Weaving in and out of the bars of the Hollywood Boulevard strip and the surrounding streets, you’ve probably noticed that they seem to fall into either one of two categories. Either, they’re cheap, nasty and maybe even a little bit intimidating local dives, or they’re ultra-swanky, dress-code enforcing places with the personality of an eggplant. But there is a better way. Piano Bar, located at 6429 Selma Avenue, near to the acclaimed Hotel Café and just a block away from Caheunga Boulevard, is your key to the area’s authenticity.
Right in the heart of Hollywood, this small, unassuming bar is tucked away but well-loved by those in the know. Step inside and find yourself walking directly out of the craziness of the typical Hollywood nightlife and into a scene combining the best of British speakeasies with the quintessential coolness of New Orleans jazz clubs. No dress codes, no reservations, no on-the-door cover charge and most importantly, no fuss. This place is a hipster’s paradise if Hollywood ever had one. It’s one of those places that I almost don’t want to tell anyone about in case it gets too popular and becomes ruined, but at the same time I feel would be a crime not to recommend. The bar is far from quiet anyway! Walk in on a weekend and shuffle your way through the crowds of chattering customers all looking for a genuine good time. The crowd isn’t a problem here, though, because the bar’s clientele is simply friendly and laid-back, not rude and snobby, so it’s more of a bustle than a brawl on the busy weekends.
Slide down into one of the many plush, padded seats or sofas and soak up the atmosphere of this unique place. The speakeasy vibe is strong and the lighting is pleasingly low. With lots of comfy hideaways to sit in around the bar and by the performance area, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks with friends any day of the week. Both low-key and high-class at the same time, there’s an effortless sense of coolness in the air of this bar, and nobody’s complaining. The seats are comfy and the drinks are long. And on Mondays, girls can get excellent wine at super cheap prices happy hour, so the smiles are big as well. The crowd ranges in age from about 20 to 40 and is filled with trendy locals, Hollywood regulars and even a few celebrities if you’re lucky enough to spot them. Everyone around you is stylish, unpretentious and happy to chat if you are, especially if you go into the smoking area. This patio is atmospheric and lit with the perfect level of mood-lighting, so it’s great for summer nights.
But why would you want to go outside when you’ve got Los Angeles’ best up-and-coming musicians playing live inside for you each night? Yes, there really is live music here every night of the week, always starting around 7pm and always of the best quality. Listen to a wide variety of musicians, centering around either jazz or blues styles, with regulars including Miles Moseley and the West Coast Get Down, as you kick back and relax with your friends (and maybe even sing along and dance at weekends, when the walkway turns into an impromptu dance floor after 12). The music is simply the icing on the cake of the perfect atmospheric hub that is The Piano Bar. Catch it before it gets too popular and changes, I would say, although I have a feeling this one is going to stay a veritable hipster gem for the long haul. This is certainly one of Hollywood’s best bars and the only place for your next night out here.
http://www.pianobarhollywood.com/piano/ 6429 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Opening hours: 1pm – 2am every day
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