LA Bar Scene: The Surly Goat

Like all bars and clubs in LA, one goes out and another goes in.  The space, formerly 'Seven,' as of this month is now 'The Surly Goat.'  And after multiple trips to this beer specializing bar, I think it is here to stay.  The bar has 27 great beers on tap that will rotate different selections plus 100 bottles, all for very reasonable prices.  For those intimidated by the large list- they also have a Beer 101 chalk board with a glossary of beer terms to help you make your selection. 

With its modern twist on the traditional pub, complete with stuffed animal heads, the Surly Goat has a very urban cool vibe.  The two level bar is spacious with a patio. And although there is no kitchen, a danger-dog vendor sits on the patio grilling up bacon wrapped hot dogs.

Know Before you Go: There is a parking lot next door to the bar ($6) Street parking can be difficult to find especially on weekends.
Patrons are welcome to bring in take out (Baby Blues BBQ is next door) and eat on the patio outside.

The Surly Goat

7929 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 650-4628 

La Descarga: The Sexy Havana Rum Bar in LA

When you enter through the non descript door on Western Avenue in Los Angeles you have no idea what is in store for you.  But rest assured, at La Descarga you are in good hands.  Fast forward to the trip up a narrow staircase into a lobby.  You are greeted by a hostess who walks you through an armoire to enter the two level bar.  La Descarga (meaning the after party in Spanish) transports you to a Pre-Fidel Cuba, complete with a cigar room, a live band, dancers and fabulous Rum cocktails.  The keen attention to detail takes form in its gorgeous decor, including weathered walls, antique light fixtures, wrought iron banisters, cigar boxes and an oak bar stocked full of Rum and other libations. 

The bar opened early this month (Feb 2) and has sold out nights ever since.  We say sold out because you must make reservations in order to get in.  Reservations can be made on their website: ladescargala.com They fill up fast so try and make them in advance.  Or you can always try showing up, well dressed and with a small party if you think you can get passed the doorman.

Le Descarga

1159 Western Ave., L.A.

323-466-1324

The Lucent Dossier Experience Opens Wednesdays at HWood!

[Photo Credit: Phil Holland]

The Lucent Dossier Experience is exactly what it sounds like: an experience.  And it is an experience that should not be missed by any Angelino.  Known for their immersive, experiential environments, Lucent Dossier combines otherworldly circus-style spectacle with tantalizing performances involving synchronized dancers, live art, contortionists, in a theatrical fantasy set within an industrial club space.  

'What Lucent does best is create wonderlands for our guests to lose themselves in, so let us be your guide into a fantastical realm where brilliance and insanity fuse together in an exotic kind of ecstatic bliss.'  - lucentdossier.com

[Photo Credit Aaron Gautschi]

You might have heard of Lucent Dossier from their performances at Coachella or at their year-long run of sold-out shows at The Edison, in downtown. Now they are at it again,  opening last night at the popular club h.wood.  What makes the Lucent Dossier Experience so special is their ability to transform a space into whole other world.  When you reach the upstairs level of h.wood you are greeted by performers in intriguing costumes, a masseuse table, aura readings, a rosewater bath,  and of course a full bar and great music.  Know before you go:

*Tickets are $15 and if you sign up for the Lucent email list you can get discounts.
*Park in the Hollywood and Highland compex- $2 for 4 hours with validation
*Dress up in costume! From red dresses, to corsets and fishnets you wont look out of place here!!

H.Wood

1738 N. Orange, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Parking in the Hollywood

Every Wednesday
Doors and Dinner:  8pm
Shows: 9pm - 12midnight
DJ &; Dancing till 2am

Admission $15

Halloween Parties in LA

Like always, Halloween in Los Angeles is exciting, rowdy, and always full of fun events. And this year it falls on a Saturday- making it much more enjoyable to party the night away. If you aren't sure what to do for Halloween this year here are some of the Culturista's notable events!

