 Address: 5955 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 468-8873 The Basics: A couple years ago or perhaps even more than that, “Florentine Gardens” was the place to be. It was definitely one of the hottest clubs in the area. Once a club or an establishment of any sort hits its high, it has nowhere to go but down. Some clubs maintain a certain level of “hipness”, and manage to go down gracefully. Others just crumble and fall six feet under. “Florentine Gardens” happened to fall flat on its face. Nowadays when you mention the name three words come to mind: ghetto, tacky, and hell-to-the-no. But just like some fall and stay down below, others struggle to come back to life.
With a reputation as bad as Monica Lewinski’s, “Florentine Gardens” has been trying to shy away from its current status as a ghetto fabulous destination. Nowadays almost everyone can associate “Florentine Gardens” with cholas, gorditas desesperadas, vatos locos, single desperate (and not so good looking) people, and everything in between: cat fights and drunken antics included. However, you have to give this club and its promoters some props for trying to shy away from such horrid reputation. Against my will, and almost being dragged by one of my friends, I made it to “Florentine Gardens”. With zero expectations, pepper spray, and a bullet proof vest I ventured into unknown territory. Driving through the familiar Hollywood area I felt relived to be surrounded by the Hollywood Blvd. ambiance. If things went wrong I could always run out and rescue the rest of my night at any bar or club nearby. Upon arriving to “Florentine Gardens”, I took a deep breath and as if entering a cage full with starving lions, I reminded myself I could still come up with some b.s. excuse and escape this nightmare. After hearing so many stories about “Florentine Gardens”, the fights, the incredible amount of ghetto fabulousness, I was ready to be on my best behavior. If there’s one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t mess with cholas, dykes and gorditas… they will give you a run for your money. My close group of friends comforted me, and as we entered I was surprised to find a “normal” club environment. No drama or trouble in sight. The dance floor is huge… that’s certainly a plus for “Florentine Gardens”, and the music was not that bad- mostly Top 40, hip-hop, some reggaeton, and 80s music… definitely good music to get your freak on, unwind, and dance until your feet hurt. So, if you have never been to “Florentine Gardens” lately or ever, now is a good time to go. It’s a great place to go with a big group of friends. Also, from what I was told by some of my friends and friendly strangers, it’s a good place for singles. Don’t get fooled by rumors and “urban legends”, this club is not as bad as they make it up to be… especially if you go with the right group of friends. | 
