86--CLOSED
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 871-8634
- Cross Street:
- Hudson Street
- Hours:
- Wed-Sat 7pm-2am
Editorial Review for 86--CLOSED – by Tara de Lis
In Short
Down the stairs and past the old sliding peephole, this dark cub offers plush tables and wraparound booths all facing the small center stage. Here, the spirit of the Jazz Age is alive and well at the silent film star's former gin joint. It's in the wild eyes of house band drummer Willie McNeil as he counts off Latin jazz number beats to the shimmying moves of sequin-clad burlesque dancers. And it's also bringing sexy back in a way that the pubescent JT could only dream about--not since the swing revival of the early '90s have Hollywood club kids been done up so dapper. From high-cheek-boned Johnny Depp lookalikes in fedoras to the flapper-esque little black dress brigade, this crowd is smokin'. And speaking of smoking, true to the time period, there's no need to climb all the way up to street level to light up; a sealed inner hallway features framed photos of old movies stars and windowsills lined with sand.
Hits: L.A. is notorious for guest list drama, and the Cahuenga Corridor is the biggest offender, which makes it really refreshing to see no line and polite doormen. The nice treatment is reflected in friendly conversation among strangers in the well-dressed crowd.
Misses: The band stops playing around midnight, which means you'll need to get there earlier than the usual club rush hour of 11:30pm. The smoking hallway could really use some better ventilation.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe official street address is actually that of the Hillview residential living spaces and sister cafe Lift. The entrance to the club is located on Hudson Street. Look for the valet stand and the doorman.
Know Before You GoA small but full dinner menu is available between 7pm and 9:30pm, featuring dishes such as Ceasar salad, prawn cocktail, Dijon chicken and lobster thermador. Call to reserve a table or to get on the list--someone usually will return your message.
What to DrinkThere's a full bar and an extensive menu of classic cocktails such as grasshoppers and sazeracs. Drink prices are surprisingly affordable for a Hollywood bar.
User Reviews for 86--CLOSED
05/31/2008 Posted by deepster12
One of the worst places in hollywood. First of all you got the ugliest bouncer telling you what fashion is. A $200 prada jacket is considered a sweat jacket to this idoit. plus $14 plus dallor drinks. Those are vegas prices. Its a freakin joke. Dont go, not worht it, everybody is rude and expensive and never even remotely packed. the place sucked hands down.
04/26/2008 Posted by ducebigolow
Read the great reviews and decided to visit 86 on a Saturday. I invited a few friends and actually had my B-Day dinner here. We arrived early (8:30PM reservations). The doormen, host & server gave us outstanding service. Very friendly and accommodating. The menu is small, but everyone was satisfied with their meals. The jazz band was good, but Carolina (burlesque dancer) made the show. The band ended @ 11PM and thats when the 86 turned from Lounge to Club. A few of my friends arrived late and they had the bad experiences everyone is writing about. Apparently, the Doormen turn from friendly to your typical rude Hollywood bouncer after 11PM. My friends eventually got in (since I had dinner reservations). I highly recommend 86 if you are looking for a nice meal and good show. Arrive early to avoid the hassle.
Pros: Great show, good lounge
Cons: Club after 11PM
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