Vibiana Cathedral
10/27-10/31 -Pandora
Only open for Halloween week- the 'club' will feature the newest in nightclub technology- innovative lighting design, streamlined operation to limit line waiting, cutting edge entertainment, and different performances each night. Saturday's performance is Asher Roth. Buy Tickets ($75 open bar) (pictured left)

L.A. Sports Arena
10/31 -Monster Massive
w/ Armin Van Buuren, Sasha and Hernan Cattaneo. This is going to be a huge dance party full of house/trance music. Buy Tickets ($50-150)


The Shrine
10/30-10/31 - Hard Haunted Mansion
w/ Justice on Saturday
The biggest names in Electro will help you party the night away! Saturday's line up includes Justice, Basement Jaxx, Crookers, Major Lazer and Steve Aoki. Buy Tickets ($75-135 All ages) (pictured left)

Ecco
10/30 & 10/31- Heaven & Hell
Hosted by Mehcad Brooks and the cast of HBO's True Blood! It's going to be a huge event, 8 Bars, sexy performances by Cirque Du Soleil, 4 rooms, 2 patios, and an outdoor tent. Buy Tickets ($40-100 open bar for $100 ticket)

Kress
10/31 - Cirque Kress
Open bar from 8-11- BUT you have the option to buy a general ticket without open bar for half the price! Hip hop in the basement, mash-ups on the roof, disco on the 1st floor and electro in the lounge. This is one of the cheaper parties if money is an issue. Buy Tickets ($20-100 open bar for 49.95 ) (pictured left)


West Hollywood Halloween Parade
10/31 6-11pm - Between La Cienega-Doheny on Santa Monica Blvd.
The Weho Halloween parade is a MUST see. It also happens to be free of charge which is always nice. Take a walk between La Cienega and Doheny on Santa Monica Blvd and see some of the craziest costumes you've ever seen.

More Parties:
The Black Pearl Party @ Boulevard3: Buy Tickets
The Playboy Mansion Party: Buy Tickets
HWood's Halloween Party: Buy Tickets
King Tut's Tomb Party @ The Egyptian Theater: Buy Tickets
Monster Halloween Bash @ MyHouse: Buy Tickets

The Most Interesting Show in the World, Dos Equis Party! LA

Wednesday (October 21st) at the Avalon in LA, Dos Equis is hosting their, "Most Interesting Show in the World" Party. The party is hosted by Angelo Moore of Fishbone! Tickets are free AND their is an open bar from 8-11! Hard to beat that. RSVP HERE

The show is featuring a collection of incredible, mind-bending acts from around the globe including:

Burlesque Singer, Melody Sweets
The Dangerous Mr. and Mrs. G
World Famous Contortionist, Mei Ling
The Human Slinky
The World's Most Dangerous Comic, Mark Faje
The Human Beat-Box, Butterscotch

After San Francisco tonight and Los Angeles tomorrow, the tour will continue through Dallas, Chicago, Miami and New York before concluding Nov. 14 at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, N.J.

The Avalon
1735 North Vine
Hollywood, CA 90028

Free Music at the Santa Monica Pier: Twilight Dance Series 2009

Every Thursday until September 3rd the Twilight dance series presents free music in the Pier parking lot. The concerts run from 7pm-10 pm. This coming Thursday, the 13th of August- two bands will be performing: Idan Raichel Project from Israel and Elijah Emanuel, bilingual reggae from Panama). See more info below:

Tips: Don't bring alcohol- it's not allowed.
Do bring your own beach/folding chairs for comfort!

Location: Santa Monica Pier 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, 90401

Phone: (310) 458-8900

Link: http://www.santamonicapier.org

Best Hangover Remedies from Food2

The Culturistas, and probably everyone else in the world, are no fans of hangovers. So if you had one too many last night and need a boost, the lovely people from Food2 have posted this great article on food/drink cures for hangovers! Check it out below:

Here's how to deal -- symptom by symptom:

Headache – alcohol has a dilating effect on your blood vessels

• Aspirin (the real thing) will tackle the headache—probably the most annoying part.
• Caffeine helps relieve that pounding headache by constricting your blood vessels too; it also wakes you up. But just like booze it dehydrates, so you'll still need to drink lots of water.

