Bar Nineteen 12

01/19/10

Just ignore the fake boobs and order another drink

by Erin W Davis at Citysearch

I don’t completely disagree with the negative comments other users have written about this spot. Yes, there’s a large selection of both skanky women and scummy guys, and it’s not exactly packed with the elite that you’d expect to see at the Beverly Hills Hotel, but let’s look past all that for a second and focus on the good Bar Nineteen 12 has to offer. While the clientele might fall short for a hotel of this caliber, the impeccable service definitely meets Michelin standards. From the second that you walk in, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a world of glamour. Great attention is paid to all details- from the furniture all the way to the varied cocktail glasses. Speaking of cocktails…for me, this is the number one reason to visit this bar. They have some of the most unique and best tasting cocktails around. Some staples remain on the menu, but they’re constantly changing up their selection. Currently, they’re featuring a “pink and green” collection with drinks such as a blood peach bellini and a green tea martini. And did I mention that they have martini popsicles and jello shots? This is in addition to their very extensive menus for every sort of alcohol. Their “bar bites” will also make your taste buds quite happy. Everything is great so I suggest getting the sampler plate for the table plus the mini grilled truffle-scented three-cheese sandwiches. I enjoy this spot the most as a pre-going out warm up. If you can look past the other guests and instead focus on the décor, service, food and drinks, and the company you came with, you’ll find that you’ll really like this place.

• Pros: Amazing service, great small bites and PERFECT cocktails
• Cons: Lame crowd

08/12/08

A horrible example of Beverly Hills nightlife

by MCfromPhilly at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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.

06/18/08

Good drinks, very bad music, questionable management

by prchic at Citysearch

Love the drinks. The jelly shot gimick doesn't do anything for me, but it's cute I suppose. Ditto on the lame music. Furthermore, when I was there on Mother's Day, there seemed to be a big goof on the menu. The manager tried to blame it on our poor waiter, like a waiter decides what menu to serve. Overall, I expect a lot more from a hotel of this caliber.