LA: The City That Goes to Bed Early
Los Angeles, the city of dreams, sunshine, and endless possibilities. Right? Well, not if you're a night owl. Welcome to the land where everything closes at a time that would make a grandma blush. It's like the entire city has a collective bedtime of 9 PM.
The Great LA Shutdown
I’ve lived in several cities, and I’ve never quite understood LA’s peculiar relationship with darkness. In New York, the city that never sleeps, you can grab a slice of pizza at 3 AM without breaking a sweat. In Chicago, deep-dish pizza is a 24-hour affair. But in LA? Forget about it.
It’s like the city has a secret pact. As soon as the sun starts to dip below the Hollywood sign, everything starts to wind down. Restaurants shutter their doors, shops pull down the blinds, and even the most happening clubs seem to have a curfew. It's as if someone yelled, "Lights out!" and everyone obeyed.
Theories Abound
So, why does this happen? Well, there are a few theories floating around. Some say it's because Angelenos are all secretly vampires who can’t handle daylight. Others blame it on the traffic, suggesting that everyone is so exhausted from commuting that they just want to crawl into bed by 7 PM.
A more plausible explanation is that LA’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism and entertainment, industries that thrive during the day. Once the sun goes down, there's a noticeable drop in foot traffic. So, to cut costs, businesses opt to close early. It’s a cold, hard business reality, but it’s a bummer for those of us who prefer to live life after dark.
Surviving the LA Nightlife
If you’re determined to experience LA’s nightlife, you’ll need to do some serious planning. Forget about spontaneous outings; everything requires advanced reservations. And don't even think about grabbing a late-night snack unless you're prepared to drive for miles.
On the bright side, the early closures do force you to be more creative. You could, for example, host epic dinner parties at your place. Or, you could become an expert at meal prepping so you never have to face the horror of an empty fridge after 8 PM.
How to Survive LA's Early Closing Times
- How to find a late-night eatery: Look for places that cater to the after-party crowd, like diners or 24-hour convenience stores.
- How to plan your day effectively: Schedule your activities considering the early closing times.
- How to embrace the early bird lifestyle: Try waking up early to enjoy the city before the crowds.
- How to become a master of home cooking: Stock up on groceries and learn to whip up delicious meals at home.
- How to find entertainment at home: Build a solid collection of movies, TV shows, and books to enjoy after dark.