A perfect night out in Highland Park

Park once on Figueroa between York and Avenue 57, street parking opens up around 6pm on weekdays and you won't need to move your car all night. Everything is walkable from here.

Start at Villa's Tacos (5455 N Figueroa St) right when they open for the evening. Grab a spot on the patio, order the highland park taco and whatever salsa looks freshest that day. It's $4 tacos under string lights and there's no better way to ease into the neighborhood.

Walk two blocks north to Gold Line (5607 N Figueroa St). It's a proper bar with a good patio and the kind of cocktail menu that doesn't take itself too seriously. Get something with mezcal. This is the hang spot, linger here, let the night slow down a little.

If you want to duck into a shop before it closes, The Quiet Life is right there at 5627 N Figueroa. Streetwear, books, objects. Ten minutes, maybe you walk out with a hat.

Head one block over to Galco's Soda Pop Stop (5702 York Blvd) if you want a detour that'll genuinely surprise you. Over 500 specialty sodas, glass bottle Mexican Coke, flavors you've never heard of. Grab something for the walk or save it for later, it's that kind of place.

Now the main event. Walk or drive four minutes to Lodge Room at 104 N Avenue 56. Check their calendar before you go, national touring indie and rock acts come through here regularly, and the room is small enough that you're always close to the stage. Standing room, good sound, no bad spots. Buy tickets in advance; they sell out.

After the show, Checker Hall is literally in the same building. Same address, different vibe, cocktails, a patio, sometimes live music of its own. It's the easiest possible post-show move and it stays busy late.

Walk back up Figueroa when you're ready to wind down. If you need one last thing, Highland Park Wine (5918½ N Figueroa) is a tiny, excellent wine bar tucked right next to Hippo. A glass of something good, a quiet corner, end of a perfect night.