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Angel's - CLOSED
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Italian Lounges, Jazz & Blues, American (New), Italian [Edit]
2460 Wilshire BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90403
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 828-2115
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
About This Business:
Vivoli Cafe is proud to host many traditional Italian dishes. However, we believe we specialize most in our homemade pasta dishes. Our chefs make… read more »
123 reviews for Angel's
Review Highlights
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"Live music was awesome, and happy hour was insane." In 25 reviews -
"...free live music and all night happy hour, so I decided to..." In 5 reviews -
"I had my first absinthe experience in martini form." In 15 reviews
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123 reviews in English
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Review from Vanessa T.
Irvine, CA
1/21/2012
Oh Angel's....
I went here on a Saturday night around 9:00 p.m. or so with a friend and we got lucky and found a table. Got a well drink and it was mixed just right - don't you hate when it's watered down? Staff was also friendly. There's an even mix of everyone - age, sex, race, whatever. The atmosphere, was non-pretentious and chill, just how I like it. People were enjoying themselves and when the band started playing (which by the way - were upbeat and energetic/very talented), there were a good amount of people dancing. Attire was flexible; no one cares what you wear - and! No cover.
Venue was cute. Granted it's on the smaller side, they managed to make it as comfortable as possible with cute tables on the side and booths for those that want some privacy. There was a stage in the middle and several places to sit around it to watch.
Beware though, once the night went on more and more people came, I made the mistake of switching seats and someone swiped it. So you may find yourself standing around if you come too late.
If I'm in the area again, I'll definitely swing by and try the food. -
Review from vivian l.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
came here on a friday night for dinner and drinks. the 2 cocktails i had were good. but the food menu is kind of limited, i thought.
also the service was not bad (friendly staff) but it was really hard to catch the servers' eye and flag them down. it took a really long time to order another drink and an app.
it was jazz night but we thought the music was just ok. -
Review from Michael C.
Santa Monica, CA
Updated - 1/21/2012
I've upped my recent one-star review to five stars because I've learned that Angel's is closing, possibly as early as tonight. So this explains why they were understaffed and everything was so slow. It's sad, Angel's was such a great place when it opened, which almost guaranteed it was going to close. Oh well, I'll leave my recent review for posterity, but I'll not kick them further while they're down. Angel's, you were the best of all the places that opened in that location. I'll miss you terribly and I'm sure some awful place will open in your place. You fought the good fight and were under-appreciated. You appeared in Curb Your Enthusiasm and hosted my 40th birthday. You served me some great food and wonderful cocktails. Thanks for everything. Bon Voyage.
--------------previous reviews follow--------------
Oh brother, it pains me to write this update.
When Angels opened it had some rough spots. Every time we went there the menu was expanding or contracting. First they were into the whole bar-tapas kind of thing, then it went more full restaurant, then it had a sort of in between phase, now I don't know what the hell. I can't get a handle on the menu. One thing that never seems to go away are the flat breads, which is some sort of new millennium way of saying "not round pizza."
The decor also remains consistent, which I like.
What has changed, for the much much worse, seems to be the vibe they try and put out. For the longest time Angels was a kind of speakeasy. If you made a pandora station based on early Ella or Billie, that's the music angels focused on, that and cocktail era gentility.
The live music was either burlesque inspired or some nice jazz trio you could really get behind.
Alas, that era, like the jazz one that inspired it, is gone.
In its place is a far inferior experience available at basically any douche-chill bar in LA. The music is generic crap, which has as much to do with the decor as a taco salad does in a french bistro.
But what drops me down to one star, more like one and a half, is the terrible service last night.
I'm amending my ONE STAR review I wrote this morning after I learned that Angel's is closing. I loved this place for so long, and since it's last night might even be tonight (the farewell party is tonight at any rate) it's no wonder there was no one at the door and barely any people working. So, I'm certainly not going to kick a place when it's down, though I'll leave my review from last night for posterity below. In honor of the place that was, I'm five starring it. Goodbye Angel's, you were the best of all the places that have come and gone in that location.
My wife and I went to dinner there last night, as we've done dozens of times. First of all, no hostess. We just stood at the hostess stand like a couple of idiots for five minutes. When we finally found a server to ask she said no one was working the stand and we could just grab a table, which we did. She brought us menus, then took off. For twenty minutes we waited to place a drink order. During this time we noticed the distinct odor of mothballs, which, as it turns is not the best smell for a bar/restaurant. We finally placed our drink orders, then for fifteen minutes after that we waited for a martini and a glass of wine. At that point I just gave her my credit card and asked to close our tab. I can't, therefore, comment on the food. All I can say is that based on that experience I didn't expect to order food and have it brought to the table in under an hour.
Our server was a perfectly pleasant woman who seemed to have been screwed by the manager. One server and one bartender was woefully inadequate for the amount of people. Later, after dinner, we had to go back to pick up my credit card which they forgot to return and which I forgot about in my rush to get out and find some food.
