A Night Out On Cahuenga
Tag: Entertainment
Ah, Cahuenga Boulevard… just listening to how someone pronounces the name can separate locals from transplants! It also happens to reign as one of Hollywood’s hottest destinations for nightlife and has been for over a decade. To help you plan your night out on Cahuenga, here are some recommendations.
HAPPY HOUR
If your schedule allows, kick start your evening with a happy hour at the wonderful Saint Felix. It’s got a bohemian vibe, comfy semi-private booths, and you can even enjoy your food and drinks outside on Los Angeles’ first pedestrian alley (known as EaCa – East of Cahuenga – Alley). Our favorite drink there is the Stockholm Syndrome, a gin-based cocktail with muddled strawberries, mint, and rosemary. Happy hour runs from 4 – 8 p.m. daily and includes discounts on food items like Mushroom Risotto Croquettes and their famous St. Felix Tacos. If you’re looking to bar hop for happy hour, why not stop by Trejo’s Cantina (3 – 6 p.m. weekdays) and Stout (4 – 6 p.m. weekdays).
The Stockholm Syndrome cocktail from Saint Felix. (Photo courtesy Saint Felix Hollywood/Facebook)
RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping is always more fun after a drink or two, am I right? If you’re a music fan, you’re in luck because there are three unique stores with records, tapes, and so much more within a stones throw of each other. Of course, there’s the giant Amoeba Music, the world’s largest independent record store. But if that’s too overwhelming, there’s the smaller but well-curated Record Parlour, which also sells vintage turntables, jukeboxes, and stereo equipment. Both places are known to feature DJs and musicians. For unique, exclusive vinyl and cassette tapes, there’s Urban Outfitters at Space 15 Twenty, which also offers clothing, home goods, and more.
Urban Outfitters at Space 15 Twenty. (Photo by Howard Wise for HPOA)
DINNER
Shopping can work up an appetite, so at this point you may want to sit down and refuel. Packed within a two-block stretch of Cahuenga are so many dining options you could eat there every night for a month and never have the same thing twice. You’ll find everything from deliciously different sandwiches at Bahn Oui to sushi and ramen at Waku Waku, or you can build your own bento box at the newly opened Supertoro. If you happen to be on a date and really want to impress that special someone, Beauty & Essex will not disappoint.
Build your own Bento Box at Supertoro Hollywood. (Photo courtesy Supertoro Hollywood/Facebook)
ENTERTAINMENT
Cahuenga happens to be home to one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious music venues, Hotel Café. It’s a place where many big names have gotten their start, and draws passionate audiences who appreciate acoustics. And you never know who might be standing next to you here, whether it’s a big name artist, an executive from Capitol Records up the street, or a publisher with superstar songwriter Diane Warren’s Realsongs – the most successful female-owned and operated business in the music industry - located just next door. If joining in on the fun is more your speed, simply cross the street to Tramp Stamp Granny’s, where the crowd belts showtunes and pop songs by request of the live pianist. If sports is more your scene, catch a game on the big screens at Elbow Room or 3rd Base.
Los Angeles-based countrified indie rock band Great Willow performs at Hotel Cafe. (Photo by Devin Strecker)
LATE NIGHT
Even after midnight, you can safely stroll up and down the corridor under the string lights that span the width of the street and wrap the palm trees that line the sidewalk. Dance into the wee hours at Station 1640 or have a nightcap at dimly-lit dive bar The Burgundy Room. Kitchen 24, as the name suggests, is always open, so step inside and belly up to the bar or make yourself comfortable in one of their pink and white booths. Soak up the atmosphere of this historic location, which was originally the legendary jazz club Shelly’s Manne-Hole.
Cahuenga Boulevard looking south towards Selma Avenue. (Photo by Howard Wise for HPOA)