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Categories: Lounges, American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Toluca LakeMon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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Atmosphere is an interesting fusion of sports bar/ swanky lounge/ singles bar.
It's a little pricey for food and drinks but there are some good mixed drinks particularly for a happy hour special. It's a good place to watch a game if you aren't so into dive bars and greasy food. Decent date spot too.
Happy Hour Review!
What is it about the Burbank side of the Valley that always leads one to believe they've traveled 1,500 miles back to the Midwest and/or 10 years back in time? This is not poking fun because we really do love our hometowns and even more so, partying like it's 1999. And we know not all of the area is like this (our esthetician keeps it California contemporary just down the street), but Lucy's 51 definitely has the kitschy feeling of yesteryear's fun times with its leopard-print and otherwise goofy décor - fake frogs are posted to the ceiling (pic to the lower right)!
That said, their happy hour is pretty great. Drinks are half-off (average full price $9) from 11:30 am - 7:30 pm daily. Most appetizers are half-off from 4 - 7:30 pm on Monday - Friday. We both tried the Lenny the Lizard cocktail, which we're convinced is an adult version of the amazing Hi-C Ecto-Cooler and the calamari (good, spicy) and spinach dip with hummus (do not ask for tortilla chips, they don't have them and may instead offer you hamburger buns :).
Your best bet for Lucy's happy hour is if you're getting off work or heading home in the area and want to meet up with a friend or watch a sporting event. When we went, there was an interesting, somewhat diverse crowd, but it definitely did not seem like a place to meet potential dates, mates, etc.
Sidenote - Lucy's 51 may want to re-think their website. The content is fine and mentions the happy hour, but only through sheer ingenuity did we actually find the site - yelp links to their private myspace page.
The food is overpriced.
The drinks can be excellent.
However. I purchased a round for friends tonight. The check seemed wrong. One extra drink perhaps. Wasn't sure. I asked my friend (quietly, as to not be embarrassed) if he thought the check was right. After all, I bought the 4 person round at $43. I didn't want to make my friends feel funny if the round was correct.
The bartender, who was not being spoken to, interrupts and announces as loud as can be: "I wouldn't cheat you." To this I reply as discretely as possible, "Please lower your voice." At this, he shouts, "I'm Italian, we talk loud." Also Italian, and clearly with a few less shots to the head than this pile of meat, I reply: "I'm Italian too. I talk loud too."
I hand him $60 cash, which for the meat-head behind the bar, equals a $17 tip. This also equals a 40% tip. I say to him at this point. "How about you stop talking now and take this money. Ia m paying for the drinks and giving you $17."
He replies: "Don't tell me to 'stop talking'."
Of course, he has now invited me. So I say, "Stop talking."
He takes the money and comes around the bar, announcing that he will be throwing me out.
Nice work, asshole. I would write more, but your mother is waiting for me.
I would come here again. I liked the music and the atmosphere when I went which was on a Thursday night, if I am not mistaken. The spinach artichoke dip was tasty. My drink wasn't made properly. That's where I come to the conclusion of 3 stars. Any bartenders reading this: A purple hooter is NOT supposed to have lime juice in it. It's vodka, chambord, and sweet and sour.It's fine with triple sec even, but pass on the lime juice. Why oh why would anyone put lime or pineapple juice with a raspberry flavored liqueur is beyond me?!!!! Of course, please feel free to use more than the standard 4 count for my grey goose vodka, please!!!!
Oh, Lucy, you're always there for me when I need some Windex. No, really, the Windex is my favorite drink at Lucy's 51. It looks exactly like the cleaning solution! But for some reason, on their new and improved menu, its not listed. It had been a long time since I'd seen Lucy, and she's changed a little. I love the new booths right in front of the large, open windows. I can have the fresh breeze and sit inside at the same time. And they're covered in leopard print. Not "tacky" leopard print, mind you, but more 'refined and elegant" leopard print. And very comfy. And I like their new menu. Here's what I had:
The Windex - Although not listed, they can easily make this luscious beverage. It's a very strong martini with just an echoing of raspberry. Not sweet, but more dirty. And during Happy Hour, their martinis are $5.00 each. I had two, and that was all I needed.
House Cabernet - My dinner companion, the lively Elnora K, had this. It was very good with a bold essence.
