Bar Nineteen 12

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