Cotton Mouth – a direct result of alcohol's dehydrating effects

• Water is your new best friend. Drink a lot before you go to bed (if you happen to be in a somewhat organized state of mind) and all day the next day.
• Sports drinks have enough salt and sugar to help replace all your spent electrolytes. Bouillon, fruit juice and even pickle juice do a similar job.
• The potassium in bananas also fights the dehydration.

Nausea – alcohol irritates your stomach lining, causing nausea and extra stomach acid

• Hangover foods around the world: Northern Germans swear by marinated fish (like herring), Mexicans have posole (tripe and hominy soup), and the Senegalese have yassa chicken and lemon stew. And the ancient Roman hangover cure was wine-soaked eel.

• Not feeling the global love? If you can handle food, your best bet is something like eggs, which are high in cysteine, which soaks up the leftover toxins.

• Tomatoes & tomato juice have lots of vitamin C, which takes a serious beating from the alcohol intake. But make that Bloody Mary a Virgin Mary if you know what’s good for you.

• If you even think about eating, try a fruit smoothie to boost your blood sugar and replenish all those lost nutrients.

Exhaustion

• Go back to bed. Seriously. Your spin class will always be there...

Bad Call

• Day Drinking: Bloodys and Screwdrivers for breakfast just prolong the pain.

• Painkillers & anti-nausea drugs. Four out of five doctors agree: Don’t bother.

• Fried Foods: Can reduce a hangover if eaten before drinking; after drinking...all good, if you can keep everything down...

The Beach Issue: LOS ANGELES EDITION

Summer is basically here- the weather is gorgeous and sunny- so what better way to spend your weekend than at the beach! Here is a list of some of the Culturistas' favorite LA beaches!

Venice Beach-- probably the most interesting beach of LA--- attracting artists, tourists, bohemian types and quirky characters. If you want to take a bike ride, a walk, or just people watch, this is the place to go! Things to see:
Venice Art Walls: The Venice Public Art Walls are located on the sand in the heart of Venice Beach. Basically anyone can paint/graffiti on the walls if you have a permit.
Muscle Beach: The outdoor workout area made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger and other bodybuilders.
Venice Canals: The canals were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. There are 6 remaining canal bridges left- and make a serene and relaxing walk- You can walk along them in the area bordered by Washington, South Venice Blvd., Pacific Ave. and Ocean Ave.

Dockweiler Beach--Dockweiler is the only beach in LA where you can have a bonfire! So if you are looking for a fun summer night at the beach- this could be the place. Check it out at: 12001 Vista del Mar
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

Paradise Cove-- Probably the prettiest beach in LA- Paradise Cove has been used for filming shows like the OC and Baywatch. The beach is located north of Malibu just off Highway 1. There is also the "Beach Cafe" located right on the beach--perfect if you get hungry.

Trader Vic's Opening @ LA Live

When Trader Vic's closed in Beverly Hills in 2007 many Los Angelino's saw the end of an era. It was a restaurant that had been at the Beverly Hilton for over 50 years! It seems fitting that the new Trader Vic's is opening in LA LIVE---which some call the new Los Angeles.

With tons of bars/restaurants/condos being built in the surrounding area, Trader Vic's will be in good company. The original creators of the Mai Tai, Trader Vic's will continue to serve the same signature dishes and tropical cocktails.

Word is---- the new restaurant/bar will cater to the sports crowd by having TV's in the bar area so you can catch the game. So put on your cheesy Hawaiian shirts and head over to Trader Vic's opening tomorrow night!

Trader Vic's
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
#A-120, Los Angeles, CA
90015

Crown Bar: Why the Culturistas love it

I first fell in love with Crown Bar last summer after it first opened. I found myself there multiple weekends in a row and each time I had a blast. Not only did I like it, but several friends with a diverse taste in nightlife enjoyed it just as much. There was a great mix of people and a dj that actually played our requests. While the venue is not large, it was also just crowded enough but not so much that it was impossible to move.

Last weekend when I returned to LA, I decided I would try my luck 10 months later. To my surprise, it was the same! It was like nothing had changed. The best part was that unlike the summer there was no line to get in. Same crowd, same feel, same fun! A good mix of dancin,shmoozin, and boozin. If you are in LA and wondering what to do you should check it Crown bar!

