Sunset Strip revival
L.A.'s most iconic stretch makes a comeback
By Alexandra Le Tellier, Metromix
March 12, 2008Hyde Lounge
8029 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood323-655-8000
For the A-lister: When a celebrity wants to get documented, they go to Hyde where a throng of paparazzi stands guard. The every day pedestrian can’t get into Hyde during prime hours, but the fourth season of “Entourage” gives a peek inside, complete with cameos of owners Sam Nazarian and Brent Bolthouse.
Skybar
8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood323-848-6025
For the A-lister: Like the Strip itself, Skybar goes in and out of fashion. It’s been on the radar lately, however, and for more than just Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Brody sightings. Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Jesse Metcalfe recently all had breakdowns here before checking into rehab.
Tower Bar
8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood323-848-6677
For the A-lister: Not all stars are media whores. Jennifer Aniston, Joaquin Phoenix and Bill Murray sneak into Tower Bar for a drink as does fashion royalty like Tom Ford, Mario Testino, Oscar de la Renta, Bruce Weber and…wait for it...“Vogue” editor Anna Wintour.
Cabo Cantina - Sunset Strip
8301 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles323-822-7820
For the boozehound: For every celebrity sighting on the Strip, there’s an even more exciting happy hour. At Cabo Cantina, for example, there’s a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. where the all drinks (yes, even the huge frozen margaritas) are two-for-one.
Red Rock
8782 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood310-854-0710
For the boozehound: Red Rock’s probably the most laid-back place to hang out on the Strip—even the coffee drinkers at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf across the street are more gussied up. Drinks are half-off during the daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—come to think of it, so are a lot of the clothes.
Saddle Ranch Chop House
8371 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood323-656-2007
For the boozehound: With bright yellow and blue cocktails served in gigantic glass mugs, it’s easy to see why people get so wasted here. Take a spin on the mechanical bull and there’s no way you’re walking out of here in a straight line. (This could be why cops love to hang out in front of this bar the most.)
Libertine
8210 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles323-656-3005
For the boozehound: When Libertine wasn't granted permission to host a happy hour, the bar's motto was born: "We don’t need a happy hour because we're happy all the time." What that means is $6 cocktails made with premium liquor instead of the neighborhood norm of $9 to $12 drinks. Sweet.
Bar Marmont
8171 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles323-650-0575
The sophisticate: Can’t jet to Paris for a quick jaunt. Not worries. Bar Marmont is like a little slice of Paree for the more Hermes-clad hipster. Order a classic cocktail (the Pimm’s Cup is one of the best in town) and strike up a conversation with the bartender—or, better, sit on the lantern-lit patio and smoke the night away.
ONE Sunset
8730 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood310-657-0111
The sophisticate: Not even able to go to NYC for the weekend. That's OK now that this NYC spot has opened a West Coast outpost. The elegant restaurant and lounge features four distinct yet continuous dining and lounging areas, an amber-illuminated bar and a mirage-like wall of shimmering candles, not to mention “muddled” cocktails that are as good as the food.
Ketchup
8590 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood310-289-8590
The trendoid: Tara Reid is the big name behind Ketchup, the Dolce Group hot spot that, in addition to specializing in designer ketchup concoctions, also lures in trendy bar hoppers for kiddie cocktails like Tang mimosas. L.C., Jason, Heidi and Spencer from “The Hills” got into a high-profile tiff here; if that’s not a seal of approval, I don’t know what is.
Bar at The Standard
8300 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood323-650-9090
The trendoid: Decked out like a '60s bachelor pad, the Bar at the Standard has bubble chairs, sloped brown couches, shag carpeting on the floor and ceiling and cactus plants displayed in futuristic-style planters against the white wall. And, like any good bachelor pad, there’s a sexy pool scene that offers sweet views—of the city and of bathing suit-clad clubbers.
Bar 1200 at the Sunset Marquis Hotel
1200 Alta Loma Rd., West Hollywood310-657-1333
The groupie: Unabashedly courting rock stars and beautiful people, Bar 1200 is upscale and intimate, with a legal capacity of "45 normal people or 150 supermodels," or so says its website. Sure, they're boasting a bit, but it’s true that groupies inspired by “Almost Famous” dig this cozy little bar tucked inside the infamous Sunset Marquis. Bonus: Ross Halfin's portraits of rockers like Alice Cooper and Roger Daltrey line the bar's walls.
Viper Room
8852 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood310-358-1880
The groupie: This rock club, originally owned by Johnny Depp, lost its steam after River Phoenix OD’d out front. But then Indie 103.1 and Scion (of all things) injected the flailing venue with a whole lot of cred by hosting showcases featuring bands like Justice. Let's see if new owner Harry Morton can keep the excitement up.
The Roxy
9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood310-276-2222
The groupie: Everyone from David Bowie to Frank Zappa played The Roxy in its heyday, but until a recent makeover, the legendary venue had become HQ for high school bands to rock out. Thanks to recent headliners like Amy Winehouse and Peter, Bjorn & John, The Roxy’s back—and so are the busty girls trying to get on the tour bus.
Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