My best guess is that Angels has six months to a year left in it. I would have preferred it go down swinging with its original mission of being a cool, jazz age speakeasy, instead of turning into just another generic also-ran. But, such is the fate of every place that opens in this location. I've lived across from this ground zero for about fifteen years. I've seen many businesses come and go, but Angels is the only one I was sorry to see go BEFORE it actually closed.
I'll go back another time I'm sure, maybe on a weekday, and see what the experience is like, but if it's anything like last night I'll simply cross it off the list and go to the always consistent Casa Escobar right next door, where nothing's changed in forty years.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2009
My wife and I went here last night. It was sunday and we just wanted to walk to someplace for some… Read more »
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Review from Oscar A.
1/11/2012
This is a great little place to come listen to live Jazz in Santa Monica. Total reminiscent of a speak-easy and caters to all ages, from 20 somethings all the way to golden girls. The place is smaller than I thought but cozy. The low warm lighting with red accents add to the charm. The bartenders were very nice and helpful, although the waitress seemed to avoid us. Maybe because some of us bought drinks at the bar instead of waiting patiently to take our order. Still she seemed put out and nonexistent all night.
I had read good things about the sangria, fried pickles, garlic fries and Wagyu Sliders. Unfortunately the sangria was out, the fried pickles were okay, the garlic fries lacked garlic and seemed reheated, and the Wagyu sliders were no longer on the menu. I opted for the pulled pork sliders instead. They were not that great. My girlfriend hated them and the aftertaste. Our friends ordered the calamari and pork belly sliders. The calamari was a little bland and the pork belly sliders were supposedly a little too fatty. I guess it's pork belly after all so what should we expect. We didn't try any of the entrees so it's hard to give a final verdict on the food, although there was ample evidence against doing so.
Even with the misstep of the food, I would go back in a second to drown myself in jazz and booze. I'll just make sure to eat before I go. :) -
Review from Omar C.
San Jose, CA
1/19/2012
This place is awesome! We came here for my friend's 30th birthday and were bummed that every table had been reserved when we arrived. However, the manager was able to make some accomodations which allowed for us to take a table until that party arrived! She not only saved the day, but she also sent over a birthday drink for my friend...classy!
The food was amazing (I had the Mac and Cheese) and the cocktails were carefully handcrafted and delicious. The ambiance and decor were incredibly charming and tasteful. The jazz/funk band that played that night rounded out the evening. This was our first stop for the night and it was well worth it! -
Review from Amanda Kay L.
Sherman Oaks, CA
12/30/2011
I was introduced to this place by a good friend of mine. She went to Angels a couple of weeks ago with some friends and she said that she instantly thought of me and that she had to take me here. The reason being was that I am a performer and it is a perfect place for my band and I to perform! I have a jazz quartet and we perform jazz standards and classic musical theater from the 1920s-1940s. Angels is geared toward having entertainment from that time era. Perfect! They are always featuring live music. It is an intimate setting so you can really connect with the audience and the audience can connect with the performer. They also feature a really great menu and happy hour specials.
The minute I walked in I was in love. The bartender was very cute and nice. The decor is old school; 1930s inspired. The ceiling looks like it has lace on it, and there are lamps and candles that provide the lighting. (This is a very romantic and great destination spot for a date. It is the perfect setting and ambiance.) The waitress sat us at a table near the stage because there was a jazz singer and her band performing that evening. They were amazing! It was loud because the place is quite tiny, but you could still hear your conversation because our table was so small. However, the music was so good that we wanted to listen instead of talking. **Bonus: The nice thing about this lounge is that the band stopped playing at midnight but the place was still packed on a Wednesday night.
We ordered 3 different entrees and split them. The portions are on the smaller side. We ordered the smoked mac and cheese which was beyond amazing. It was probably the best mac and cheese that I have ever tried. We also ordered the shrimp scampi and the mushroom and basil flatbread pizza. Both of those dishes were very good as well. We also ordered a bottle of wine which was only $30. The prices are very reasonable. Our bill was $76 for three entrees, one bottle of wine, and 2 additional glasses of wine. The prices alone make this place one of my favorites in Santa Monica. The wait staff was also very friendly and accommodating. Overall very pleased with the food and service.
So in conclusion if you like great food for a very reasonable price and amazing entertainment with an awesome setting then this is your place to go. I am def excited and very interested in performing here :) Crossing my fingers! -
Review from Oliver D.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2012
Angel's is a classy place. With a speakeasy-ish theme and charming decor, this could be the most civilized place in West LA to spend a night descending into the depths of intoxication.
Personally, I typically abhor live music (or loud music of any kind) at bars with the only exception being jazz or something similarly instrumental. The immensely talented jazz trio that provided the soundtrack to my visit was a great reminder of why I make this personal exception.
I'd highly recommend indulging in some absinthe, if you're so inclined. They perform the whole sugar cube ritual and it pairs wonderfully with the jazz improv. -
Review from Nicole S.
9/25/2011
Have been to Angel's a couple of times at this point, and I've always had a solid time. The ambiance has a dim, speakeasy vibe, and the live music has always been decent.
