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Area - CLOSED
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Nightlife Dance Clubs Lounges, Dance Clubs [Edit]
643 N La Cienega BlvdWest Hollywood, CA 90069
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
(310) 652-2012
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Stephanie V. said: "This was the first time i was going to this BAR/LOUNGE i'd never heard of it till we went on a Saturday Night for my friends birthday celebration. She did bottle service which didnt turn out to be such a great idea. She paid 325 for…" read more »
209 reviews for Area
Review Highlights
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"All in all, I had a great time at Area." In 10 reviews -
"...gets crowded (obviously), so bottle service is well worth..." In 32 reviews -
"Also, BEST DJ EVER - really REALLY fabulous music selection." In 33 reviews
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209 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie I.
Sugar Land, TX
3/25/2010
I'm not from LA and so maybe I'm just not used to the going-out scene here, but I just really hate how pretentious it all is. I really don't understand why people wait outside in long lines just to get ignored by the bouncers, then pay a ridiculous cover just to go inside to pay even more ridiculous prices for mediocre drinks. But moving past the expected attitude of places like Area...
The place itself was alright. Big dancing area, which was fun once it got more crowded. They also have seating areas around the outer edges of the place, but they're usually reserved for the VIP areas. We did manage to snag a table in this area though, which was nice to sit and just people-watch.
As for the drinks, we had heard rave reviews about their Burning Mango, which is basically a mango cocktail with a jalapeno in it. Can't say that I really enjoyed it...just a little too weird tasting to have something so spicy in my drink. We also ordered some champagne, which was decent.
I did have a good time with my friends and I'm glad I came just to see what the hype was all about, but I doubt I'll be back again. -
Review from Butter C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/22/2007
Five stars for three reasons:
1) Hangin with my gurls Ti, Diana and Connie. Always fun!!
2) Lovely wait staff. One noticed I was looking tired (food coma from Korean BBQ) and brought me over an energy drink. He said it's called HER which tastes like pink lemonade. Isn't that sweet!?!
3) Last but not least... *STAR SIGHTING* Dennis Rodman in a gigantic feathered hat dancing to the Bee-Gees 'Stayin' Alive' Wayyyy cool!!Listed in: To Stalk-ie, To Boogie
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Review from May W.
5/9/2009
I haven't given out a low rating in a while, but I think Area really deserves it....
"Meh. I've experienced better." Yelp's default "2 stars" message is definitely one way to describe Area. Seriously, what is up with this club? There were so many scantily clad Asian girls (they reminded me of the hookers from Rush Hour 2) and chain smoking guys!!! There was also this strange high school vibe floating around the entire place too. Maybe it was because everyone there looked like they were 14 trying to look 25? The bouncers are all douchey and don't know what the heck they are doing AND the music SUCKED. I couldn't dance to a good portion of their weird stuff.
And what is up with people who club these days?! Am I getting old or something? When I saw some girl reverse cowgirl-ing a guy LYING ON THE DANCE FLOOR and another girl grimacing in pain while her BF thrust his junk into her butt I was like O_O WHAT THE HECK?! -steps back a few feet-
The line for the bathroom was ridiculously long and filled with tons of girls taking MySpace angled shots of themselves making the typical V-sign, puckering their lips, and opening their eyes as wide as possible. Doesn't it get tiring to see your heavily powered face with the same crazed expression in all your pictures?! And why are you taking 5 minutes to admire yourself in the mirror when the bathroom is super crowded? Pee and leave already, damn it! It's not like the guys will recognize you because you are dressed just like 90% of the other Asian girls in there. That is, unless you are the girl who straddles guys on the dance floor. And even then, there's no guarantee.
I seriously will never go back to Area if I can help it. -
Review from Amy C.
5/13/2009
I will never ever ever ever go to Area again.
DB central along with overpriced watered down drinks.
WTF. $12 for a redbull vodka? That shit was 85% ice. Lame.
People were frontin' like no tomorrow. OMG.
The lady in the restroom who hands paper towels to people actually came up to me, grabbed my arm and said "I only work for tips". To which i replied "That's great" and walked away. Since when did giving someone a fckin paper towel warrant a $1 tip? No thanks.
I ain't having it.
I will never come back here. Too bad Dave Dresden was spinning here tonight. He would have been SO MUCH better at Vanguard. The sound system here sucks ass. I'm freakin deaf.
Ugh. I'm going to bed. Seriously, don't bother going here. Ever. -
Review from Julie N.
Santa Clara, CA
7/11/2009
In attempt to bring the hyphy to this sad, sad club, my friend put in an E-40 request to the DJ. In response, DJ People Skillz stopped, looked up, and was like- "what, are you guys like, ghetto or something?"
......
