The Edison

WOW! is what you say when you get there, very nice looking, different from other bars, people nicely dressed made it seem like you were in a vip lounge. everyone was very nice once they finally acknowledged you. the bouncer was very cool, saying "the bar is downstairs, feel free to use any table that isn't reserved" They were ALL reserved! this is at 8pm! whats the point of opening and having all your tables reserved and empty but a bar full of standing people! made no sense. Most tables were empty till about 10:30 - 11. we sat at the bar and waited for the bartender to even make eye contact! heard others complain about the price of drinks being different at the back bar than at the main bar. we had a few drinks which were good, strong but quite pricey. we found an empty table for 8, sat there for about 2 hours, were served our meals and drinks only to be told we had to leave because the table had been reserved! this after 2 hours and not a word from our waitress who could care less! it wasnt a problem that we had to move but it was the way we were approached by the "security" and how we were treated when we questioned it. either way the atmosphere was very nice drinks were expensive . a nice place to people watch and mingle. no substance to music being blasted, not quite danceable and a little too loud. It wouldnt hurt the staff to be a little friendlier. most reviews are fairly accurate but still anice place to go once in a while. Pros: great scene, dressy, classy feel Cons: over priced, incredibly understaffed, unfriendly more

The Edison is a great bar. First of all its huge and always a great crowd whether its after work or on the weekends. If you are downtown, its a great place to check out. more

first and foremost, for you guys out there, WEAR DRESS SHOES. yes, some of you guys might have nice clean deisel, trendy type shoes. But i still wouldn't take the chance. They are very strict with their dresscode. moving on, the ambience is incredible. An old-school 1910's look. The dark colors of their walls, furniture and bar are easy on the eyes. The ambience is incredible, like you're totally outside of LA. A must see destination. however, go very early just in case. By 10pm on the weekend, you might not be able to get in at all! One last thing, though i was with a party of 10, our waitress asked us to tip her 15%. I thought that was odd even though it said nothing on the bill saying i had to pay 15% after a certain size party. I have to give them thumbs down on that Pros: decor/ambience Cons: service more

You guys must work there for those rather nice reviews! Awsome bar\decor on the inside!! and.. well.. Thats about it! Security was totally rude and snobby! Drink prices were awfully expensive and not strong at all not to mention the average 10 minute wait for each drink! The line to get in was a living nightmare i might as well should have gone to privilige area or some other lame club in hollywood.... Edison staff stop writing false reviews!!!! more

... I ordered a Hangar One Citron Martini with a SPLASH of cranberry juice. I got a sticky glass of cranberry juice with MAYBE a thimble full of Vodka... the dried out lime peel that was shriveled and stuck to the side of my glass accompanied my sad excuse of a cocktail perfectly... this of course, was after paying $300 to be ushered into the bar, passed the line that stretches all the way to Hollywood, to our table in the corner with such an intense lack of AC that I almost forgot I was in a power plant! I would have liked to experience a bar that was less drama to get into and that could have AT LEAST already gotten the one thing down that every bar should: how to mix a drink. I am all for the ambience and s*xy appeal... but don't throw away the basics just because you have nice accoutrements on the walls. If the staff wants to pretend that they are all working at the skybar, fine... however, they should try focusing a little more on creating an experience that is parallel to the Edison's decor. more

been to the edison twice now, it's a wannabee big city bar. the interiors look like vegas. you have to walk through a bouncer to use the toilet if the dance floor is closed. bartenders are slow and not very skilled. 2nd time i tried to go to edison i couldnt get in, yet people exiting complained of no airconditioning, and why there was aline when the place was empty. after talking to the bouncer twice when the line had not moved in 30 min (after they told us twice it was only a 10 minute wait) we and many others gave up went to redwood and had a great time. never going back. Pros: in downtown. Cons: vegas style decor, bouncers that dont know how to count or let people in, poor bartenders more

I don't know what these other people are talking about, I have been to the Edison and the doorman wasn't that pompous. I actually came in some really nice jeans, a collared blk ax shirt with pink nike flip flops during happy hour and they let me in, my hubby came in ax camo long shorts and a diesel t-shirt w/flip flops and they let him in. I have never seen any burlesque dancers there....i think its a great atmosphere for professionals in dtla after work, i haven't been there @9pm so i can't comment on how the attitude towards the guests suddenly change. its a great after work place. the only thing i don't like is that their drinks are a lil overpriced. if i am going to pay for an expensive drink it might as well taste good. i got a mojito there and it tasted terrible, i might as well have ordered a shot of rum, but then again most people think they are getting jipped if they get a cocktail and it doesn't taste like pure alcohol. the champagne drinks are alright, but you can get cava at costplus - a whole bottle for $6.99 and they charge $12-17 that's ridiculous and the champagne they get is like the cheapest tasting champagne, even the Cava from Spain sold in Costplus tastes better. The appetizers taste good, but where is the rest? the portions are so small. even mccormicks & schmidts has larger portions. i don't like the idea that people are being discriminated against i.e., hot attractive people are only allowed to come in the bar, that isn't right, although i do kind of like the idea that you should get dressed up, no-one ever dresses up anymore, people go to broadway shows in jeans now, i just think that is so tacky. i think its nice to get dressed up to go out, however i don't think that they should be complete fashion nazis. what do the bouncers base their decisions on? i wish that the bar owner/manager would give some feedback on this... Pros: Great Happy Hour, Good Atmosphere for After Work Cons: Overpriced Drinks, Food Portions Too Small, Wish They Had More Songs in Jukebx more