The couple of times that I've been here on week nights it has never been very crowded, and street parking is pretty abundant. Come the weekend, the place can get pretty packed. The large table in the middle of the dining area is community space, so you can get really good views of the live band if you don't mind staring at strangers or making new friends. The live music tends to stray towards rag time-y, jazz numbers, which alternates with some pop music while the band takes a break. Once on a quiet night when there was no band, the manager Michelle let my boyfriend take a swing on a piano :)
They have a really good selection of libations and old school cocktails. They are definitely on the pricey side, but definitely give them a try at least once. I'm a fan of their Sazerac. The starters are yummy--I've had the cheese platter and some deep friend something or other, both of which left me satisfied. The staff is really chill and pretty attentive, even when the bar has been busy.
Overall I can't complain about this place, and I'm sure I'll find myself there again. -
Review from Karen B.
Santa Monica, CA
10/9/2011
Been here twice for happy hours, so my review is based on that (I think they were both Thursday nights)
If you take a visit early (6pm ish) street parking is pretty easy to find, but they have valet also.
Their happy hour is decent, $12 pitchers of sangria, 2 for 1 well drinks, I think the happy hour finishes at 8pm and they have some good small plates on the menu also - I recommend the pork sliders!
Angels has a lounge feel and is dimly lit. The staff are friendly and I've always had a great time during happy hour. Both times we've sat in the big booths at the back.
Chill, good drinks - no complaints at all, especially if you need an easy happy hour spot in Santa Monica. -
Review from Elin K.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
7/23/2011
I went during their Carmaddegon special on a Sunday - so maybe this was some exceptional case. I've been here before, but over a year ago.
It was really an addition of lots of little things that made this experience so bad.
First, they sent me an email ad offering "food specials" and "drink specials" for 4.05.
One of the lines advertised was for a 16 oz of PBR or Bud light. Sure we order that, and out comes a 12 oz of Bud Light for 4.05. When we told the waitress - hey no big deal but we thought we were getting a 16 oz of Bud Light. Not trying to be a cheap-o but do as you advertise. She said it meant 16 oz of PBR, not Bud light. 4.05 for a can of Bud Light? hmm..what sort of deal is this? And the fact that she or the manager had to come and correct us when it was clearly bad advertising was annoying. I mean come on, run your business and make the customer happy and coming back.
The food specials were completely BS - it was a small cup or french fries or a small handful of Calamari. Again, deceptive advertising in my opinion.
Okay, sure those things weren't such a big deal - it was just annoying. But then they also advertised live music at 8 PM. The band walked in at 8 PM, set up and left. Asked the waitress and she said live music starts at 9 PM. Its a Sunday guys, and its not some superstar, people need the work the next day, we drove out there cause of your specials and because you say you'll have live music at a certain time.
Well, it gets better. At 9:30 PM, no one comes to the stage. The other large party who get there even earlier than us are getting pretty annoyed too - like when the hell is the band going to start? They already showed up over an hour and a half ago, and they just left?
As the night progresses, with no more than 5 more customers, our service was almost none existent. We didn't see the waitress for long long periods of time - took 15 minutes to get her to get us the check at 9:30 PM.
Also, the food portions are TINY! For $17, you get a steak smaller than the size of a deck of cards and just fries. I don't think I should pay $17.00 for essentially two bites of steak and fries that cost less than a buck to make.
Too bad, this place was so much better last year and when it was Hollys. -
Review from Perla B.
Venice, CA
8/24/2011
I last came to Angel's on a Saturday night with a few friends. They were having a Jazz night and since it's close to us we decided to check it out. We arrived around 9:45pm and had no problem getting a table. The Jazz band had already started and it was a nice atmosphere.
We ordered a few cocktails and wine + dessert. The server was super nice and friendly. I believe I got a ginger and habanero drink which was delish and very refreshing. We also tried the boca negra cake, which is a deep, dark chocolate cake with orange marmalade.
The live music made for a nice atmosphere, but after a while it got extremely loud and 'aggressive'. I believe that is one of the words one of my friends used.
Parking was easy; street and safe. -
Review from Erika M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2011
I had been here a handful of times before my birthday, and it would kinda/sorta tick me off that I couldn't find a place to sit unless I called for reservations earlier (the live music more than made up for it :D ).
Anyway, reservations were made for my birthday and Angel's muthafreakin' DELIVERED. Not only did they accommodate so perfectly to my party of 14, they went above and beyond to really make me feel special**
**I mean, the jazz band that night played their funky version of Happy Birthday to Erika! C-mon! how awesome is that??! Angel's, you're my angel...and so is your Mint Julep. -
Review from Michelle O.
Los Angeles, CA
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been here a few times before, each time only for drinks. I love the live jazz band that plays. The ambiance is very inviting. Drinks are on the normal pricey side of LA. Although i have never tasted their food, I have heard good things, so I am definitely interested in going back.
Great date place!! -
Review from Eddy M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Awesome Jazz music and mouthwatering food in an intimate setting is reason enough to come back to this place!
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Review from Domonic P.
Inglewood, CA
8/10/2011
I showed up on a Tuesday and had a great time! Perfect place for a classy date.
