The Mint
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: (323) 954-9400
- Cross Street:
- Crescent Heights Boulevard
- Hours:
- Showtimes vary
Editorial Review for The Mint – by Katie Heffernan
The Scene
This veteran performance space--open since 1937--exudes a timeless, supper-club ambience with dark-wood furnishings, velvety curtains, gold chandeliers and money-green decor accents. Mesmerized patrons lounge at black-clothed tables and ritzy leather booths facing the stage. Behind a large one-way mirror, a sexy VIP alcove offers more intimate couches and plenty of privacy. The LP-plastered ceiling and walls lined with framed photographs pay homage to all eras of jazz-and-blues greats, from Ray Charles to Stevie Ray Vaughn.
The Draw
The scene depends on the crowd, which depends on the show; the bar can be packed or passive, rowdy or relaxed. A blues-heavy schedule--including soulful weekly favorite, Cafe R&B--brings 30-somethings looking to groove, while indie-rock nights rake in younger Eastsiders. A chic tapas menu includes duck confit and brie quesadillas, mushroom macaroni and cheese, and desserts such as mint-laced bread pudding a la mode.
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Insider Tips
ParkingIt's generally not too difficult to snag a street space, but the bar does offer valet parking on busier nights.
The ExtrasPatrons as enamored with the bar's menu as its music are in luck: Catering is available on or off premises.
User Reviews for The Mint
03/20/2008 Posted by kailanni
I visited this venue for the first time last night. I came with 2 friends to see a mutual friend perform. Upon our arrival my friends and I found a table in front of the stage and seated ourselves. The less than pleasant waitress came over and took our orders. After we ordered about $75 worth of food & drinks she walked away, then returned & informed us that she needed a credit card before she put the order in. She said she wouldn’t charge it & we could pay however we wanted to when we were ready but she just needed to hold the card. I was offended because I don’t recall seeing her request this from anyone else but I didn't make a big deal, it was girls night out, we came to see our friend & have fun so I handed over my card and let it go. During the meal she made several thoughtless mistakes such as bringing a draft beer when the order was for a white zinfandel, forgetting things that we ordered & bringing things that we didn’t. Through all of this not once did she apologize for the mistakes. Still we continued to be pleasant and try to enjoy ourselves. The drinks were mediocre, the food was decent & the service was awful. After our friend finished her performance we asked for the check. She had charged us for the beer that she brought by mistake, AND for an order of French fries that we never ordered or saw. After huffily correcting the bill she brought a revised one back. Needless to say, I did not tip. When I signed the receipt for the bill, she looked at it, saw the absence of a tip & get this- had the NERVE to say "I see you didn't tip, was there a problem with the service tonight?" Unbelievable. I calmly began to explain what the problem was but she abruptly cut me off and just waived me away saying "You know what, that's okay, have a nice night sweetie." Then walked away. I will never return here again. And it’s too bad, because like I said, I really enjoyed the atmosphere & performers, but the service really put a damper on the experience.
Pros: Good Crab Cakes, Nice Crowd, Really Talented Performers
Cons: Poor service, $8-$15 cover at the door, plus a 2 drink minimum to sit at a table.
06/20/2007 Posted by photoman5050
Just went to The Mint and the people who work there are jerks!!! I will try to make sure that I never go there. The bertender was great but the rest of their help were completely rude. The door lady was exceptionally terrible. Go to a different club....It's LA, there are plenty. Support establishments that appreciate your business.
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