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Categories: Lounges, Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: DowntownWed-Fri. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
"I'm a big Phillippes fan but I've got to say...Cole's beef dip sangwich is better. The bread was nice and crusty and they give you the au…" read more »
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Very nice~ Old hollywood-esque. Kind of loud. Limited seating so you better get there early, esp from thurs. on. STRONG drinks. Well, at least what I had. Weird tasting 35 cent cocktails that had no name... Food was pretty good. We got the sliders which was delish but small in size. The sweet potato fried were very hot and crisp. The mac & cheese was AMAZING. Very cheesy and hot with a small layer of crust on top~ Just like the way grandma makes em, you know, if my grandma ever made mac & cheese... Singapore Wings were kind of a fail. The reuben was a bit salty....
Overall a great night with good friends in a fun and vibrant setting!
The Edison is the classiest bar I've been to downtown. It's sprawling, well-decorated, dimly-lit (but not too dark), and timeless. The music isn't too loud, the bar isn't too crowded, and it's possible to have an intelligent conversation with someone in a relaxing atmosphere.
Come for Soup Kitchen Fridays, when they serve free grilled cheese sandwiches and a delicious tomato soup, in keeping with their Great Depression speakeasy theme. I haven't dined here yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
At the door of this venue, I was greeted by a friendly bouncer who said "welcome, you are going to have a great time tonight come on in." This was music to my ears after my recent experiences in LA/Hollywood. The Edison is a breath of fresh air. Cool ambiance, cool drinks, tasty food and a nice open floor plan. This place is excellent for people watching.
I went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't too crowded and there was a great burlesque type band playing. (live music is always a plus)
I am a fan of any bar/lounge that has ample seating if you don't have bottle service. My favorite is the upstairs outdoor patio, which is perfect for an intimate conversation.
Patrons dress up for this venue and I definitely felt right at home with the crowd. I saw 3 men in suits....real suits with a coat and tie! They looked great, and I was so happy not to see any skinny jeans or bedazzled t-shirts on grown men.
Needless to say, when I want a sophisticated drink in downtown LA, I will make the Edison my first stop.
Very very very nice bar/lounge in Downtown LA. I came here last night with a group of girls and had a wonderful time! The decor, the ambiance, the size, no cover charge....awesome! The only reason why I did not give this place 5 stars is the $9 valet parking :( It's almost like you really have no choice but to valet. You come here at night and who wants to walk 2 or more blocks to park? I certainly don't....
Went here for a drinks/hang out sorta deal and was pretty impressed with the atmosphere! The music and the people were lively and people even dress like they did back in the 20's. It's awesome.
Fairies carry around baskets of absinthe (which I've never had but some other ppl in my party did). The only downside about the drinks is that they don't serve Patron. They serve this other type of tequila that I didn't catch the name of. *shrugs* but at least they serve tequila.
One of the guys in our party was told by a bouncer that his dress shoes didn't look like dress shoes and couldn't go in but...we figured it out and kinda snuck him in. Just be sure your dress shoes look like dress shoes, guys!!
I would totally go back again...and perhaps this time dressed for the atmosphere :)
my friends and I went to the Edison this past Thursday and it was really fun. The bar was impressive, because when i first went downstairs, it was like really going back in time. There were a lot of people for a Thursday night. My friend and i got there in time for happy hour so we enjoyed our 35 cent martinis which were very strong. Every drink we had that night was strong. It is a very classy place where they are strict about their dress code, but I think it makes it more fun to be dressed up. We also tried some of the food, the burgers, sweet potato fries, chicken wings, and mac and cheese. Mac and cheese was amazing!!! it is kind of pricey, the food is like 15 dollars for dish, but it is a very fun place and worth it. I would definitely go again.
but i didn't give it 5 stars, because I thought it was a little two loud for my tastes, my friends and i were almost screaming at each other in order to talk hehe, but other than that, a great night!
Three stars for the amazing venue and the good but overpriced food and drinks.
The Edison loses points for being overpriced, for employing over zealous busboys who will clear your table regardless of if you have finished your food/ drinks or not, and for having a really wanky and pretentious 'floor show' that totally ruins the 1920's vibe.