The bar is a bit small, but I'd much rather use the word "cozy" to describe it. The waitress was very accommodating as were the bar tenders. Even the Bad Boyz of Jazz played a song we requested ("I wanna be like you" from the Jungle Book).
We ordered the garlic fries, the bacon mozzarella and basil flat bread, and the beer-battered shrimp cocktail. Everything was pretty bland except the garlic fries. However nothing tasted bad or even kind of bad. We drank the $5 Moonshine shots, and the bartender made a moonshine cocktail for us that we still have no idea what was in it. It tasted pretty good. Also, they have an OK beer selection, all being around $5-$6, with the expected outliers such as Chimay being around $10. I drank Allagash White and Moonshine the entire night.
Summary: The music was great, the staff and band were awesome, the food was OK, the drinks were pretty good, and I'd describe the ambiance as "cozy piano lounge." -
Review from Ana F.
4/20/2011
I've got a live music itch that needs to be scratched, and sometimes paying a billion dollar cover just won't do it for me.
At Angel's, you can go to a chill location on Wilshire, walk-in, sit down, order a custom cocktail, and listen to some of the best live music you'll hear in town. I want to become a regular here just so it never goes out of business; this is exactly the kind of spot we need in Los Angeles. An unpretentious bar with excellent food and drink, that caters to music lovers of all ages. Seriously. All ages. But they at least have to be cool. And I'm not kidding - young, old, fat, thin, black, white - most people in this joint just ooze cool and somehow know how to dance.
I've been here on both a Saturday and Tuesday to enjoy The Gumbo Brothers and the Richard Glazer band. I've loved both nights. On Saturdays, they open up the dance floor and you can really get down to some amazing blues. It makes me nostalgic for the days when my parents were still dating in their 20s - you can take a date out and dance, there are no pretenses, just having a good old sexy time before hitting the sack. On Tuesdays, drink specials are ALL NIGHT LONG. Not bad for a giant $12 pitcher of excellent sangria. It is pretty tart, but it gets better as you drink it . That could be the alcohol and musical intoxication talking.
Food is pretty great here too, especially when you consider you're at a bar. I shared the chicken jalapeno flatbread and mac n' cheese; both were delicious, satisfying, and well made. Neither dish tasted of plastic. Often times, I find myself at a bar and the food tastes like the bottom of a foot because they put so much effort into the drinks or all their money into the band. At Angel's, it seems the owners got something right and decorated the place well, hired a decent staff, and also got some good chefs. The only place they can improve is the beer list - PBR, really?!? - and stop catering to hipster assholes who like those crap lagers. Give me a good Stone beer at least!
But I will give Angel's five stars, because the service, drinks, food and ambiance are divine. I could live here forever, listening to live jazz or blues, and sipping on a cocktail. It's a great place for a date, friends, or even to just be by yourself.
Offiically addicted to the beautiful music at Angel's - please stay! I love your intimate atmosphere, and the fact that you don't smell like Harvelle's!Listed in: Party Machine LA
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Review from THE LA G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/19/2011
Very small place but cozy with jazz on some nights. Cozy place to take a date but MAKE RESERVATIONS!
They have the BEST pulled pork sliders I have ever tasted. :) -
Review from Brooke B.
Santa Monica, CA
1/31/2012
So, the ownership has changed and not for the better. We used to come to Angel's quite a bit. I appreciated the cocktails and the music. However, we went in there last Saturday night for a drink and were sadly disappointed.
We stood at the bar trying to get the attention of the bartender for almost 10 minutes. Didn't even look at the patrons at his bar. Not even a nod, a 'hey, I'll be right there', nothing. He was too busy at his computer and then.....MIXING HIMSELF A DRINK/SHOT. Really? Clearly he has too much money in his pocket if he could care less about serving paying customers a drink. We walked out.
I work in the industry and if he was working for me, I would have fired him on the spot.
Never again Angels. Good luck. -
Review from Jay P.
Pasadena, CA
7/5/2011
Another one of my favorite SM watering holes. What I love this place mostly for is the ambiance. It has a nice laid back lounge feel to it. It's very relaxing sitting in one of the booths (I prefer the corner), sipping on absinthe or your beverage of choice, conversing with friends all while being bathed in soothing piano music.
They do get crowded around 11PM on the weekends, but it starts to quiet down later on. Depending on what your plans are, this is a very versatile place. It's a good place to start off the night, or you can pace yourself and spend the majority of your time here, or even come here late and mellow out before heading home. No matter when I came, I always enjoyed it. -
Review from Kim S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/7/2011
Went here for the first time last night for happy hour. Nice ambience and music, good happy hour. My main reason for writing this review tho, is the insanely delicious smokey mac n'cheese on the happy hour menu. To. die. for. that is all
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Review from DubR R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome place. I have been here several times, mostly to bring friends who are from back home in the east coast, or first timers. Always a great time. Never tried the food but the drinks are good, especially if you want to switch it up a bit, and have some of that infamous and ever elusive absinthe. They serve it the way i had it in europe which was a plus.
