The Edison

I love LA. There are so many cute bars, restaurants, and clubs and ... I highly recommend this place for after-work cocktails & romantic dates! ;) The ambiance is simply magical from unique decors, black & white films, humongous juke box, and classy patrons... absolutely my favorite! Pros: nice service, good ambiance, lovely people Cons: scary neighborhood at night more

Two of my friends and I stopped by here on a Saturday night for drinks before heading off to another party. We got there around 8:30, and while we couldn't find a table (all reserved) we managed to find two empty seats at the end of the bar. I ordered what ended up being a very strong lemon drop for myself and a dessert platter for all of us. Twenty bucks for an amazing collection of fresh cookies & milk, mini-cupcakes, and peanut butter & banana sandwiches isn't too bad. There was WAY too much food for the three of us, though. I'd say order it when you've got a party of six. My friend ordered the Kobe sliders (mini-burgers), which were good, but not worth $16. The atmosphere was fantastic. Between the very classy staff and the early 20th century films playing on the wall, I think Edison would be proud of this place having his namesake. Pros: Atmosphere, dessert, drinks Cons: Wait time for drinks, line to get in, reservations needed for tables more

Been here a couple of times, all my friends love it, except for the long line if we get there too late Excellent Service, beautiful place, and wonderful crowd. Would go here again and again ... Pros: Decor, Crowd, Drinks Cons: Long Lines after 10pm more

After seeing their snazzy website and reading some reviews, I really wanted to give The Edison a try. We got there around 9:30ish and there was already a huge line.... We waited about an hour and a half before the bouncer came around and told everyone that we'd have to wait another hour and a half, minimum. After that point we left. Maybe at some point in the future I'll try making reservations before going back but for now, I'm bummed. Waiting 3 hours in line is NOT my idea of a good time. Pros: Awesome looking place Cons: Freakin huge line of people that didn't move more

There is no sign outside for the two floor vintage bar.The entrance is actually on Harlem Place Alley, sort of hidden until you see bouncers and a red velvet rope outside. Get there before 9:30 p.m. to avoid lines. The dress code is strict, our friend who joined separately got turned away for wearing tennis shoes, but it's worth the pretentiousness, because once you enter through huge metal gates you're transported into a time warp circa era 1920s. The bar retained the architectural and mechanical artifacts from its history as a former private power plant. It felt like I was in the engine room of the Titanic. There are two big cocktail bars and Ella Fitzgerald and other music of the time playing. I enjoyed the chill and fun beats, but it didn't allow for dancing but more of a lounge social experience. There's also a pool table and sturdy leather chairs and stools. There's also a stage where flapper girl-esque dancers come out and shimmy around for two songs each hour. Unlike a burlesque show, their clothes aren't revealing and it's a fun throw back crowd pleaser. Pros: A fun, lavish night out Cons: Strict dress code more

I went to this place with my buddy from Dallas. We had a blast! Tons of friendly people. Awesome atmosphere. The singles scene is great! The dancers and bar tenders are awesome! It was none stop fun. Best thing is there is not a cover! You need to approach from the alley and there is usually a line, but definitely worth the wait. Get in, get a drink, and get down! Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

From the moment that I walked up to the friendly fedora-clad door guys, I knew that this would be an experience to behold. The hostesses were dressed in 20's style ball gowns and walked my party and me down a spectacular staircase. The grandeur of this space (kept faithfully in a turn-of-the-century style with a modern sensibility) was only outdone by the intimacy of the rooms in which one can sit and sip a cocktail or four and still hear and be heard, something too often missing in the crowds and attitudes of the "Hollywood" scene. The staff was delightfully friendly and the food was mighty tasty. The cocktail prices were not overly inexpensive, but neither were they outrageous. I think the pricing was done to keep some of the local characters at bay. There is a dress code, which I truly appreciated because I am tired of the "hipper-than-thou" slovenly way that people dress when they go out for a night of entertainment. There is a very extensive drink menu and I recommend "The Edison," a bourbon based pear infused drink that was unique and different. My girlfriend was drinking the "Afterthought" which she was going on bout well into the next day. Make this a "Must Hang Out" place for yourself if you're nearby. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Pros: The Space, The Staff, The Drinks Cons: Kind of hard to find the first time more

My reservation was for 8:30 and my group was not seated until 9:00. When were were finally at our table it took another twenty minutes to find our waitress and have our drink order taken. The specialty drinks on the menu are misleading because no where in the ingredient description did it say that the drink called the Edison had bourbon and when we asked the waitress what it had she told us. We sent out drinks back because they were just awful. It took another forty-five minutes to finally get our food and the waitress did not bring us enough utensils. We asked for water twice and never received it. It took another eternity to finally get our bill. The service is horrendous and I do not blame the waitress because she was the only one scheduled for the large section. This is a direct reflection of a management that should have invested more time in hiring an adequate number of servers and properly training its staff. I will never go there again. Pros: The decor Cons: Service, Service, Service! more

Massive place, unique and cool art deco design, great scotch list, excellent happy hour, no lines, no cover! Basically, what more do you want? more