This could have been a 10 star place, but I just left feeling that it is not fulfilling its potential
Okay, I've heard of this place and heard of the ridiculous long wait. But we came here cause the birthday girl never came. So we waited over an hour to get in. During our wait we noticed the cops were driving by routinely and that around 11, the couples were the ones that started to leave.
Once in, the decor and atmosphere was surprisingly good. I love the 20's theme. They played black and white films on the multiple walls. My friend and I walked around the place, and the seating area was pretty empty. The bartenders were pretty busy the whole time we were there. But overall, I don't know if it's worth the super long wait. I did hear they do have good happy hour though, but that's a time when it's packed too.
Disneyland for vintage industrial devotees!
THE LOVELY:
-Strong drinks
-Amazing atmosphere
-Vintage turbines
-Absinthe fairy
-Sultry entertainment
THE LACKLUSTER:
- Unnecessarily abrasive doorman turned us away immediately because husband's shoes weren't formal enough- and we all looked very nice, having come from fancy dinner. (He relented because it was my birthday, but shouted "Get in & GET OUT OF SIGHT OF MY FRONT DOOR!!") Once inside, we spotted many gentlemen with less satisfactory footwear. Wtf??
-NO SEATING except in reserved areas. None. My poor little tootsies didn't rest once all night.
-While standing in a group of fellow seatless souls, balancing a vodka gimlet in one hand, my clutch in the other, I was nudged and curtly ordered to move by a waiter who accused me of "blocking traffic." Boo. If you really want to pull off the old-school vibe, teach your surly staff some old-school etiquette.
The Edison could stand to take itself a tad less seriously. Our experience was dazzling, but uncomfortable. We felt like outcasts banished to the fringes of a really great party, and no one wants to spend the night looking longingly at empty "Reserved" nooks and cozy leather armchairs while leaning awkwardly against cold copper walls- lithe, corseted minxes doing splits on the bar can only make up for so much.
Next time we'll call ahead and hope for a warmer welcome.
Have been to this place several times. With groups and also with just my friend and I. The prices are expensive but the drinks are strong and the menu selection is AWESOME try the Lobster Corn Dogs or the Truffled Macaroni and Cheese consistently delicious... although rich and decadent you will have to be careful what beverage you pair these with. Lots of nooks and crannies it's almost like a maze which I really liked a while ago they used to have pool tables I did not see them the last time I was there... which was back in August. They also had a LOT of table reserved the evening we went not sure what was up with that =/
Parking is close located off of the back alley. Ambiance is unique and the door men (in my opinion) are very nice each time I have come they have been respectful and friendly. I have come during Happy Hour mainly but when I leave there is always a line outside on Friday nights for people to get in. The music is the only down side I feel but definitely a place to check out. Oh yea the access to the bar (which is about 3 stories down) is by a staircase if you are afraid of heights beware or if you need wheelchair access you will have to take the service elevator.
Respectfully Reviewed
To be sung to the theme from "Westside Story":
"Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night
Going to Ed-i-son, that's right,
And I won't have a fight,
cause Edison is just right, near the new police site
Tonight!
.95 drink special on Thursday nights.
In the 20's speakeasy tradition, there isn't a finer bar or lounge in Los Angeles - I give it… Read more »
I've been in a sweater vest mood lately. It makes me look like I have good credit and can be trusted.
But the real magic of a wool V-neck with no sleeves is that when I sip on whiskey in my shot glass apartment, while eating instant ramen with two different kinds of flavor packets (bitch, I splurge like that!), as I use a hard ass tortilla for a spoon, it doesn't really feel like...the soft plunge into rock bottom.
Sweater vests, like butter and recreational drugs, makes everything better.
...and there I was, at the Edison, sweater vested up.
I started the night drinking absinthe. By the end of the night I was head butting whiskey and, for some odd reason, couldn't remove my right hand from my special lady friend's ass.
When I get my tab I'm momentarily struck dumb.
Did they just hand me the bill for a used Volvo? Did I just fucking buy a used Volvo at the bar? Why does this bar, that looks like a steam punk's wet dream, sell vehicles geared towards middle aged white women, and why did I purchase one? A mother fucking Volvo?
No, apparently I did not. Apparently, the drinks were just good god damn expensive. Apparently, I still need to catch 8 forms of transportation to get to work.
Did your boy sweat? Did this handsome chunk of bar-b-que get nervous when he pulled out his debit card to pay the tab? Did he? Huh, did he?