Fried Calamari - A generous portion of breaded squid taunts me with her tentacles and two side sauces. She may be cheap, but she tastes expensive. Definitely a favorite of mine here.
Sliders - Three identical triplets of choice beef are cooked and dressed in matching outfits of the usual burger fare. We had ours cooked medium rare, and they were sinfully good.
Fries - Potatoes sedated on a prescription of seasoning and salt, these morsels accompanied the Sliders perfectly, and made for a harmonious duet.
Our server Michelle was very sweet and highly attentive-we never wanted for anything. The hostess, a charming brunette, was also really nice. I think there is valet parking, but I park on the streets available in the surrounding neighborhood. And there's a Trader Joe's across the street. There is nothing like shopping for wine after you've had a martini. Lucy, until we meet again...
I absolutely love this place - so much so that I was there twice this week , with two different… Read more »
Wow. I've been wanting to try this spot because of all the great reviews, but I now realize that most of them were from 2007 after an Yelp Elite event. Trust me... this place is not elite.
First of all, I did NOT like the decor. It's a mix between retro and bordello but the two really shouldn't be mixed. And what's with the gold plastic frogs glued to the ceiling and walls? o-O So are they a lounge???? But then they have all these plasma screens everywhere, so it's a sports bar??? I dunno. It was all a bit too cheesy for me though.
As other peeps have said, they have a large martini menu. Well my martini was NOT good. I got the French Flirt-tini: Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Raspberry Liqueur and Pineapple Juice with a Raspberry rim and cherry. It was not good. If you think it is, you need to go somewhere like Copa d'Oro and see how a true martini should taste. My friend had a Chocolate martini and it was rimmed with cinnamon graham crackers. Yep! Cinnamon graham crackers. She didn't like hers. And 10 bucks for those drinks??? No bueno.
So after that martini, I switched to something simple... a gimlet. That's a hard drink to screw up. So the waitress brings it out and it's in the TINIEST cocktail glass I have ever seen. The glass was actually smaller than the votive candle holder on the table. Seriously... IT WAS A JOKE. They HAVE to be joking! I kept calling it my "baby drink". I've never seen a cocktail glass that small. Not in Hollywood... not anywhere.
Oh and the kicker of the night is looking across the room and seeing a bull dog sitting in one of the booths and then running outside. Sorry, but isn't that against certain health codes??? No dogs in restaurants??? I love dogs 'n all, but seriously! SITTING IN THE BOOTH????
Sorry Charlie. I won't be back.
Hey Lucy, bring back your 51 martinis!
Well didn't I feel silly talking up the enormous martini menu with so many choices and such clever names, only to find out it has been whittled down to about a dozen martinis. Booo!
Granted, the food is still delicious, the ambiance is still unique, and the martinis I had were good. Unfortunately, I'm far less inclined to go out of my way to come here again.
Very cute inside with all the leopard print decor. It is a very nice local spot. They had an event the other week and i went, it was packed! The only negative was the live band was over powering with the volume. But I love live music, just wish they weren't so loud and so I could have a normal conversation. When they hit the bell for a good tip, it scares me every time! lol I am gonna have to go back and try it again when there is not a big event going on and maybe try some food also!
my friend and i decided to check this place out for a change of scene and since it had pretty good reviews on yelp. as per yelp i got the sliders and a side of sweet potato fries. OHHH EEMMM GEEE the sliders were delicious. the meat was thick and juicy and just had its natural flavors of delicious meat. it had some lettuce a slice of tomato from a tiny tomato, slice of onions from a tiny onion (i think it was a shallot) and a slice of their homemade pickle. and those sweet potato fries... yikes! we both agreed it was the best sweet potato fries that we've had so far. even better than at Granville, which we had said was the best before! the seasoning on these ones were sooo good. as my friend says "they must sprinkle it with CRACK!!!"
anyway, the whole place was pretty chill. it was a small restaurant, with almost half of it was the bar. it was dim lit with tvs everywhere playing sports. leapord print seats and gold frogs on the ceiling. sounds weird but it was a cool place. but i think they only have budlite on tap. boo. but they have fat tire in a bottle! =)
I actually really like the place. I came here to have dinner with a few friends, one of them had been here one other time before. I liked the decor inside. The people inside seemed friendly - a good crowd. The food was great! I had ordered the burger... and it was super yummy! Their sweet potato fries were amazing as well!
