Okay folks, it’s November, and that means the holidays really are coming, and we’ll all be broke soon, so let’s get out and spend our money now while we have it! I’m feeling like prowling the Strip, the Sunset Strip of course, so with the knowledge that a club’s mood and appeal can change from band to band, let’s stop in at a few rockin’ venues.
House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd. - Hmmm… I’m so hesitant to mention the HOB, just because it’s such a tourist destination and covered into the ground. But despite the fact that it’s practically a cliché, after a recent visit to the Foundation Room I can’t quite help myself (and if I have to tell you what the Foundation Room is, don’t bother reading further because you fall into the “tourist” category). So okay, yes, the Foundation Room is really fab. I can’t help but like the rest of the HOB for starters, all of the colorful folk art, always something more to see, a vibrant southern Cajun culture with a free-spirited 60’s hippyish flavor. But the exotic, ornate Foundation Room is all of that times 10. I was especially captivated by the magical, hand carved and open windows up on top – felt like I’d been carried away to one of the tales of an Arabian Night, and the view of the L.A. lights stretching away below me just added to the fairytale quality.
Cat Club, 8911 Sunset Blvd. – This place is just as claustrophobic and even louder than I remember it. What could be worse than bad music and bad sound quality? The aforementioned played hellaciously LOUDLY! I mean this crap goes to an eleven and then some, and the sound here is some of the worst in town. I know they do get a decent band here now and then, but I always feel bad for those bands because the sound quality doesn’t do anyone justice. The only plus here? The modest patio out back (think downsized alley) where you can escape the blare for as long as you’re able to take the cloud of smoke.
Toi on Sunset, 7505½ Sunset Blvd. – Every late-night rocker who hangs around very long in this town eventually finds their way here, usually late at night after the clubs close. Yes, by that time Toi’s has stopped serving alcohol, but bless their hearts, they serve food until 4am! Really good food, actually, in large portions at prices even most musicians can afford. The fare is sort of California Thai, very flavorful but not blazing spicy-hot, and really wholesome, full of fresh vegetables. The place is particularly known for their brown rice, which doesn’t sound that exciting, but the stuff here is like nothing I’ve had anywhere else. When they say “brown” rice, they mean deep, dark chestnut brown, not washed out tan. Your body feels good after a meal here, which can be especially helpful if you’ve been out engaging in a night of debauchery. The décor is wild and eclectic, filled with rock memorabilia and trippy funky sculptures and art. Much as I love the laid-back rocker atmo here, many’s the night when I’ve had enough of humanity by 3am and grabbed some take out and headed for home, and it sure beats the McDonalds drive-thru down the street. (Really, if you must go that route, hit the In ‘N Out on Sunset and Orange St instead – they’re open ‘till 1am on weeknights, 1:30 on Friday and Saturday. Damiano’s Pizza on Fairfax is also a safe bet – open late and they sell by the slice. If all else fails, Rock N’ Roll Ralphs on Sunset is open 24/7, and the clientele there post club-closing is always interesting and colorful.)
Rae’s Lounge, 10939 Venice Blvd. – If the Sunset Strip’s gotten too passé for you and you want to roam farther afield for new sights, sounds, and adventures, you might try… Culver City. Yeah, I know, it’s not exactly at the top of your “hot spot” list, but sometimes it’s a nice change to get away from the L.A. scene and have a drink at the kind of bar I’d expect to find in some down-home prairie or southern kind of town, where the jeans folks are wearing don’t look as if they just came off of a designer rack. If you head west on Venice, some blocks past another In ‘N Out (yes, I know them all), you might sail right on by this laid-back, uncrowded, un-L.A. bar. Of course, the way Lothar the Bartender pours his shots, it’s probably best if you have a friend or lover in the neighborhood so you can walk instead of drive. (And in the morning when you finally get up and you’re moving kind of slooow, there’s a Starbucks just down the street at Overland. Yes, I know where all the Starbucks are too, and Pumpkin Spice Latte is my favorite time of year.) So if you’re walking west on the north side of Venice, you’ll first pass the red velvet ropes of the S & S club, and a crowd of people waiting and lingering out front. Now to me velvet ropes in Culver City just look ridiculous. If I’m going to subject myself to the whims and approval of some steroid- pumped door guy and put up with wall to wall bodies, there’d better be a good reason, and this just ain’t it. So I say wave at the crowd and go around, just down the street to a waiting bar stool, a stiff drink for waaay less money, friendly folks, and live music. Oh, and pool if you’re interested (I’m not good at it, but fortunately I’m content just to look good playing it). And I’ve actually heard some damn good music here, from blues to fun cover-band stuff to good original rockabilly. But even when the band is bad, at least they’re generally heartfelt, you didn’t pay a cover, and the drinks are fat. And surprisingly, this place also seems to be a favorite watering hole for some pretty hot guys who, thankfully, left their attitudes down the street.
If you have a Hot Spot you think I should check out email me care of All Access Magazine at: ALLACCESSMGZN@aol.com Attn: Hot Spots
Or write to: All Access Magazine, Attn: Hot Spots, 15981 Yarnell St., Ste. 122, Rancho Cascades, CA 91342
