21st Bday-Dinner and Dancing

[kandykane]

My niece is celebrating her big 21st birthday-She is a college girl at UCSB and wants to celebrate in LA with 5 other girlfriends--dine, drink and dance-

I'm the good aunt helping with the planning of the BIG night -out-
What would be a great place to eat, drink and go dancing all night?
Someplace in Hollywood or Santa Monica-

I was thinking of getting them a hotel room at the Standard or Mondrian or someplace cool----so they can drink and dance and not have to drive-
Someplace hip and fun to dance with not alot of LA attitude ----and where they can get in without a mean bouncer guy?
I need help from you youngsters out there-
What are the fun dance clubs and fun restaurants-
I want this to be a fantastic night for my special niece-

Thanks All

[Obessed]

Seems like La Cienega corridor is ALWAYS hoping on weekend nights. SimonLA/ Stone Rose at the Sofitel is a good suggestion. What about dinner at STK then dancing at Area? There are lots of other bars within walking distance - Republic, Belmont to name a few. It's also close to the Sunset, so they could easily stay at the Standard or Mondrian.

[Emme]

There's a new place in Hollywood called The Kress. There's a restaurant and bar and nightclub area... could be great fun, especially since it's new and hip.

Could do dinner at Katsuya or Katana in Hollywood, then head to Opera or Mood or Avalon or even The Woods on la Brea.

IN Hollywood, SimonLA for dinner and Stone Rose Lounge next door. Or Social and Boulevard3 next door. Or, Citizen Smith then Beauty Bar.

Dinner at AOC Wine Bar then go to Area for clubbing.

Hope she has a WONDERFUL birthday -- you're certainly a great aunt!

[mollyomormon]

In Santa Monica, you could get a room at the Viceroy and they could eat at Whist and then go to to the poolside bar there. The Penthouse is another option, although I think the crowd tends to be a little bit older than early 20's there. In Hollywood, the Roosevelt would be a great option. They could eat at Dakota and then head to Tropicana bar. I think they fact that it's five girls, all staying at the hotel, should prevent any problems with mean bouncers.

[recovering_vegetarian]

I was thinking of the Roosevelt too! I've heard that a dinner reservation at Dakota ensures entry into the club. And if they get tired of the place, there are other bars within easy walking distance. The girls could even sleep there. I think that idea should definitely be on your list.

I whole-heartedly disagree, however, with the Whist/Penthouse idea. I think it's far too stuffy for a 21st birthday, and the crowd is usually much older. If you want to go the Santa Monica route, I'd suggest dinner at Wilshire and drinks/dancing at V-Lounge. I've actually celebrated a birthday there, and the bouncers were really great about making sure all my friends got in.

Other trendy places that offer both dining and dancing/nightlife as a package deal: Goa, Foxtail, Citizen Smith, Simon & Stone Rose at the Sofitel, Parc, Air Conditioned (this one's in Venice), M Lounge at Republic... There are many more, but I am tired and can't think. I'm sure others can chime in, and agree/disagree. Also: Some of these do have the "mean bouncer guy" problem, but if you call ahead (or order bottle service, if you can afford it) you may be able to get around it.

PS: There's always Sunset... It's cheesy, I know. But since they don't live in LA, they probably won't mind. Downtown would also be fun (the W, the Edison, Bordello, etc) but may be hard to navigate for people not used to the area.