When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Above The Block
Why Above The Block is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Above The Block is a sophisticated and versatile event venue located in the heart of West Los Angeles, offering an exceptional setting for gathering with friends, family, or colleagues. This contemporary urban space seamlessly blends modern design with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, making it an ideal locale for memorable celebrations and social events. The venue features four distinct yet interconnected event spaces—The Westside Ballroom & Rooftop, The Lounge & Patio, The Olympic Ballroom & Patio, and The Pacific Ballroom & Terrace—which can accommodate a wide range of event sizes from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Each space includes floor-to-ceiling windows and private patios, flooding the rooms with natural light and providing breathtaking skyline views, especially from the outdoor terrace and rooftop on the third floor. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, Above The Block offers practical conveniences such as on-site kitchens, flexible catering options including BYO catering and personalized bar service, and parking for up to 300 vehicles with ADA accessibility. Its strategic location near Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Silicon Beach, Bel Air, and Beverly Hills also ensures easy access to key business hubs, restaurants, and transportation networks. Whether hosting a rooftop wedding, milestone party, corporate function, or creative production, Above The Block delivers a dynamic and inviting atmosphere perfect for making lasting memories.
Here's what people think of Above The Block
As of recent, Above The Block holds a 4.6-star rating based on 11 reviews.
User reviews of Above The Block reflect an overwhelmingly positive experience, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 11 reviews. Positive reviews highlight the venue's modern and sleek design, exceptional cityscape views, and the versatility of its multiple event spaces which can be tailored to different sizes and styles of gatherings. Guests appreciate the abundance of natural light, the accessibility of the venue, and the professionalism and attentiveness of the venue staff who ensure events run smoothly. The convenience of ample parking and the flexibility of catering options, including the ability to bring your own caterer or enjoy in-house services, are also frequently commended. On the other hand, negative feedback, although limited, has occasionally touched on parking challenges during peak times and minor logistical issues related to event setup or sound management in larger functions. Some reviewers wished for more streamlined coordination details or additional amenities. Overall, the positive aspects notably outweigh the negatives, indicating that Above The Block is highly regarded as a premier choice for events in West Los Angeles. The venue's combination of stunning aesthetics, strategic location, and customer-focused service create a compelling package that satisfies most guests and consistently exceeds expectations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
patricia leao
We just had our first event at this beautiful venue, Festa Junina / Brazilian Country Party on June 2, 2024. We had the vision of getting the community together in this space and it happened and everyone had only good things to say. The experience was worth all the effort! They worked with us and helped us in every way. Adriana is extremely helpful, professional and always positive! David was always there from the begging! Would love to come back! Patricia Leão Brazilian Nites Productions
Anjela Varela
Love the place, love the vibe & energy. Unique venue with convenient parking. The staff were awesome, great for any event.
The Chiro Guy - Dr. Ash Khodabakhsh
This venue is fantastic for pretty much any event. The entire process is seamless and the staff is nothing but accommodating. You can tell the staff really cares about your happiness and it shows. The ballrooms are beautiful and the bar and bartenders were top notch. I’m very happy our planner recommended this place. We will definitely be using them again.
Joseph Arujo
I hosted an event at Above The Block and had such a great experience. The venue is beautiful, with amazing city views, and the team was super helpful and easy to work with. Everything went smoothly, and I’d definitely book here again.
Tamiko McMichael
I had a terrible experience with this company. They overcharge for services and did not provide working stoves and ovens as promised. Their bartenders incentivize tips, which means you might not meet your drink guarantee and then be asked to pay the difference. To make matters worse, they leave empty bottles around and then blame customers for unauthorized drinks. I usually don’t leave reviews, but this is unacceptable. I previously held my wedding here when it was the Olympic Collection, and the service was vastly different. I feel this current team is trying to exploit customers for extra money. I have proof that funds were taken incorrectly, and despite my requests for video footage, it hasn’t been produced. Stay far away from this place!
How to reach Above The Block
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Website: None
Why Above The Block may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Above The Block with your friends? Above The Block stands out as an exceptional venue that combines modern sophistication with a vibrant city vibe, making it an ideal place for gathering with friends or family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a memorable outing, this venue offers a unique mix of spacious, stylish design and breathtaking Los Angeles skyline views that elevate any meetup experience. Located in the heart of West LA, it’s easily accessible and offers ample parking, which makes it convenient for everyone in your group. The inviting atmosphere, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and open patios, encourages socializing while providing enough space for everyone to move freely and enjoy different activities. The venue's team is known for being accommodating and professional, ensuring your event runs smoothly from start to finish, so you can focus on enjoying the time with your friends rather than worrying about logistics. Above The Block’s allowance for Bring Your Own (BYO) catering and personalized bar service gives groups the flexibility to tailor the gathering exactly to their tastes, whether that means savouring favorite dishes or custom cocktails. This flexibility, combined with the stylish setting and excellent amenities, makes Above The Block a perfect rallying point for your next event with friends.