Got to be friends with one of the bar tenders - Asher (sp?). He's def cool peeps, you take care of him he takes care of you and your party well. Feel of the place is great, i think i realize from all the reviews i've written i say this about dimmer lit, loungy areas which is just like this one.
Only caught it once, but there was a live band one Friday night i went. They were playing jazz versions of good old school hip hop stuff and it placed me right back home in the middle of NYC and that made me want to go here more often. Never saw it again though.
Good vicinity to other bars --- Wilshire (the restaurant) is right next to it and of course to cap your night off after all the absinthe, walk a couple blocks down and get your sing on at the Gaslite. Make sure you are within crawling distance to some shelter, whether that be your home, hotel, car or a bum's blanket to share because that's what will happen if you do these series of bars, and top it off at the Gaslite. -
Review from Adrienne M.
Playa Del Rey, CA
8/7/2011
I have been here several times and its always a fun time.
I got an email from the Manager Michelle that she would like to host my upcoming birthday party. After reading that my friends and I would receive 6 free cocktails and 2 free appetizers PLUS bottomless champagne for myself, ummm how can I pass that up!!
There was plenty of space for the 12 of us and we had such a great time! We were behind the band in a large booth and had surrounding tables, so the music wasnt too loud and we could talk to eacher other and mingle.
Our server Roy was great and made sure that my champagne class was refilled and that my friends were happy. My friends were very impressed with the ambiance and service that Angels provided. The music was also a great back drop to the evening and sounded great.. it was a funky jazzy/soul band. The Manager, Michelle even offtered to buy me a shot of Absinthe and posed for pictures.
The calamari was also yummy as were the fish tacos. I like that they seem to change the menu, and everyone was happy with what they ordered.
It was such a stress free birthday celebration and I encourage anyone to book this place for a fun night on the town! -
Review from Eve R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/2/2011
Tuesday night jazz brings me back to this place time and time again. I love the vibe and the band.
As for the drinks, I tried Miss Lucy's Escape on my first visit and I fell in love! It's sooo delish there's no reason for me to try anything else. I'm hooked! -
Review from Sue Z.
12/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Things ain't what they used to be darlin'.
The art of courting has been replaced by http://match.com, and 'pokes'. The only time a man will lay down his coat for a lady to walk over, is if he has a foot fetish. Snail mail Love letters are seen as antiquated and unnecessary, and don't GET me started on the surplus of douches overflowing the bar/lounge scene across L.A. i swear they must be breeding them somewhere....
it's look pretty dire.
but once in a while, you choose a night, usually a rainy night-- and arrange a special getaway with your loves. enter a different world, enter a different scene.
we all came here on a stormy, rainy night (we been having A LOT of those recently). from outside, angel's looks like any other bar. but when you enter, you immediately feel at ease. because no one really cares who you are, or what you're wearing. why? because there's a live band playing lead by mark de clive lowe. formerly a classical pianist, he went towards the jazz scene, then took a step further, and now breaks his own beats in real time. first set, jazz, second set, jazz---but not the kind your granny's used to.
there's an older crowd that hangs here, but everyone is dressed to kill. during the second set, they take away the tables, and out pops a dance floor. everyone is having a good old time, and the absinthe is always a flowin.
i promise you won't act like an angel here, but don't worry, we all need a breather from time to time.... -
Review from Debbie P.
Sacramento, CA
11/11/2011
This is a great place if you're looking for a cool, casual vibe, no cover, and some piano jazz. I saw a a great 7 piece band here and drank a sidecar and grooved to the beat on a comfy bench. Just make sure you park in the lot and not on the street- you need a resident permit or you'll get a ticket. I wish this place was closer to home but I will certainly try to go back next time i'm in the LA area.
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Review from Matthew R.
Santa Monica, CA
7/22/2011
Been here twice now, both on the weekend... I know from experience that a good piano bar is hard to come by, and even harder after visiting Angel's (so-called) Piano Bar.
The first time, I came with a date... We got there 9pm or so, the place was small, but had an engaging lounge feel, and the food was alright, I think we had pizza. I tried absinthe for the first time (tasted like black licorice). But there was NO piano music, there was a jazz band that came on (late) and played a couple songs before we bailed. The music was good. But, maybe I was hoping to see Billy Joel up there... Or at a bare minimum, some dude taking requests for dollar bills... It was just a jazz band. And it was just okay.
The second time we decided to walk there and check it out was on a Saturday night, around 10pm. We got there shortly after and to our dismay it looked like the place was closing. There were (4) dudes, just leaving, and literally not one single other person in the entire place.... On a Saturday at what was between 10:30-11:00pm. WHAT A JOKE!!! I did walk my friend back to show him that there was indeed a piano there, but it just must never get played???
Anyway, we immediately walked out and went to Sonny McLean's and had a blast listening to some house band play Journey songs. We got shit-housed (off of 3.5 pint's, because that's how we roll) and I got a number from a chick wearing a suit-coat over her dress all night... I think I had asked her if she had any pictures of her ex-boyfriends (expletive-deleted), and from there we just hit it off. However, She did not return my call(s), or text(s).