Let's talk about the term ghetto for a second. "Ghetto" is a club that smells like pot all night. "Ghetto" is the line outside that is not a line at all, but rather, a small cluster of people waiting to get arbitrarily picked by the totalitarian bouncers to get in. "Ghetto" is the threat of making us pay cover, and "ghetto" is that threat after waiting 10 more minutes and getting in for free.
Let's also expand the term "ghetto" to mean "janky" as well. "Janky" refers to the cheesy multi-colored lighting inside, the pricey drinks, the passe top 40 music, the shady McShadester crowd, and the $20 valet. And finally, the highest combo Ghetto/Jank award goes to me losing my ID that night. (*crryyy)
So in conclusion, DJ, no we are not ghetto, but you and all that this club represents makes me want to snap in Z-formation. Oh no you DI'NT, Area! -
Review from Myko L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/18/2008
Simply put...way overrated!
1 star for the decor which was quite fabulous.
1 star for the bartender who was quite nice.
THAT'S IT. No more stars for you.
We attended an Birthday event on Sunday night. We were told to show up around 9 pm because the guest list is from 9-10:30. We showed up around 9:30 or so after dinner up the street at The Spanish Kitchen...and had to wait outside because the door won't be opened till 10!
And then....when it opened...they were only letting the girls in....EVEN IF YOU WERE ON THE GUEST LIST! The guest of honor was even asked to wait out side....certainly not the way I would want to be treated on my birthday!
AND SERIOUSLY....$40 for valet?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? We would told that we would probably pay $20 for valet..which we were okay about....but $40?! Way too rich for my blood.
Bottom line...would not go back again any time soon.... -
Review from Kate T.
Irvine, CA
10/12/2008 3 photos
Came here for my best friend's birthday on Sat night. Reserved a tabled under her name. It was her birthday so I didn't want to spoil her mood and fun.. so I try to keep my temper and still entertain and had a good time with her. But I'm letting it out now, and explain why it's such a one star experience, I actually want to give them negative five stars if I can!!
- We have a table and they only let 5 people in free, rest need to pay $20 cover charge @ the door.
- They let people wait out forever.. it wasn't such a bad wait for us (since there's 5 of us @ the time, all girls), but we were freezing to death waiting out with mini skirts and half naked top.
- Rest of the guys weren't that lucky.. they waited for awhile before they can get in (maybe b/c they are guys??!!).
- We sat at the smoking table so it was suppose to be airy, they have two heat lamps on the top, at least we weren't freezing our butts off...but it was too hot to the point we feel the flames was about to come out from our hair.
- At first we just thought it's cool since we had two people service our table mixing drinks for us on the spot, then we found out it's b/c they want to finish our bottle faster so they can bring more bottles to our table.
- They try to clean out the table for us asap, even when there are still 1/4 of bottle left in the drink..we caught them and took it away from the waiter.
- One of the guy got really tired and fall asleep, then there came in 5 guards flashing the light at him and ask him to leave. He wasn't drunk but was just tired and they threaten to kick him out??!! We tip the guard $50 and ask him to leave us along... thought it was the end of the story.. no... three more new guys came back and start to bug us again..guess the guard came back and told them so they wanted more tip so came back to harass us. We got really mad and said we want the $50 back if they keep doing that, since the guy was sitting up and wide awake at the moment.
- Dance floor was really packed, can't even dance...I think this place is 120% fill or something, way over the capacity.
- Guys here are more well dress than "Le Cercle Super Club" we went few weeks ago, and they are at least half way decent looking, not butt ugly.... but still....stranger calling us babes and try to grab us, and hugging us to dance w/ them weren't exactly gentlemen.. just some wolf in sheep skin. Not cool.
- Bill came out to be around 2K with tips.. for 3 bottles of Grey Goose....WTF!!!!
- Oh.. the valet, lock everything in the car if you can, they stole an expensive sunglasses and a name brand key chain from the car. It cost $20 for the valet too!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from susy h.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2008
You know how in the beginning your friends start to set you up? Then after countless first dates you find yourself... still alone? Your friends then stop setting you up... And soon after you start to get the "you must be defective look?"
Area is THE pre- set up Holy Grail. She's smoking hot (alas, she has, had work done (been renovated 3 times)). But who cares, she's so LA: sassy, flashy and classy. That's all that really matters. Oh and she don't sign a pre- nup.
But you want pre- nup, gyeah.
I feel bad for you son but it's gonna take a lot of cash to please her since valet is $20.
Let's hope she's lightweight since Patron shots and Grey goose cranberry cocktails are $13.
We got there at 10 pm last Saturday and the line wasn't bad. It wasn't a structured line just a whole bunch of people standing in front of the entrance waiting to get in. Early arrival is highly suggested since guest list closes at 10:30.
We got in, under 15 minutes. Thanks for not making us wait! My feet were killing me!
