(323) 850-9050
7156 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood,
CA
90046
34.0906
-118.3457
Neighborhoods: West Hollywood, Central LA
What People Are Saying About Formosa Cafe
The Editor
Alison Kramer
Citysearch
The Scene – Opened in 1934, this trolley-car restaurant has preserved its star-studded history, making it an ever-trendy watering hole in West Hollywood. Dimly lit, the two red and ebony bars are encased by walls of vintage photographs. Hundreds of black and white portraits, from Marlon Brando to Humphrey Bogart, are autographed evidence of the bar's former patrons. It's also a prime landmark for out-of-towners who crave a taste of the classic Hollywood scene. Industry folk still flock to the bar's happy hour for specialty mai tais, martinis and snacks.
10/01/08
Saturday Nights
by csilva38 at Citysearch
Saturday nights can be packed inside and out. The patio area and roof get very crowded. Last weekend we left the roof as there were far too many people for safety. Parking, try valet if they are available. Otherwise, get there early or you will be very frustrated in finding parking. Do NOT attempt to walk alone to and from car in this area. Food has improved. Drinks always strong and service excellent. Fun place when not so crowded. Great atmosphere.
- Pros: Drinks and Atmosphere
- Cons: Saturday crowded especially patio roof area.Parking not good.Neither is walking alone.
09/22/08
Seedy - just the way I like it
by dadsdaught at Citysearch
This place was probably awesome in 1950. Now it is seedy. That's exactly what I was looking for - a little cheesy, a little run down, but mostly fun. Drinks are decently priced. Food is edible. Staff is nice enough. A good place to go to when you want to go out but don't want to deal with typical Hollywood BS.
09/18/08
Ah tradition -- check it out for a cheap happy hour
by AngelenoFoodie at Citysearch
Check out the review of this and many other happy hours at: happiest hours(dot)blog spot(dot)com - no spaces between words, but City Search won't allow it any other way. I've been to this Happy Hour twice now and I have to say, the first time, I was so pleasantly surprised by the food not sucking (as it has at Formosa in the past) that I viewed it with rosier memories than it merited. That said, the food doesn't stink. It's tasty and very cheap. All appetizers are $4 during Happy Hour, except the shrimp tempura, which is $5. Both times I've had the sesame fries and the ribs and both have been very good, although the sesame oil in the fries tends to give them a bitter aftertaste.
On the most recent trip, we also has the chicken satay and chicken shu-mai. These were not good. The peanut sauce on the overcooked satay was bland and the shu-mai was like a processed chicken meatball. Gratefully, our very good waitress told us that the shrimp tempura and veggie eggrolls tended to be VERY greasy, so we didn't order those.. However, the $5 mai-tai was great. My companion just drank water, and the glass never went empty, so that's nice.
Two of us ate well, one drank, and we got out of there for $28 (after tax and big tip). For Happy Hour, this is serviceable, but not compelling. Still, if you have folks in from out of town, and want them to get a true Hollywood experience, why not. It's a cheap thrill.
The Details on Formosa Cafe
Save Money:
Stop in weekdays from 4pm to 7pm to take advantage of discounted sake, cocktails and small plates.
The Extras:
Private parties and catering are also available. Call several weeks in advance to reserve the original train car room or the upper patio deck.
When to Go:
The upstairs bar and deck is open Thursday through Saturday, and although it's less exclusive than the Standard's elitist Roof Bar, the space is usually packed with networking nightlifers by 11pm.
Category:
Restaurants, Lounges, Catering, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
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