Food was excellent in flavor and in presentation, the bartenders were nice and friendly (unfortunately can not say the same for our cocktail waitress...) Hostess, Bussers and Door people very cordial. I agree the music leaves much to be desired and the jukebox selection is even lousy but man you can't beat the atmosphere nor the comfortable and ample seating areas. Menu items that were delicious Lobster Corndogs and Calamari (sweet and delicate) drinks "The Edison" signature Martini was strong but very flavorful. We went this past Friday night for Happy Hour and I have told at LEAST 6 people since I would love to see what else they can market in this location. Although the drinks were expensive they very tasty. Crowd was wayyy cool early on however when we left at nearly 11:00pm the lines were long and it looked like the "party" crowd was waiting to get in so perhaps the scenery changed later in the evening. Respectfully Reviewed Pros: Delicious Food, Excellent Bar Service, Varied Menu, Comfortable Seating, Close to parking Cons: 3 flights of stairs, Lighting very Dark, Music more

I've been to The Edison 3 times, all of which I've enjoyed. The last time was almost unpleasant as one of the male members of the group had to slip the door guy a cool bill to let our group of 6 in so we didn't have to wait more than 2 minutes as was the line down into the alley. All in all the music is loud the crowd is attractive and I'm friends w one of the bartenders aka a great hook-up. I would recommend the edison to those who like loud music, slightly over-priced drinks but a fair trade for the plush large seats, burlesque dancers, and immense cavernous layout. Just a cool joint. Period. Pros: Great layout, awesome scene, romantic kind of.... Cons: Friday and Saturday wait in line, reservations, guest list blah, blah. more

I've been here twice for drinks and each time I had a blast - the decor and vibe is wonderfully cozy and intimate (like a speakeasy) with comfy chairs, the specialty cocktails and bar food are yummy (although I wish they would have more finger foods) - my favs so far are the lillet martini, the mini cupcakes, the elvis (mini peanut butter and banana sandwiches) and sweet potato fries. More importantly the drinks are strong and definitely not watered down. The crowd is eclectic but attractive and fun (Thurs night seemed better than Friday night). The only downsides so far are the really loud music, which seems to get louder and louder as the evening progresses - but never quite enough to get people dancing ... and the service is a little choppy depending on who your server is. All in all, a fabulous place. Pros: Great vibe & decor; Yummy cocktails & food Cons: Loud music more

This place has great ambience and I love the size...even when there's a lot of people, it's not crammed because there is just so much space. I haven't been back since, though, because the music was so awful...I cringe at the thought of it (I think it might've been jazz music). This place needs hip-hop music to liven it up. Pros: Ambience, Space Cons: Music more

Walking in I was floored by the beautiful layout of the place. The space was beautiful and I could really see the potential. We didn't have to wait in line as we showed up very early, so I had no problems with the bouncer other than the usual bouncer complacency, which is always a great way to enter a new place (insert sarcasm here.) It was when I stepped up to the bar to get a drink that things started to loose the magic. I ordered two drinks, amounting to $26. I took out my card to pay and the bartender, in a very smug way, told me that there was a $50 minimum, ?today only.? After going back and forth he just couldn?t tell me why he could charge $50 but couldn?t charge $26. He actually made me go to the ATM to withdrawal cash. I then walked over to a friend and told him what had happened and he laughed and said, ?that?s funny, the waitress just took my card and charged me $15!? Could have been a misunderstanding, but it seemed a little shady. Also, to require a collared shirt in Los Angeles is asinine!? Good luck staying in business with that policy. more

This place has potential. The architecture and the interior design are a must see, for anyone who enjoys those types of things. But the managment of the Edison needs to seriously rethink it's dress code and overall attitude towards it's patrons. I waited in line for half an hour, the doormen tried to give me cr@p but eventually let me in basically because my girlfriend is hot. What a warm welcome that was. As I descend the beautiful staircase into the large main room I'm shocked to find that I've just waited in line for thirty minutes to get into an empty bar. Who do these people think they are? The bartender seemed annoyed to be working, plus the drinks were really expensive. The music was boring and turned down really low. I was actually sad, this place could be so cool but their snooty attitude has ruined the atmosphere. If you want to check the place out just to see how cool it is inside I highly suggest just stopping in for happy hour after work one night, but I'd skip the late night festivities if I were you. Pros: The architecture and interior design Cons: Just about everything else more

Although this place is nice to look at, it is definately not worth the rude behavior of the bouncers and the bartenders. It may be worth seeing once but not worth a second visit. For some reason this bar likes to keep people waiting outside and when you get in, there is hardly anyone in there. It just seems stupid let in a large number of people close to last call, this just causes people to drink right before they have to leave and therefore more people on the road that don't feel the effects until they are well into their journey. The bartenders are also surprisingly incompetant. Its just sad because this bar had the potential to be something better but it just ended up creating a snotty atmosphere that just doesn't fit the downtown l.a. vibe. more

