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Categories: Dance Clubs, Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown
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First, this place is B rated, which means I can't enjoy much more than their ambiance, so luckily there was a burlesque show last night, and I got to enjoy their "ambiance."
My favorite was the Irish girl that drank Guiness and went wild...funny, sexy, etc. I think her name is Holly Rocket or something like that.
Bring the rating up guys, and I'll buy more than bottled water!
I wasn't sure whether to go with a 2 or a 3 rating here, for reasons you will see, but I am nice, so I am going with a 3. Went on a date night here hoping for lots of mood lighting, nice sexy ambiance, and we did get the red mood lighting, love the atmosphere of the place...all chandeliers and huge gilt mirrors and brocade couches...the only HUGE bummer being that ALL couches and seating areas are reserved. When a guy working there came over to tell us that it was reserved where we were sitting (yeah, we were being rebels) I asked him if there was any place there that wasn't reserved (with a slight attitude, yes) he said No. LAME! Minus tons of points there. Not cool, Bordello.
We both ordered gimlets (going for the retro flavor), and the bartender wasn't over friendly, but serviceable. It was good. The 2nd bartender made crappy drinks. We re-ordered the drinks because they were so bad, and he sucked at making them the 2nd time. Get better bartenders, Bordello.
Since there is no where to sit and chat, we decide to go up onto the small balcony along the edge of the room. The band comes on, and is actually really good. We enjoy the music and make our own dance floor on the balcony. (Thanks, Vodka!) All in all, good times were had, but I don't know that we would go here again. It's too bad, because the place has such potential...
It's a little strange writing a review for Bordello as I do co-produce the monthly burlesque show PEEPSHOW MENAGERIE which takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at this club. Still, I have to say as we now enter our 16th month of doing our show there, there is a reason why we keep coming back - and our fans keep coming back with us. The place is GREAT!
Imagine if YOU had the ability to put on a show in a place decorated as if it's a not-so-distant cousin of The Madonna Inn...or even SEE a show in a place that looks like it was designed by the creator of that same roadside attraction!
When you walk into the place, it almost feels like you had just slipped on some red tinted sunglasses. The place is RED and is very serious about being red (with gold sprinkled about here and there that reflect...RED). The bar is decorative with a staff that are always nice and simple to get your drinks from (hey, we drink too!). There's also a nice little room to get away from both the bar and stage area with very nice seats...
But the stage... Now THAT'S what caught our eye in the first place. It's very hard to properly describe. I feels like a set piece out of the film Moulin Rouge. And if my count is correct, there are 13 black chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Thirteen Black Chandeliers!!! It's hard to imagine this kind of place just nestled next to little Tokyo. It just feels...hidden. More on that below.
Ok, do I have my own personal complaints, sure. It is highly recommended that you go to Bordello's website for MUCH BETTER directions than Mapquest and Yahoo Maps will give you as there is constant construction on a nearby bridge that makes directions from that direction impossible (in fact my personal GPS would not give up trying to send me over that bridge no matter what direction I tried to turn).
It's also in a part of Downtown L.A. that nobody really thinks of going to. It took a while for people to adjust to this new club opening up here, but it did help that it was a popular restaurant and concert venue before it became Bordello. Sure it's just 10 minutes from Silverlake, but the neighborhood is QUIET. I've only ever seen one homeless man there at that. But the upside that comes with that is that I've never felt unsafe walking to and from my car at night there. I read a review below that states it perfectly. Once you get to the place, you'll never forget how to get there. It's actually pretty simple. Mapquest's directions just make it hard.
Ok, my last complaint, and they've heard it from me a million times... I really wish they would replace the "Little Pedro's" sign out there with a sign that said "Bordello" (or at least a big red B). That would help people finding the venue a bit easier, and we wouldn't have to say "formerly Little Pedro's" in our flyers and posters. That being said, as long as people KNOW that the place used to be called "Little Pedro's", it's pretty easy to see the sign off of 1st street. Not really a lot to complain about and I've certainly had my real complaints about other clubs I've produced shows in.