Anyway, maybe I am wrong, but all the piano bar's I have been to have live piano music at them, especially on the WEEKEND!
I would really like to be wrong about this place, so if anyone knows something I don't please TELL ME... Is there a secret hand-shake or something? Do I need to come here on a Tuesday afternoon?
In summation: "Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray,
South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio, Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, Television, North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe"... - Billy J. -
Review from Daniel G.
Reseda, CA
1/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
WARNING:
Do not bring a pet goat to Angel's bar, because agnel's bar does indeed blow goat.
Did that make sense?,
No, not really...
I went here for a friends Birthday. She was turning 29, so good for her.
We arrived, and it was somewhat busy, it wa busy around 10pm on a friday night and we all squeezend into a big cushy booth, that was nice, and the ambiance is ok.
The waiter was this black dude that looked like a male model, and he was friendly, and totally attentive, and a good over all waiter.
Here is where everything fell to shit...
We were all hungy, because birthday girl told us that there would be food served there, so we ordered appatizers and split a few entree's.. but when the food arrived, we all looked at each other like "WTF" the portions were TINY. and mean TINY TEENY TINEY WEENY TINY.Tiny like I am at a real expensive fine food place, the kind of place I don't go because, Hello I like t o eat. and not feel like a douche with my 60 dollar plate of food, That I finish in 5 bites, and then have to go to In N out on the way home.,
THe food was OK, but the bill was huge, protions were small, and we were all left starving. Not wanting to spend another 150 dollars to still be hungry we opted on waiting it out....
The atmosphere was ok, like I said earlier, but the place has kinda a douchey vibe.
The music was ok, but the west side hipsters were not half as cpoopl as the high class trash I am used too.
Meh...
I will never go back, not that I am a fan of places like that.. but yuck. -
Review from Shawna L.
Venice, CA
5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
FRIED PICKLES... 'nough said.
Went with Ana F. this past Sunday; she had already been a few times and is in love with the place. Not gonna lie - it's pretty sweet. Loved the live music that night (it was some college guys' recital... how cute). Awesome atmosphere - perfect for going with a friend (me), on a date, group, even by yourself. The bartenders/our server were super friendly. Did I mention the (homemade!) fried pickles? Yum.
Will definitely be back! -
Review from Amanda D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/13/2011
Maybe we went in early, I was not particularly impressed. There is a dance floor, but it was quite empty that night. The place was really loud and dark. Drinks were ok
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Review from Jean L.
Updated - 9/21/2010
I introduced the place to another group of friends on Saturday. Again, the hostess was gracious enough to hold an extra table in the middle of the room for people (incl. me) who arrived later. Service was quick and thorough throughout.
I started off with a house cab, which was surprisingly smooth and decent. Then ordered a sazerac - aaammmazing. That drink deserves five plus stars alone, but alas, I just can't give the whole place such a high mark on the bartender alone.
When we arrived, they were still waiting for pizza, which eventually came after the souffle. But the really sad part was the size of the souffle (which purportedly takes 30 minutes). While good, considering the tiny ramekin and whipped cream (not even ice cream) it came with, it appears the half hour involved grinding cocoa beans and pre-heating the oven. In other words, I don't suggest you order it.
The music ensemble was a four person guest band from SF, called The Park. They were good, but acoustics were WAY too loud for the small space. I was not only shouting, but half-deaf when I left. Not cool for a lounge.
Parking was easy with valet ($6), which is shared with Wilshire Resto.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2010
Stopped by on a Thursday night and was pleasantly surprised by an amazing blues/jazz/pop band (a… Read more »
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Review from Vanessa S.
Santa Monica, CA
6/6/2011
I must say, I LOVE this place. I had heard about it from a bartender and my bf and I decided to check it out.
Walking in, I loved the decor. Reminds me of an old Parisian club- but not in that "we are trying way to hard to look like a speak-easy" kind of way. Also, I love anything French, so sign me up.
There was a latin band playing really fun music and they opened up the dance floor for us all to get our groove on. I don't know about you guys, but I don't know of a lot of places like this in LA. Not pretentious, just fun.. a place where people can just have a good time without a lot of hassle or spending a gallion dollars.
We had some delicious drinks (and I hear they serve Absinthe, but Saturday was just not the night for that.. maybe when we come back). At one point, a waitress hit me in the head with a table she was moving- but she came back to apologize and gave me a free drink. :)
I didn't try to food, but from the other reviews, it looks pretty good. Can't wait to come back and try that as well.
I will say, around 11pm it got really crowded. I would show up early and get a table if you can.
Definitely one of my favorite new spots on the Westside! -
Review from Melanie I.
Santa Monica, CA
3/9/2011
If you live in Santa Monica and are looking for a local option that isn't swamped every weekend and still maintains a great ambiance and offers great drinks, you've found your place.
Although Angels will get busy on a Friday and Saturday night, compared to it's other "speakeasy" style counterparts both in Santa Monica and elsewhere it never becomes uncomfortable. There is still room to breath and odds are if you hang out for a bit you'll be able to snag a booth or bar stool.
