Many visitors to West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip instantly recognize the commercial chain House of Blues. Outside, the faux-crumbling façade and rickety wooden railing belie a highly successful enterprise that rakes in cash with its nearly nightly concerts, $35-per-person Sunday Gospel Brunch and upscale Southern-inspired restaurant. Blues acts visit rarely; more often, rappers such as Common and Busta Rhymes crackle onstage, ‘80s rockers thrill with pyrotechnics, and hot top 40 acts fill the dance floor with young adoring fans. Guitar slinger Buddy Guy and bluesy rock originator Bo Diddley make the occasional appearance, but the House of Blues’ mainstream success lies in its variety of predominantly nonblues acts. Concerts are general admission, so arrive early for the best standing room. Tickets usually run in the $20 to $40 range, depending on the act, and inside you can watch the show from upstairs or downstairs. At the colorful, voodoo-tinged bars, workers serve drinks with practiced skill and speed, but sweaty bodies still jostle for a place in line. After the show, grab a bite at the famous Mel’s Diner just down the Strip, or walk to the uberhip Standard hotel to imbibe among leggy models and aspiring actors. The House of Blues on Sunset offers a prime location for partying before or after any show.