Crown Bar
7321 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046

Restaurant Profile: Rush Street

[The Exterior of Rush Street]

Rush Street- is a relatively new restaurant/bar in the heart of Culver City. It was inspired by the famous street in Chicago and serves "bar centric eats" and a dynamic nightlife scene. There are 2 floors and 2 bars in the restaurant. The food is very tasty and moderately priced (Entrees are $11-19)- I definitely recommend trying the turkey burger with sweet potato fries. They also have a wide range of pizzas, salads and appetizers. A perfect place for happy hour (which is Mon-Fri from 3-7pm). The restaurant also has specials---my favorite is Tuesday: 1/2 off bottles of wine!

[Inside the restaurant: Rush Street]

For more info and complete menu details check out their website: www.rushstreetculvercity.com

Rush Street
9546 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 837-9546

What to see in the last weekend of March: LA EDITION

Frost/Nixon

This is the last weekend to see this great historical play! A Culturista recommendation! Downtown is a great area for dinner and nightlife! Check out a list of bars in Downtown here and here.

@ the Ahmanson
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Projectionist
This comedic play opens this weekend at the Kirk Douglas Theater. This theater is right in downtown Culver City, which is a great area to grab dinner or get drinks. Try Fraiche or Rush Street !

@ the Kirk Douglas Theater
9820 Washington Blvd @ Duquesne,
Culver City, CA 90232

Tokyo
The tryptych film, "Tokyo" was released in LA this week. If you liked Paris Je t'aime, Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind or arthouse films in general you will like this film. We really enjoyed it!

@ the NUART THEATRE
11272 SANTA MONICA BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90025

Silverlake Wine tasting at the Standard

Silverlake Wine launches a weekly wine-tasting event at the Standard hotel in downtown L.A. this Wednesday, March 24th! The event takes place in the famous hotel's lobby and includes three boutique wines paired with snacks from the Standard's Lobby Lounge kitchen. It costs $20 a person.

SilverlakeWine.com

The Standard Downtown
550 S. Flower St., L.A.
5 to 8 p.m.
(213) 892-8080.

See Paul Oakenfold this Sat at the Vanguard!

Paul Oakenfold and Calvin Harris at Giant this Saturday (@ the Vanguard). It's a must see event if you are a fan of the legendary Deejay, Oakenfold. It costs $30 if you pre-order your tickets before this weekend. Order them here: Groovetickets.com

Father's Office- The Best in Burgers

When Father's Office came up in conversation last night among friends (and was repeatedly referred to the whole night) -- it triggered this craving that could not be satisfied by your average burger. And Father's Office does not serve your average burger. FO boasts a burger made of carmelized onions, bacon, gruyere, blue cheese on toasted french bread. And be warned they don't make any changes or substitutions to their delicious creation. You can't even order ketchup at this place. What you do get, however, is a garlic aioli dipping sauce as well as a blue cheese aioli when you order sweet potato fries. Sweet potato fries are a must here- since they are the most flavorful in the city. Ordering a beer is also a must since they have an impressive 30 something beers on tap.

The Burger

While their Santa Monica restaurant has been a watering hole for west side residents for quite sometime, they opened a new (and BIGGER) location in Culver City last year. If you don't feel like waiting in a line to get a table try hitting up the Culver City location at exactly 12pm on the weekend. And don't try and get in if you are under 21---they won't even let you inside to eat. But if you just want to drink at the bar it is open until 2am on Friday-Saturday and 1am on Mon-Thurs.The Patio in Culver City

Fathersoffice.com

Locations:
3229 Helms Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034
TEL: (310) 736-2224

1018 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
TEL: (310) 736-2224

Pinches Tacos

Pinches Tacos is a relatively new joint on the Sunset strip. It is run by the same people that own Cha Cha Cha and they sure know how to make good food at great prices! Since the place is open late- it is a great spot for some grub after a night at Chateau Marmont, The Libertine, Hyde or even the Laugh Factory. They also don't have a liquor license so you are welcome to BYOB with no charge (conveniently they are located RIGHT across the street to Liquor Locker).

