The Allure of Legendary Pubs: A Journey Through Los Angeles’ Boozy Past
As I stroll down the bustling streets of Los Angeles, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and nostalgia. This city has always been a beacon of glamour and entertainment, and its rich history is etched into the very fabric of its iconic watering holes. From the golden age of Hollywood to the rise of Polynesian-themed tiki bars, the City of Angels has a drink for every occasion and a story to tell.
Toasting the Oscars at Old Hollywood Haunts
As the Oscars approach, there’s no better time to immerse myself in the city’s boozy past. I’m drawn to the Chateau Marmont, a hotel that has long been a celebrity magnet. The opulent, secluded location has encouraged misbehavior since its opening in 1929, and the stories that these walls could tell would make even the most seasoned bartender blush.
As I settle into a cozy corner of the Bar Marmont, I can almost picture the likes of James Dean, Howard Hughes, and Lindsey Lohan causing a ruckus. The bartender, with a twinkle in their eye, serves me a perfectly crafted cocktail – a reminder that the true magic of this place lies in the people-watching, not necessarily the drinks themselves.
Diving into the Frolic Room’s Sordid Past
Next, I venture to the Frolic Room, a dive bar that started its life as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era. Its covert days may be long gone, but the Frolic Room still retains a certain gritty charm. As I slide onto one of the red vinyl bar stools, I can almost hear the echoes of Sinatra and Judy Garland ordering their signature drinks.
But this bar is not just about the glitz and glamour – it’s also home to a more sinister history. The Frolic Room is infamously remembered as the last place Elizabeth Short, also known as the “Black Dahlia,” was seen alive before her gruesome murder in 1947. The caricatures of movie stars on the walls and the dimly lit atmosphere create a sense of unease, reminding me that not all of Hollywood’s stories have a happy ending.
Martini Mecca: Musso & Frank Grill
No pilgrimage to the pubs of Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to the legendary Musso & Frank Grill. Opened in 1919, this iconic restaurant quickly became the go-to spot for Hollywood’s elite, where deals were made over the perfect martini. As I step through the doors, I’m transported back in time, surrounded by the red leather banquettes and the bow-tied waiters who have been serving guests for decades.
I sidle up to the long mahogany bar, hoping to catch a glimpse of Manny, the bartender who has been mixing the best martinis in town since 1989. With a deft hand, he pours the crystal-clear liquid into a chilled glass, garnished with a single olive. As I take my first sip, I understand why this is considered one of the finest martinis in the world – the perfect balance of gin and vermouth, with a hint of saline to keep me coming back for more.
The Pink Palace and Its Legendary Polo Lounge
No journey through the pubs of Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace.” Despite numerous renovations and changes in ownership, the hotel has managed to retain its old Hollywood glamour, and the Polo Lounge is the crown jewel of this legendary institution.
As I step through the lush vegetation and into the plush, green-walled lounge, I can almost feel the weight of secrets and stories that have been shared within these walls. From Howard Hughes’ long-term residency to the Rat Pack’s raucous nights, the Polo Lounge has borne witness to some of the most fascinating moments in Hollywood history.
I settle into a cozy banquette and order a Howard Hughes, a cocktail that pays homage to the eccentric billionaire who called this place home. The Aviation and Corpse Reviver-inspired drink is a masterful blend of flavors, just like the hotel itself – a perfect balance of old and new, tradition and innovation.
Raising a Glass to Cary Grant and Julia Roberts at Bergin’s
As I continue my journey through the pubs of Los Angeles, I find myself drawn to the Bergin’s, self-proclaimed “House of Irish Coffee.” Originally known as Tom Bergin’s Horseshoe Tavern & Thoroughbred Club, this iconic watering hole has been a staple of the city since 1936.
The moment I step through the door, I’m greeted by a sight that transports me back in time – the ceiling is crowded with paper shamrocks, each one bearing the name of a regular patron, including the likes of Cary Grant, John Wayne, and even Julia Roberts. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of this place, where regulars have come to raise a glass and share their stories for generations.
As I order the house specialty, an Irish Coffee that warms my soul, I can’t help but wonder about the conversations that have taken place within these walls. What deals were made? What secrets were shared? The history of this pub is woven into the fabric of Los Angeles, and I’m honored to be a part of its ongoing legacy.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of L.A.’s Pub Scene
While the iconic watering holes of Los Angeles have captured my heart, I know that there are countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Pubs like Paddy’s, with their cozy atmosphere and local charm, beckon me to venture off the beaten path and uncover the true spirit of this city’s pub culture.
As I continue my pub pilgrimage, I’m reminded of the wise words of the late, great Paddy’s Pub regular, “The best stories are the ones that aren’t written down. They’re the ones that are passed down from barstool to barstool, from one generation to the next.” And so, with a twinkle in my eye and a spring in my step, I set out to discover the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Los Angeles’ iconic watering holes.
Remember, my fellow pub enthusiasts, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, let’s raise a glass to the city that never fails to surprise and delight – The Up and Under Pub, where the drinks are always flowing, and the stories never end.