As for the food, I have only taken a few bites of my friend's food that they ordered there and it as pretty good, but I would see if any of the reviews below cover the food better as I have never had enough to judge. Mind you, I don't think most people would come to this place to eat, but it's nice to know it's there AND that it seems actually edible.
Other shows I recommend at Bordello that you may not have heard of (but should have) are VICTORY VARIETY HOUR (another burlesque show that is SO much more than just another burlesque show), HAUNTED HOUSE AU-GO-GO (for the best in garage rock with a spooky theme every month) and the criminally under-advertised CAMP BURLESQUE which features a rotation of lounge, exotica, and garage bands like The Martini Kings and The Del Reys.
All in all, I am very proud to have our show at Bordello every month. They really take care of us and our extravagantly themed shows, but more importantly they take care of our audience and I don't think the smiles we see every night would be as wide if it weren't for this great venue.
I highly recommend stopping in for a show and a drink...and hey, if that show happens to be ours...well, even better. But whatever show you go to, DEFINITELY check out this club!
This is one of my favorite spots in LA. I usually run down for ska or rockabilly shows and when Joey Altruda's Rocksteady Allstars were playing I was a regular fixture. It's one of the few places in LA where I can wear one of my fancier cocktail dresses while I hang out with hipster dudes in jeans and mountain man beards and not feel out of place. You will definitely see a large mix of people here and the DJs can sometimes play some interesting tunes that don't quite mix with the live music but I just chalk that up to adding to the diversity of the place.
If it's your first time going you may want to mapquest directions just in case although now that the construction is done it's easier to get to than before. Parking is usually available on the street and I've never had to park more than a block away.
My only complaint which really can't qualify as a complaint since it is completely out of their control is that there are no spots to eat within walking distance. Not even a bacon wrapped hot dog lady. Nothing. If you want something to eat you pretty much need to call it a night. They say they have food but I think this mythic food they speak of is off with unicorns and leprechauns because I've never seen it.
I've had a love affair with Bordello on Friday nights for the past year, and while it's not quite as strong as it was when I first started going, I always have a blast when I come here.
This place is not super hard to find as some people state, as it's only a couple of blocks over from Little Tokyo. Just make sure you don't go over the bridge and you're good. There's valet parking for $10.00, although I noticed it hasn't been offered the nights I went recently. Street parking can be a little bit of a pain but I feel totally safe wandering about that part of town since there's a police station in the area.
Cover is $10.00, usually half price if you go after 11:30 or midnight. Arrive before 10pm if you want to avoid the cover or get on a guest list for $5 entrance.
Drinks are reasonably priced, but there can sometimes be a long wait at the bar. Speaking of drinks, I've never had a weak one here, which has contributed to SEVERAL hazy nights of straight up GOOD TIMES.
The decor is stunning and definitely sets the mood for a seductive night out. A huge plus is that there are tons of places to sit and chill when you need a break from dancing or to take in the burlesque shows, which are always awesome and very creative!
The only thing that saddens me is that it seems like the music has gotten way less alternative over the past year. The first time I went, the DJ played tons of 80s with a splash of punk and indie. Now it's more Rock en Espanol and house music...I guess it depends on the crowd the night you go but I wish they'd play more 80s.
The first time I came came here was when it was "Little Pedros" to see my ex's friends band perform. It was fun, although finding parking was hell!
Now it's Bordello and I adore this place. From the Rococo decor which I love it is one of my favorite periods in history after all, the beautiful art, furniture, & black chandeliers... it really sets the atmosphere as very darkly romantic...., but you are at a bar.
The waitress that took care of us was an absolute doll. Good drinks decent pour.
I always have fun when I come here and if I lived closer I would defiantly go more often.
And if you weren't aware... it does have a notorious past the location was indeed a brothel!
Came here on a Sunday a couple weeks ago to see a burlesque show. My friend invited me and he had reserved a table inside near the stage-- which I believe you must pay for in advance as a substitute for the cover charge. The decor is kinda cool-- a little more run down than what the website suggests. The drinks are decently priced and pretty strong, but they weren't the best made cocktails. I had a gimlet that was way too limey. The burlesque show was pretty fun-- not the sexiest show I've seen, but that was probably due to the fact I was fixated on the runners in their tights. If there wasn't a cover charge, I would come back here again.
