08/12/08

A horrible example of Beverly Hills nightlife

by MCfromPhilly

I was delighted to check out Nineteen 12 after a glowing review in Los Angeles magazine (evidently paid for). I have always enjoyed the Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel, as well as the Bel Air Hotel up the street. Why not check out a new place, right?

Upon entering, I received a few once-overs from 40ish women hanging onto their youth by the nails, but I find this behavior a standard of Los Angeles bar culture, so I didn't think twice about it. When I sat down and looked at the drink menu, I was astonished to see that a gin and tonic (my fave) was 19$, the lowest price drink on the menu was a low-end wine for 14$. I sat there with optimism and ordered anyway, and as the night wore on, the men that entered were all older, and chatting up women half their age who seemed to adore the attention. I began to feel more and more out of place. As soon as I retreated to the restroom, I was immediately approached by a man in his 60's who was rather aggressive.

On a positive note, the staff was very attentive to myself and my friend, the ambience was nice and understated (except those glowing ice cubes covered by beads- very odd!), and the mozzarella they serve at the table was quite good.

• Pros: Nice location, friendly staff
• Cons: $$$, snobby patrons, old men picking up young girls

07/13/08

Disappointment on Saturday nights-unless you're a working girl.....UPDATE: Friday night is the same....

by polishedperson1

My friend and I enjoy coming here,as I live in the neighborhood-very nice place,very convenient.The customer service and staff are most excellent. HOWEVER-last night,Saturday-Oh My. What a different vibe.So many 'working girl' types,adult film and stripper types(and the slimy sleaze-ball and geriatric guys who like it?).So obvious and blatant,terrible extensions,inelegant attire and mostly the lewd,classless behavior was just awful.(we're talking: these girls dancing to their imaginary pole. seriously.) I felt so embarrassed.Is there no nice place to have a drink and relax anymore? Cant these people just stay in Chatsworth? Handle this online? Does anyone with class want to see this? Maybe its time for the hotel to either instill some kind of dress code or put up the velvet rope and make this 'group' wait? Or a special room just for them? Wishful thinking. Just so disappointed with people...maybe saturday is not the best time to go. I just didn't expect this from such an establishment.I'll try again on the usual days and keep you posted.

• Pros: lovely interior aesthetics.good customer service-mostly at the front
• Cons: class challenged crowd on Saturday night. Waiters could be a little more friendly,but ?considering the crowd-I kind of get it

07/13/08

Disappointing waste of a great space

by txnative56

This bar is trendy, but disappointing. Basically, I think they are wasting a great setting with a poorly managed plan. The guy at the door was very rude to the couple that entered in front of our group, which made a poor impression. I travel widely and visit here frequently, including several visits to this bar. My impression on each visit has been lukewarm, but this last visit is probably my final one. The service was actually good, but there was some confusion over the menu and when I asked to speak to the manager, he couldn't be found. I expect more of an upscale location like this.