I'd definitely come back here again. There are other pieces from the menu that I would like to try. :)
I liked Lucy's 51 better in the past before they "remodeled." I couldn't see exactly what had been redone except that the lighting looked slightly brighter than the other times I have been there. The frogs were still stuck to the ceiling and the decor seemed to be along the same dark red and black club/lounge lines as it was before.
The fancy, fun martini menu has been seriously diminished and it seems that they no longer offer some of the best selections (like the Nuts and Berries martini). The martini I did order was tasty, but didn't blow me away. The food is overpriced for what you get. We ordered an appetizer of pita chips and artichoke dip, which cost $10. The bowl of dip was minuscule but there weren't enough pita chips to even finish eating it. That was fine with us since it wasn't great anyway.
I'd say the worst part of this place is the noise. Granted, it was a Saturday night, but we had to shout, club style, across the table at each other to even try to carry on a conversation.
The fact that they were showing the Dodgers game on the TVs behind the bar was a plus for me, but my friend was unhappy about it, because she didn't want the sports bar feel. Lucy's got another bonus from me because they played a Bjork song while we were there. I haven't heard that in any other restaurant or bar. If I could, I'd give it 2.5 stars.
Kids at Grandmas on a thursday night - YAY! We still have work tomorrow so wanted to stay close to home - unfortunatley not many options in our neighborhood so we checked out Lucy's 51 for food and drinks... Already was two drinks in by the time we got here...
Every table was full - but we were seated right away - the staff was nice and attentive...we had an appetizer, I had a salad which was awesome, and the Mister had a burger which I assume was just ok since he didnt finish the whole plate...
For having not many options, Lucy's 51 was a really fun time...not too keen on the TVs but then again I am not a sports fan...other than that the place was a really fun time. I would definitely return.
My wife and one of her girlfriends were served the DATE RAPE drug there sitting at the bar with the owner standing near by. Urine test next day proved the results. NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR WOMEN!
Went here for a low key birthday shindig on a weekday and it was pretty mellow; I like the vibe and the decor. Service is a little on the slow side but the people who work there are nice. The food is nothing to brag about, I had the chicken with sweet potato fries; quite filling for an appetizer.
I don't even know why I'm bothering to review this place, because Jackie S. said it best: "reminiscent of being trapped inside the back of someone's van."
True dat.
I only stopped in here because of the good reviews, so maybe my expectations were high. But, um, guys? This place sucks. Just because there are booths and plushiness doesn't mean there is ambiance. I do dig the plastic frogs, actually. But none of it goes together. It's weird. It's uncomfortable. It's one step up from hanging out in Denny's - it's just ... darker.
The vibe was terrible. Lots of guys hanging around the bar, not talking to each other and just ogling all the girls who walked by on their way to the bathroom. There's a whole row of big TVs, which were just one more yucky thing thrown into this hodgepodge of a décor.
Oh, and before I forget - the food was terrible. I tried to order those ravioli you guys all liked so much. They were out. Hmmmm. The waitress tried to sell us fried cheese sticks instead. Seriously? Mac and cheese tasted flat, not even passable, and was also burnt on top. I could see, squinting in the dark, that they tried to scrape the burnt part off. They think because it's deep-sea dark in here (again, Lucy, some lighting is good for "ambiance"), that people don't lay eyes on their food. But it was pretty obvious. Calamari was rubbery and flavorless.
I regretted coming here, and I regretted spending 50 bucks just to find out it was awful.
Lucy's is one of those bars that is trying a bit too hard to look like a club. Pitch black inside with a somewhat eerie red theme. Luckilly, they haven't resorted to pumping out any obnoxious club music (yet).
I came here with a few friends to celebrate a birthday, and we sat around a table that glowed bright red. Perfect for any Asians who get the glow! Service was a little slow, but our waitress was friendly. On a Saturday night, the place was almost full (not packed) and seemed a little understaffed.
