Archive for September 2007

Located on the border of Burbank and North Hollywood, this small bar is the place to be for those looking for a trendy bar without the trendy attitude. A nondescript outside hides the sumptuous beauty and style of this quaint little bar. The interior is designed to look like a 50s gin joint; with all the style and grace of that era.

The single room space is cloaked in soft lighting that glimmers off the exposed brick walls adorned with scones and candles set above black circular booths. A long, black enameled bar stretches across the other side of the bar. From here the bartenders offer both good drinks and conversation. If your lucky you will strike up a conversation with the raven haired bartender who has all the sultry beauty of the bar itself.

The drinks here are phenomenal. Much better then what you would expect to find in a neighborhood bar. Their drink selection matches anything you will find in Hollywood or Los Angeles. The pour is great, with no premixing or water-downed booze. Order a drink here and expect to be satisfied.

Despite its opulent charm and style, Bar 21 maintains its neighborhood bar vibe. Perhaps it's the bartenders who actually bother to remember your name or the small size of the place. Either way you'll find yourself welcome by staff and patrons alike. This is the perfect spot to take a date after a diner. They are also open to you ordering in food if you get hungry while you drink.

Come down and check out the Valley's newest gem before it gets picked up by the in crowd. The place never seems to get too packed or too loud. It retains a perfect mixture of energetic joviality and friendly civility.

Once again the parking lot for this bar just cannot handle the numbers of visitors, so park on one of the nearby streets. There is plenty of room for everyone.

If you absolutely must go to the trendy Sunset Strip, then I suggest going to the Trocadero Lounge.

The Scene

The Trocadero, or the "Troc" as some locals like to call it, is a pretty cool spot for a Friday or Saturday night. This dimly lit lounge is cozy and the crowd is pretty tolerable (for the Hollywood type). The drinks are expensive however; not as expensive as other spots on the strip, but still not cheap. I ordered 2 vodka tonics with a beer and the bill was about 20 bucks.

They have outdoor seating in case you're a smoker or enjoy people watching. The food is awesome too. I recommend a burger and fries. On a scale of 1 to 10, ll give the Troc an 8. Good food, the people are ok, but the atmosphere is what keeps me coming back. My favorite is sitting outside and watching all the drunks walk by.

Parking

The parking is terrible. The bar is smack dab in the middle of the strip. Parking is meter only and you'll get towed after midnight on the weekends. Your best bet would probably be valet (which is reasonably priced) or taking a taxi.

One more thing, you gotta ask for Kim. She is the only cool waitress in the place. She's always smiling and will treat you well!

When you step from Hillhurst Avenue up the garden path to the Alcove, you are entering a small Los Angeles dining adventure. But don't worry - it's a good one. Located in the colorful respite of Los Feliz in an old brick bungalow, the Alcove is true to its name, but with L.A.'s youthful energy, too.

First you walk through a well-seated grassy courtyard filled with shady umbrellas, café tables and chairs. Then, get in line, because this place is popular, and often packed. However the wait doesn't feel long, for you're too busy perusing the extensive menu of gourmet egg dishes (from the old-fashioned country breakfast to the shrimp and lobster omelette), monster salads (such as classic Cobb, Asian, or grilled vegetable), and a variety of panini sandwiches, burgers and wraps. From the colorfully illustrated giant chalkboard you pick your potion - whether it be an exotic hot coffee, ice blended, or stronger libation. As you bump along the curve of the counter towards the congested ordering area, glass windows display tantalizing tarts and pastries, fluffy iced cupcakes with sprinkles, and enormous marshmallow treats. While the Alcove prices are a bit higher than average, you'll find generous portions here.

Ah, you've made it to the front of the line. You order, you pay, you get your drink, and a number to put on your table. Now to find a place to sit: a few tables can be found inside, oddly surrounded by strange religious wall murals, artifacts, and antique photos (you get the vague feeling this was once the site of turn-of-the-century religious cult) - which might explain why the most popular seating is outside. I tend to go for more privacy, settling in the quaint side patio with its creative, antique lawn furniture (a chair made from a country door is one of my favorites). Greek statues surrounded by trees invite small birds to join you, and add to the overall calming effect in this section. But the busy front courtyard has much to offer as well. My friend and I once became so thoroughly engrossed in the Hollywood dating dramas of two women talking at the courtyard table beside us, we barely said a word to each other the entire meal. When we left, we shared commentary as though we had just been to a movie!