Saturday is Asian night, for all of y'all with yellow fever.
You can get on the guest list through this website http://thehouseofglam....
Definitely will be back. She's hot.
Just remember she don't sign a pre- nup.
Gyeah. -
Review from Sofia L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2008
WTF? I can't believe I wasted 40 minutes outside this place trying to get "picked" to get in..
I will not be coming back to this place EVER..Awful.
Everyone, the staffs just tries TOO hard here. The velvet rope thing..the club might as well just ask everyone to form a line to get in because eventually everyone DOES get in. It's only a matter of time..They don't turn anyone away so why waste your time pacing back and forth wasting your brain cells thinking who to let in FIRST?? So Bizzarre!
The DJ tries too hard. He wasn't terrible but too much mixing and mashing it was really hard to get a groove on the dance floor because the songs kept changing!!
Drinks were weak, and expensive. $9 for a WEAK shot that you have to "sip", not "down". If you still want to come here, best to just pre-party in your car or something. Ha
The crowd is BLAH! I went on a Wednesday too, suppose to be the best night?? OK?
Oh, and so you hear people going to "Hollywood" type clubs for the "beautiful" people. I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder?! Me personally, I've seen better looking people during my lunch break walking around when I'm at work.
Last but not least, the speakers were blown in the club! Dude, I'm not techy but I can hear the blown speakers. Geezus Louises..
Worst clubbing experience ever in my life. The only REAL thing that kept me happy at the club was the person I was with. My friend.. and we should've just chilled at home or something. : P
Addendum 2 days after going to the club:
***WARNING***
I opened a bar tab with my credit card that night at Area and the club put a HOLD of $150 against it (I've never heard of this before). My tab was only $9 and I ended up paying cash for it but that hold of $150 is still on my account and will be there for 3 days per my bank rep. I'm done venting about this place, never again will I come to Area! -
Review from Anh T.
Pasadena, CA
10/6/2008
Being very cougarish indeed, I brought some British youngins out to catch a glimpse of the LA nightlife. Being a Thursday night, I didn't think it would get very crowded. But I guess that was just me being my usual old fart self. Although we arrived to an empty club around 10:30, I found myself swarmed by a very loud and drunken bunch by midnight. I enjoyed the variety of patrons, even though there were a few token douches and douchettes. But what else can be expected at a Hollywood club?
The music played was your usual radio hip hop/pop...not especially impressive but still fun with enough alcohol running through your system. The "indoor" smoking patio is pretty pimp, though I don't like the fact that there is no seating area, unless you're ready to pull out some fat cash. In hindsight, it may have been a good idea though, considering the $800 bill that was paid.
Yeah, make it rain. -
Review from Jacqueline C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2007
Pretty cool how Area decided to instate some kind of equal opportunity clause in their door policy that ensures the entry of every subhuman ugly and regular ugly person in L.A.
I went here a month ago and watched ugly people hook up with even uglier people. I guess I can chalk this situation up to what I usually chalk visually terrifying sights up to- blindness and aliens (read: illegal).
But don't get me wrong, my undervalued fans on yelp, I am not trying to trash the blind or anything..I mean I love golden retrievers just as much as they do.. But there is just no way I can spend the whole night with a group of people whom are unable to appreciate my face.. Let alone my hot rod bod. -
Review from Sara K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2009 3 photos
I went Monday night for Lollipop Mondays for a birthday party for Tank (R&B singer) and one of the actresses from "Girlfriends".
Door: No problem at the door because 1) I arrived with 2 of my beautiful friends and one of the promoters (Thanks for the invite Khari) and 2) We got there early (meaning 10:30ish=dead). Though we got there while it was the calm before the storm, it was good to be able to chat and booze it up before the party got packed at 11:30ish (and it was indeed packed by then).
Drinks: Pricey. I think I dropped $60 for my favs (3 Grey Goose/ cran and 3 Patron shots--yes I am a bit of an alcoholic HA HA HA).
Music: Usual Hip Hop stuff with a surprise performance by Tank. Tierra Marie even sang HBD to Tank. So basically, we got a free concert.
Crowd: Majority black, but there was a nice mix of others. Lots of girls so guys that's a plus for you. And I know I usually complain about the eye candy selection, but I was pleasantly surprised since there were some cuties in the vicinity ;)
Venue: If you get there before it gets packed, you can appreciate the ambiance and simple yet modern decor. The dance floor isn't that big so unless you hold down the center, you'll be two stepping in the line of traffic.
Parking: I lucked up and found free parking across the street, but last time I was here, I paid $20 for valet.
Overall, I had a great time. There was a great vibe (besides the drunk chicks spilling drinks all over the place...had to take away a star for that). I just wish this place was bigger! -
Review from Jinra I.