Hard to find, but once you are in, yay, what a bad ass little spot this is.
If a club could ever be the hottest one night stand you've ever had, I think Bordello could be it. The lighting is hot and so sexy, the decor is spot on and grab you by the back hair delightful, the drinks are enough to slap you on your ass and well, yeah, I would maybe even call it 3 days later... if I remembered its name ;)
All in all, a definite place to put on your "hit it" list.
A few updates, I have been getting many calls from people looking for more info on the web so I figured I would send an update-
Anyone looking for info for Society (the last Saturday of the month) here is a cool write up on the event and Bordello:
http://www.nightclub.c...
Sundays are Harlow Gold and here is some info:
http://losangeles.metr...
And lastly our notorious Friday nights:
http://losangeles.metr...
Feel free to contact me for any additional information, see you Friday at Bordello!
Fellow yelpers, tonight is Bordello Fridays' ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY and if you are interested in… Read more »
"HARLOW GOLD"
Sunday Nights is truly Burlesque at it's finest ~~~ 5 PROFESSIONAL dancers givin' it all they got !!! A wonderful time in an excellent bar ..... do yourself a favor.... bring tons of friends and GET DOWN!!!
Hi everyone!
Bordello now features a new full-length burlesque show entitled Harlow Gold on Sunday nights, beginning September 6. Here's the link to one writer's review of the new night: http://andyk.squarespa.... If you've never been to Bordello, this is a night to check out. Also, please see my prior post for more information about the venue, including reservation information, location, parking, etc.
Hope to see you soon!
Hi everyone!
I am an employee at Bordello Bar and want to share some updated information with you!
1)…
Read more »
Welp, this place was pretty much what I expected. After driving around L.A. trying to find this place, we eventually stumbled upon a signless establishment with people smoking out front (and that's how you know you've reached your destination.)
The place didn't disappoint. I stepped inside and was lost in a sea of dark shadows and crimson illumination. It was a fairly good size for a bar and I was greeted with the sonic caucophony of some Velvet Revolver-sounding band playing on stage. Looking around, it dawned on me that Dracula must've been the interior designer. There were Victorian inspired drapings, curtains and chandeliers and the furniture was of the same influence. Everything was either black or red and with trims of gold. So the place gets an A+ in looking like a vampiric venue for bloodsuckers to party. The place gets an A++ for having some of the most attractive bartenders workin' the place. Of course, the lady bartender had the obligatory corset showcasing her bust and some fishnet stockings, makin' men pop boners across the floor.
The drinks itself weren't that bad. Cocktails seemed to come out to $8 which ain't too bad for L.A. The only downside was paying $13 to get in and sitting through a lame band and watching a not-so-appealing, not-so-burlesque strip tease. I don't know about you, but I'm getting kind of tired of alternative sexuality (i.e. tattoos, breast implants, fish nets, pasties etc.), so essentially I just ignored it all and ordered about 3 more gin n' tonics.
All in all, it's definitely a great place to party. Different from all the Hollywood Blvd and Sunset trash and far from it all too. Of all the Transylvanian comparisons, this place does not suck. Get it? See what I did there?
This show is AWESOME! I love going to the burlesque show on Sunday nights (maybe Thursdays too?) because the dancers are super sexy but very classy and artistic. They work hard to look beautiful and seductive, but also old-fashioned and ultra-feminine. The club is nice, there's always a lot of on-street parking, and you can hang out, see some sexy girls, scream your head off, go smoke and just relax. I highly recommend this experience- the dancers are adorable!
went for the first time recently to see the sunday night burlesque show, and was pleasantly surprised by this sexy little juke joint i'd never heard of before. it's a nightmare to find due to all those one-way and dead-end streets downtown, but if you do it once, it makes perfect sense the next time. (my advice: go south on alameda (past union station), east on 1st, go left at 2nd light and boom, you're there).
so yeah - it was très david lynch meets a french cat house, all red velvet that looked like it had been rubbed on a bit too much. my kinda place.
and the show was smokin' hot - those girls can dance. and who knew whipping a hula hoop around the neck could be so sexy?
my only suggestion - take a page out of the edison's notebook and give us brokeback bastards a cheap, depression-era cocktail to go with all that groovy vaudeville. it's hard out there for a pimp these days.
i'll definitely be back, though.
p.s. if you go for the show, bring cash. the bar takes credit cards, but the bouncer does not. (although i think you can book online now - maybe check out the site).