This place is a bit too pretentious for my tastes...yes, I do realize that it's become a trend in Toluca Lake to try to attract hipsters with money, but Lucy's just doesn't pull off the coolness. The "no hoodie" policy is ridiculous. If I wanted to be chastized for my wardrobe, I'd head over to the truly "swanky" bar/clubs in Hollywood.
Personally, I love the decor. The service there is pretty good. The food is actually very good. The only thing I have an issue with is, on a few occasions, I went there only to be greeted with an admission fee of some sort to get in. I guess there were some bands or DJs there on particular nights. To me, first and foremost, this is a bar & grill. This is not a live entertainment venue like the Whiskey/Roxy/or House of Blues. (That's secondary) No way am I going to pay an admission fee to go in and have a drink, possibly get dinner, and listen to some artist that I didn't even know was performing at the time. (But I would and possibly discover a new artist if I wasn't charged some admission fee to get in.) I don't know if this place still practices that as I haven't run into that in some time. The funny thing was that the last time I walked away because of an admission fee, the place was pretty light and empty. You would think they would want all the business they can get.
I went here tonight to meet some old friends. The place was okay. Good color, but the 'lounge look' with the wanna-be sports bar corners, was kind of odd. I got there with the friend and we were both dressed trendy casual. The douche at the door made a point to tell my friend that he can't wear hoodies starting next weekend. (Friend's hoodie was a kenneth cole hoodie and the douche's hoodie looked like it was from target). Whatever.
The waitress was great. Took care of the table and treated us like we were the only ones there.
I wouldn't go there again for the place, only the company.
Lucy's is fabulous, especially since they remodled a bit, making their lounge area larger.
I had large party there (about 40 people). They do not charge a fee to reserve the lounge area; they only required a minimum of 20 people. They were good enough to rope it off for me and provided us with a sensational server, Tara, whom I liked so much, I wish she could have joined the party herself!
They were very accomodating of all of my friends, who all seemed to want to open their own tabs on cards (though I'd encouraged them to bring cash). This made me nervous cause I'd heard they like to do cash-only for big groups but they really didn't seem to mind.
The manager, Dale, was also exceedingly nice and attentive.
For a $10 fee, I was allowed to bring in my own cake (or cupcakes) and they served them for me, which was excellent.
The food was delicious- some of us oredered mac & cheese, fries, chicken satay, fried ravioloi-- it was all great. The watermelon mojito was a favorite among the group and I was really happy the bar wasn't holding back on pourings.
I do wish they would make it so they could open the windows when the weather is nice-- it did get warm in there.
Overall- fabulous place to hang out and perfect place for my party.
I came here for a drink with my mom during happy hour and was a little disappointed. We were out on the patio on a beautiful night so I can't comment about the inside too much. It just seemed very dark and intimate. There was a little bit of a gaudy/kitschy feel to it with black, red, and leopard print everywhere.
The food was ok. We had the spinach dip, which was a little blah and burnt on the top. The mini sliders were . . . ok . . . the sweet potato fries . . . honestly, I've had better. We were really pumped about the drinks, but according to our server, the bar was backed up and delivered our second round of drinks about 15 minutes after we had requested another round. I understand it's a new restaurant, but 15 minutes for your well on a not-so-busy happy hour around 6? Ya'll need to iron out those kinks.
I'd go back to see if they can do a little better. I'd suggest going here for a drink but just know you're getting run-of-the-mill bar food. Next time I will probably just sit at the bar. They'll probably take better care of you there instead of making you wait for your drinks.
A dash of dive and a pinch of jive... It's your neighborhood bar, only with 51 martinis.
We hit up this bar for happy-hour and it to fit quite nicely -- especially the prices ($4 bottles). The food selection is good and growing. Plus, if you want the dinner experience, there's a sit-down section. The fact that the night manager constantly does rounds, gives it a nice touch.
The atmosphere is a strange mix of lounge and sports-bar, but not in a bad way. From the golden frogs on the wall to the caged neon sign by the entrance, this place tries to scream hip. It's like the dive-bar that got a make-over.
Bottom line: This is where you go before or after a night out.
Okay...I have been here twice, but the first time doesn't count because it was part of the drunkest night in my life EVER and I don't really remember much beyond the fact that there was leopard seating in this place. And I ran into about 20% of my graduating class from high school. Not okay...
