Inside: Elevate

The view from the twenty-first floor (Credit: Elevate)

Remember Bret Easton Ellis' insufferable, '80s-era yuppies? They’re back—and kicking it at Elevate, the new club located on the twenty-first floor of a downtown high-rise in the heart of the financial district.

The 6,000-square-foot modern space, which cost $4 million to develop, has the feel of a New York City loft with panoramic views of the city. Not only can you see all the way to Hollywood and the valley, but also it's enclosed in glass, giving the feeling of floating amid lit-up office buildings. One drink too many and you might feel like Charlie in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." You’re so high up in fact, there's a prime view of the Rooftop Bar at The Standard Downtown. Elevate's motto: “We’re a few Standards above.”

The outdoor lounge, which circles the perimeter of the club, is one of the most luxe spots in L.A. to chill. The oversize ottomans allow ample room to stretch out and the music's not too loud. The layout's spacious too, so if you’re having a confidential conversation—say about company secrets—you don’t have to risk eavesdroppers.

Owner Emil Eyvazoff hired Tag Front, the creative minds behind Boa and Nacional, to develop the sleek interior. There are chic blue light boxes, leather-upholstered floors, a three-tiered ceiling and a bamboo sculpture. But inside, it's really about the large, sunken dance floor where classy club kids get down to Top 40 classics from the '80s and early '90s. There was a little Bell Biv DeVoe action the night I was there, but by far the best flashback was Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died In Your Arms." When was the last time you heard that song at a club?

High rollers can reserve a VIP table. (Normally I shy away from bottle service because it seems indulgent. When I have $300 to burn, I’m all about a new pair of heels.) But the VIP booths here are worth it because they feel like mini bachelor pads, complete with an attentive cocktail waitress clad in a skin-tight black ensemble. Best part: The VIP booths are divided by blue-lit glass partitions, the kind of thing you might see in a museum.

For all of Elevate’s sophistication and highbrow vibe, however, Elevate is also somewhat down to earth. At the opening party, Eyvazoff not only made the rounds to make sure people were having a good time, but he also helped man the velvet rope. And that’s a sure sign that the club is in the hands of a man who’ll make Elevate popular for years to come. 

Drinks: The two bars stay open until 2 a.m. (Elevate itself stays open until 3 a.m.) Order the lemon drop. It's sweet, tangy and strong.

Crowd: Packed with Downtown inhabitants, many of whom look like they work in the financial district. Working late? You'll fit in just fine in the suit you wore to the office.

Food: Elevate is located next to it’s sister restaurant, Takami Sushi & Robata. Eating at the restaurant guarantees entrance past the velvet rope, though a “light” menu is also available in the club.

Click here for Elevate's address, phone number and website.

Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.

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