217 Lounge

My boyfriend and I went on a friend's recomendation, he'd been there a few times before and I was expecting a fairly swanky LA club. We had several people in our party, so I had our names put on the guest list-saving us $100, which was great. The bouncers were also super nice, which I wasn't expecting. When we got there though, there was only a dozen people or so (and this was after 11 on a Friday!) but the atmosphere was nice and the drinks were pretty good. As the night progressed it got more crowded...but the people weren't all that...umm, classy shall we say. The dance floor IS tiny and it DOES spill over onto the walkway. We got bumped and smashed into over and over, and we weren't even dancing.The ladies room stalls are also disgusting (think truck stop) the door doesn't even close and you have to stand over the toliet to open it. All in all, we actually had a better time earlier in the evening. I could see it being fun with a group of single girls or a mixed group. Pros: Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, good location Cons: Unattractive patrons (personality & looks), bad ladies room more

We were invited here for an evening of dancing with some friends and decided to give it a try. 217 is unassuming from the outside, and pretty cool inside. The DJ was mostly spinning R&B, and we were hoping for some 80s or some electronica. The dance floor is raised and far too small, causing dancers to pile up near the hallway connecting to the other bar. But the drinks were decent and the temperature seemed regulated and we had a great time. more

In the ephermal club world, where any club older than 3 years is prehistoric, 217 is a stegosaurus. It's been in Santa Monica since the Nineties and weathered tough times, but the good times and hot chicks seem to be back, even though it's as dark as a cave and not much bigger; the darkness/beer goggles combination can make you think you're grinding Angelena Jolie when in actuality it's your fat aunt Suzie. Still, finding fun on the Westside is tough, and the chicks are a heck of a lot more accomodating than what you'll find in Hollywood. Not bad if you're looking to escape singlehood...at least for a night. Pros: good vibe, hot chicks, good parking Cons: pricey, small, dark more

i literally could not see the person next to me. it was that dark. other than that, the location next to 3rd st promenade means you have options plus parking. Pros: location, parking, diverse crowd Cons: dark, dark, dark more

This is a great place in the normally touristy area of Santa Monica. The best part is the diverse crowd - makes the place a lot more interesting. The space is small, so expect to spill a few drinks - and the dance area is a little too small. However, it's a great place to chill with friends on the couches on the side - and maybe go for a dance or two on the floor. Pros: Diverse crowd, Good music Cons: Too small more

This is the best spot in West LA for a consistently good dance night. The cover charge keeps out the riff-raff, the dance floor stays manageable, the DJ is solid, and the service is good. There are lots of sitting areas too for those who want to take a break. There seem to always be good groups of girls in attendance, and the dudes aren't too lame. (Please lame dudes, keep staying away -- go to Club Sugar or something). Some locals, some bridge and tunnel folks. Dress code also helps keep the crowd in check. I've been here many times, and it's always the most consistent spot to find a good time in West LA. Cool, fun people only should apply. Pros: Good crowd, Nice layout, Good dancing more

I've read the "bad reviews" and I DO go out in Hollywood...so I know the "IT" spots...but while on the Westside, Some friends and I decided to try this place out on the recommendation of the staff from Sushi Roku, around the corner. I was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. It definately got going later and we sat on comfy velvet sofas...sounds 80's, but VERY cool inside. It was a Thursday night and the crowd was young. The drinks were yummy and us girls had a great time!!! Pros: cool vibe, dark interior more

The scene was awesome and the ladies hot, but if you want to enjoy yourself and treat some hotties to some beverages, don't forget your mastercard. Simple Red Bull and Vodka's will run you from 8 to 10 depending on bartender and the size is no more than a dixie cup. Fella's bring the change or change bars! Pros: Good Parking, Attractive Girls, Top Shelf Ladies Cons: , Price, Price more

I came here on a Friday for a friend's birthday and had a GREAT time! We got on the guestlist so that saved our entire party of 12 ppl the $10 cover (that is for both guys and girls as long as you get there before 10:30pm)! Also, since 217 is right near 3rd steet, parking is cheap and easy. The crowd is young and good looking w/o any of the pretentiousness and the music is great for dancing. There's easy access to the bar where the bartenders are friendly and mix up great drinks. I say get yourself on the guestlist and come have some fun!! Pros: free cover, good drinks&music, easy&cheap parking more