What activities can you enjoy at Above The Block? Above The Block offers a versatile range of activities suitable for groups of all sizes and interests, making it perfect for hosting anything from casual friend meetups to grand celebrations. One popular activity is dancing, particularly during salsa and bachata nights, which are regularly held and bring lively music and energetic performances that encourage everyone to join in. The venue boasts a fully stocked bar with expert bartenders, supporting a vibrant nightlife atmosphere for those who want to enjoy quality drinks while socializing. For quieter moments or more intimate gatherings, Above The Block has beautifully designed ballrooms and private green rooms that serve as excellent spaces for conversations, games, or group discussions in a comfortable environment. The rooftop and outdoor terraces provide fresh air and stunning cityscape views — perfect spaces for cocktail hours, small ceremonies, or just relaxing while taking in the urban backdrop. Catering options are flexible, with on-site kitchens and the unique option to bring your own food and beverages. This allows groups to customize dining experiences, from casual snack platters to elaborate multi-course meals. In addition, the venue is highly accommodating of live music and performances, allowing you to bring in bands or DJs, which enhances the experience of a dynamic group gathering.
Why is Above The Block perfect for group meetups? Above The Block’s design and amenities are clearly crafted with group events in mind, ensuring that every aspect caters to comfort, convenience, and versatility. One key feature is the venue’s four interconnected event spaces, each with its own patio and expansive windows, allowing your group to spread out as much or as little as they want without feeling cramped. This makes managing different elements of an event straightforward, such as having a lounge area separate from the dance floor or dining space. Accessibility is another strong point — the venue is ADA-compliant, and with up to 300 parking spaces including underground lots, guests can arrive and leave without headache or hassle, a critical factor for large groups. The location itself is strategic, situated near popular West LA neighborhoods like Brentwood, Santa Monica, and Westwood, making it easy for friends coming from different areas to converge without long travel. The team’s dedication to customer service ensures they handle the technical, catering, and logistical parts of your meetup with professionalism, so hosts can relax and enjoy the occasion. Above The Block's ability to host up to 700 people comfortably, along with customizable seating arrangements, means that it efficiently suits both intimate gatherings and large celebrations, which is a major advantage for groups that want flexibility in size and structure.
What kind of events and group dynamics does Above The Block cater to? This venue accommodates a wide variety of group events, from family celebrations like Bar Mitzvahs and quinceañeras to corporate functions, brand activations, and private parties. Its adaptable layout and state-of-the-art facilities mean it can handle diverse group dynamics with ease — whether you need a formal sit-down dinner or a casual cocktail party with mingling and dancing. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between elegance and energy, which suits all ages and interests within your group, ensuring everyone finds something enjoyable. Many clients appreciate that Above The Block allows external catering and BYO alcohol, giving the freedom to involve personal touches that reflect the preferences and tastes of the group. Additionally, the venue supports live entertainment, which means groups can enhance their event by booking bands, DJs, or other performers that align with their group's vibe. This flexibility in event style and services makes Above The Block a family-friendly and friend-friendly option that can adapt to the mood and expectations of your meetup, facilitating memorable experiences for all attendees.
What makes the overall experience at Above The Block unique compared to other event venues? Above The Block’s unique selling point is its harmonious blend of modern urban design, stunning city views, and practical functionality. The venue’s multiple levels with open outdoor spaces — including a rooftop terrace — allow guests to enjoy Los Angeles’s impressive skyline, which not only serves as an incredible photo opportunity but also adds a memorable aesthetic element. Unlike many traditional event venues that can feel cramped or outdated, Above The Block prioritizes openness, natural light, and contemporary finishes, creating a refreshing environment that enhances the mood and energy of any gathering. The strong emphasis on flexible use of space, including sound-insulated ballrooms for privacy and quiet, and large open areas for active socializing or dancing, is tailor-made for groups looking to do more than just sit around. The possibility to customize catering and bar service also distinguishes this venue, offering an upscale yet approachable experience that can be personalized down to the last detail. Lastly, strong parking availability and central location in West LA make it an especially practical choice, reducing the common urban headaches of venue selection. Together, these elements combine to offer an event experience that is as fun and engaging as it is smooth and comfortable for any group.
What should you expect from the service and staff at Above The Block? The team at Above The Block is highly praised for their professionalism, helpfulness, and attentiveness, creating an atmosphere where hosts and guests feel supported throughout the event. From the initial planning stages to execution, staff members are known to be accommodating, ready to adapt to specific requests, and proactive in ensuring everything proceeds seamlessly. Guests consistently note how the team handles catering logistics, bar service, and event flow with precision, allowing the group to focus on enjoying the event instead of managing details. The bartenders receive special mention for their skill and friendliness, contributing significantly to a lively and pleasant social scene. Management’s dedication to service shapes an overall experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming. This high standard of service, combined with the modern venue amenities, ensures that your group gathering is carried out flawlessly, making Above The Block not only a beautiful destination but also a reliable partner in hosting successful meetups.