The drink menu is vast, offering standard upscale cocktails, some of their own creations, a decent absinthe menu (my personal favorite aspect) and a great "recession special" that some of my friends seem to love. ($7 for a shot of whiskey and a PBR.)
Wait staff is helpful, friendly and generally enjoyable. No one will shun you for asking about the absinthe, wondering what a beer is or questioning a drink. Prices are fair if not lower then most westside bars for the style drink they offer. Absinthe is shockingly well priced and will be poured for you at your table.
Happy hour offers some discounted food, decent sangria and 2 for 1 drink specials. If you want to make the food worth your money - go for the bacon pizza which has a light, airy crust that alone would make it worthwhile. -
Review from Jeanlyn S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/5/2011
I love this place. I went here for my birthday last December and they were very accommodating.
Food was great but definitely my favorite is the live music.
It's a must-experience type of deal. It can get loud because of the music, but there's plenty of time to gab after they're done. Such a cute spot.
Too bad I won't be going there anymore because it reminds me of the guy I was dating at the time. Ugggh. -
Review from Ursula M.
1/23/2012
i'd say 3.5 stars, but because it tends to get crowded and loud when they have live music. nice and dark - which i like in a bar. decent food - but not much for vegetarians. fries are delicious though! nice waitstaff too.
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Review from Carla B.
9/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
*** GOOD LIVE MUSIC VENUE, BLAH FOOD. ***
I was very excited and had high hopes for this place. I'm a fan of dark, cabaret-ish places with great music. As much as I can say the music (jazz, instrumental) was good, I have to sadly say service could be warmer and the kitchen needs a little help.
Keep in mind this is a Friday night: place is packed. We walk in and the hostess says we have to sit at the bar because all tables are taken. Bummer. Yet, we walk further towards the back and see 2 huge booths that are empty... A waiter approaches and we ask about the empty booth tables, and he says one is reserved. We ask if we can sit at the other one, and granted, he nicely says yes. But then again, why did Miss Hostess say no in the first place...?
We sit and order drinks. My Berry Mojito was very good (recommended by our waiter) -- not too sweet, not too minty, not too limey. We ordered the plantain tostones as an appetizer, and two entrées of the skirt steak.
Food DOES take forever. Sorry yelpers, for taking you for crazy drunks: you were right! Yet I don't mind waiting if the food were outstanding.
The appetizer came with the entrées... What's the point? It was not meant to be a side dish... And not just the timing, but as a Puerto Rican, I KNOW tostones. Plantain tostones are supposed to be crispy, with a "toasted" texture, as the name in Spanish suggests. They were surprisingly soggy. I had read this on Yelp, but thought it was someone else's experience, not necessarily my luck; yet apparently it's common, because the other yelper was right on the money about them.
The skirt steaks came medium cooked as ordered -- also a tad chewy, but not terribly. They came with a tomatillo sauce/dip on top and drenched in a citrusy sauce, with boiled yucca sticks and green chayote slices. The tomatillo was a nice touch although I prefer to have a skirt steak by itself -- if any topping or sauce, I prefer chimichurri, Argentinian style. But that citrus sauce was overbearing. The yucca was OK, but a little garlic would've helped it a lot. And the chayote??? Chayote in itself is not as thick in texture and rich as potato or yucca, so if you're throwing in chayote in an entrée it better have amazing seasoning... It did NOT have anything special, and the texture naturally isn't great, so I had 2 bites of the chayote, and decided I'd focus on the yucca. What about some red potatoes in rosemary sauce or something better? The chayote does NOT cut it.
Our server was not stellar, but OK. Just not warm. I think *I* was warmer to him and I'm not trying to get business from him. I will say however: the person from the staff who came with the entrées was *very* polite and asked with at least seemingly genuine interest if we were happy with the food. I sincerely didn't want to vent out, so I just nodded and said yes, trying to be graceful. I didn't really know who the boss was, so I just didn't think there'd be a point. But the fact this person asked (twice) was nice. Maybe I should've said something.
We didn't get dessert.
The bill:
1 Makers Mark whiskey @ $10
1 Berry Mojito @ $12
1 Plantain Tostones appetizer @ $7.50
2 Skirt Steak entrées @ $44 ($22 each)
+ Tax @ $4.76
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= $78.26
+ $12 tip (15% - rounded highest)
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= $90.26 total
They have valet parking at $3.50 for dinnertime and $2.50 for lunchtime.
I read they have Burlesque Tuesdays. I will *definitely* drop by for that. I also prefer an actual show rather than background jazz, so that should be cool; but I'll eat elsewhere.Listed in: All Things California
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Review from Jeana A.
Santa Monica, CA
12/27/2010
The new owners have done a great job transforming this place from the 80's overcrowded, Hollywood want to be's that use to take over.
This is a great local place to relax, have a drink and enjoy friends. The live music is pretty awesome, not something I am use to finding on the west side. The food is good as well. The bartenders are creative and are willing to make a drink up on the spot if nothing on the menu fits your tastes. There is an amazing selection of specialty drinks to choose from as well.
