Nacional
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 962-7712
- Cross Street:
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 10pm-2am
Editorial Review for Nacional – by Tara de Lis
The Scene
Sleek and sophisticated, the bi-level structure's design was inspired by the romanticized lore of pre-Castro Cuba. The upscale decor and attention to detail are striking: Travertine marble, ornamental wrought-iron railings and cubist-inspired furniture. A spacious lounge accommodates up to 350 people, a DJ booth and a full bar on both levels. Upstairs, the high-walled outdoor area obscures everything but the stars. At the far end of the patio, a fireplace roasts fresh maple wood. Servers float by in their "Barbarella"-meets-"G.I. Jane" get-ups.
The Draw
Co-owner Rick Calamaro grew up in the Playboy Mansion--his mother was friends with Hef. Nacional's guest list is extracted straight out of his Rolodex: Hollywood glitterati, as well as non-connected eye candy who can afford $10 drinks. Though the prices may be steep, it's worth it for the mojito, the ultimate refreshing summer drink (rum-based, with lime, sugar, mint and club soda).
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoDress sharp and flirt with the bouncers or grease some palms--you still might have to wait in line, even if the club isn't full.
ParkingSave a few dollars--use the self-park lot next to the valet. It's close, you keep your keys, and you'll have more money to tip your server.
The ExtrasModest ones, beware: The upstairs restroom is unisex, but the downstairs one is not.
User Reviews for Nacional
08/04/2008 Posted by MizWorld818
I can't believe the bad reviews I've read about Nacional's! I've been going here since last summer and have never had a bad experience. I've never had to pay to get in (always put myself on a guestlist), always got tipsy off the drinks, bartenders have always been nice to me, I've always danced my butt off, and have just always had a good time here. The music's good, the crowd is good and mixed...and the guys here are pretty much good looking. ;-)
Pros: Good Atmosphere, Good Music, Good-Looking People, Cheap Self Parking
Cons: Small dancefloor downstairs can get packed and really hot.
10/26/2007 Posted by bryanmeyer
Imagine your company or school decided to throw an event at a club. All of your friends are going and there's a limit of 300 people that can be on the list and the cost is $45 a head for an open bar. The event is at the club Nacional in Hollywood. You show up at 10:15 and the party is already rockin' in that there are lots of people there already. Unfortunately, as you walk in you notice several things. 1. The place is crowded. Overcrowded. They definitely do NOT have capacity for 300 people to be comfortably hanging out. 2. The dance floor is on the first floor and it's small. 3. The music downstairs, with varying degrees of not good, is not loud enough. And they really don't have that many speakers to spread the sound throughout the dance floor. 4. Upstairs, they don't have speakers, so the music is barely heard -you can't dance there. 5. The bathroom - which consists of 3 stalls, is unisex. 6. The open bar for which you you paid $45-$50 only serves a small subset of drinks...rum and coke, kamikaze, house wine, foreign and domestic beer, some martinis. However, charging full price for good drinks like a midori sour ($12) or lemon drop. 7. The lighting is inconsistent and thus poor. The only thing this place had going for it was that it does have an open roof porch and ample parking lots next to and across the street ($8 - $10 lots). Avoid for large (300+) closed parties and if you are interested in dancing or listening to music.
Pros: Nearby $8 to $10 Parking Lots
Cons: No music broadcast upstairs, cramped rooms, 3 unisex stalls, bad lighting
Schedule
| 09/07/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 09/14/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 09/21/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 09/28/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 10/05/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 10/12/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 10/19/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 10/26/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 11/02/2008 | Beautiful | |
| 11/09/2008 | Beautiful | |
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