Parlour Tricks

The problem with being nostalgic for the Hollywood of yore — pre-Lucky Strike Lanes, pre-colossal W Hotel, pre-cloying, of-the-moment-Cahuenga club — is that the former neighborhood didn’t exactly have many redeeming qualities. It’s not like the East Village in Manhattan, which maintained its own integrity even when it was rough around the edges. Hollywood 15 years ago, by contrast, reminds of us of an old David Spade joke about the hood: “Nobody tells you it’s, like, the skankiest place in the world. And I don’t think there’s a dress code, and if there is, it’s pretty lenient. ‘What is that, jock strap and sailor hat? Right this way.’”

The Parlour Room recently opened to rave reviews among the Hollywood crowd after having taken over the space of Red Buddha Lounge. Immediately we were intrigued. Can this be an anti-B&T oasis that still offers some swank nougahyde booths and killer cocktails?

The answer is yes. Here’s our take:

Parlour Room is the latest venture from Vintage Bar Group, proprietor behind cozy, old-timey watering holes like The Woods, No Bar and The Fifth in Valley Village, which we’d never heard of. It’s definitely a far cry from the crazy club scene of Hollywood, boasting a more subdued atmosphere with a lounge dimly lit by crystal chandeliers and decorated with hunter-green seating and paisley wallpaper.

What to expect: On weeknights, think casual after-work drinks, and leave the five-inch heels at home. Parlour has quickly proved to be a great date spot during the week, as it’s a winning mix of urban buzz and moderate din, perfect for conversations on the large couches. Simply put, it's an elegant yet funky vintage scene.

The hot seat: The front area is fabulous for events and can be reserved in advance. But if you are going for a night out, it’s first-come, first-serve, and the oversized chairs in back are hands-down the best place for people watching.

The booze: The cocktail menu struck us as fairly limited. Then again Parlour just opened, and if Vintage Bar’s other properties are predictive models, we expect great things in the months to come. Until then, the Cucumber Cooler, Maple Julep and The Parlour Trick, made with Ciroc coconut vodka and fresh lime juice, are the winning libations.

The cherry on top: Moodwise, Parlour Room gets it: You don’t want ear-splitting music on the weekdays, but may want to kick it come Friday. Even on the weekends, the small bar’s open-air back patio offers a chill retreat.

The dress code: While jeans and a T-shirt are acceptable (blech), make an effort. The bar is filled with eligible bachelors who know where to find a good tailor, and girls who know that a head-to-toe Forever 21 ensemble should only be worn in an Omaha mall.

Parlour Room, 6423 Yucca St., Hollywood, 323-463-0609.