Fuck no. I had my sweater vest on.
5 Stars!
P.S. They had very pretty women dressed in fancy flapper era lingerie running around doing circus/clown shit. I thought the place was cool. But I also grew up going to bars where old dudes named "big al" and "lonely alcoholic lady" played keno all night and got fucked up on brandy- and I also thought that was kinda cool then so...
I've been here twice and had a great time with both visits. I've never had to wait long outside, even during the prime arrival times. The drinks are pricey but strong. The gal dressed as a tinkerbell look-a-like gave me a free bottle of absinthe bc it was my bday. Nice gal! The crowd is always fun ...low key ....fun and never too crowded. The building itself is worth the visit. I still have yet to go on Thursday nights with the .20 martini and free grilled cheese.
Park in the $5 lot on 2nd and...oh I forgot the cross street...but you'll find it.
The Edison is unlike any other bar. It's definitely old school. Being that it was originally LA's first power plant is interesting, but that they kept much of the original artifacts and architecture just sets the perfect mood. Along with the setting, the Edison does it's best to keep the old school theme alive. All the music and performances are kept true to the era. Truly classic.
Their drink menu is quite impressive. They carry over 50 different gins, 20 different scotches, and 15 types of Absinthe. Most of the Absinthe runs about $15 but at happy hour it's $10. I went with St. George. They also offered a nice selection of signature cocktails. I chose the English Afterthought ($13) which was gin and St. Germain Elderflower liqueur with muddled blueberries and ginger. It was nice, but I would try something different next time. And the bartenders have ALWAYS been nice every time I've gone.
As for the food, yes, it can get a bit expensive. The Edison fries (hot and sour potatoes with ketchup and roasted garlic mayo) were good but a bit costly at $9. A friend ordered the calamari which looked as if it was cooked well, but the portion was very small... once again not worth the $13. But a friend said that the sliders ($16) were amazing. I did see someone at the bar get them and thought they were a nice size, so I went with that. They are made with Kobe beef and are made to order, and you have your choice of blue cheese, gouda, or cheddar. I went for the gouda and it was gooda. (Hehehe... sorry I couldn't resist.) But seriously, they were excellent and a great size portion of the $16. I also tried the Truffled Mac and Cheese ($14) but was not a fan. So definitely go with the sliders.
And for those of you who live near the subway, the Edison is about a 5 minute walk from the Civic Center station. Very convenient!
The Edison is definitely my favorite bar... by far.
Amazing atmosphere and on-point decor. One of the few lounges that you feel inclined to walk around and examine everything and definitely a lounge that allows you to kick back, chill and talk to your friends.
Although the1920's silent movies projected on the wall did do well to distract me, especially after a couple.
I reeeeally like this place!!
Call ahead for reservations. Ladies, this place is an excuse to wear your little black dress. Classy dressy I say. &Boys, no sneakers after 7p. They are strict about the attire.
Try their Kobe Beef Sliders... OMG!!! To die for!!!
This is the place I go to when I want to dress up a little
Went on a saturday night. As we're walking up, the bouncer immediately tells my friend she can't get in because of her ripped jeans. (SUCKS) They went to the crocker club instead. Got inside, the decor is unique indeed. Very nice vibe & atmosphere. The drink I got was recommended by our waitress. It was good but not worth the $12 or however much it was. The crowd was mixed, well dressed and varied from their 20's to 30's.
So..
Just make sure you are aware they're VERY strict on guys & girls with the dress code. Also, my phone fell thru the hole in the table ! haha I didn't realize there was no glass covering it. So beware of your surroundings lol...
90 minute wait to get in on a saturday night... soooo not worth it. went for a friends birthday party otherwise would never have waited. doormen were cordial but unhelpful. once inside you can only sit if you reserve a table, otherwise you just stand around.
somewhat different vibe but not really my scene. this is a "wow this place is cool to go for a drink after work once" but other than that its overrated. p.s. the music is from the 1920's and its annoying!!!
one good thing... no cover charge. thats the best i could come up with.
I came here for the first time recently with two co-workers. The scene was KILLER! The men were HOT!!! The music was good and the drinks SUPERB! I'll definitely come back here!
this place rocks my sock off. I've never had so much fun in my life, honestly. This place was so amazing, you can go there with any type of vibe. The night I went, I just wanted to find a cozy section and catch up with my friend since I was visiting from out of town and let me tell you. That place hit every spot and mood right on the head. I can't wait to go there again and again and again!
