Hollywood: Next Door Lounge Now Open
Next Door Lounge
Next Door Lounge opened last week next to the Corner and across the street from AMMO. Owned by the same folks as the Corner, I was a bit surprised the Next Door Lounge also served food. Alas, we had already eaten so perhaps we’ll try next time.
pickles
NDL did send out some “healthy” pickled veg to snack on, however.
Next Door Lounge
Next Door Lounge is going for that speakeasy vibe. We went the night after it opened and the nice door guy opened the door for us, telling us the manager would seat us but we decided to hop over to the bar. The lounge is rather large with plenty of seating scattered throughout the room. Servers are outfitted in flappers gear. I was rather amazed by the huge wall of booze behind the bar (first photo).
Hoover's Wig
I was sticking to rum this evening so I chose the Hoover’s Wig (Flor de Cana 4-year, Aperol, Carpano Antica vermouth, apple, lemon, orange juice and prosecco). Initially, I was surprised by the ice. When did I become an ice snob? Is this artisinal ice? I have a feeling not.
I thought the drink was all right. Nothing terribly compelling about it. With all that fruit juice, it just became “sweet.” I couldn’t taste any of the Aperol in it. I wondered where Joseph Brooke, formerly of the Edison, was as the buzz surrounding the opening said he created the drinks. Later I would learn from Thirsty in LA’s blog he created only some of the cocktails.
According to Thirsty in LA, the Joseph Brooke cocktails to try are: The Bump-Off (Sagatiba cachaca, ginger, orgeat, lemon), The Shimmy (Hennessy VS, Sazarac rye, jasmine liqueur, blood orange liqueur, lemon) and the Volstead & Vice (Illegal Mezcal Joven, Pernod absinthe, cucumber, agave, lime). Good to know!
Next Door Lounge
1154 N. Highland Ave.
Hollywood, CA
(323) 465-5505
I ended up here last week on accident as my favorite restaurant, Ammo was booked. We had no idea what we were walking into and we were pleasantly surprised. Great atmosphere, amazing staff (loved our waitress that reminded us of Amy Adams) and the martinis and appetizers were perfect. Now if I were to just make a few minor adjustments, I’d say the outfits are a little over-the-top verging on corny and it was way too cold in there. Turn down the AC. I would def recommend this place to anyone getting together with a big group of friends – PERFECT for a birthday party. A+ to Amy Adams, A to the environment, A – to the appetizers and drinks and a B – to the cheesy outfits.
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I met someone recently who convinced me I had to go back. My first experience was a bit odd since it was the second evening and seemingly empty. I do agree about the outfits but I suppose they are trying to keep with the theme.
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