Anaheim, CA
12/29/2008
Area is simply your run-o-the-mill Hollywood club, complete with all the proper Hollywood accouterments. Of course there's a $20 valet, of course you will wait in line unless you don't have reservations or aren't on the list, of course you can only sit down unless you can afford it or you can successfully charm your way into a seat and of course drinks are not cheap. Overall, just a standard Hollywood club. I'd only recommend it if you've desired to have this sort of experience at least once, you're just DYING to burn some extra cash or you wanted to guarantee a decent time to someone from out of town.
OR if you have yellow fever, because on Saturday nights -- this place is super infected. -
Review from TheDancingChef C.
Studio City, CA
2/1/2007
Love Love Love Area It's the spot to be if you want to have a great time on Mondays or Thursdays.....
So I'm getting ready to mash out last Thursday and I get a call from my homey Kevin Federline (we don't call him K-fed) and yes I know what you're thinking but it's not true he's good people. But anyway the call was about a party he's having at Area for his Super bowl commercial that he just completed. Well I was going to AREA anyway but this just made it better.
If you're ever going to Area on a Thursday night and you don't have a hook up to get in I strongly advise not to go because it won't be worth your time....
Brent Bolthouse gatekeeper Jennifer doesn't care if you're the hottest girl with the biggest tits or if you work for Interscope records hip hop music division. And it doesn't matter if you know the owners or the architect it just doesn't matter.
Fortunately I know a few peeps in the Bolthouse camp that allow me to walk right in when i want. Yea I know lucky me.
When you walk in the huge Oak doors you immediately see all of this white leather and the DJ to your left which is usually Samantha Ronson on Thursday night. The dancefloor is always packed with gorgeous girls dancing "offbeat" but they still look good.
When my crew takes the dance floor it steps the club up to a whole different type of energy. We love to roll into clubs and set the dancing off in a high energy way.
Walking straight back I see Kevin's VIP table in the upper section and I squeeze in between the 20 plus girls that are packed at the table and give my longtime friend a hug and we sit and chill for a bit and talk about life and times of living in Hollywood. But after awhile I get tired of sitting and return to the dance floor to get some flirt time in as I like to call it.
It's amazing how many girls will attack you on the dance floor when you have rhythm and you're wearing a nice pair of jeans.
Needless to say Area is A1 in my book and if you're not doing anything tomorrow night I recommend highly that you go. Trust me you'll see me on the dance floor. -
Review from Gilbert P.
Torrance, CA
4/12/2009
I really, honestly, truly do not enjoy clubbing, but I got a bunch of my friends to go here for my 23rd birthday (because clubbing is the easy answer for a plan of action.) I was a bit turned off by the idea of going to a relatively new club, but MAN OH MAN, my experience has changed my views.
I spoke with a VIP table coordinator Ashley-Noel and she is a total SWEETHEART! She was helpful, personable, and she even hooked it up with a good deal! (I got bottle service for 2 bottles which entitles me to 10 guests, but she let me bring in 17 of my closest friends -- no extra charge!) I also got a free glass of champagne also at no extra charge! I wasn't really into the Friday night crowd, but it was my night to be had so I drank up some Patron and Goose and danced the night away.
The club is a bit upscale, so the tab was EXPENSIVE; but you can't put a price on a good time. I felt very VIP. In fact Ashley-Noel even came to check up on my group, which is very sweet of her.
Great job, Area. You guys throw one hell of a 23rd birthday party!Listed in: Hollyhood
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Review from Ti B.
3/26/2007
Oh my gosh, did I love this place!! We got there kind of early and my girl Connie and I danced to funk music on the empty dance floor. The dance floor is a white lit square with intelligent lighting above.
When the music shifted to hip hop the dance floor packed out with fabulous drunkies flailing their bodies to and fro....a sight for sore eyes, my dear.
The DJ was soooo fun, he played all the best of top 40s from the last 3 years. My girls were happy and my booty was pleased. :)
Definitely a fabulous place, so gorgeous....I am definitely in the next time we get an invite.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Lee L.
9/29/2008
The venue itself is really nice. Glass walls, sleek looking bars, really nice table area w/ an open ceiling.
I went on a Saturday night which happens to be wall-to-wall Asian night. The music was pretty good, top 40, hip-hop, some 80's mixed in. I just wish the crowd was a little more mixed, I guess I'll have to try it out on another night.
We got in w/ no wait and no cover, but I think it's $20 if you're not on a list or know someone. I wouldn't have paid to come here. Not worth it esp with the $20 valet charge or walking like 6 blocks if you want to find street parking.
Drinks were decent, but $$$. Average $10, even for a beer.
If you have no other options on a Saturday night and want to fight your way through a crowded dance floor full of guys that you can look over their heads, this is the place to be.