Anyway...I ventured back to this place with one of my friends the other night and it was pretty...well, I'm not sure how to describe it. Lame is a little too harsh, but it was definitely less than stellar. Basically the only good part of the night was that they do have pretty good martinis.
Besides the slow service, one of the biggest problems was the crowd. We were informed by the youngest guys there that it was a cougar bar (they quickly denied that was why they were there when I snappily threw that back at them, but I'm still doubtful) and I can kind of see that. It might be okay if you were in a crowd, but I definitely don't think this place is as amazing as some people make it out to be.
Great staff, good food, cool decor except for the way too many TV's. I go to a bar/restaurant to eat and be social, Not watch TV. It ruins the whole atmosphere.
General TIP: beware of establishments charging a minimum on credit cards! All credit card companies stipulate that if you accept their card, you must accept it for ANY amount.
Don't put up with this fraud at any establishment!
So I found myself back at Lucy's last night, been forever since I just went out to meet friends up for a drink.
It was nice to come in yesterday and just want a drink and hang out with my friends talking about life, spirituality and well the crowd. Thus the environment wasn't just a bunch of people trying to hook up in the bar (though I did see a few). Looked like there are a few regulars that everyone seems to know, which is always a good sign.
Interesting, fun loving crowd with many people dancing as others stood around with drinks in their hands. I did get on the dance floor once with my pal Jesse, only to show him that they only way I can dance is when I am being goofy.
Did see a woman who early in the night was having a blast but then I saw the gloom, I am bored face. I tried to go and cheer her up but she was having none of it. I think it stems from my want to make sure everyone is having a good time and laughing. Oh well I like gloomy Gus-stine pout.
The bartenders are focused and attentive, didn't have to wait around forever to get a drink order like most places. Thus I got my nice Rumple Minze on the rocks again... and again... and again.
Friends left 15 before closing and I need to make sure I had a glass of water before I hit the road. Same bartender from 8/26/07 is still there but this time it looks like in a managers capacity. She was nice enough to bring me a water to go.
All in all a great place to be if you want an active yet not pretentious scene.
Went for a co-workers small birthday get together, it was busy and crowded as expected for a Friday… Read more »
I definitely like the decor... super fun crazy lights and upside down frogs stuck to the ceiling w/ glowing mouths... awesome.
I ordered a greyhound to drink and they made it pretty good.. tasted like they use real grapefruit juice. My gf ordered sex on the beach, I tried it for the first time and it was refreshing.
Arrived late on a Saturday evening and the place was busy but not packed. Overall I appreciated the quick service and the comfortable vibe.
Great sports lounge/ bar.
Great burgers and fries but not a fan of other menu items such as Chicken plates. The Garlic fries are delicious and the calamari is great too.
I'd recommend the Sliders or a burger.
It's a bit overpriced but a great ambience so it's well worth it. Great for low key but upscale dinners.
Went for the first time today at lunch. Had the calamari appetizer and the turkey club. The calamari was perfect. Nice and crispy with more of a deep fried texture than a tempura. Nice amount of herbs and spices. It came with 2 sauces and both were good. The sandwich was nice and large with large slices of avocado and smoked bacon. TONS of very thin cut crisp fries came with it.
The bartender mentioned that they hired a new chief a few months back and I have to say it was a nice move!
The wait staff was really nice as was the bartender, D. They also had a DJ quietly doing an internet radio show which the dining crowd got a kick out of. They were playing the stream in the restaurant. I think it was martini in the morning .com or something. Pretty good jazz and big band stuff...
4.5 stars for sure
I will be back
*****Update 6/07/2007*****
Enjoyed a nice leisurely lunch outside with the beautiful miss Ti B. Our server, Nikki went above and beyond...not only was the service wonderful, when I asked her to slip my phone number to the hotty inside sitting at the bar, she said yes! When it turned out he had already left, she kept the piece of paper and promised to give it to him the next time he came in. (it turns out he's a regular)
*****Update 4/11/2007*****
*A not so secret love letter to Moses the bartender*
Dear Moses,
Thank you for my yummy pineapple vodka concoction.
Love,
Me!
*****Original review 2/16/2007*****
This is what happens when one sleeps 'till noon. The bar you went to got reviewed by everyone else... and they told every story already. Booo
So I'll just fill in what may have been left out.. Here goes.