However, the main attraction is the Absinth they offer here. There are a handful of different types, from different countries. It is served traditionally with sugar and lit on fire. AMAZING!
There is a valet next door but save your money and find street parking, unless its raining. :)
There is not another place like this on the west side. You will be doing yourself a favor by checking it out! -
Review from Cleophus B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/11/2010
Very nice, low-key spot. Great food & Drinks (a little pricey, though). I tried the fries, Angus beef burger and chicken tacos. All of them were very good. And the staff: waiter, bartenders, managers were all cool.
This is a cool, dark, sophisticated spot for those of you looking for a chill scene and/or a nice vibe to get into someone's head. I just wished I would of stayed long enough for the music.
Tell a friend! -
Review from Kate M.
Updated - 7/23/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This place has jumped the shark. It's too crowded, too loud and the quality of the food has declined considerably. It's time to find a new place.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2011
I like the old fashioned vibe here. It's like stepping into a black and white movie. They have… Read more »
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Review from Lisa T.
6/9/2010 3 Check-ins Here
We stumbled upon this dark and vampy little cave last night, and we will be back!
Victorian parlour meets gothic lounge. A large B&W mural of the lovely Josephine Baker (of the infamous banana skirt and Ziegfried Follies) is framed by crimson velvet curtains and serves as a major focal point of the dining area. It is also the backdrop for any burlesque or the evening's resident chanteuse. The piano was not in use during our visit, but I am sure it gets plenty of action on other nights when Angel's becomes more of a piano bar.
Crystal chandeliers, amber and red lighting, red velvet/white leather booths flanking all walls, and lots of funky mirrors complement the antiquey-chic atmosphere. The ladies room was PRISTINE, and there were hooks in each stall for a handbag.
Their specialty drink menu looks fabulous, featuring aptly named beverages like the Swinging Savoy, Moscow Mule, Soul of John Black, and Brooklyn Moon.
Good for small to medium-sized groups or an intimate drink or dinner. We'd describe the menu as Cuban fare with a classy Californian twist. Highlights: the skirt steak, grilled artichoke, and pork sliders.
Every Tuesday they are now featuring "Burlesque with a Twist" starting at 10:30pm.
There are happy hour specials of house wine and skinny margaritas for $5 all night long. Food happy hour lasts until 8. Drink happy hour never expires.
Room for improvement?
We kept getting whiffs of cigarette smoke, such that we thought someone was smoking inside. More likely it's coming from outside, people smoking too close to the entrance or main windows? In any case, it was distracting during our meal.
The burlesque was cool, but the breaks in between were way too long. They only performed twice in the first hour, and we were ready to head home before they could even conclude their show.Listed in: Sexy Date Spots
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Review from Amber B.
7/14/2009 ROTD 9/28/2009
Stopped by Angel's last night for my first foray into the dating world after 2 years. I was a little apprehensive and when I first walked in there was NOBODY else at the bar except my date. Yikes! According to the bartender they've just started promoting and are still in the soft opening phase. Little by little though people started to trickle in and by around 8:30/9pm the place had filled up nicely. I saw the pretty little piano taking back-center stage but sadly no one was tickling the ivories that night. Instead there was light music which picked up as the crowd got bigger.
The first things I noticed when I walked in (and the first things I'm sure you'll notice too) were the HOT BARTENDER and WAITRESS. Wow. My jaw dropped...you have got to see the outfits these sexy ladies wear. Dressed in something like a glam pinup style those girls made the place ooze sexiness and they are total sweethearts to boot.
I wanted to check out the signature drink menu so the bartender (sorry, I never got your name!) recommended I try the Harvey Wallbanger...kind of tasted like a grown-up screwdriver. I liked it but it wasn't quite strong enough to get me a buzz...so I moved on and asked for a 7&7. So I wasn't paying attention to what was going on and then suddenly I see a clear colored drink placed in front of me. What? either that was one hell of light pour on the whiskey or something is way wrong here. I took a sip...gin! bleck! How did she confuse whiskey for gin in a 7&7?? I drank it anyways, I didn't want to make a fuss...at least this was my only complaint of the night.
The bartender also strongly pushed us to try the Wagyu Burger Sliders and the fries and she raaaaaaved about the dipping sauces. The sliders come stuffed with blue cheese and are served on a brioche bun with carmelized onions and a spicy pickle on top! I looooooooove these sliders!! Sooooo delicious and I wished for my old appetite back so that I would be able to eat more than just one (an order comes with 2 sliders). The fries were good, but I prefer a bigger fry cut as opposed to the shoestring kind. 2 of the 3 dipping sauces really were to die for though...one was a jalapeño sauce and the other was garlic aoili. YES! soo soo good that I had to dip my slider in some of it too!! they have a lot of choices on the menu but the selection IS smaller on their late-night menu just to warn you.
I am so going back next week to try more signature drinks, taste the risotto balls that I was eying all night, and bask in more eye candy! I hope next time there's a pianist!Listed in: Westside Favorites, Yelp Loves Me - ROTDs