Once you sit, you can sip your drink, chat, and relax. You feel a little like a frat initiate who just made it through the Haze (okay, that's an exaggeration - maybe that's just the lingering cult vibe from inside); actually it's more like coming home after a hectic drive in traffic. Whatever. When the food arrives the "traffic" is quickly forgotten. You find the offerings deserving of inclusion in the local mag "best ofs," such as Angeleno's "Hot List," or Sunset's "Best Coffeehouses in LA." You eat, and you feel good that you have discovered this crazy little retreat – more accurately, that you survived a little "crazy" to get to the "retreat."

In LA I think we enjoy going through a little drama to get to something good. The Alcove dining experience is no different, for not only do you get a good meal, but a sense of accomplishment, too. Which I suppose is why, despite my complaints about the crowds, I keep going back.

It’s almost like clockwork. Every time my friends and I decide to cab it to Hollywood or Sunset we get ripped off on the trip back home. It’ll be $14 or $15 for the trip there and then $25 on the way back. I often try to figure out what goes through their minds...don’t they realize that I took a cab out there and know how much it cost to get there? Sure they do. You see, it’s all a numbers game and they’re basically taking a risk.

Why Do They Do It?

It’s actually very simple. You’re drunk and they think that you’ll never notice. And if you do notice and mention it to them, they’ll reply with something along the lines of, "I don’t know" or "My meter is broken". Unfortunately, some drivers aren’t too bright and they get greedy…so instead of being suave about it and making $2-3 extra dollars on a trip, they really go for it.

How Do They Do It?

Well there are two ways that cab drivers can rip you off:

1. They set their meters to operate at 1.5 or 2 times the rate. This is illegal and they go out of their way to find a shop that can tweak their meter. It’s activated by pressing a combination of buttons, and once the meter is turned on, the rate per mile is increased.
2. Some cab drivers have a little clicker that they keep in their pockets. These devices can resemble a car alarm and it basically causes the rate to jump by $0.35 (or whatever the rate is) once the button is clicked.

Which Companies Do It?

Over the years I’ve been ripped off by almost every cab company in Los Angeles. But out of all the Taxi Companies in Los Angeles, Checker Cab Company is the absolute worst.

Checker Cab Company (Blue & Yellow)

I can’t remember a time when I got into a Checker Cab from Sunset or Hollywood and wasn’t ripped off. There are actually two different types of Checker Cabs and both won’t hesitate to rip you off:

1st Unit: These Checker Cabs are numbered in the 3xxxx’s and have a round Los Angeles County Seal on the driver side and front passenger door. Don’t let the seal fool you...they'll still rip you off.

2nd Unit: These are also Checker Cabs and are numbered in the 7xxx’s. They DO NOT have an LA County seal but they DO have a West Hollywood permit. This means that they can pick up passengers from West Hollywood…that includes Sunset Blvd. You’ll see tons of them on Sunset and they will always try to rip you off.

How Do You Know If You’re Being Ripped Off?

The easiest way to tell if you’re being ripped off is when you get back home for twice the amount it cost to get there. Also, try to keep your eyes on the meter. If the rate says $0.35 per 1/7th of a mile and it jumped twice in a span of a block...you’re being ripped off. If you see the meter jump, it’s likely they have some kind of clicking device.

What Can You Do About It?

The first thing that’ll go through your mind is to call the company and complain about the driver. I did that at first and their response was that the car number doesn’t belong to them and that I got into a "bandit cab". In reality, it wasn’t a bandit cab…they were just covering for their own.