I made the best of it, but won't be coming here often. -
Review from Panthea J.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2008
Slipped in during pre-NYE Saturday night courtesy of local social icons with bottle service. Nice venue - think Frank Lloyd Wright on a bender - in a good way.
Reviews are all over: dance floor is intsy-bitsy/dance floor is huge, great music/music sucks, drinks are expensive/drinks are what they are for LA. Depends on the night and depends on your perspective.
Bottom line: celebrity sightings at Area are common if that's what does it for you and on any given night there might be better and there's definitely worse, but if you can't have a good time it isn't because of the club. You either need to (a) change your attitude (b) change your friends (c) change your pharmacist. If you can get at least one out of the three right you'll be fine (aim for two.) -
Review from Amy S.
6/1/2009
What the hell is wrong with this club?
Guestlist only? even for girls? I heard hella weird things about this system and it Made no sense. We came at 1am and they still we're charging 20 bux cover (for the guys) and like 10 for girls. We had a hookup so at least the girls got in free. Okay better be good right?
-Bouncers were def. high strung. way too serious. What was with the constant mag-lite searching?
-Evidently Sat. night is like asian central, Like 100 circus clowns popping into a volkswagon. Even I was scared, seeing all those faces made me scared that I was going to get lose my own face amongst everyone: Is that me? It was just hella too packed. The dance floor was like a mosh-pit.
-Drinks were really weak. Watered down drinks and at 12 bux a shot/mixer i think il pass next time. Better pre-party before u get here or bring a flask or itll take forever to get your fade on.
-The place is REALLY dark. I know it helps people look more attractive but god can they install like a black light or something? Candles on the table and a couple of strobes are not enough for a place this big.
There is always a silver lining and for Area it has to be the good music. Maybe cuz it was the last hour, but they played a really good mix.
This place isnt a bad club. Just seems too high-strung (too many rules)for just a whatevers place. -
Review from Melissa L.
South Pasadena, CA
9/26/2009
If you want to spend an hour to get ready, half an hour driving, an hour waiting, and three hours getting elbowed and pushed around...this is the place to be!!!
This is the place where all of your clubbing horrors can come true. All in one place! Like everyone else said, there is no line, there is just the push to the front of a crowd. Even though we had a table, we still had to wait for the promotors to get their act together. When I say get their act together, I mean continue their conversations with one another until they reach a comfortable break point to let in a few groups before starting up again.
I had my birthday here with a large party. The girls were let in first of course. The guys had to wait outside and were told that the promotors would let in five guys every hour. Oh but if they didn't want to wait, they can pay $400 for a bottle! What a deal. They got 3 bottles out of us that night and 5 of my friends had to go home after a 2.5 hr wait.
So last Saturday I couldn't wait to relive my wonderful birthday so I got dressed up to do the entire process over again! Area did not disappoint. Hollywood is simple. You either are friends with promotors, you kiss up to them, you flirt with them, or you put down the money for a table. We chose to put up the $ and were sorely disappointed in the fabulous display of unprofessionalism.
Sign me up every Saturday, Glam!!!!!! -
Review from Kat N.
Los Angeles, CA
5/24/2007
For a "Hollywood hotspot", I was surprised by how grungy this joint was. Not that I'm a big clubber, but we had a VIP table and for the low price of $1,500 or so, we got two giant bottles of Grey Goose (mind you, the waitress didn't tell us there was a small bottle for $350 or large for $700 or so, so of course she brought out the large ones, greedy skeezer.) Not that I should talk since the bill was taken care of, I'm just being Asian.
Anyway, the floors were completely filthy, with mucky liquid and wadded up napkins strewn across. I didn't find it chic or posh at all. And there's something about the too-cool but trying so hard to look detached and apathetic vibe that almost made me long for a coug bar in Newport. Almost. -
Review from Suzy W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2009
If you're up for faux exclusivity, disorganized "lines", and a wide range of mostly terrible music, this is your place.
There is a 30 minute wait for the restrooms (at least for girls), and parking is $20. -
Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/16/2007
Beautiful decor, really nice, huge space, white leather couches, white candles and lanterns, wide open, glass walls and white marble floors. The music is funk, not quite hip hop and some old school. The DJ played several Michael Jackson tunes, including Rock with You, and also scratches the records from time to time.
Love the decor, the con is the sound system doesn't sound top notch. Plus there are several places with a step and it's bothersome cause it's difficult to see. I was careful but I saw several people stumble. Not a great idea for a dimly lit dance club that serves drinks. The peeps wear jeans, knee high boots and a few baseball caps. The waitresses all wear black with white knee high boots. Thursday night, though not my scene early on and later as well, a few showy dancers do flips and handstands, etc.
