by Kika Davis - 0 Reviews - 7 List
There are certain things that go hand in hand: Chocolate and peanut butter, tea and cream, Lady Gaga and a meat dress. The same goes for "Mad Men" and whiskey, "Mad Men" and a swanky dinner out, and "Mad Men" and fabulous style. Here's our list on how to live it up "Mad Men" style in LA.
Updated: December 14, 2010
This is where Don Draper might drink if he were living in LA today. (His office would probably be downtown, too.) Seven Grand makes classic whiskey drinks in its finest varieties and, like Don, you should accept nothing less. If you happen to drop in Monday-Wednesday around 10pm, you can catch 7G Sessions, which serve up a double shot of jazz with a blues chaser. (And oh, how Donny boy needs to chase those blues.)
Thirsty Crow is something out of a speakeasy western with a little nostalgic glam thrown in, making it an obvious Draper-esque watering hole. In addition to the great atmosphere, the menu--Whiskey, Bourbon, Rye Whiskey and Scotch Whiskey--is pretty impressive. There's even a Sunday night whiskey class from 9pm to closing. Hey, knowledge is power.
Walk into Cole's. No, you're not coming for a French dip. Head towards the door all the way in the back. Yes, the one with no sign. Open it. Now find yourself in a dimly-lit cocktail lounge where you'll order an Old Fashioned or a Muddled Gin & Tonic while a piano player tickles the ivories. This hidden spot might be new, but Cole's has been around way before Draper was born, so it's got real retro cred. You'll feel as though you've been transported back to another time, like right into an episode of Mad Men.
Is William Holden at the bar? Where's Orson Wells sitting? Musso and Frank is your quintessential old-school Hollywood establishment, where even the waiters look like they've been there since day one. Both the atmosphere and service are exceptional, but just remember--this is Old Hollywood. Don't even think about ordering that Redbull vodka.
The Millennium Biltmore Hotel has to be one of the world's most beautiful hotels. So it stands to reason that its restaurants are top notch. La Bistecca serves some seriously exquisite dishes and the servers are welcoming, polite, and on top of their game. Dinner at Sai Sai is another excellent experience that offers Asian cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for Italian or something a little more exotic, this place keeps the stylish "Mad Men" sophistication alive.
Don Draper was actually here! Cicada is a downtown landmark and it's frequently used as a filming location for "Mad Men" (they also filmed Pretty Woman here). You'll fall in love with the fancy suits, the cocktails (treat the upstairs bartender Max like a king), and the music on Sunday nights. Visit with a special date or a couple of friends and you'll get an unforgettable night of nostalgia.
The costume designer for "Mad Men," Janie Bryant, regularly drops into this vintage cove located in Burbank. From the outside, Swift doesn't look like much. But from the moment you step in, you'll soon realize that the shop delivers the goods ... dresses, dresses and more dresses! The owner, Carrie, handpicks everything in her adorable store, so she can put together an outfit for every occasion in five seconds flat. Shoes, clutches, sunglasses and jewelry are also offered, and all at reasonable prices. That 50s dress doesn't fit in the waist? No worries. Carrie even does alterations.
The show's costume designer also frequents Playclothes on Magnolia. And what starts out as a "quick peek" in the shop to quench your interest will soon end up being an hour long trip within this treasure trove of vintage finds. There are racks upon racks of fabulous things to fawn over and fondle. The alluring displays of vintage hats, pearls, vanity trinkets are always gorgeous and always well organized.
Every guy needs a cool thing to carry around. You know, just because. Like a manly pocket watch, killer cufflinks or a smooth jacket to feel like a million bucks. And Jake Vintage is the emporium for these items--all the things you might not really need, but that you really want. If you want to go on that special date with a true Draper swagger, be sure to drop in and ask the owner Jonathan to hook you up with all the "essentials."
The Shave isn't for the "average" man. This is for the guy who enjoys being pampered and understands that the money being charged here is for more than just the actual shave. They have beautiful women who hand you a glass of scotch as they escort you to your barber chair. They then wrap a hot towel around your face and provide a gentle massage to your scalp. The ambiance and products are of quality, and so are the barbers, who are dressed in period attire, including a vest and necktie. You'll come out looking as impeccably groomed as Draper and Sterling ... but much more relaxed.
The inevitably cool vintage bar accessories sold at Bar Keeper could easily be lifted out of a scene from any "Mad Men" episode. The coasters, the shakers, the ice cube trays... just thinking about this store will make you crave an Old Fashioned. Even if you hate the taste of alcohol (que horror!), chances are you'll still love all of the things in this shop.
An $8 entrance fee unlocks the best treasures Los Angeles has to offer every second Sunday of the month at the Rose Bowl Flea market. Looking for one-of-a-kind sunglasses from the 50s? Check out Andre in the vintage section--he's the glasses guru. Need a new coffee table to finish your replica of Draper's bachelor pad? There are dozens of sellers waiting to make a deal with you. Just remember to bring cash/checks, wear comfortable shoes and get ready for the hunt.