If Dracula ever did a collaboration with Victoria Secret I'm pretty sure it would look like the Bordello. Victorian furniture, black chandeliers, bar tenders in lingerie. Not to mention a stage that is beyond spectacular. Intricate detail that makes the performer feel like Nosferatu himself!
I like this place not only for their decor and reasonable drink prices, but for the fact that they always have performances here! From L.A. locals, such as Autopop!, Very Be Careful and Love Grenades to themed burlesque nights. Tthink Video game or Barbie night burlesque.
Covers can range from $5-10 depending on whose playing. Bordello is a great place to shake the stress away.
Great place to see a live show, and the parking situation for downtown was actually practical. I found a spot very easily, and it was close to the entrance. The place was very fun and the acoustics were rather good. It helped the band sound fuller and the whole place shook while they played.
The decor was very cool, as if Dracula opened a bar that he used to lure people in for an easy meal. The booths were very comfortable, and gave good views to the stage.
The bar, which i spent very little time at having come from another drinking establishment, seemed to be rather nice. they had a good selection of liquors on the wall and their bottled beer went beyond the usual bud/bud light. They had red stripe and bodingtons, which was exciting to see something different.
Ok... As I said before, maybe a little bit of burlesque would help with this... and sure enough, it did indeed.
My first encounter with the little hub was the first stop on what would be a... meeting that would make the books, but not for what happened at this bar sadly.
On nights where there is not anything going on, this bar is not on the top of my list of places to go... but it could grow on me.. as it did this week when I went to David Lynch themed burlesque night as part of a potential writing client.
Despite going solo, I have to say that I had an amazing night. This bar does not have my white Russians so I ordered my other sipping drink as I waited anxiously for the show to start.
If you are going on a burlesque night, get there early. There are very few seats available up near the front of the small stage.
It is a gorgeous little cavern with an inconspicuous exterior. If you were not looking for it, you wouldn't even know its there.
I got my drink and headed to stand near the stage. I was fortunate enough to get a seat partially into the show.
The place exudes sex, exotic and refined taste, and is a bit ghastly in its appeal. Or perhaps it was that there were half nude girls pouring out blood from their chests, dancing with bunny masks on, and coming to life after being murdered from a town called Twin Peaks.
I'm not sure any other bar that I've been to could have set the scene any better. What a great performance by all the ladies... the band that performed before was sublime as well.
I guess I have a once a month appointment now... providing the theme is as rad as this one was.
Have a secret rondevous or just watch one unfold before your eyes... but do it on a night where there's something going on or you're not giving it the chance it truly deserves to show you... just what's under its dress.
When I saw the pictures from Videogame Burlesque part 1, I was a bit bummed. It looked like such a… Read more »
Unfortunately, this ranks as one of the worst club experiences I've ever had. Let me set the scene: I'm sober, avoiding alcohol due to a bad cold, but out celebrating a good friend's bday. After a satisfying meal at wurstkuche, we (three girls) walk over to bordello. Despite the dismal 2:1 male to female ratio, we're still charged $5 cover. After 15 minutes of putting up with panzones' pathetic attempts to cop a feel as they "pass" behind us on the dance floor (read: dudes trying to grind from behind, but all I feel is gut) the bday girl goes outside to get her BF.... and disappears. The remaining two of us go out to find her, and are informed sarcastically by the bouncer that she's been kicked out. Due to his tone, I thought he was joking. Apparently not.