Ethnic crowd, quite mixed, cool vibe, happening scene, one of the best clubs around at the moment, $20 cover. There are two bars and it wasn't difficult to get a drink. $25 minimum to keep an open tab. Most tables, though not all were reserved for groups that have bottles. The peeps, and the place still looking good at closing time. Three and a half stars rounded up for the decor.Listed in: Dance & Music Related
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Review from Janet C.
San Gabriel, CA
6/1/2009 2 photos
Came here on a Saturday (asian night) and my group was on the guest list. I know that people on the "list" still have to wait in line, but the club promoter was a complete douche about it. Also, don't bother getting that dressed up because the crowd isn't worth impressing. the music was weak and the dj must've played Black Eyed Peas' boom boom pow six times that night (AT LEAST). No kidding.
The music was too slow and it was way too bright in there. I don't want to see everyone's faces. Part of the fun is that people become better looking with dim lighting. And the bouncers/ club promoters/ bartenders kept walking through the dance floor with their blinding flashlights every few minutes. It was RIDICK.
We found parking on the street, so that was nice.
They should've had one of those 'must be at least this tall to enter' signs at the door because i swear, half the guys were 5'4 and under. It was pretty bad. What did I get myself into? They were playing music from 5 years ago. They seriously needed some better tunes.
$15 for guys. Free for girls on the guestlist. I've been to worse, but this was pretty terrible. I definitely wouldn't come back. -
Review from Cat T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2008
Okay... if you're there on a night that isn't asian nite... stay and have fun... it's a nice big (ish) venue...
But... when I was trying to show my girlfriend around town and forgetting how many people are out on a saturday night...
i end up here cuz it's the only place NOT at capacity...
well we went through the front doors and...
landed in a sea of asians!!!!
we grabbed our life vests... jumped out of the water... and jumped in our lifeboat and high tailed it out of there soooo fast...
phew! -
Review from Diana W.
2/28/2009
Apparently this was THE club to be at and now all the Asians have invaded it. It's club cycle it almost done.
Speaking strictly on decor, I like it. It's sleek and modern but personally, it's a little too small. It looks more suitable to be a lounge, it's not big enough to be a club.
That being said, it's ALWAYS crowded. Getting in is a bitch and a half. Even when you're on the VIP guest list, they give you so much shit it's ridiculous.
Essentially, all clubs are kind of the same. Just come here before the popularity fades away -
Review from Ali Randall W.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/31/2009
Area still wishes it could party like it was 2006 or 2007. Like most gilded things in Hollywood, Area will soon become a faint whisper of the Hollywood club heyday and the SBE group will repackage the goods and sell it as the next hot venue. Hollywood's anorexic and beautiful once ran with abandon here. Not so much anymore.
Clearly, they don't care about exclusivity these days. Gone are the huge throngs of sexed up guys and gals hoping to make eye contact with the bouncers. Now, you get there, get in, pay. The crowd is a mix of college, post-college, with a small sampling of the old and skeevy. The cocktail waitresses look unmemorable and vacuous as they wave sparklers and dance ontop of couches-- I'd save my money for bottle service elsewhere. I've always loved the Palm Springs style decor (reminiscent of the Parker Palm Springs, designed by Jonathan Adler) and I feel that Area is a good balance of dance club and lounge environment. Drinks are on the weaker, tartier side and run around $13. $20 valet. A taco truck is usually seen perched at the exit of the club to feed your 2AM cravings. -
Review from Steve M.
Hollywood, CA
7/15/2007
Id like to preface this as saying I am writing this right after getting home from AREA...like 5 minutes ago.... I really wanted to write this as soon as I got home. This yelp site is warping my brain.
If you like to go to area...I guess you are between the ages of 18-24. I didn't see anyone above 24 here. I am 28...and I went with a huge group of 23-26ers birthdaystyle our friend works here style and got in VIPs no wait no pay player style..so I am the matriarch if you will..and I guess getting in Free on a Saturday night and not waiting is pretty nice.
Here is what we have got. Lots of girls here. Do they even let guys in? It was like 15 to 1 girl ratio. Awesome right?...well...if your 23 and a guy..Yes. But if you 28 and a been there done that guy...its pretty boring. Don't get me wrong. Im still Playerhollarinatchastyleeverygirlshittingonmestyle ...but......Yes we did bump elbows with Paris Hilton at the ATM next to the bathroom.....but really..who cares. Id rather hang out at the Griddle(But not with Judy W.) with the 45 minute wait with my new online Yelp friends.
I actually liked the club setup. And yes I really did have a good time here...BUT. If I wasn't with some beautiful and lovely women I know...and great guy friends...it would have been pretty average. How many times can you get hit on by the same girls? If you need a club with zero substance..this is it. Lightheads everywhere...12 dollar drinks...