This is one of the coolest lounge in downtown. Great atmosphere with lots of hip people. The girls are super hot and there are plenty of them to go around. Sweet.
Hooray for the recession. Well, recession Fridays at Edison that is. From 5-7 your first drink is 35 cents, after that drinks are 40% off and they give you a tiny grilled cheese and tomato soup for free. If that werent enough to convince you, they donate their proceeds during that time to the midnight mission! So get drunk for a good cause. Just be sure to get a little dressed up because they can be pretty strict about their dress code of no athletic shoes or non-collared shirts (but other times they seem pretty lax.
In fact, I'm going to head over right now...
I went to The Edison for the first time yesterday. It is reaalllllyy nice inside. From the outside...which is hard to find may I add... it looks ghetto. But once you get in, if the bouncers let you in that is, its beautiful. Btw the bouncers are really strict. There were six people in front of me and three of them could not get in because dress code. The ambiance is great, live music, dancing and it gets crowded even on a Thursday night~ its really loud as well.. mixed drinks are about $13 valet parking is $9
Gorgeous. The Edison was a great introduction to the Downtown nightlife! I went on a Friday night with a group of friends, and there was a line (usually a fairly good indication that it's a fun place, as no line means no demand). Once you get in the alleyway in front of the entrance, though, you can already see glimpses of what awaits you.
There is a reason why the Edison is netting 4 stars with 700+ reviews. It's just that good. The settings (very large) are lush without being vampy, the people are all dolled up, and everything's very classy. The drinks are strong and delicious, and the bartenders are all very professional and appear happy to serve you.
This is definitely my new favorite place!
Tips for dressing:
-Guys: definitely slacks and collared shirt
-Gals: dressy jeans are fine, heels a must
And speaking of heels, the staircase is not that daunting! Just practice walking in your heels! Besides, the view is gorgeous and will distract from any pain you may be feeling as you walk down.
Another tip: there's a parking lot for $4 on Los Angeles St. and 2nd.
Loved the steampunk meets the circus aesthetic. Best $10 cover I've ever spent! Up until midnight, they did these mini cirque du soleil type performances. Beautiful aerial acrobatics. Seriously. I love that kind of stuff so I loved the Edison. Don't know if they do that every night (takes up a lot of room so I can't imagine them doing it on busy nights) but it was well worth staying up on a Wednesday night.
This place is definitely one of my favorites! Great lighting, great atmosphere. And the show was way sexy. I like that you can get away to some of the areas toward the back and just chill out with whoever you're with. And, gotta love a place with a desig. smoking area that isn't "out back" by the trash eww.
I can almost guarantee that most of the negative reviews of this place come from people who went on the weekend. I agree. This place is a nightmare on the weekend, and given that I have just as much fun IF NOT MORE fun during the week, you couldn't pay me to put up with the Friday/Saturday BS they put you through at the door here.
That aside, I'm a big fan of Wednesday night where you get the live music and burlesque atmosphere. I've had a lot of fun swinging here, drunk on absinthe and champagne. ;D
One of my favorite aspects of this particular establishment is that people do indeed get a little bit dressy for it. And it's not stuffy dressy either, it's hip dressy! So you can throw on a funky hat or fedora, suspenders, or wear a loose tie -- that sort of thing. As long as you have SOME kind of style, you'll never get trouble at the door... but definitely work with the vibe here, don't try to roll up in hip-hop baggy jeans and Etnies, you'll end up going home to change (this has happened to my friends, I mean it).
The drinks here used to be the best in town, and you paid for it at nearly $15 a pop. Lately something happened and the drinks have gone screaming downhill; not in a good way. New bartenders don't really know what they're doing, and that's something they're gonna have to take care of if they want my business back. Back in the day, this place introduced me to a multitude of sins... I miss those days. ;)
Smoking room upstairs, thank you.
Quick note about the ambiance... this place apparently used to be a power generator for downtown, designed by Mr. Thomas Edison himself. It was flooded out for decades until somebody drained it and turned it into the coolest basement in LA. Take a look around, there's lots to look at...