Now, you may think I'm writing this review because my friend got kicked out of a bar. No. She was leaning into her boyfriends car window to give him a kiss while he was still in the street, which is why they kicked her out. I can't imagine this was the best way to handle the situation, but that's not what has me upset enough to drive straight home to write this review.
No, the thing that bothers me is that when I went over to ask the bouncer to explain, unhappy but completely calm, rational, and sober, the manager got in my face. Literally. The male manager attempted to ESCALATE the situation, yelling at me, putting his hand in my face, and telling me I had to listen. Now, I don't know about you, but I have no respect for a man who will attempt to intimidate and badger a woman, especially when he has a bouncer next to him to back him up. I walked away from this situation, and from this club forever. I hope women who a) don't want to be in a club full of unfortunate-looking dudes and b) who don't think we deserve to be treated with intimidation and disrespect will join me.
I met up with a few friends here last night and we had a blast. But my rating is closer to a 3 1/2 than a 4 for the following reasons:
1. $10 cover charge- Not mad at it, but they shouldn't charge more than 5 until they get that AC fixed. I had read the previous review from one of the staff and assumed that close to a month later this issue would've been addressed. Ridiculously hot and stuffy. Ladies, leave the pants at home.
2. The burlesque show was fine. I wasn't wowed and if you want burlesque, I'd find another place unless of course it's the main attraction of the evening. Who knows it might be better.
But will I visit again? Definitely.
1. We found parking quite easily for a Friday at 11 pm. No circling around the block over and over again. Super plus. I realize I was lucky, but still worth mentioning.
2. The decor is quite great I especially loved the chandeliers.
3. The folks there quite chill and friendly and everybody was dancing and sweating. It's inevitable with only the fans working.
4. The drinks will f-you up. Although, take this lightly, I don't drink that often.
5. I really appreciated that at the end of the night I wasn't startled by bright white lights telling me it was time to head home... the red-infused lighting was enough of a nudge for everyone to make their way out of the club.
Overall, if you are looking for a venue to dance the night away. I say go here. The DJ played the killers, rock en español, journey, berlin, cumbia... it was fun to dance and sing along. On the other hand, if you are looking for a classed up, sexy burlesque venue, I'd look elsewhere, at least on Friday nights
FYI: There were definitely more women at this place than men.
This place was a pain in the ass to find. BUT when you find it, you never forget it.
HEre's a tip. IF coming from the 101N exiting Alameda, left off freeway, MAKE a left on 1st STreet..keep going......MAKE A LEFT on VIGNES ST. DO NOT CROSS THE BRIDGE!!!!! SLOW DOWN when you make that left bbs, You'll see a RED door on your right hand side..it's there, find a parking spot. Enjoy!
*tip It's across the street from a Japanese Temple.
I went to their Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Belly Dance event they were having, it was really cool. Drinks are awesome. It doesn't get too insane on a Thursday, but still cool.
Um, the people seem really nice, and social, it's easy to start talking to people, there are hipsters...there was some couple last night that was dancing all over the place.........and doing 60's type moves....
You'll feel like you're really at a Bordello, lots of red lights, awesome couches...I don't know what type they are called, cuz I'm too lazy to look it up.....but they are old very classy looking couches with a frame and arms and long legs with little flower patterns....maybe old French Roccoco style. :D
The stage is fabulous! It's like Classic looking, painted trim all over the place, and you have this huge red curtain hovering over. Very classic, and yes.....it's eye opening... I don't nkow much about interior design, so look at the pictures. :D
There is a lounge area, drink area, and dance area, you can smoke oustide. :D
The music is pretty fun, and the people are laid back enough to join in on the fun. The belly dancing was fabulous and awesome. Seriously, check it out on every 3rd Thursday, you wont be dissapointed. :D GREAT TIMES!
Check it! :D
For me, it was day & night when going from perusing the website to actually going to this venue.
The whole vibe of the website makes this place look sexy and inviting with bordello decadence, but when I finally made it there with a couple of gfs, it was a different story.
First of all, I circled the area to find the place. I know downtown and I was beating myself silly for not being able to find IT as easliy as the street parking.