Check out the menu here: Pinches Menu

Their Mole tacos are fab and their burritos are fresh and traditional!

Comedy Clubs LA

Looking for new fun things to do during the week OR weekend?? Try a comedy club. LA is fabulous place to go see a comedy show--since there are tons of comedians that live here. Here is a list of the Culturista's favorites.

The Groundlings Theater

7307 Melrose Ave. LA 90046
(323) 934-4747
Cover: $12.50-$21.50
Website: www.groundlings.com

My favorite comedy spot in LA, hands down. This intimate theater always delivers laughs no matter which show you go to. Thursday's cooking with gas is an improv style show--all based on audience suggestions (and even includes the audience frequently). It's tons of fun and always has a surprise celebrity guest.
See the rest after the jump

Laugh Factory

8001 W. Sunset Blvd.
(323) 656-1336
Cover: $20-25, plus a 2 drink minimum per show
Website: www.laughfactory.com
Dane Cook and Jon Lovitz do regular shows at this West Hollywood comedy club. Its slightly expensive with a 25 dollar cover plus a 2 drink minimum but can be a great show! Keep in mind: there is always a line out the door- so try and get there early if you want to get in good seats.

The Improv

8162 Melrose Ave., LA 90046
(323) 651-2583
Cover: Most shows $14-$20 plus 2 drink minimum
Website: http://improv2.com
This improv is just one of those classic comedy clubs in LA--with a pretty intimate sized space. Good to know: you can dine in while you watch the show- if you do, you will get priority seating.

The Improv Olympic West

6366 Hollywood Blvd
(323) 962-7560
Every Wednesday the shows are only $5 and beer is only $3. Reason enough for me to want to go. Plus they have shows every night of the week! It's def one of the most reasonable comedy clubs in town.

Comedy Store

8433 W. Sunset Blvd.
(323) 656-6225
Cover: $5-$20 and/or 2 drink minimum
Website: www.thecomedystore.com

The comedy store is def one of the big guns in LA. Big comedians will still perform there occasionally. They also have 3 different rooms of shows and tons of acts weekly.
_________________________________________________

If you are still a student-- there can be great improv troops right on your own campus (and usually WAY less costly)! Check out UCLA RUIN or BUICK shows if you go to UCLA. If you go to school at Indiana University--there is a GREAT improv troop called Hoos on First!
They have shows every Saturday from 8:30-9:30pm

The Downtown bar roundup: Part 2

Have you already gone to all the bars listed in Part 1? Well than you'll be happy to know there is a Part 2 !!

Broadway Bar

830 S Broadway

(213) 614-9909

This classy cocktail lounge resides in the heart of LA's historic theater district. It is in a 4,000-square-foot space adjoined to the restored Orpheum's box office. It has the feel of a posh 1940's
club with its gorgeous decor and 50 foot centerpiece bar.

The Edison
108 W. 2nd St.
213-613-0000

We've mentioned the Edison in our greatest LA Happy hours post!! This gorgeous bar will transport you to somewhere very different than 2000's Los Angeles. This downtown hotspot revitalizes the art of the classic, hand crafted cocktail.



The Golden Gopher
417 W Eighth St
Phone: (213) 614-8001

The Golden Gopher was a onetime speakeasy that was extensively remodeled, adding sparkling glass chandeliers, wide-panel windows, wraparound couches and gold-crusted gopher lamps. The Gopher even has a in-house take out liquor store due to having one of the oldest liqour licenses in LA. Happy Hour: Thurs-Fri 5-8 and Sun-Mon all night. Also stop by
Colori Kitchen (right next door) for dinner and BYOB!


Elevate

811 Wilshire Blvd
(213) 236-9600
This hip, stylish, and a modern club is a fun place to go to in downtown. There's dancing, private booths and all around good time. It is in a 6000 square feet space, which has the feel of a NYC loft with its large windows looking out into downtown.