One positive is the music. Seriously..they played Jay-z's "Imaginary Player" from In My lifetime Vol I. In my whole life..besides my roommates DJ'ing at college clubs..have never heard this B side song at a club. They shoulda' played "who you wit' II" A+++++++
Jay-z - Imaginary Player Lyrics
I spit that other shit
That's the nice motherfucker shit
Fed time follow me around, deep cover shit nigga
You beer money, I'm all year money
I'm popping, you ain't got to count it, it's all there money
I never change money 'cause niggas got strange money
Knocked up, marked up, fucked up in the game money
I got bail money, XXL money
You got flash now, one time we'll reveal money
I spit the hottest shit, you need it I got it shit
That down South Master P, Bout It Bout It shit
I got blood money, straight up thug money
That brown paper bag under your mattress drug money
You got show dough, little to no dough
Sell a bunch of records and you still owe dough
I got 900 and 96 plus 4 more dough
You crazy, you full gazy, and loco with dough papo
And now you got these young cats acting like they slung cats
All in they dumb rap, talking about how they funds stack
When I see them in the street, I don't see none of that
Bad playboy, where the fuck is the hummer at?
Where is all the ice with all the platinum under that?
Those ain't rolex diamonds, what the fuck you done to that?
Y'all rapping-ass niggas, y'all funny to me
Selling records, being you but still you want to be me
I guess for every buck you make it's like a hundred for me
And still you running around thinking you got something on me
But I done did it
And y'all want to take my flow, and run with it
That's cool, I was the first one with it
Original, jiggas the future flow digital
Still busting a gat when she gets critical
Sit it down, I don't want y'all to get it confused
I rip it down, like I ain't got nothing to lose -
Review from K D.
Orange County, CA
Updated - 5/11/2009
The music has gotten better (at least on Saturday night.) Less crazy mashups and plays more current chart topping music.
Bottle service has changed slightly as now they make the chic bringing out your bottle dance for you a little bit with one of those Sparklers she's holding in the air. Too bad she doesn't take off some clothes or anything. =/
They also had that Don Chow's Truck parked strategically outside the exit door so you had to come eat it. I'll review that later.
It's getting better.
I still wouldn't recommend coming here unless you know a promoter or get bottle service.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2008
I'm going to try to stick this review to the venue and the venue only. NOT the promoters because… Read more »
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Review from lauren j.
8/16/2007
After all the hype from The Hills (its my guilty pleasure okay?), i came here with a bunch of my friends, both girls and guys. It was an Asian production company throwing it that night, so my opinion may be a little skewed. We had a table reserved that night, but were told that we had too many people and our table was already given away. however, miraculously a table opened up within the next 15 minutes- but the new deal was that we needed to get FOUR bottles (at about $400 each). Reluctantly we gave in, figuring since we drove all the way from the OC we might as well just do it.
Let me tell you..the venue was terribly disappointing. Dirty ripped white couches, wet floors with soggy napkins, very low ceilings, no ventilation, drunk people everywhere. UGH. i was disguisted the moment I got in.
I always judge how nice a club is by their bathrooms....I've seen some 5 star bathrooms in my years. However, the bathroom's at Area are like high school gym stalls. NOT impressed.
Save your time and money. Go to Boulevard 3 instead. -
Review from Gina T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/3/2009
Area should not be considered a real club. The decor inside is bad. The crowd sucks. The music isnt that great either. If Sam Nazarian is supposed to be the "King" of nightlife in Los Angeles, why can't he run a club the way its supposed to be?
Some improvements would be to raise the ceilings, change the decor to something more classy, and get a better DJ as soon as possible!
Even the bouncers know that Area sucks.
I've been to way better clubs and Area doesn't even come close to the standard. -
Review from Natalie T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2008
This was my second time coming here. The first time I wasn't too excited about because the dj totally sucked! No mixing at all and it was too hot.
The second time being here, it was way OVERLY crowded! Like extremely crowded. The drinks were pretty good though and weren't too expensive. It was too hot inside like they didn't have any ac on at all. -
Review from Lily J.
4/6/2009
4.5
I'm into night clubs but if I was I would go here all of the time.
One of the best dance clubs in LA, it's nice and clean, modern and fun.
I like it here best Sundays (Gay night) since the crowd is less sleazy and the music is better.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from JayChan H.
Beverly Hills, CA
5/10/2008
Forty bucks to park!?
Kiss my entire ass AREA!
The door is rude beyond belief and to make us wait for an hour and a half when the club is near empty....... WTF!
Nice decor and sweet bartendress get five stars but the rest of the staff isn't worth the powder to blow themselves up.
This is a good Area of LA to avoid if you hate pretentious pricks. -
Review from Joanne L.