So the next time you find yourself a victim of a scummy cab driver, here are a few things you can do:

1. Go to Google Maps and figure out how many miles the bar/club is from your home. The new rate for most cab company’s (which was increased in 2007) is $0.35 for every 1/7th of a mile. This comes out to $2.45/mile. So in my example, I live 5 miles from the Sunset Strip…which comes out to $12.25. Add a few dollars for the wait time (which is $0.20 to $0.35/30 seconds) and a 15 minute cab ride shouldn’t cost more than $16 - $17…and that’s being generous.
2. If you feel like you’re being ripped off, wait until you arrive at your destination and ask the cab driver for a receipt. The receipt should have his name, cab number, pick up location, and drop off location. There is absolutely no reason why they wouldn’t provide you with a receipt.
3. Once you get the receipt, tell them that the rate is too high and that you got to the same place for $$ amount less. If they refuse to lower the rate or tell you that you don’t know what you’re talking about, simply tell them that you aren’t particularly good with math and that you would like the police to help sort it out. If you mention the police, and have a receipt in hand, 10 times out of 10 the driver will tell you to pay whatever you want. Most won’t argue because they will lose their permit and will not be able to operate a taxi in Los Angeles if they’re caught.

The Solution

Although it’s still not completely full-proof, the best way to ensure that you won’t be ripped off is to order a cab over the phone. This way they have a record of which driver picked you up and where you were picked up from. With this information readily available, most cab drivers won’t take the chance.

Hidden behind a corrugated steel entrance is a bar that time forgot. The decor is straight out of a fifties noir film. Located on the corner of San Fernando and Alameda in Burbank, the Blue Room is the place to be for locals and others looking for a break from the typical Hollywood bar scene.

The Scene

Referred to some as the best damn dive bar in Los Angeles, you will find the place alive with patrons on most nights. The types of people you'll come across at the Blue Room range from the local rummy to glitzed up Studio folk.

From the roomy and comfortable booths to the outdoor patio, the Blue Room, or the Blue as it is referred to by some of the regulars, has something for everyone. Just about the only thing that jumps out as modern in the entire place is the Juke Box. An internet connected wonder that allows you to download just about any song you could think of. That can be both a plus and a minus as I have heard Dancing Queen just one too many times.

The Drinks

The drinks are considerably cheaper then any you will find in Hollywood, or any other nearby bar for that matter; and twice as strong. With affable bar tenders and waitresses just as quick with a line as your drink, you are sure to be pleased with the experience.

The Parking

The parking situation is less then perfect, but at least it’s free. Don’t expect to find parking in their, oh so small lot. There is enough street parking to accommodate everyone though, so don’t worry. Make sure to use the back entrance as the front entrance seems to be just for show (and to comply with local ordinances).

Raffallo's Pizza is by far the best I've tasted on the West Coast. Philadelphia's pizza beats them all but this ain't Philly baby.

Raffallo's has amazing sandwiches too. To be completely honest, I never went there for the food. I mean don't get me wrong, the food rocks. There is this waitress who works there that I had a HUGE crush on. She had beautiful long brown hair, nice tan skin and I was taller then her. This is very important because I'm only 5'9. Can you see a trend here? Hey, I'm in my late 20's, what else am I going to think about?

I went to Raffallo's with my 2-year old niece. She's a cutie. Yes, I'm one of those guys who will use my brother's kid to pick up women. Whatever works right? Anyway, I went back, asked her out and she said "No". It's a little depressing but I ordered a large pie that lifted my spirits. After that day I was too embarrassed to go back. I only order delivery now. Speaking of which, their delivery service is top notch and VERY quick, usually under a half an hour.

I actually sent her a card. YES! I'm a huge geek. Maybe she'll read this, call the site and ask for my phone number? Probably not...but it sure won't keep me from ordering that fantastic pizza.

If you go, I recommend getting the Raffallo's Super Sub. It's awesome and very filling. I can't even finish the Super Sub myself and I eat like a horse. Raffallo's is also a great for Football Sunday. GO EAGLES!

The parking situation can be a little tough. There are only about 5 total spots so delivery is the way to go.