Went here again with another group of friends on 9.19.09. This time there was 6 of us. We made a reservation and got a great spot right next to the DJ booth and main stage. Our friends loved the place - they thought it was just as beautiful as we did when we saw it for the first time. One new thing about this visit was their late night breakfast menu which starts at 11pm. We ordered everything on the menu and shared it all.....blueberry silver dollar pancakes, thick cut maple bacon, french toast squares, eggs benedict, etc. Again, very good food just like my past experience, and there's something very comforting about eating breakfast in the middle of the night!
Service, drinks, food, ambiance.....all were just as great as our first visit. We will be back!
Went here 7.18.09 and was blown away. What a nice change of pace for an LA lounge/bar! The… Read more »
I met up with a friend for after work drinks and to try out the food at The Edison this week and it was primarily a disappointment. I've been there before on a weekend and had to wait in a ridiculously long line for almost two hours, but at least when I finally arrived inside, the service was good.
It was pretty empty around 6pm on a Wednesday but it looked like they were still decently staffed. Even with this fact, and no less than 4 bartenders behind the bar, NOT ONE bartender came up to ask for my drink order. I had to ask three times to different bartenders to get a drink. Keep in mind I was trying to stay within the parameters of happy hour. Then, the bartenders couldn't get it straight if the happy hour discount was 30 or 40% off of the drinks? (Over the phone I was told 40% off ). After I ordered my drink I had to again flag down a bartender to ask if I could order food which he did, and then never checked on me again. Each time I ordered another drink, I had to flag someone down and pull them away from their personal stories they were discussing amongst fellow employees. Finally, after I'd finished everything, one of the four bartenders asked how I'd liked the blue cheese sliders. At that point it was too little, too late. My friend said that by the time I'd arrived, she had heard all of their personal stories and more as they'd discussed it openly while she sipped her drink that she too had to flag down a bartender for. Very inattentive service for a nearly empty Edison. To top it all off, I paid in cash for my bill and then saw a credit card charge for the amount I'd paid in cash. Basically, one of the bartenders charged the card the card I'd used to hold open my tab and charged me again for the same bill. I called to speak with a manager and was given a snotty response by Heidi that she would relay the message to the manager who was not available at the time.
So why even two stars? The amazing decor and music. This is by far one of the most gorgeous bar/clubs in Los Angeles and has a great ambiance. Both my friend and I loved the little alcoves and unique attention to detail that went in to designing this place. That and the female deejay that was spinning some good house-y tunes that night were just about the only redeeming qualities on our visit for Wednesday happy hour.
This place is nice. I came here a few weeks ago on a Saturday night with a friend & some other randoms. We arrived about 8:45PM, valet (easier than finding parking), and there was already a line to get in. The line moved pretty quick around that time, and there was no cover.
Inside the place is set to resemble the 1920's. There are generators, movie screen with old films, and burlesque dancers. The place has a vintage vibe. There are different rooms, a few bars, tables, and a fairy with a cart that walks around with Absinthe. You can either buy a shot, or a bottle for $18. The drinks at the bar are about $12 for a mixed drink, and table has a minimum charge of $25/ person, unless you get a bigger table like we did. Then they try to charge you over $600 total. We talked them down and then you divide that by 10 of us, wasn't too bad. The food is over priced, but you have to expect that at a place like this.
Ok, now for dress code. They are extremely strict here.
Guys: Dress shoes, no torn jeans, collared shirt, no jerseys or caps. Just dress to impress.
Ladies: You know how to dress. Dress up and enjoy, or go 1920's style. Either way, you should be good.
It is a little pricey, but definitely a place I would go back to.
I love The Edison! Definitely one of the classiest lounges I've been to. The place is pretty huge and I love the interior design and historic feel of the place. There's plenty of tables you can sit at but you either have to make reservations ahead of time or pay $25/person.
Most of their signature cocktails are $13. I got the Amelie which was made of strawberries and cucumber crushed with Ron Matusalem Classico. Very refreshing--perfect for the summer! And a little on the strong side. They have lots of good cocktails here and they even have an Absinthe fairy who rolls around a cart with what looks like bottled potions but they're ingredients she uses to make you absinthe! Moulin Rouge, anyone?
My friends and I got here around 9:30 PM on a Friday and didn't have to wait in line to get in but our other friends who came later around 10:30 had to wait almost an hour to get in! So come early! And make sure you're dressed nicely! Dress code is strictly enforced here. No sneakers, ripped jeans, t-shirts, etc.