Burlingame, CA
9/22/2008
I came on a Saturday night which happened to be ASIAN night and damn, it was crazily packed with Asians. It's not that I mind partying with my people but I appreciate some diversity. My friends got a table that night which turned out to be a smart decision since they were being douches about letting people in. Bottle service wasn't too bad but at 1:00am when we told them we weren't ordering anymore, they cleared our table and moved us out to save space for someone else. WTF? There are only 30 min left until closing but whatever. The space isn't very big and is more lounge-y which I like. It's not as ghetto as Republic across the street. Music wasn't too bad and no creepers either. I want to try coming on a non-Saturday night since I heard it's better. I was a happy girl that night and very satisfied. just hate that there is never any parking in westho and the valet here is ridiculous
oh yeah, the big plus here was the amazing AC. yes, it was AMAZING. -
Review from Danielle C.
San Diego, CA
7/31/2007
Not a problem getting in if your hot
The Dj kicked ass except the dance floor was small
Drinks were cheaper then they are in NY, however the crowds were about the same.. its a trendy place..shouldn't have expected anything else.
I was a huge fan of this place until 1 in the morning hit and it got way too crowded. Also wasn't a fan of the plastics with their 70 and over sugar daddy's.. i got disgusted and had to leave. blah!
star sighting - Blonde dude from 90210, Steven from real world las vegas, Crystal (playmate), Tom Brady.. oh chea ;)
Sky* -
Review from Jackie C.
San Diego, CA
9/29/2008
Pretty typical club except for the fact that on Saturday night the crowd is literally almost all Asian. I would say about 95%. I didn't mind because I always hang out with Asians (I went to UCSD for undergrad after all) and I didn't notice anyone giving me funny looks for being one of the only non-Asians although I was one of the tallest people in the club. I did notice that a lot of them wear black (especially the guys) so you may not want to wear, like, a bright red dress unless you really want to stand out.
We had the typical drama of having to prove that we were worthy to get in. As others have mentioned there is no line, just a big ol' crowd in front, so navigating it was a little tricky. But we got in pretty quickly because we were on the guest list and my friend told the doorman that one of us really had to use the restroom. It was true, but this could be a good trick to remember in the future, lol.
We actually had bottle service but our group was bigger than it was supposed to be for it (I think we were only supposed to have 5 people), so that's why some of us didn't go in through the special bottle service line. The bottle service was nice but of course way overpriced. They gave us several different bottles of juice and soda to go with our Gray Goose and did a good job of keeping them refilled.
The club looks nice; the decor is modern and chic. The club is a little small and crowded but it wasn't unbearable. Fortunately the AC is good. A lot of people were on the dance floor. I liked the music they played, mainly lots of popular stuff you hear on the radio and some classic stuff. I'm not a music snob, I just like music you can dance too. Pickier people might not like it.
Overall, decent place. I had fun. -
Review from Dave M.
Malibu, CA
8/23/2007
Watch your credit cards! Had 2 drinks + tip spent about 30$ wasnt there but an hour, checked my account next day and the bartender decided to give himself a pretty nice tip (guess he thought he deserved more... he didn't) and found over $100 charged to my account from Area.
Hey Area management- It's called credit fraud... you know...STEALING.
Hang on to your receipts from place. -
Review from Donna Z.
5/6/2007
Disclaimer: never actually went in, but now, don't want to.
Went here on a Thursday night with a couple girlfriends. We were told it would be a few minutes before we'd be lucky enough to get ushered up the steps and past the ever-present velvet ropes. Forty-five minutes later, annoyed and freezing our asses off in our skimpy but hot duds, we began to gear up to walk away....
Then, who pops out of a limo but Brandy! Not the drink *I wish* but the has-been r&b singer. She jumped out just long enough to pose with a friend for the paparazzi then headed back into her limo. That made us sick and we quickly left. But hey, at least she wasn't behind the wheel...we all know how that ends up.
Go somewhere else if you are used to getting in without much trouble (try Skybar, it's amazing!)Listed in: Ummm.....No., LaLa Land...
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Review from Arianne N.
Newport Beach, CA
9/13/2009
I went here on a Saturday night for a birthday shindig. Valet was $20, entrance ended up being $15. I guess when you get bottle service they only allow five people to enter for free. Everyone else in the group got shafted. Irritating since my friend reassured me that since I was put on the guest list, I'd get in for free before eleven.
I thought it was weird that there wasn't an actual line to get in. You just kind of stand there in clumps and the guys guarding the door look you up and down before letting you in. I know the place isn't really considered to be cool anymore, but it surprised me how old the place felt. I know the decor was part of the reason, but for example.. the bathroom smelled old and gross. I'm sure the girl yacking in the stall next to mine didn't help in lessening offensive odors. I don't know if it's a Saturday night theme, but there were so so many Asians! Kind of takes your breath away, lol.