My husband and I went here for a cocktail before dinner. Yes, it was empty, but we enjoyed it. We chatted with the bartender and the atmosphere was really nice. Single scene? no. more

It's a good location since it's right near the beach, but small for a club. Casual atmosphere, good drinks. Beware of keeping a tab. They often overcharge and don't provide an itemized receipt when you close the tab. Pros: location, music, drinks Cons: overcharge, too small more

Most bars and clubs are willing to waive the cover charge for girls...but not 217! There were five of us, all dressed up, and the place was virtually empty at 10pm. The doormen wouldn't budge and acted like they were doing us a favor by taking our money. We only went in because our friend had invited a lot of people and was obligated to be there. The music was good but the crowd (which slowly grew) was ghetto - lackluster guys, a bunch of middle aged folks, and lots o'hoochie mamas. It's not worth the $10. We're not going back. Pros: Good music Cons: Cover charge, Lame crowd, Must pay for water more

Can't speak for any of the other nights, but the Wednesday night scene at 217 is excellent - thanks to DJs Greg V, Raul Campos and the rest of the One Nation Under Groove cast. Mellow enough to chill and have a drink, but the tunes are groovy enough to get you off your butt and on the dance floor. No attitude, just a bunch of friends, old and new, enjoying a drink and great music. Pros: DJs, no attitude, stiff drinks Cons: not enough eligible,, normal guys more

This place is not cool, well sure it looks cool, but the people that work at 217 need to get over themselves, the bounces also need to learn some manners and not man handle nice young women Pros: nice design, romantic, cool interior Cons: rude serivce, bad bouncres, over priced more

Went down on a Wed. night after hearing from a few people at the studio about the infamous "one nation under groove" clan. Definitly worth going to, even though it's only ever other Wednesday. The boys from KCRW & Adroitz trade off at the DJ booth spinning the best in acid jazz, downtempo, and ambient, all while sipping on wine and martini's. The soft couches and dark atmosphere let you and your hunny get close enough to enjoy yourselves without being bothered by annoying youngsters, and the bartenders really know how to whoop up a drink. The dance floor is a bit small, but it looks like most of the people there were into the same thing I was - chilling. Too bad it's only bi-monthly, this is probably the only place that will get me out on a weekend. Pros: Atmosphere, Music, Good people Cons: hard to find, wednesday nights, parking more

Had a friend in town. Passed this club and came back. Stood in line maybe 3 minutes while they carded the ladies in front of us, paid our $10 and stepped in. Music was good, ladies were hot, took a little while to get a drink at the front bar, but the bartender at the back bar threw me out with a freebie. What's the hang up with the bouncers? Concentrate on the women! Don't be cheap. Pay the $10. It's worth it! Pros: inexpensive, good drinks, atmosphere Cons: crowded, young more

The 217 lounge hosts the best midweek house music party in LA. I am referring to the "One Nation Under Groove" nights. I have been several times and it is superb! Host DJ Greg V (of KCRW fame) kicks it off every 2nd Wednesday. The fab line up also includes DJs Raul Campos, Johannes and Jhudeth. There is ample room to shake your groove thing, chill on the plush sofas or order a well made cocktail from the bar. The $5 cover and moderately priced drinks make it a place worth going back to -- and many do. I have seen regular faces dancing and having fun! I only wish it was every week! Pros: DJ Greg V, Raul Campos, Johannes + Jhudeth Cons: Every 2nd week! more

We went the other night with a few guys and a few girls. It costed the guys 10 dollars to get in, which wouldn't be a big deal, if it hadnt been a room packed with guys ($$$ do the math). Yes, the club itself was cool, but nothing you haven't seen if you have been around a while. The bouncers were losers and were way too into their authority which made the whole thing lame. If that's the scene you are looking for, go to Hollywood, where the ratios are more even and the vibe is more authentic. I live right around the corner from this place an I have no plans on ever returning. Pros: manageable, cool interior, comfotrtable couches Cons: the people, the bouncers, the lameness more

this place is great if you want to dance to good music. the dj knows to work the crowd. great house music & hip hop. the doorman was alright. the place overall was good but the music made my night. i would recommend this place to everybody. i think the tall bouncer is the coolest dude in the club Pros: dj, women Cons: bouncer, bartenders have attit more