Archive

September '10

"Los Angeles' Sexiest Happy Hours"

July '10

"WELCOME"

"The Happiest Tradition"

"Best Happy Hours in West Hollywood"

June '10

"There's More Than Booze in Bouzy"

"LA's Longest Happy Hours"

"The Secret is Out: Happy Hours at LA's Speakeasies"

May '10

"Classic LA Happy Hours"

Los Angeles leans towards the future, pulling towards progress so passionately that it seems the city might slip and fall into the Pacific, with or without the help of the Big One. As high-flying as our dreams are however, there is still a sense of classic Los Angeles that is alive and well and going down the hatches at happy hours all over the city.

From old neon signs to worn leather booths, these vintage LA establishments recall a time when guys were gentlemen, dinner meant meat and potatoes and a cocktail in Hollywood wouldn’t set you back half a twenty. These bars and restaurants have a certain creaky charm and ooze history out their walls, which are usually decorated with black and white photos of old celebrities having a piece of pie in another era. Hit them up at happy hour and enjoy the Old School ambience at half the price.

Originating in 1908, Cole’s vies constantly with Philippe’s over which downtown eatery really invented the French Dip sandwich- but for atmosphere, the former takes the cake- or the bourbon pecan pie, as it were. The original glass lighting fixtures, penny tiles and a 40’ mahogany Ted Car bar truly evoke a turn-of-the-(last)-century saloon spirit. On Monday through Friday from 4PM to 7PM they serve a $5 half dip sandwich and fries, and you can take $1 off all beer/wine and $2 off cocktails like “Death in the Afternoon.”

Throwing back to the wilder and shinier days of Hollywood, the Frolic Room hails from the 1930’s and 40’s and sits right next to the Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Somewhat of a celebrity itself, the Frolic Room has been in dozens and dozens of movies, including LA Confidential and Black Dahlia. Show up on Monday through Friday from 4PM to 7PM for $3 draught beers, and enjoy the classic jukebox while you’re there.

A traditional American lounge that was featured in the movie Swingers, the Dresden Room is a swanky Hollywood joint from the 50’s with spiraling chandeliers, cozy white booths and frosted art deco glass. Known for killer steaks and an award-winning Cobb salad, the Dresden Room is popular with the local hipsters who no doubt know about its happy hour on Monday through Friday from 4PM to 7PM, when all drinks and appetizers are $2 off.

Another Los Angeles legend and landmark is Boardner’s, which opened in 1942 and is the oldest continuously named bar in Hollywood. Boardner’s “Classic Hour” runs seven days a week: Monday through Thursday 5PM to 8PM, Saturday from 4PM to 8PM, and Sunday all day long, until 2AM. Boardner’s eight-item appetizer menu ($5 each) surpasses the usual bar fare of fries and onion rings, and their drink specials ($3-4 beer, $5 well drinks and wine) will prep you properly for a night out in the neighborhood.