Not So Hollywood

The Studio Suite isn't much of a first date spot but it is by far THE BEST LITTLE DIVE BAR IN LOS ANGELES. Yes! I love it baby, as Dick Vitale would say. The drinks are cheap as hell and the music rocks. Actually, since I mentioned music, there is a band that goes by the name of "The Kenzos" who are unbelievable.

These guys are one of the most revolutionary bands I've heard in a long time. The sound is similar to Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Jane's Addiction all wrapped in one tasty burrito. The lead singer, Joe, is crazy on stage, the bass player will crack jokes between songs and the drummer is awesome. Together these guys are an unbelievable talent. I rarely go to a bar to see a band but for these guys I'll make an exception. The Kenzos are the Studio Suites most popular band.

The parking situation is perfect. It's free! You'll always see the bands hanging out front smoking, drinking and having a great time. The types of people you'll find at Studio Suite aren't your typical "Hollywood Crowd," everyone is down to earth and very welcoming. There are pool tables in the back and the place is packed for football Sunday. The food isn't that great…but what bar food is?

Check out the Studio Suite on a Saturday night. This is the best night to go. You'll even see me there cheering on the Kenzos.

Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills on Franklin Avenue, Birds is perched in the middle of a unique block between Tamarind and Bronson Streets, where Hollywood wannabes and stars alike flock to the sunny sidewalk cafes to hang out, talk industry, and see-or-be seen.

Bird's diverse and delicious menu is a one of the draws that keeps the locals landing. The featured entrée is rotisserie chicken, glazed in an original marinade and served with your choice of sides (steamed veggies, BBQ beans, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, Spanish rice, etc.). But if you're not a big eater, they also have lighter fare in the form of California fusion "roll-up" sandwiches, chicken tacos, and their famous curly Q fries. Beef lovers will enjoy the old-fashioned burgers and sloppy joes. For even lighter eaters, salads come in half order sizes, (Caesar, Chinese Chicken, Mediterranean, etc.) and even these are meal-size portions.

While the other restaurants and shops on this block exude a young Hollywood vibe, Birds is hip retro: it's name an homage to Alfred Hitchcock's famous horror film "The Birds," with decor that features giant photos and posters of the suspense master showing off his whimsical reserve and portly charm. Like the cinematic world of Hitchcock, the atmosphere inside Birds is dark, but only in terms of the lighting. The music is upbeat and the friendly wait staff provides excellent service.

After dining at Birds, there is plenty to see or do in just one short block. The Daily Planet newsstand and novelty shop, the Bourgeois Pig Café, the Tamarind Theatre (featuring the Upright Citizens Brigade), Harmony Gallery, and Counterpoint Records and Books are among the cool places here to check out.

Whether you want the "comfort food" of a full on BBQ chicken meal, or fresh lavash "roll-up" sandwiches with a California spin, Birds of Hollywood offers an affordable selection for a variety of tastes, in a breezy, off-the-beaten path locale.

"Man o man" this place rocks! I love the Cheebo on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. This is the perfect spot for a first date...or any other type of date for that matter. I recently took a girl here for our first meeting. I actually met her on-line. Big mistake! We'll get to that later though.

The atmosphere of Cheebo reminded me of the show "Cheers". A quiet neighborhood bar where everyone meets for happy hour to plan out the rest of the night. Every time someone walked in, the bartender, Pat from Texas, addressed that person by name. It reminded me of my hometown, Philadelphia. As for attire, you can role out of bed in your PJ's or dress like Don Johnson from Miami Vice, both equally accepted.

The place is reasonably priced and you can feel very confident that you won't kill your wallet. Trust me, I’m a busboy, I can barely afford dollar store tuna. The bartender was awesome and hooked me up with 3 free beers and he gave my date a free glass of wine. She eventually dumped me for a muscle bound, 6'4, 230 pound gargantuan body builder with a fake tan.

As for online dating, screw that! It's a waste of time, well mine anyway, but I ended up having the last laugh. I'll tell you about that later. Cheebo on the other hand is awesome - I highly recommend going there. I give this place a perfect 10. As for my date, well we'll just give her a negative 10.