The Edison

gents, and anyone wearing rubber soled shoes, this review is for you. i was looking forward to coming to this place because i had heard some good things from a few people and liked the website. my friend, his fiancee and i were coming for a private party and were on the guest list. we show up saturday night, 10pm. i'd love to tell you about my experience inside, but by 10:01 my night was sent back to the drawing board because I couldn't get past the front door. according to the "doormen" there, the owner's policy is no tennis shoes, and according to the burly clipboard holder, security jobs are on the line (in case a sneaker-wearing hooligan break into the place and start buying drinks, i guess). the fact is that i wasn't wearing sneakers (laceless pumas) and that their story - "we're trying to distance ourselves from hollywood; this is a lounge, not a bar" - is utter baloney. hey edison owner, don't pat yourself on the back just yet. skid row ring a bell? that's one way to distance yourself. how about aggressive homeless people hitting up people in line for money? also a nice touch. you have to be high as a kite to think that someone's shoes will give the place a bad name. there's a hundred great bars within a 5 mile radius... i suggest you take your hard-earned money to one where it's appreciated. it's a good thing this joint is downtown, out of the way of the general public who goes out to have fun without pretentious bouncers swatting them away at the door. the irony is that the same guys working the door would never get into this place if they came in their normal evening attire without the grim-reaper outfits. Pros: everyone inside will be wearing black shoes Cons: who cares? more

This place is amazing! I came on a whim to "rescue" a friend but we ended up staying for a bit. I love the old school decor! The lighting and all makes you feel like you?re in a movie scene from way back in the day. The bartenders as well as the hostess are all dressed the part. There was a really nice mixed crowded and everyone was really chill, no attitudes (that I ran into anyway). And the door person was great; very polite and not snooty at all like a bunch of other places around LA. I haven?t tried the food, not sure how much the drinks are, but I definitely highly recommend this place just for the atmosphere! Pros: Atmosphere Cons: Nothing I encountered more

Great place to meet up with friends after work! Especially since the happy hour drinks are great! 25 cent martinis!! The inside is very unique...It has that old 1920's decor, with brick walls and the soft music of edith piaf playing. more

First and foremost the door guy: He was interesting in his way of making himself seem important! He did however build up the place to be exclusive to the right party goer! Overall I was pleased. The atmosphere is sophisticated, unique and inviting definitely a 10. The service we received was beyond our expectations and completely gratifying. The appetizers; calamari, and The boiler is delicious with an explosion of flavor with every bite and is reasonable price for what you receive. Now let me move on to my interesting experience: after only being there about an hours time, siting and enjoying a couple cocktails with my beautiful girlfriend there was this interesting character of a man in his early to mid fifties if I had to guess, he was dancing away in front of us and naturally caught our attention, he was with a lady in her late thirties or early forties. After about a couple minutes of him dancing in front of us the weirdest thing happens; He grabs my 22 year old girlfriends wrist simultaneously shoving his female partner onto my lap which i paid absolutely no attention to as my concern was my girlfriend. I asked him several times to let go and his response was, "it's ok, you can dance with her!(referring to his lady friend)" to which I again said absolutely NOT let her go now!!! finally he released her, obviously my girl was a little shaken up with what had transpired. We walked to to bathroom thinking we could gather ourselves only to find them lounging around the bathroom lobby as if they were keeping an eye on us. After she came out the ladies room we decided it was time to go as we felt uncomfortable with the creepy experience. Too bad that happened because we were at awe about the place, the service was great the uniqueness of the crowd was interesting. Perhaps they should do a better job at keeping an eye out for creeps like that! Would I go again?? Sure but rest assure I'm bringing a bodyguard!! Pros: everything about it is fantastic Cons: creeps more

As everyone else who has been there says, the place looks fantastic. Each visit I notice a new detail or two. Pros: Great Setting, Good Times more

The Edison is a great place. Very swank, but relaxing at the same time. Definitely a great place to visit if you're tired of the whole Hollywood scene. And you can't be their happy hour! 25 cent martinis!!! more

It's unsurprising that, after haunting this place for over a year, that lines have begun to form around the block to get into the Edison: it is arguably the best bar in Downtown LA. The cavernous art-deco speakeasy, with its preserved antique power generators and silent films projected on the walls, has a terrific '20s feel that will doubtlessly leave a lasting impression on first-time patrons. There's no cover (yet) but the semi-strict dress code ensures a classier clientele than most places. Between the two bars you'll find an impressive catalog of drinks -- including a very nice scotch collection -- but why get a martini when you can order several brands of absinthe? On slower nights, the bartenders even set up an elaborate device that slowly dissolves a sugar cube into the potent green syrup. Very nice touch. If at all possible, get there at happy hour for slashed prices on all spirits, and try to make one of their live jazz shows. This is one bar you'll want to come back to again and again. Pros: Amazing architecture, great drinks, unbeatable ambiance Cons: Increasingly difficult to get in more

We went to the Radio Room on a Tuesday night and found a sassy cabaret show going on, WOW! The steamy ambience of the Edison was really turned up between incredible drinks, the performances of their Mistress with songs and a whip, a enticing belly dancer, a magician, not to mention the absinthe presentation! We never wanted to go above ground again. What a great way to start our week. I?m a Radio Room slave! Pros: A little hard to find Cons: Ambience makes you ready to have a fun more