There was a punk band playing so we had to pay a $13 cover. But as we walked in, the deeper we went, the more it smelled of bad sweaty bodies. It was quite suffocating as I was trying to admire the beauty of this place and enjoy the music. We ordered a round of 2 beers and wine which came to $17, so the drink prices were pretty good.
Next thing you know, I'm wondering if this place really is a brothel as some girl standing next to me trying to order a drink is shoving her pumped up cleavage against my elbow. "Should I pay you, ho?"
I definitely feel like I have to give this place a chance but they need to update their website or something so I can figure out a good night to come here. Or did I just flat out miss out on clicking on the right links?
Well, now that I know exactly where it is, I'll be game to give this place a go again and hopefully have a better and less stinky experience.
I had a lot of fun the night I came out to the place. The Burlesque show is pretty cool. The crowd is diverse and the drinks were pretty cheap but they were stiff. The way I likem.
The only cons were: no signage so it was hard to find, small cover and it was hot. I hate places that get hot and stuffy but I liked this place for some reason.
Good place to hang if you are in downtown.
Make sure to wear black or red. Nobody told me and I felt out of place wearing a blue shirt so wear black of red and you'll fit in nicely.
When you walk in you feel like this must have been what it was like to walk into a brothel a long time ago so the name bordello makes sense. Everything is dark, wood, antique or velvet.
The Burlesque show is unique and worth checking out. If you ever went to forty deuce it's very different than that show. If you have friends in from out of town I would recommend bringing them here as this is not you're typically bar or club.
Before you go print out a map of the area as a just in case, i'm good with directions and navigation and had a hard time finding it. I got there early enough (before 10pm) that I was able to park in the lot next to the club. They make a strong drink and drinks are priced reasonable for what you get.
I love the burlesque show they have there on Sunday nights - Harlow Gold. Love it so much, I've seen it 5 times. You should definitely check it out.
I don't usually write reviews, but I had to extend my excitement about the Sunday night burlesque show, Harlow Gold! Um... this show was amazing!! Usually burlesque shows to me are girls with sub-par talent using the word burlesque as a pathetic excuse to get up and take their clothes off... This was actually an entertaining show full of talent, beauty and fun!! This show is unbelievable! I can't recommend it enough! ...beautiful setting also
If you've ever dreamed about indulging in a night of debauchery as a character in a Toulouse painting, this place is for you! While Bordello opted for more vibrant reds and pinks with contrasting black accents rather than some of the more subtle, but rich neutrals you may find in Henri's French masterpieces, it elicits the same intoxicating response.
All but one of my visits (maybe 6?) to this Downtown gem were with the intention of seeing some of my favorite local bands, which are always spectacular and and have always been followed with great DJ sets.
The one night I decided to go on a whim, there happened to be a burlesque show, which I was initially excited about, but proved to be quite mediocre. This is the only burlesque show I've ever seen here, so I can't rightfully criticize the dance performances on a whole. But really, how bad can spending the evening imbibing delicious(though mildly overpriced) drinks and watching beautiful women work their magic really be? And midway through the show, Dita VonTeese showed up to watch as well*.
*Bonus Points for odd celebrity sightings.
Sometimes the place can get a bit crowded, but the crowd is always eccentric, yet polite. Make it there early and you may be able to snag one of the booths or bistro tables near the stage. There's also a smaller salon with lots of seating if you'd like to enjoy your drink and conversation without as much main-stage noise. My only complaint about the decor is regarding the bathrooms--they lack the personality the rest of the venue does, but lets hope for your sake and mine that neither of us will be spending too much time in there.
I might give Bordello a 4 1/2 star rating(if it was actually possible) if I didn't always have such a damn good time there, but every experience has been a blast, regardless of the lackluster bathroom and sub-par dancing. I'm a reasonable lady who can forgive small crimes such as these. For this, Bordello is a 5 in my book!
Oh Bordello,
you just fell short of living up to your name.
Even during a burlesque show,
I found you to be a bit too tame.
Bordello is a club full of unrealized potential. It has a nice set up. It attracts a particular type of personality. Not quite a snob. Not quite a hipster. Not quite a rocker. Rather a strange cornucopia indeed depending on the night.