The Standard Rooftop Bar

550 S. Flower St.
213-892-8080

The Standard has a great rooftop bar where you can stare out at LA. Stocked with couches and beds, there are plenty of places to chill out--it's the ultimate pool party.

The Downtown bar roundup: Part 1

For most of us Los Angelinos, we frequent the same bars and clubs over and over it tends to get a little stale. Well the good news is, we have a downtown! I know what you are thinking.... "downtown at night looks like it's straight out of 'I Am Legend'" or "the only thing fun to do in downtown at night is see a game at the Staples center" or "downtown...ya it's fun if you want to hang out with crack heads and homeless people." Well if you still have those notions, you are living in the past my culturistas. There are tons of great places in downtown and new ones cropping up all the time, so here is a compilation of some of the best for you all to explore and enjoy :)

Suade Bar & Lounge
@ the Bonaventure Hotel
404 S. Figueroa St.
213-489-3590
http://www.suedebarla.com/

This posh bar resides in the Bonaventure hotel. They ambiance is sexy and romantic with its red suade seating and private booths a plenty. Great place for downtown professionals and dwellers a like to catch a drink after work. They have an awesome happy hour "4-4-4-4" Mondays-Fridays 4-8pm where everything is four dollars (beer, appetizers, well drinks and wine)

Bar 107
107 West 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (213) 625-7382

This little dive bar with tons of character is a favorite among downtown hipsters and hollywood partiers alike. The red walls, fifties style decor and stuffed animal heads on the wall make for quite an eclectic mix. Great place to dance, take pictures in the photo booth and chug $2 PBR cans.

Crocker Club

453 S Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 239-9099‎

We've previously mentioned the newly opened Crocker Club here. It is inside the old Crocker Bank building and is as luxe as it gets. One of its lounges is actually inside the old vault, they have private rooms inside the old safety deposit box rooms and they have a second lounge that may or may not be haunted.

The Varnish Bar @ Coles
118 E. Sixth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-622-4090
http://www.thevarnishbar.com/

The Varnish Bar, located in Coles French dip is one of the newest bars on the scene. The idea behind the Varnish Bar is that it is a little secret speakeasy and an homage to classic American cocktails. The decor is also very old school, a lot of wood and old fashion lamps--which just add to the nostalgia.


Lucky Strike @ LA Live
800 Olympic Blvd.
213-542-4880
http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/

Lucky Strike has been making bowling trendy and swanky for years. Their newest location is found at LA Live downtown. While they don't have cheapest drinks or bowling in town- you are sure to have a fun time! Tip: Dont park in LA live for $20---drive around Olympic and Fig to find a 5-10 dollar lot - or even a meter.



ESPN Zone at LA Live
1011 S. Figueroa St.
213-766-7070
http://www.espnzone.com/losangeles/

If you are looking for a sports bar with tons of flat screen tv's to watch a game on, ESPN zone is the place. 2 floors of sports memorabilia and games can keep you busy for hours.

Check out Part 2 here:

Ghost bar at the Crocker Club, aptly named?

The Crocker Club exterior

The Mosler Lounge

The Crocker club opened late last month in the historic Crocker Citizens National Bank (now the Spring Arts Tower) at 5th and Spring Streets in Downtown LA. It is truely a gorgeous space with such a keen attention to detail. At an awesome 6,000 square feet, the space includes two separate bar areas. One called the Mosler lounge, (named after the Mosler safe company) which is actually inside the old vault (photo seen above). The second bar area is named Ghost bar (photo seen below) because they believe there are ghosts that haunt the old building. The Owner, Vincent Terzian says, "We do believe that there are spirits in our space.” The manager of the Spring Arts Tower, Kevin Taylor, corraborates that story saying, many people, including the crew of films that have shot in the building and himself, have seen spirits all over the building.

Ghost Bar at the Crocker Club

Know before you go: There is a strict dress code--no hats, baggy clothes, sneakers etc. They have a happy hour from 5-7:30 Wednesday-Friday. Check out their website for hours and more information:
Crocker Club Website

Further Reading:

LAT Feature on the Crocker Club
Metromix Ghosts at Ghost bar article
Angelenic's First Look at the Crocker Club