The Edison

The Edison is a bar located in the basement of a downtown LA building, the Higgins.  The Higgins Building basement originally was L.A.'s first ever power plant, built by Thomas Higgins. After spending many years derelict and underwater, it was finally rescued by entrepreneurs Andrew Meieran and Marc Smith, who created a post-industrial steampunk venue for Los Angeles bar-goers.

The Edison, opened in 2007,  is a hip Happy Hour spot, restaurant, and hang out area.  It is dedicated to the old-world romance that once dominated LA nightlife.  They therefore have a dress code which is loosely enforced as far as I can tell.  They say "innovative, sophisticated, and cultured attire is required."  A lot of the staff was dressed in 20's and 30's attire, and a few of the guests.  I presume as the night wears on, the guests become more festive with their dress.

They have a special happy hour on Thursdays that feature a $.35 cocktail special.  Yes, that is $.35.  You get one token for the cocktail upon entrance and it is only good for the featured cocktail.  When we went the cocktail was the derby which has bourbon, lime juice, orange juice, and sweet vermouth.  The bar was crowded and most of the seats were reserved.  We were able to get a table from the hostess on the premise that we had to vacate it before 8 (because it was reserved.)  It was barely 6 so we had more than enough time to enjoy a couple of drinks.  There was a stage with instruments for a band but the band didn't start until much later. 

The food looked appetizing but we did not stay for eats.  If you go, make reservations ahead of time, and the later you go the more your attire will be scrutinized. 

Pete's Cafe and Bar - Bacon Blue Cheese Fries

I found this place on a bunch of Best Of lists which features their Blue Cheese Fries.  It was such an interesting concept I thought I had to try it.  This bar is in the heart of downtown, very close to the LA Art Walk (will be featured on another post).  I went on a warm weekday and sat outside.  It was quite entertaining because something was being filmed across the street so we sat and watched them film.  Unfortunately we couldn't really tell what it was, perhaps a music video or something.

Anyway, we ordered a couple of beers and of course the blue cheese fries, but for a little extra excitement I added bacon to make it bacon blue cheese fries...yum!  It was indeed yummy.  The sauce was creamy and the bacon added just enough salt. We weren't insanely hungry and they're not particularly good for you so we shared an order and it was just enough to satisfy us.  Like the famous dodger garlic fries its always nice to have an interesting twist on a classic favorite.  Definitely a good choice!

El Carmen - Tequila Bar

In honor of Cinco de Mayo yesterday we went to El Carmen, a tequila bar in LA.  We went fairly early in the afternoon, around 4 so the party had not gotten started yet; there were only a few people at the bar.  When we walked in it felt like walking into a bar in Mexico.  It was dark inside the only light that came in was light from the open door or the ceiling skylight -- just enough to set the mood.  The decor was festive.  What was especially impressive was the Mexican wrestling masks and posters that lined the ceiling and walls.  The bar does a great job of getting you in the mood to drink some tequila.

So on to the tequila...overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe how I felt when I opened the menu. It is massive. There are over 270 different kinds of tequilas for one to try.  They even have flights of tequila (like flights of wine) that start at just $25.  What a steal.  Since I was driving and we had other places to go we would only be getting one drink.  I got a shot of pineapple infused tequila on the rocks ($8) and gret gret got fresh cactus margarita on the rocks ($9).  I for one don't usually sip tequila so this was truly an experience.  The pineapple was faint and it was hard to drink especially because I love love love the taste of margaritas there was one right across from me.  It was interesting but I don't know if I'd get another shot as a drink.  The Fresh Cactus margarita on the other hand looked and tasted amazing.  It was bright magenta and had a fresh taste that was incredibly hydrating (that may be the best and worst part about margaritas).  I don't usually like fruity margaritas but this drink was great.  Needless to say Grete was feeling pretty good after having her drink and finishing half of mine :) 

Unfortunately we could only stay for one drink but the bartenders were so nice that we may just have to go back.  They also have food which I've heard is amazing.  If you're looking to get schooled on tequila's I'd make the trip to El Carmen.  If you do, take a DD or get a cab home.  It will be hard to just stay for one!