This place is missing an umph, a real character. It is gorgeous with those black chandeliers and velvet textures and antiqued mirrors.
I just wish it felt more... lived in. More warm for a different reason other than it lacks a/c.
Various shows, dance floor, full bar, costumes, crazy fun decor, open-minded crowd, very downtown burner
Went to Bordellos for Wig-out http://www.myspace.com... .. it's a great bar to just let loose.
Great bar. Going there on balkan dance night rocks. The venue is well maintained and has great decorations. I have been there about 3 times now for the gypsy music nights and had a great time each visit.
I went a few Fridays ago and I have to say that the 4 stars is a 3 1/2 rounded up....I'll break it down for you
What: This bar's location is apparently the sight of the first bar downtown which at one point was a Brothel...hence the name of the bar. It's well known for its Burlesque shows.
The Pros:
1) the Decor is amazing, who doesn't love black chandeliers with pink lightbulbs?
2) the DJ spins great music- expect a mix of the Killers, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand and the latest indie anthem, no Lil' Wayne or Luda here
3) the Crowd is an eclectic mix of people. Come looking sharp but no need to overdress like you're going to WeHo or Hollywood, it's much more relaxed.
The Cons
1) The door lady....she was a bitch
2) the cover... what can I say I rarely pay cover, I believe it was 15 on Friday but we talked her down to 10
3) the Burlesque...left a lot to be desired. I'm no expert but the performers we saw were pretty bad. I'm sure their main show which I believe is on Wednesday nights is much better but whatever they got goin on Friday isn't much of a show
So if you're looking for a non-pretentious bar where you can have a moderately priced drink and dance to some indie rock, it's a good place to go, but if you're looking for a high quality performance or no cover it's a pass.
We came out to the Bordello bar when it was first known as "Little Pedros" to see a friends band perform. It was fun, although finding parking was hell! Now in days, known as Bordello, the decor is definitely what makes this place a hit. The atmosphere is very romantic, the furniture and art on the walls create a Marie Antoinette feel to it. Overall, its a cute spot if your ever in the LA area.
(If you've never been here and plan on going, I suggest you do a thorough mapquest, because it's in a very random location)
I started my night wrong by going to this place.
I was invited to a BD party, with my friend swearing to the heavens this was the spot to be at. First of all, we had to pay even though we were invited to the party... guys $10 girls $5.
The place is absolutely gorgeous, i only wish for a faster bartender and some better music.
This is totally indie/ laid back atmosphere, no one was dancing just standing around staring at each others faces waiting for the burlesque show to start.
We decided to call it a night and move on out...kinda glad that i skipped the show when i saw one of the dancers get off the bus with her skimpy outfit ready to shake her about 40sh year old tail.
Just not my cup of tea. The BD girl loves it there though, so i guess it depends on your taste.
I saw my friend's band play here once and the look inside it crazy. I looked up the website before we went to see how they operate so I expected it to look a little more different with a cooler vibe. Instead it was just another over decorated bar in Los Angeles. The stage looks cool, but I wish there were more seats in the place.
The sound people know what they are doing and the bartenders don't ignore you if you look less than the status quo. Good times.
I dunno, man. Maybe I wasn't drunk enough. The decor was BEAUTIFUL, and the staff was extremely friendly, but the clientele was meh the night I went. I'm down for a recount, but as it stands I've had better.
This place is cool. The decoration is great and the drinks are good...try a Mistress..soooo good.
The problem for me is that A. it's far B. It needs A/C and C. if you are not there early enough, good luck finding parking.
I've been here about 4 times to give it a fair chance, but it's never really impressed me.
I'll go again if a band I like is playing, but other than that I'll pass on this one.
I went to Bordello to see a live band and I have to say, for the right band it's a fun venue. Cool decor, decent sound and a nice intimate setting.
But I do have a few complaints/warnings;
1. Several places online (I do believe Yelp is one of them) list Bordello as having a restaurant. This would be a grotesque overstatement. They serve three things; French Fries, Mozzarella sticks and fried zucchini. In other words, don't go there hungry like I did. Just hit Little Tokyo right around the corner for some tasty grub beforehand though and you'll be fine.