There are a lot of places to go for a beverage and some that have class if you are lucky not to get caught up in the smoke and the mirrors.
The Edison is a first class location on the west coast and I am beyond impressed. To begin with there are items at this facility that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. does not have. This truly is a place to go to and I can only hope that the staff and owners maintain the facility and enforce the dress code without mercy.
I can go on and on for many pages on the detail of each item in this establishment yet you need to experience it yourself. For any person in the Electrical Profession from an apprentice to a Professional Engineer it should be part of your practical factors to spend time looking at each original item.
To begin with the staff is professional at the door and there is a code of conduct throughout the facility that is highly professional which is rare to find. The actors who provide the shows on Wednesday are very good at what they do and with all of the talent that is available in Los Angeles in the acting profession - it is clear to me that only the best work here. The waiters and waitresses and bar tenders are good at what they do though I did not spend a lot of time looking I spent more time in amazement of the true history of this equipment. The furniture is all custom built according to one of the staff and a lot of care went in to the preservation of this site. Again I can not put in to words what must be witnessed and appreciated.
To me this is the place you take someone special to sit down and talk with them, relax, and have fun.
I can only hope that the management continues to provide an experience that is something that is so rare to find. On a scale of one to ten this is a true nineteen. Please keep up the great work.
Heard it many times before, but my first time there this past Friday.
Right after work, we went for Happy hour (5p.m.-7p.m.) We had a blast so most of us did not leave till after 1a.m.
Parking is about $8, there's a couple of entrances aside from entering the wrong way off 2nd street. (alley entrance, definitely hidden place)
My male Hispanic co-workers somehow got away with free parking just chatting with the attendant.
The bouncers/doormen were dressed in full suits and very charming guys without the Hollywood attitude.
When we arrived, two girls greeted us at the door w/ some special for the evening. It was a ticket to try their free tomato base soup w/ bite size grilled cheese sandwich and a post card to a $0.35 cents drink. The choices was either some mixed pomogrante bourbon or some stiff gin.
The place was so cute... There were different floors, nice decor all around, nice dim lighting, leather chairs/seats, random tables, random seating all over the entire lounge, enough restroom stalls w/o the line. The place had quite a lot of room during happy hour, but it gets pretty packed in there. We never had trouble getting drinks or finding random seating. We had about 8 people in our party.
Downers:
-The bartenders suck, so we ended up getting a table. I swear they only catered to our male friends, so we decided to opt for table service instead.
-The food was served in tiny portions and really expensive for their size. I recommend eating prior to pounding drinks at this place.
-There is this fairy/angel that pushes around potion shots with 3-4 flavors. The pineapple one was so horrible and left me with a nasty after taste. $10 for a gulp, very tiny shot.
-I love my bailey and coffee, but guess what... This place does not serve any coffee or tea at all. (I know, so I ended up with a White Russian instead)
Uppers:
-Our waitress (Vero) was awesome. She memorized all our orders and came back often enough to get us drunk during the happy hour time frame. BTW- ALL drink during HH is 45% off =) average $13/drink prior to discount.
-There is a free show every other hour at the bar. It was acrobatic/ Vegas type of show. The artist/dancer was beautiful and the acrobatic moves were awesome. We took lots of nice pictures while she was performing.
-Fairly mixed crowd, with all ages, some people even dressed in their 20's look to blend in with the lounge's theme.
-Very original power plant theme with a nice touch of beautiful furniture.
In fact we had such a blast, we've decided to dress as flapper girls and head down there on 10/30 for an early trick or treat =)~
Surprised as I was,
it can become moderately .."ethno-specific".. on Saturday. I only say this because I prefer evenly mixed environments (don't go getting the wrong idea about me)
-and-
your not (really) allowed to dance : ( ((even if your Fred Astaire good))
Still the best (alcohol themed) lounge in LA!
(descriptive pros below)
If you romanticize, even if only on occasion, about early 20th century elegance - and I took you,… Read more »
One of the nicest looking, more interesting looking and feeling bars in Los Angeles. Hands down.
