After dinner, it’s time to work off those calories on the dance floor. Coco de Ville, located on La Cienega Boulevard, is the latest concept presented by The ONE Group, the company behind STK, ONE, Tenjune, and many other established venues. The Times recently pegged it as the top lounge in the city. How’s that for credibility? But really, how could you not fall in love with the lounge’s playful atmosphere, something you rarely see in Los Angeles’ super serious, posh surroundings. Coco is decked out in bold, in-your-face colors and even has velvet swings that create a wall between the bar and the social area. The ceilings of the indoor and outdoor patios are adorned with brilliant birdcage lanterns. Coco has been a hit since it first opened, and crowds flock to the venue each night. However, a very strict door policy ensures that those who do gain entry are as marvelous as the décor.
Playhouse, another of the city’s successful nightlife venues, contains a rich history and an even richer crowd. The building was initially constructed in 1918 and has been refurbished several times. But the latest renovation created an awe-inspiring experience for all who enter the opulent venue. With three bars on different levels, Playhouse can hold up to an astonishing 1,000 people. The bottom floor alone has a capacity of almost 600. But rest assured that it doesn’t feel like a stuffy, packed rave. The venue has a retractable roof, providing quite literally a breath of fresh air to partygoers. A view of Los Angeles’ nighttime, starry-filled sky isn’t such a bad perk either.
The three-storied Mi6 is yet another immense nightclub that comes with the backing of an immense nightlife and hospitality impresario: Sam Nazarian. Not only is this power player behind the SLS Beverly Hills, his SBE Group is responsible for the haute spots like Hyde and Area that have long dominated the elite’s nighttime agendas. Whatever Nazarian builds, the celebrities will come; this is but one of many reasons that you should come too. Like the name implies, Mi6 emulates a James Bond vibe, holding nothing back with spectacular features, including multimedia components by MomentFactory, the company that created visuals for Nine Inch Nails’ 2008 tour.
Last on our list of the best places to dine, drink, and dance is Voyeur, a sinfully provocative and cutting-edge establishment. As one of the most extreme, Hollywood-inspired venues of all time (Eyes Wide Shut served as a muse) Voyeur does not disappoint and holds nothing back for partygoers. On any given evening, at any given point, impromptu bondage scenes are played out atop an elevated platform while guests sip out-of-the-box flavored cocktails like watermelon-jalapeño. When the libations lower inhibitions even more, sneak a peek at the risqué scenes playing out behind the glass booth adjacent to the dance floor. The decor throughout is just as racy as the entertainment, featuring black leather drapes adorned with thick metal rings inspired by one of Gucci’s classic handbags. The cocktail waitresses strive to emulate Natalie Portman’s character in Closer (read: wear next to nothing), ultimately giving a new meaning to the term service with little more than a smile.
While Los Angeles’ scene is certainly as changing as the tides, each of these locales has staying power that will keep them on haute lists for years to come.
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November 12, 2009An Opinion That Matters
