Delivery
No
Payment
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Valet, Street
Good for Kids
No
Attire
Casual
Alcohol
Yes - Full Bar
Reservations
Yes
A few blocks northeast of the Dresden Room Restaurant in Los Feliz, three epic establishments, Mr. C's Steakhouse, Michael's (once a branch of the Brown Derby) and Pierre's Los Feliz Inn closed their doors in the early nineties. Mr. C took up tending bar at the Dresden and Michael's became a trendy, imitation historic nightclub with bright pasta place attached. No such change is due, however, at a place made popular by its location, a hot and hip lounge act and often-overlooked ambiance and cuisine. Musicians Marty and Elayne are the wellspring of the experience after 9:00 PM, but, there is more here. As one enters from the parking lot, as one generally does when entering a classic Continental restaurant, witness a screen with Mandarin patterns. Inside is subtle lighting. A lounge to the left and dining to the right. Dark wood posts ascend two stories, wrapped around pristine white booths, in which tables are wheeled outward to help guests slide comfortably in, below spiraling gold Venetian chandeliers. A sense of vertical space is achieved, with decidedly Asian overtones, in what is actually a cozy dining area--separated from the lounge by frosted art deco glass. The location began serving food as Pucci's Italian Restaurant in 1934, until rumored bookmaker Herman Byron purchased it, in 1940. Byron renamed it to support his penchant for Dresden brand wallpaper, dinnerware and other accouterments. Carl Ferraro, then a bartender in Cleveland, first visited Los Angeles in 1949 and moved here in 1951. In 1954, he bought the Dresden Room and began a legacy that has lasted to this day. A consistent commitment to customer service, first rate dining in a musical environment, and respect for the establishment's history. Lunch at the Dresden may be one of L.A.'s best kept secrets. These afternoons represent a pleasant respite from the bustle of Hollywood and Downtown and a quiet contrast to the hot and happening night scene. The litany of dishes under $10.00 include the Dresden Salad (tre Californian) made with avocado and bleu cheese. At the bar, blue glasses are seen before patrons as they sip the house classic Blood and Sand- a space age Margarita of sorts and of course, the ubiquitous Martinis and Manhattans. Glasses of wine are popular, but the best choice is a bottle from the Dresden's 33-bin wine list-all very reasonable--with an appropriate blend of imported and domestic selections for every situation. Mary and Elaine are a big part of the business. The duo became inexorably associated with the Dresden in 1982 after Carl discovered them at the former Michael's around the block. With a sometimes staccato-Sinatra voice, Marty drives his drum kit and/or upright bass while Elayne swings it with piano, synth, and/or flute if not scatting in a falsetto. It is sheer, tight talent, not anything like you'll see in their almost satirical appearance in the feature film Swingers. Yes, it's been Swingers, That Thing You Do with Tom Hanks and a host of others that the Dresden lays claim to as a location. And rightly so, considering that the stars just keep on coming. Standing room only late at night, but never with a cover charge, it is the Hollywood place to be and be seen. Not a super expensive place like Perino's or Chasen's were, but more like the famous Brown Derby. First rate, yet affordable for the average person.
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12 reviews | 24% | |
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28 reviews | 56% | |
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9 reviews | 18% | |
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12/12/2006 - MenuPix User
The famous dresden room. Come here to be a swinger - like me.
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