However, and this is where personal opinion overrides all: I really can't stand bogus dress codes. We arrived at 7PM on a Thursday night and because they only allow sneakers in before 6:30PM (ridiculous) we weren't able to come in. We then had a lame altercation at the door because they have a problem with folks switching shoes (don't try this here, they really f-cking care) wherein the door dude demanded I check in the shoe in my purse (some spy doorman had seen me stuff it in). I refused to do so, we got kicked out.
Anyway - I would recommend that you go and check it out, but please know that there is nothing mellow or laid back about this place. Like LA itself, image is everything at the Edison.
If you have never been to the Edison or heard rumblings about this whole fabled downtown revival thing, go here to understand. A loft is almost worth buying just to enjoy having some good options like the Edison. Ok you can read the stories about how this place got started and the ambience is a huge part of the appeal. You go down into a a world that is a prohibition era styled absinthe pouring temple to inebriation. I only seem to get here early and don't have to deal with the downsides of a crowded weekend line. Which I am sure helps with the 5 stars. Take the subway/metro if you can and have a good night of drinking and find out what is going on with that whole downtown thing.
Ah....what has not been said about the Edison...It brings you back to the Depression Era Interior Design, beautiful. You are greeted at the door near the smoking lounge by the lucky well dressed people that got in before you. You go in, there are stairs.........Stairs from the surface, that you walk down on as if you are Cinderella entering the balls as if it were held at a speak easy. Lovely place.
It's a huge place, lots of places to sit, but keep in mind, this is basically the place everyone wants to go, especially on a Saturday night, my friend and I got there around 10, and we walked on in. So if you get there early, you have a chance of getting in. :D lawd. Trendy NIght spot.
Please, don't go in there dressing in shorts, flip flops, vans, YOU HAVE TO DRESS NICE TO GET IN.
I did see a few guys in jeans, basically teh typical "Sport coat, witty tshirt, and nice jeans" look.
Girls dressed nice too. dresses. all around.
You don' t have to dress themed, My friend and I did, she wore a corset and had a fan, and I had a flower in my hair, and pencil skirt....we blended in a lot......it was cool and fun. So go as a flapper girl or Gun Moll if you want. :P You might get people askign to take pics with you.
Again Saturday Night is more "Open" like, you don't have to go really themed...but dress nice!
Drinks are expensive, but worth it.
BarTender in the back end bar is fabulous
Have fun, I'd go back.
So be an LA person
and
Check it!
I love this place, whoever thought to convert an old power plant into a bar/lounge is a genius. Tons of the old power generating equipment along with the lighting and music create a terrific atmosphere, its like a museum you can drink at.
Drinks aren't too expensive, but don't expect dive bar prices. Their sweet potato fries are yummy. For guys, prepare to wear at least dressy shoes or risk being turned away at the door.
I'm a fan. This place is sick. It's like being in an old museum and has an old time feel like the 50s era to it. I LOVE that every hour on the hour there was a burlesque show and as the night went on the outfits became more provocative and skimpier. Good drink menu with fairly stiff drinks served up by the bartenders which were helpful as we tried to pick what to order.
I had a champagne cocktail called the French 55 i believe. It was good and they doctor it up so its a lil stronger. I really love the room that looks like a study (someone's private library). the only bad part is u have to get here early cuz the line get's ridic and u may not get in.
The concept of this place blows my mind. Some one with an awesome head on their shoulders thought to themself one day, "Self, we should turn the old abandoned power plant downtown into a night club! That will get the kids excited!" Personally, I'm intrigued because it sounds like an episode of Scooby Doo.
When you walk into the Edison, it has been preserved. The old machinery is in tact (turned off and nailed down tightly, of course). The bartenders are all playing the part. They music they play has an old-time feel. It is really cool.
OK, with that being said, there are a few drawbacks. The machines and such don't allow for much seating. Though the music and the ambiance is awesome, it can get a little, haha, old after a little while. The drinks are a tad expensive. This place is downtown, and from what I recall, not within walking distance of any other nightlife. Valet is a little on the pricey side since there isn't another option. There is a line outside and the bouncers act like it is a hot exclusive club---- but it isn't. don't let them fool you.
So, You definitely have to experience this place at least once. I would say to go with a medium sized, lively'ish group mixed girls and guys so that there isn't even a slight possibility that you'll get bored. They allow you to make reservations for larger parties. If you do that, you'll have a GREAT time.
Essex now has Happy Hour…
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Late Night Happy Hour
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
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