The Kress

Mar Yvette

Citysearch

In Short
First things first: This place is huge. Like, so huge the main dining room alone seats 220 people. Built in 1934, the multi-level art deco-style building was originally an S.H. Kress Department Store. In 1949, it became the world headquarters for Frederick's of Hollywood. Now, after more than two years of restoration, owner Michael Viscuso (who helped resuscitate San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter) has unveiled its new-century incarnation as The Kress, a shiny larger-than-life supper club, sushi lounge, basement disco and rooftop bar. The ground level restaurant is like a temple to all things Asian with an '80s Vegas twist--red lights wash over the central wraparound bar anchored by a massive crystal chandelier, while clear acrylic bar stools, ornate black lacquer accents (including a completely restored 1930s ceiling) and gold leather banquettes dot the space. Oh, and there's two enormous fu temple dogs guarding the doorway. Not to be outdone, the menu is just as grandiose, offering everything from daily bento box specials to gold-flecked nigiri (it's standard here) and cook-it-yourself shrimp skewers that come presented on a 500+-degree stone. Now that's hot.