Awesome gold frogs with lights in they're eyes and mouth, mounted all over the place, including on the ceiling.
Ummm, The sweet potato... wait, already covered.
Cute bartender... covered.
Outside smoking section! yeah, it has one. (someones gotta look out for the smokers among us)
Parking, limited, but I got lucky and found a spot 1/2 a block away ;0
*STAR SIGHTING* Well, sort of. Carson Daly was hanging with all the Yelpers! He knows what's what :)
To be honest its not often I march into a bar, and leave thinking I cannot believe I didn't know this place was there!
Lucy's 51 is a great spot. The bar has about 5-7 flat screens above it, are not obvious if you're not looking for them and are in perfect viewing locations all tuned to different games or stations. The dining area looked comfy enough, and the lounge area up front was pretty comfy with its Victorian style Jaguar print couches.
Drinks were crazy strong, and the manager and waitresses were really in people with great senses of humor.
I did not get to try the food as my mouth and arms were filled with poor hapless Yelpettes or every time I grabbed a piece of food Judy punched me in the gut causing me to spit it out.
Again this was a great spot for a yelp party, the non-yelp crowd once they opened the place up, was very hip hollywood actor/model types... HOT HOT HOT.
A+ Stephers for picking this spot!
It starts like this....A guy and a girl walk in a bar. The bartender says....Wait, maybe now isn't the best time for that.
So, if you miss NY, miss it no longer!! And even if you don't and you just want a new watering hole that doesn't have the pretentiousness of L.A. bars, does have great drinks, a cool and welcoming locals crowd, did I mention great drinks....all prepared by one of the nicest bartenders I have met...EVER, then think about making Lucy's 51 next time.
The owner is a friendly and charismatic guy, who is all about his customers just having a good time.
This place has everything, a huge list of Martini's for the ladies (tried 6 of them...all delicious), four or five plasma screen TV's for the men, ample space to socialize, dance, eat whatever....
There even was a guy who bought me and my friend a drink after a little conversation. He proceeded to buy his lady and all her friends drinks as well, so I doubt it was my charm that won him over but that he was just a cool guy making sure his boo was happy and having a great time.
I wish I lived closer to this place to make it my local bar but unfortunately I'm over the hill...rats!
Ask the Bartender for the Devilish Mo and see if he remembers how to make it.
OK- so I am a mature professional woman with a bright future and a mother to the Messiah. I gots my act together, my shizzle is the fizzle, people take me seriously (no, seriously...) and jump when I talk. remember that commercial when e.f. hutton talks, people listen? Yeah bitches that was really about me, except they didn't know it.
Catch my drift amigos? I am together, with it, the rising cream.
yeah,
huh.
"So how's come," you might be thinking to yourself, "if you are so fucking "with it", do you act like a total turd at every single yelp event?Why do you and Judy punch people? Why do you grab people's asses?(who does this? hello...either a 12 year old boy getting his rocks off or a serious perv!) Why do you stick your finger up people's noses (sorry Momma Yelp!!)and try to touch tongues with the hotties in the house?"
I seriously do NOT know what the hell you people are talking about, this professional woman has a reputation to uphold. I am an upstanding citizen and an upholder of the law. I make citizens arrests when people spit their gum out onto the street for fuck's sake.
"Really Jenny J., then that must not have been you in any of the pictures... that must have been your identical twin Hope E."
Ugh, I swear, Hope E is taking over my life, Single Asian Female syndrome.
What better place for Hope E to impersonate me than in a dark, red, loungy bar where everyone was boozin' it up on the house? No would be able to tell she is white woman with blond hair and green eyes, trying to impersonate an asian female of staggering beautifulness..ness.....
I loved me the bartenders and I loved me the local flava- yeah you in the corner, you look like my Pavel but not as curly haired, call me 'kay?
Would I go back, yes I would!
Would I eat their food again? Yes indeed!
I give them 5 stars cause they deserve it!
One star gets deducted because I, um I mean Hope E., couldn't feel up every hottie in the joint. Granted, not their fault but day-am that really sucks!
I've been here a few times for happy hour. I dig the decor and it's close to work, so I can't complain. The food is ok, drinks are ok... nothing very special about this place except for the decor.