I have now visited The Edison enough times to realize their staff has let the beauty and uniqueness of the place's design get to their heads. The room is truly awesome to look at and the burlesque shows are super fun, but over-all the management takes itself WAY TOO SERIOUSLY. OK people, we are not curing cancer here- lighten up! The only staff that seems to be enjoying themselves are the dancers- they ARE great. But between the ridiculous wait at the door to the third degree "fashion screening" at the door, its almost as if the staff is trying to remove the fun from nightlife. Not a good idea Edison. Most people are not looking to be judged when they are going out for drinks and laughs. Hello, its NOT THAT SERIOUS Edison! If the place only has room for a certain amount of people or there is a private party I can roll with the punches, but please don't look me up and down in front of my friends and stress me over a $200 pair of sneakers that match my outfit. A place as uniquely designed as The Edison should pride itself in attracting individuals with their own sense of style- not cater to sheep that wear the same old duds and colors. This is downtown LA- let's keep it real, let's keep it weird; otherwise why are we here? Or you could jus ignore the whole scene, go to La Cita on Thursday night and dance your a s s off with hottie hipsters. The choice is definitely all yours. Pros: Beautiful place, Burlesque Dancers Cons: Doormen has "god complexes", retarded dress code, bland crowd more

My DP & I stumbled on "The Edison" while exploring downtown last night. I've been to clubs in London, Berlin, Paris & New York, and this is better than anything I've ever experienced. From the time we descended the stairs the music caught me. The vibe is so smoothe, so classy, so intelligent. Thank God for Andrew and Marc! For they've brought something to LA that I had to travel to London to find. And yes, you must dress. I've often felt the casual nature displays how people value & take pride (or not) in themselves. So this place asks people to step up to the plate & vibrate with the high quality aesthetic they're bringing. Simply put: It takes class to appreciate class! Food is great! Service is great! Staff is friendly, sharp (looking) efficient! Another thing & then I'll shut up: I just pray it doesn't become a celebrity/paparazzi hell hole. There are "real" people in the world who appreciate this place.... and I pray we aren't alienated once the "names" cross the threshhold. Pros: ambience, music, vintage films Cons: parking more

All the complaints about the dress code just say one thing. Edison is not for them.... Edison seems to be going for an upscale crowd to match their ambiance. Like New York and London this place is going for a new kind of vibe. Returning to a time when people would dress up to go out. It is like choosing a restaurant either you want fast food or healthy or luxurious. That is what is so great about LA is the many choices you have. If going out for a night on the town means dressing up and drinking some nice wine and having some great cocktail cuisine then Edison is where you want to be if going out means tired jeans and t shirt and tennies then go somewhere that welcomes that It really is just that simple Pros: Dressing up Cons: Parking more

If you are a young, creative person hoping to find cool new places to hang downtown and meet others like yourself, you better scratch The Edison off your list... The ridiculously unwarranted, pretentious dress code aside, the only scene you'll find here is that of pretentious, vapid, sycophants desperate for "it" recognition. Why come here when you could go to 40 Deuce which achieves the same ambience (albeit much sexier) with a much more interesting crowd. There's not even enough room here to go into how poorly managed (Shane, you know who you are!) and marketed this venue is...If you're still unconvinced and intent on checking it out, I recommend skipping Friday nights and arriving at 9pm no matter what. The food, over-priced, run-of-the-mill cocktails and crowd are definitely not worth making reservations (the only way to get in the place before midnight and you still have to wait in line!). Never thought I'd say this, but I'd rather dawn my low-neck sweater, hot pants and stilettos, PAY the cover and meet you in Hollywood before going back to The Edison. Sorry guys, it's a BUST! Pros: None really Cons: see detailed comments more

What a dynamitle place! From the first moment we walked in the door of The Edison we were enchanted. It's like we were transported back in time. So refreshing to meet doormen who not only looked the part, but were also gracious and polite. Once inside we were mesmerized by the decor and the throwback feel of The Edison. We loved the clever cocktail menu as well the beautifully talented dancers that put on a top-notch show. If you are looking for place where can actually look forward to dressing up for, then The Edison is the place for you. Great crowd! Great staff! Great time! Kudos to The Edsion, we will be back. Pros: ambience, staff, crowd, dress code, drinks Cons: a little too dark more

The door men are horrible here. They have decided to start enforcing a dress policy of no tennis shoes which is fine but their definition of a tennis shoe is ridiculous. I was wearing a designer leather shoe that the doorman claimed was similar to an athletic shoe and he wouldn't let me in. I waited for a while as my girlfriend went in and told our friends who were having a party there that we were going to leave and I watched the door man turn away very well dresses men in designer clothes and suits who had what he was calling tennis shoes on and let in horribly dressed people that happened to be wearing dress shoes. On top of all this I am watching people leave that have tennis or sports shoes on and upon questioning the door man he tells me that those people were let in during happy hour in which they are more lenient on their dress code. This is all on a Wednesday when the bar isn't even close to full. more