

At Carnys: Prime hookah time at Carnys. Live music continues, the bar gets lively, and the atmosphere is electric.

11 PM - 2 AM|Late Night

Encino's late-night scene is more relaxed than Hollywood but still offers options until 2 AM.

At Carnys: Kitchen serves until 1 AM, bar until 2 AM. The crowd thins but regulars and late-night romantics settle in.

Insider Tips for Encino Nightlife

1.Thursdays are perfect for a chill start to your weekend - less crowded, same great vibes

2.Make reservations for Friday/Saturday, especially for groups of 4+

3.Free parking behind most venues - avoid street parking headaches

4.The 25-45 demographic dominates - sophisticated without being pretentious

5.Many venues are BYOB-friendly for food from nearby spots (check first)

6.Uber/Lyft is readily available if you're coming from outside the Valley

Featured Venue

Carnys: Encino's Premier Hookah Lounge

For the complete Encino nightlife experience, Carnys combines everything the neighborhood does best: premium hookah, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music - all in an atmosphere of understated luxury.

4.8/5 Rating

340+ reviews

Live Music

Thu-Sun from 8 PM

Open Late

Until 2 AM daily

Make a Reservation (818) 489-2557

16101 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436

Encino Nightlife FAQs

Common questions about going out in Encino.

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First-Time Visitor Guide

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