Casual Bars/Lounges in Hollywood or Downtown?

[jcherie]

I'm looking for some suggestions of bars or lounges in Hollywood (walkable from the red line) so not too far off the beaten path there, OR in downtown Los Angeles near the financial district.

Not too young (30-somethings - not a USC hangout), not too loud, not a dance club. Good drinks, decent atmosphere, not completely packed. Casual; A place where there may be room to sit and have a conversation. I know I may be asking for a lot here, but know nothing on this subject. Anything would help!

Thanks!

[buttermarblepopcorn]

Have you tried the brand-new W Hotel at Hollywood and Highland, complete with the new redesign of the Red Line Metro station right below it? It's got a restaurant, Delphine, and two bar lounges, Station Hollywood and The Living Room. Looks fancy and fun and certainly fits your requirements -- and I'd love to hear from anyone who's been! (I'm too far away to make a stopover just for the sake of seeing it.)

This little review has me intrigued:
http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/ba...

[jcherie]

Thanks All! I'll let you know where I end up!

[RobertC]

The W is not Hollywood and Highland but Hollywood and Vine. Nice place! Loved Delphine.
Also, The Association is one of my favorite lounges on 6th near Main Downtown. (There is no sign on the Door...the Door is a replica of 10 Downing St and it is next to Cole's. Also, I love the whiskey bar Seven Grand. (7th St. Metro)

[buttermarblepopcorn]

Ooops!!! Sorry, you're right, Hollywood and VINE! Eek, I'm getting all my Hollywood places mixed up! I guess that's at least a good sign that Hollywood is really starting to come back to life.

[Akitist]

I used to hang out in Chinatown, lots of moderately nice places there at that time, should still be a few. Transfer to the Gold Line from the Red Line at Union Sation; there's a stop right in Chinatown. Of course, just about all the places I knew have changed names, ownership, become other types of business, so I can't recommend any place in particular.

[wutzizname]

Redwood Bar & Grill downtown might be a good option. Generally casual. And the booths in the front semi-patio room are definitely good for conversing.

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Redwood Bar & Grill
316 W 2nd St Ste 202, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[rds246]

I also like Redwood, but if they have a band playing it is LOUD. Everywhere.

[rednyellow]

Good food at Redwood and fantastic burger. The Frolic Room is basically across the street from the Hollywood and Vine red line stop, a great hollywood dive.

[wutzizname]

And in the same vicinity as the Frolic is the Blue Palms Brewhouse next to the Fonda, as long as it's not right before or after a show.

Slightly further out and slightly hipper, Boardner's is still a great bar. As is the Bowery down on Sunset & Vine.

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The Bowery
6268 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Blue Palms Brew House
6124 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Boardner's Restaurant
1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

[ExtraCheesePlease]

Piano Bar on Selma a little east of Wilcox in Hollywood. Unpretentious, casual and an eclectic group of people. Very basic but a lot of substance than style. I always find myself there at least one a week to meet up with a friend.

[jcherie]

Great! Thanks. This didn't come up on my search and looks like a good option.