I live in the Higgins building and go here all of them time, every visit I make, I bring new friends with me who are always amazed by this space. The best vintage club in town, along with Bordello. more

I always have a good time here. Get here early is highly recommended! Good environment, mainly older crowd, no hollywood stuck up types haha. Interior design is great as well. The bartenders are good and fast. No major complaints here ;) Pros: Fun fun fun Cons: The long line if you arrive late!!! more

Incredible space. Vast ceilings, beautiful old boiler room, shadow puppets and old movies projected silently on walls... and a barista who made drinks like a romantic scientist... It was as if he was counting the shakes of ice to ensure that the perfect ratio of water would melt in to his concoction.. every time. I am thrilled to have found a bar in LA that I feel like going to and that is memorable the day after. It was also fun to leave a place and not have noticed the people there because I was so involved in the overall experience... love how great spaces can do that to me. Pros: beautiful, atmospheric, amazing drinks, unusual more

This place is always impressive but Wednesday nights bring it to a whole new level. There is this sort of moulin rouge meets burning man circus that goes on as entertainment that has to be seen. It is works very well with the time period and aesthetic that they are going for in the bar. The idea and execution are fantastic. A great place if you want to dress up. The drinks are good too. Pros: The most inventive bar in LA more

Went to the Edison on Wednesday night for the "Lucent Dossier" event. The dress code seemed to be more relaxed because of the event. Many people dressed in costume for the Moulin Rogue meets a twisted Circus show that went on that night. The "show" was amazing, and well worth the $20 admission. Performers interact with the crowd and make the night surprising and exciting! The Lounge itself, I must say, is the coolest looking bar/lounge I have EVER been to! The art direction is amazing, the lighting fantastic, and the atmosphere is just encompassing. As you walk down the staircase, you feel as if you are entering a private and unique world of nightlife. I say this is the best looking and most thrilling atmosphere I have encountered in a lounge while comparing it to lounges/clubs/bars in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Of those three cities, the Edison is the coolest! We had no problems getting in on Wednesday night as well. So...check it out to believe it! You won't be disappointed. And if you can catch the Lucent Dossier show/experience, your time at the Edison will be that much more exciting! Pros: Atmosphere, Art Direction, Decor, DJ Cons: Pricey Drinks more

Bravo to the Edison for bringing nightlife back to downtown LA. Although a bit cavernous and noisy, the Edison succeeds in being a fun eccentric venue that's the perfect spot to drop by for a drink. Good bar scene, although a bit too hip at times, but continues to entertain. parking can be a bit tricky but not too much of a problem. Thursday night seems to be the best with some good retro bands. Pros: Fun crowd, good bands Cons: parking, a little noisy more

Last night I went to The Edison for the first time. My friend bragged about how it?s sophisticated, relaxed, and ?not Hollywood.? So I was surprised when the door guys, Brian and the bald guy, were the stereotypical ?Hollywood door guy on an ego trip,? with no manners, not very professional, and pretty rude. But the inside of the club was really nice with cool, chill people. I like the decor and the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere they?re going for. It?s just too bad that some of the hired help had to ruin the image for the club. Pros: Visuals Cons: Costly considering you don't get good service in return more

6/28 My boyfriend and I decided to visit the Edison for the first time. The bouncer was so friendly and down to earth, he let us off easy since we had no reservations to get in and it being our first time there. We got in after waiting in line for no more than 15 min. This place is beautiful with the way they decorated this place! It's amazing to look at. The crowd has a little of everything, classy easy going crowd. Nothing but friendly faces having a good time. I would definately recommend this place and will be going back soon. The only advise would be to make reservations so you dont have to wait in line. We were the lucky ones. :-) Thank you friendly bouncer! Pros: Friendly crowd, beautiful lounge Cons: I didnt experience anything bad with this place. more

We did go there on Friday night around 12:30, got in very easy and very friendly bouncer, I liked inside decoration especially if you have somebody from out of the town would be good recomindation, Drink were good and staff friendly. the only turn off for this bar would be the Crowd, I'm not sure becuase it was Friday night or normally they aren't that many people in there and not that many cute girls, but every body were frindly and I'm going back some Saturday night to try this place agian. more

Threw a private party in the game room and had the greatest experience. Our planner Zack was amazing and accomodating! The inside staff was wonderful. The server really took care of my group with speed and great service, putting up with several highly intoxicated people. As well as Matthew who helped me out several times during the night with some of my needs. I would go here again and definetly throw another party. One tip, if you're coming in a large party with an open bar option... make sure they hand you your braclets down stairs. Too much mix up at the door with other guests accidently getting your bracelets. more

The Edison is an amazing space visually and is worth going for that alone. I have been two times now an am not sure I will return however. The staff is very rude and obnoxious. We were there for a Cirque Du Soleil type event and the staff kept moving people around, telling us where we could stand, where we could or could not sit. There were very rude and pompous, not at all courteous. They acted like it was our great privilege to be there as opposed to our being paying customers. The food and drinks are very overpriced and the music is "club" type music which does not suit the aesthetics of the space and was WAY too loud. This could be such an amazing venue but unfortunately the experience does not match the space... more

This place is unbelievable, and has true downtown class. The security and staff are all very welcoming, and the food is excellent. I recommend this bar over any in Los Angeles. You can reserve tables online, No cover, full of good looking people, and perfect for any occasion. Pros: food, great beers on tap, great atmosphere Cons: not open 7 days a week more