The Hi Hat Converts an Old Pool Hall Into Highland Park's Newest Music Venue

Looks like The Hi Hat in Highland Park is just about ready to plug in and get playing, with news today from Buzzbands.la that the space will be ramping up later this month. Formerly a pool hall, the longtime space on York Boulevard will reposition itself as a nightlife and music venue for the neighborhood, with capacity up to 300 people.

The nearly 5,000 square foot space is the work of Dustin Lancaster, Ross Stephenson, and Michael Blackman, who all have backgrounds in the nightlife business, including places as diverse as L&E Oyster Bar, Augustine Wine Bar, and The Hermosillo and Highland Park Brewery just down the street from Hi Hat.

The plan is to keep at least some element of the previous iteration of the space, with a handful of pool tables available as well as a long bar and some hightops for sitting around. There will also be a full kitchen for typical bar fare, including burgers, corn dogs, and fries, while the bar will do beer and wine only.

Don’t discount the show element to the space, though, which includes a VIP lounge section and a raised stage backed by a brick wall. Britt Witt from Spaceland is onboard as talent buyer for the venue, bringing a mix of indie bands and larger one-off shows to the stage over time. Hi Hat should be open by the end of the month.

The Hi Hat
5043 York Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA