The Best Burlesque Shows in Los Angeles

<strong>Three Clubs</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/los-angeles/bar/three-clubs&quot; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Hollywood</em><br />
This weekly show bills itself as LA's longest-running burlesque, going strong for over a decade at Hollywood’s Three Clubs. A rotating cast of sexy dancers undress to myriad themes, from classic burlesque to more... contemporary choices (someone once did a Pennywise the Clown routine). The atmosphere is festive and fun, so expect a vaudeville vibe with lots of innuendo from busty host Lili VonSchtupp -- and if you go on your birthday, expect a spanking.

<strong>Harvelle’s</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/los-angeles/bar/harvelles-blues-cl…; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Long Beach</em><br />
Every week,&nbsp;<a href="http://longbeach.harvelles.com/&quot; target="_blank">Harvelle's in Long Beach</a>&nbsp;hosts Underground Comedy &amp; Burlesque with the The Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque. However, it's not uncommon for there to be more burlesque on other nights of the week if you check the bar's events calendar. The Dirty Little Secrets call themselves the "Chinatown of burlesque," in that there’s a little something for everyone (including classic burlesque, ballet, and belly dancing) among over 20 performers. If you can't make it to Harvelle's on a Tuesday, the troupe performs regularly around Orange and LA counties, and hosts the occasional class or workshop for the burlesque curious.

<strong>Rockwell Table and Stage</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/los-angeles/restaurants/rockwell-tab…; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Los Feliz</em><br />
For magic, burlesque, and even boylesque, check out the Hollywood Jane Revue. Created by Blanche Bourgeois, this group’s been twirling tassels at Rockwell Table &amp; Stage in Los Feliz for the past three years, with fun, nerdy themes like I Spy and Fantasy Adventure. They've even done a Bob's Burgers group tease, which is either way sexier than you’d think or exactly as sexy, depending on your sensibilities.

<strong>The Mayan Theater</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/drink/los-angeles/bars/mayan-theater&qu…; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Downtown LA</em><br />
Found by Rita D'Albert and Liz Fairbairn in 2012, this fantastic show combines striptease with Luchadores -- authentic masked Mexican wrestlers -- and comedy (of course). In classic lucha libre fashion, you will watch dramatic tales of good and evil unfold in the ring through thrilling stunts, interspersed with scintillating performances by aerialists, hula hoopers, pole pros and sensuous shakers. Plus, you'll get a good laugh from hosts Tom Kenny, Dana Gould and Blaine Capatch, as well as the occasional guest comic: Jack Black, Drew Carey and Chris Hardwick have stopped by in the past.

<strong>The Dragonfly</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/los-angeles/bar/dragonfly-bar&quot; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Hollywood</em><br />
Devil's Playground, produced by burlesque performer Courtney Cruz, is best known for its Star Wars-themed shows, during which you can watch Storm Troopers, Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker and even Wookies and droids strip down. Of course, there’s more than just “Star Girls,” as it's called: there’s also a trippy Wicked Oz show, because who hasn’t wondered what’s underneath that Tin man costume?&nbsp;

<strong>Fais Do-Do</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/drink/los-angeles/bars/cafe-club-fais-d…; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>West Adams</em><br />
Each month, Peepshow Menagerie puts on a provocative homage to a different theme. Some are more modern, like the upcoming “Sintendo” show, while others draw from retro motifs like pulp detective novels and sci-fi flicks from the '50s and '60s -- and it gets even nerdier still, with themes like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. The monthly shows go down at Fais Do-Do on West Adams, though you can sometimes catch them at alternative venues.

<strong>El Cid</strong>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/los-angeles/restaurants/el-cid&quot; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Silver Lake&nbsp;</em><br />
Formed in 2012, Sultry Sweet combines burlesque, contortion, aerialists, comedy, magic, and vaudeville with a live, 8-piece band. The show’s found a perfect venue in El Cid, Silver Lake's gorgeous Spanish flamenco bar, occasionally dabbling in fetish-y, BDSM-inspired, or horror-themed shows, like the Drop Dead Gorgeous show -- and really, why not do a Linda Blair act if you’ve got a contortionist on hand?&nbsp;

<strong>TRiP&nbsp;</strong>(<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/trip-90405&quot; target="_blank">address and info</a>)

<em>Santa Monica</em><br />
The Dollface Dames take the stage for TRiPtease Burlesque on the first Wednesday of every month, which sees them work their magic accompanied by live music (courtesy of Lounge-O-Rama). On the off-chance you’re not able to make that show, have no fear: the remaining Wednesdays offer a rotating cast of LA's finest vixens and variety acts, all hosted by the original Dame herself, Lola Boutée.<br />
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