KISO Los Angeles

KISO is a gay nightclub in DTLA housed in the former SCORE, one of the area’s oldest gay bars. The venue is divided into three rooms, so there’s a clear progression through the space.

The front cocktail bar has tables and seating for catching up over drinks. Beyond that, the lounge has mood lighting and larger seating for groups celebrating together. An archway leads into the dance room, which has a second bar, a stage, and a DJ setup. The décor includes homoerotic artwork that is suggestive rather than graphic.

The club’s weekly offerings cover a lot of queer nightlife. Kiso Karaoke shares the schedule with Chingona, a Latin night featuring drag shows and hot Latin go-go dancers. There are also RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties, KCL go-go boy shows, and other themed events.

Weekends get busier after 11 pm, particularly once the dance floor gets going.