Address: 750 Garland Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.239.0061
The Basics: Halloween represents a major holiday for many of us living on this side of the world, especially if we happen to be close Halloween Central, also known as Hollywood. If the saying “all the freaks come at night” is true, it also applies to Halloween, except that in Los Angeles and Hollywood not only the freaks come out in Halloween- no, you have the freaks, the weirdos, the sex vixens, the nudists, the occasional cross-dressers, and everything in between. The whole L.A. area transforms into a huge costume party- no matter where you go. Before walking the Hollywood streets, a couple of friends and I decided to check out “Blue Velvet”. We were so naïve when we thought we were leaving soon after having a couple of drinks.
I don’t know if it’s because it was Halloween and everyone was wearing not only a costume but that characters persona, but “Blue Velvet” was crazier than what you would expect a Downtown L.A. lounge to be.
The place is located just five minutes away from the Museum of Contemporary Art and it’s located at the top of a building, which provides a great view. The terrace is well kept and the pool in the middle gives it a very chic Hollywood touch. While it’s not such a great idea to combine dancing, drunk people and a pool for obvious reasons, the view is just stunning.
Inside the place is bigger than expected; however, it is all divided into smaller spaces which give it a maze-like feeling. “Blue Velvet” is very unique, its modern and chic décor definitely work to its advantage.
For starters “Blue Velvet” is both a lounge and a restaurant, but at night the “restaurant” part of it plays a minimal part, yes, they serve food throughout the night, but not many people are into eating a full meal before boozing it up— so with the empty tables, there’s plenty of sitting space for you to chill and just have a nice conversation with your friends without having to scream your lungs out.
The music is as eclectic as could be. There’s a little bit of Top 40 pop here and there, some hip-hop, old school, dance, electro, but what seems to be their main forte is pleasing the apparent nostalgic crowd with 80’s and 90’s songs.
The crowd is also varied; however, it’s mostly twenty-somethings going on thirty. And while everyone is minding their own business and partying with their respective cliques, there is a certain air of pretentiousness. It is after all crowded with attention seeking wanna-be models and reality TV castoffs.
Other than that, the atmosphere is pretty chill, and “Blue Velvet” makes a good hang out/ party spot, with an amazing view of the city skyline, a couple of DJs that keep the beats and the energy flowing nonstop- you won’t notice time going by when partying at “Blue Velvet”.
There is usually no cover charge to go in; however, during special occasions and parties such as Halloween, cover fee is $20 for guys and $10 for the ladies.
Remember to take some extra cash; the drinks are on the pricey side and not as strong. They do taste good and go down quite easily, but they’re definitely between $12 and $18… go with the shots, the “Kamikaze” is popular and known to work effectively.