The entrance to The Edison is located in an alley-way between Main and Spring Street in Downtown LA. This is the hippest lounge that I have been to in a long time. The drinks are fantastic (I recommend the Lady MacBeth), the food is great (they have everything from sweet potato fries to chocolate chip cookies and milk), and the service is just as good as the food and drinks. My friends and I have been there a few times already and are planning on many more visits in the future. The Edison ROCKS! Pros: Drinks, Food, Service Cons: Crowded more

my buddies and i just left the staples center lakers game, and we wanted anice spot to grab some drinks. we heard of Edison, so we went there. Great staff, good drinks, slow bartenders though. super hot girls, but worth the wait. never have been there for happy hour. interesting smoking area Pros: atmosphere and happening scene Cons: none that i could think of more

I love the space and design. For that, it's one of the best bars in LA. Otherwise, it's okay. I didn't find the crowd or anything else to be much better/worse than other LA spots. Saturday night is average but I like the performances - they keep you entertained. Otherwise it can just be any other bar really. Crowd is okay. It's a large space to walk around in, so you can wander around. Weeknights are easier because the crowd is lighter. It's a comfortable place, not too pretentious. Not a favorite spot but a nice spot in downtown. Dress code can be strict. Pros: the interior, large place Cons: no dancing - boo more

The Edison downtown LA is an amazing upscale bar located in an old basement boiler room. They preserved the old furnishings and added in comfortable seating and couches, with some amazing artwork too. The crowd is a bit snooty but that's what they want. I'd prefer the goons in black coats backed into the back room however. They can make an otherwise comfortable night seem like an investigation into your FBI file. Good for happy hour, then get out of the way. You'll feel uncomfortable if not dressed up a tad. more

When I walked in, I was amazed at the design. It's an interior designer's dream. Later in the night, some girls in flapper attire came out to dance, it was just great. more

I can't describe how awesome this place is. It's like Batman's bat cave meets Thomas Edison's laboratory. The drinks are strong, and the food delicious. I had a speakeasy rum drink that took me through the entire night. I know where my over-the-hill party will be held. Bouncers are cool, didn't hassle me or any of the males in my group about dress code, because although not dressed to the nines, they were borderline casual. The music's different but goes very well with the theme, and there's a stage for this cool jazz performance. more

I think the service in this club is outstanding. Every employee, from the doormen to the bathroom attendants, the bartenders and the managers were really friendly and helpful - something of an anomaly in the LA club scene. We went for my best friend's birthday last Saturday with no reservations (get there before 10 - no waiting) and had a blast. The space is gorgeous, the drinks were strong, and the music was hot. We couldn't find an unreserved table, but I asked one manager and he promptly led us to an open table in the boiler room - btw, the coolest area in the club. The place was packed. Just had a really great, care-free time because there were no worries over getting in, rude ppl, bad drinks or music. It's not a white-hot ultra-club in hollywood, but it's a super relaxing alternative to that. Pros: service with a smile, beautiful space Cons: can be hard to find the first time more

I've been to a lot of bars in this city--and all over the world--and this has to be one of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. I like that it's real, not showy with whistles and bells (or more likely lights that change colors and fun on the walls). It's just classic, refurbished old machinery from what used to be (i think) LA's first water and power plant. I love the secret alley entrance. The happy hour offers 40% off drinks. Nighttime shows are more flapper-y than burlesque but that's the basic idea. And they are short and sweet, more of a converstaion piece than conversation stopper. Drinks are interesting. I only wish they had more of a wine list --- I don't think they have one at all! On weekends, it is packed and you must make reservations, but the good thing is that there's no bottle service or table minimums. The food is pretty good if you are hungry. I wouldn't say it's destination dining, but it's not bad if you want a nibble while you enjoy your cocktail. Crowd is mixed and cool and it doesn't get overly crowded. Nice smoking patio up top. Pros: good cocktails, no bottle service, gorgeous space Cons: no wine list, long lines on weekends, valet expensive more

I moved to LA from NYC in 2003 and have been bored ever since. It is about time that LA got some style that wasn't so HOLLYWOOD S*#@ . Downtown LA will never be a Chicago or NYC but with places like the Edison it has a fighting chance to boast some urban flair. Beautiful lay out and the talent is very entertaining. Door men are professional and polite. Pros: Nice and Hidden more

I just went yesterday for Happy Hour with a couple of co-workers and I had a really nice time. I'd describe the crowd as attractive professionals mellowing out after a long day. The peach whisper was awesome! And I think it had me whispering a little too much! lol The decor is amazing! Great job! Definitely going next Thurs!!! more

THE ATMOSPHERE 1930 INDUSTRIAL !!1 DARK AND SO SEDUCTIVE I LOVE IT YOU CAN FIND YOUR OWN LIL CORNER AND SIT AND JUST HAVE DRINKS WITH FRIENDS OR YOU CAN GO AND JOIN THE CROWD AND MINGLE , DRESS CODE IS INFORCED SO GRAB THE MANOLOS GIORLS AND GUYS NO SNEAKS !!! GREAT DRINKS TH ECOSMOS ARE TO DIE FOR !!! LOVE THE EDISON !!! Pros: EVERYTHING !!!! Cons: NOTHING OHH THE KINE BUT WORTH THE WAIT !!! more