2. There is a slightly douchey vibe depending on when you go. When I was there for the live band, the crowd started off very cool, chill, laid back at first but as the night progressed I started to feel like I was in the midst of a Hollywood douche-fest.
All in all, worth checking out but don't go hungry and be prepared to bolt as soon as the "in" crowd starts arriving.
There's something about Rococo design that just makes me melt. The dreamy, vampire den elements of style is what makes this place great.
I just went for my first time to their monthly "Society" party. If you've never been, I highly recommend going on this night, which occurs on the 4th Saturday of every month. Billy Burgess and Corey Deist do not disappoint.
Recap of Events:
Lisa D'Amato performed on stage, rapping her little heart out. I got suckered into an Rojas fashion show and met the most incredible and eccentric individuals backstage. Hot bartender, hot DJ, stiff drinks.
I left feeling alive.
Stopped by this venue on a Saturday night for a birthday which also happened to be gay night at Bordellos. First off, let me say that its ridiculous how homophobic boys can be- my male friends were clinging onto me and holding in their pee in fear that something terrifying was to happen to them if they stepped foot into the mens room. sheesh.. man up!
Although we didnt stay for very long, the drinks are strong and the interior is nicely done- has a gothic feel- complete with the candle chandeliers and rose lighting. The crowd was very hipster- (maybe its a downtown thing?)
Overall, its a decent place- except one thing. Maybe it was just that night but couldnt escape this foul odor from inside the venue... what was it? We were trying to figure it out the whole time.. horrible! we left in a record time of about, 15 minutes.
It just didn't impress me.
First of all, this place is in the middle of the L.A. Ruins. What are the L.A. Ruins, you may ask? It's what I call the area surrounding Bordello that has nothing but demolished buildings that undoubtedly have Fight Club-esque riot gangs and talking schizophrenic rats inhabiting them. Now, on the one hand, it kindofsortof goes with the theme since a brothel in the 20s would've likely been in a shady area of town... so we'll let this pass.
The night I went, I had to pay a cover charge of $10.00. Let me just say, I could've gone to a much swankier Edison or Seven Grand & not had to have payed $10.00. From what the bouncer said, it sounded like this wasn't the norm.
The place wasn't really crowded, which was a plus since it turned out to be WAYYY smaller than I thought. Ya... those pictures you see above: REALLY DECEIVING. It's cute and I love the themed decorations, but considering they're in the middle of the Ruins, they definitely have room to expand.
The bartenders were pretty cool, but the drinks were just OK.
Overall, I did have fun and enjoyed the atmosphere, but I just believe they can do so much better.
I came here for the first time for 'The Society' event which happens every fourth Saturday of the month. The lounge is located in an industrial part of the city overlooking Downtown Los Angeles. There was plenty of free parking near the venue and when we got to the door around 10 PM there wasn't any line.
When you get in, the place instantly strikes you as Bladesque. The whole room is darkly lit in a red tint with Rococo style chandeliers hanging from the roof. The place is more geared towards fostering a mingling atmosphere since there is as much space to lounge around t and talk than there is space to dance.
The music was really repetitive with a mix of lyricless electronic beats and a couple of old 80s beats interspersed throughout the playlist.
Around midnight or so, the stage was lit for a few performances. The first was a flexible duo, showing off their balancing acts. Some would be impressed by the duo's muscular physique and likewise their tight, tight silver spandex shorts. (I wasn't impressed.) The other acts were comparably interesting. I don't want to ruin the surprise.
Overall, I had an okay time. The place wasn't too crowded and the drinks were moderately below the Los Angeles lounge/ bar/ club average. If I had known what I was getting into, I might of had a better time, so my three stars rating is definitely biased on my preference.
In the future, when I go to a regular night, I'll be sure to revise my rating.
Game Night/ Happy Hour/…
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
happy hour no cover
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Nightlife
Los Angeles, CA
Category: Dive Bars
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