In short... this place is... just OK.
Yelp bash last night!!!
I loved Lucy's. Brad, the cool new marketing guy from SF, treated Momma Y to a delicious dinner of crabcakes. Then I swiped a mini-burger & a few sweet potato fries from across the table, also great. I'm glad I waited to eat, the food was better than I expected.
Service at Lucy's was friendly and efficient. I can't speak about the drinks, except for sparkling water......yummy.
The non-Yelper people hanging out at the bar mingled with our party, curious about the site. We did our best to lure them in. That guy from LB better show up 'cause he was fun!!
Another wonderful job by Stephy. Well done. Best party yet, of the ones I have attended.
This morning I said to myself, I Want Calamari And HummusTonight, In A Place Decorated Like A Bordello/Sports Bar, Served By Interesting And Friendly People. And you know what? I found it here.
It also was lovely to be introduced to all the regulars in the house. This almost never happens in Seattle. Most in neighborhood bars are lucky to be greeted at all!
The parking situation ain't so bad, we found street parking fairly easily as the lots behind the joint were full. The dipping sauces for the fried calamari were great, but all that stuff is boring so here's about the celebrity sighting last night:
Aimee: Frank, look, it's Carson Daly, he's coming this way!
Carson: omgomgomg, it's Frank L.! I LOVE your reviews, man, I'm a huge fan!
Frank: Thanks.
Aimee: Hi, I'm Aimee!
Carson: Nice to meet you, Aimee. Hey, maybe we can hang out some day, Frank?
Frank: I'm kinda busy that day.
Carson: Huh?
Frank: Get me a drink will you?
Carson: Yeah, of course, I'll be right back!
I was really drunk (thanks Steph, you're the best at everything!), that's sorta how Carson's encounter went. Why was I drunk? The same reason there were lines to the restrooms: free drinks! Free cosmopolitans and appletinis, both were delicious and matched the red lights. I love lusty bars! Given that, let's see how much I can recall:
So The money Tree is Dead!!!!!!!
Lucy's 51
Ultra cool Hipsters spot in Toluca Lake.
This placed has finally opened in the old haunting grounds of the former Money Tree! A whole new layout, no longer can you gaze at the Little Rascals etched in glass.
The Bar layout is pretty much the same although they have pushed the retaining wall back to allow more space near the bar. As of right now it is a limited menu for food. Burgers, Calamari and a few other things. I know that they will be expanding it. This place has the feel of a cool laid back NYC club with a twist of LA and some elements that make it a pretty cool spot.
Don't get me wrong I love my local bar Timmy's but you gotta get out every once and a while and see the sites. Last night's soft opening brought in some new faces as well as a few old timers thinking it was still The Money Tree. All being said I look forward to this place bringing a much needed boost to the local entertainment in Toluca Lake. Now with the addition of Lucy's as well as Sebastian's (Which now has live music on the weekends) The TL should start to be the hot spot to be when spending two days in the Valley.
Drinks were not bad I had three Vodka soda with a splash of cranberry and a shot for around 24.00 a little less then Hollywood scale if you ask me.
So give it a try check it out by the way I think the owners also have No-bar and Bar 21 as well so if you are familiar with those bars you might enjoy this one.
I did not see any beers on tap but I hear that is changing as well!
Also the bar sports four flat screen TVs a much needed new sound system that plays a great eclectic selection of music. A few nice little hanging out areas near the front windows as well as a cool little conversation table near the Kitchen where the waitress station used to be. If you know Moses who used to bar tend there when it was the Money Tree or if you have ever hung at the Casting Office on a Monday for Karaoke then you will pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face behind the mahogany to serve you your libation of choice!
Who's sick of Lucy's 51 reviews??
Tough.
I missed out on the big party, so this review is from a much more sober, less "this party f*cking rocks" point of view. So you can trust me. Honest.
Very low pro, beautiful mood lighting, a bartender who I would have flirted with, but he was already making sweet, sweet verbal love to Maral, amazing drinks (kind of fruity, girly martinis, but, according to everyone I know, and some basic health classes, I'M a girl), delicious food. Really, really good.
Get the calamari. Just, uh, ONE order should do 'er. I ordered one for the table, and then, due to some miscommunication, got one as an entree. I felt like I was dipped in batter, deep fried and tossed in a sizzlin' pan after that.
Seems like interesting people frequent this tiny little spot. I heard the best joke I've possibly EVER heard from this random woman, just hanging out. Wanna know it? Send me a message and we'll meet at Lucy's for drinks. It has to be told in person...
What can I say about a place that I needed assistance of two people to point me to the restroom? Yes...they served very strong drinks!
I had a great time at the Yelp party. And all the Yelpers are very cool, fun, and very down to earth. Epic party as is, I will save all the stories at the talk thread and concentrate on the place itself for the review.
Many ahead of me have pointed out the decor and ambiance of the place. Very hip and total laid back (minus the Yelp crowd for the night). I actually did scope the place before our event a week earlier just to get an idea on how this place would be like.
Without the huge crowd, this place had a soothing feeling to it and also dim enough for that relaxing atmosphere in the front lounge area. On the back, there's plenty of tables to order meals.
I had to give them a lot of credit for putting up great service throughout the night and my previous visit before. They are very attentive and very friendly. At first, it seemed like they're disorganized at the bar, but then I realized there were 40 people coming in at the same time all looking for the free appletini or cosmo drinks. They actually did the multitasking very well at that time. They gotten a lot more smoother as the event went on.
Our server at the table I was with, was very punctual with the drinks. At first it didn't seemed like it, but just like a stealthy ninja, the drinks appeared right before our eyes! Amazing...who knew ninjas are good at a vocation?
Overall, it was a great venue for any type of party or event. This place definitely live up to its hype. If I came here twice, I probably would go back again for those deadly knocked out drinks.
*Oh yeah, for the people I cut in line in the restroom, I do sincerely apologized as I didn't know it was only one person for each restroom. I badly assumed people were lounging at the back hall. Sorry about that.
To Maria G., almost stiffed you by leaving you to pay for my drinks. I'll definitely buy you and Aimee S. a drink next time. Won't be that forgetful next time either.
Ahhh yes Lucy's 51, the 818 bar that makes you happy you live in the Valley!
Finally checked this place out after driving by it for the last few months and I couldn't have been happier to spend an evening here. First off, the bartender, Moses, is just the cat's pajamas. He is New York to a T as Antonio described and one of those guys that completely dials in on you and only you when he is talking to you and makes you feel like the most important person in the world. That in and of itself would be cool, but then throw in any one of his 51 martinis and um, yeah you pretty much had me at...
Blue Moon Cosmo
California Mudslide
Blueberry Shortcake
Mo Monkey
Last Tango Mango
Even my hangover thanks them this morning :)
They also serve food here and have a pretty cool menu from what it seemed. Most notably is the "Of Course We Got Cesar" Salad and the bacon wrapped shrimp. I mean come on, how do you go wrong with bacon?
What I think really sold me on the bar is the fun decor fused with the perfect balance of friendly attitude in a fun kinda NY sense and it's humble clientele. I feel like anyone could walk in here and have a great time. There are no too cool for school hurdles you have to cross and the drinks are fantastic and delish. So in my book, it's a definite new fave.
Go check em out and say hi to Moses for me :)
Sadly enough, it's not all that often I find myself in the Valley, so when I do, I'm always excited for wherever the night takes me. And the other night, it took us to a place called Eight-Eighteen (clever code for the Valley's signature 818 area code), a neat little wine bar that had a pretty impressive menu of vinos. Fortunately or unfortunately, while we love the wine, we were really in the mood for manhattans, so we abandoned our table and sidled next door to Lucy's where we were meeting some friends.
Well, gotta say, thumbs up on the manhattans, which hit the spot and weren't quite as ridiculously overpriced as many places you'll find on the LA side of the hill, and the food's not too bad - rather good in fact, if you'll go as far as calling it bar food, which is probably doing it a disservice.
The atmosphere is nice - it has that sort of faux-divey hole-in-the-wall feel that makes any fan of bars instantly comfortable. The vibe is great and music the same, and the fact that we kept getting free samples of Stella didn't hurt.
I may not be quick to come back, but that's only because it's a bit of a hike from Hollywood, and there are more than enough watering holes over here to keep me satiated.
Blaze on, Lucy. --js
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