Last night I needed to get the heck out of the house. A girls night out where I could let my hair down, put on my heels and possibly cat call at a few men Shoe’s on the other foot now fellas.
My good girlfriend Jess invited me out to what I had initially perceived to just be your average dive bar in Los Angeles. Take down a few shots watch some obnoxious idiots stumble all over the place and anyone in their drunk zone and then go home thinking…what the hell just happened?! It was our friend Julissas birthday so they chose a spot that would be perfect for everyone. Melrose Umbrella Co right on the Melrose strip. Being such an alcohol prude it wasn’t a place I was all that familiar with so I didn’t expect too much. I’m down for something different at times and I didn’t have my expectations all that high frankly I just wanted to be around some of my girlfriends.
So first things first. Make sure that you have a passenger in your car that will uphold to the title of looking for adresses or either a GPS system that will tell you when you’ve past your destination far too many times. If you’re not familiar with the location it might be a bit tricky to spot as there is no actual arrows pointing down at the building,
But once you spot it you kind of get a feel for that Members Only vibe . Once I walked up I was kindly greeted by a handsome gentleman and reassured that I was at the right place all while finding the humor in my confusion. While he asked to check my I.D. I noticed that past his head was a small printed umbrella. really?
When I walked inside, the atmosphere was just down right sexy and chic. The entire place was lined with open seating areas both comfortable and convenient. If you need to pull up a chair to add to your party other guest are kind enough to just let you take it no questions asked. “You can’t sit with us” would be considered pretty juvenile to say the least more like pull up a chair. Something about an atmosphere of attractive looking people that aren’t necessarily there to be seen but yet you still see them. The club scene has come to an expiration date and this place is just bringing the mature crowd in groups. While the crowd being diverse as it was, everyone just seemed to compliment one another all in the environment of being at a bar.
The interior design has a very interesting appeal as well as a story of how this place was actually built. In fact almost every item was taken from a different location in the US that all gave new meaning to Lost Treasures.
Its Art! and for those who have a love for art will respect and appreciate the small details and work that it took in putting this place together. What’s the Melrose Umbrella Co without Umbrellas right? ” The organic look is to create different elements that would build the neighborhood bar”.
Like most restaurants there’s a story of how, when and why an establishment was made. Maybe it was a rags to riches or even an old folklore but this story not only has a lot of history but also a personal family tribute to the man ultimately behind the umbrella.
Even the history description has an aged old feel to it though having it incorporated with the drink menu I’m not sure how many guest would appreciate this fragile piece of paper after having a few too many of their delicious cocktails. Make your way to Tequila Tuesday. Speaking of which, the bartenders and waitresses are by far the most diligent and attentive group of people who make sure that no one is left without an empty glass. Even if its the bottled water with a hint of melon thats left on the table. Either you can quench your ongoing thirst or prevent you from seeing Blured lines….bada boom!
Everything about this place just fits to having a real good time including the music that makes you feel as if you’re sitting in your poodle skirt in an old diner.
Dj Diana was playing everything from doo wop to be bop and classic 80s rock. Towards the end of the night I can’t say there was one person still sitting in their seats. I’ll have you know that this girl right here…yes me Did enjoy a few cocktails herself even to the point where I tried to work up a conversation with a tall catch (Hi Seth, wink) as well as get up a few times to enjoy the music until the lights came on. All in all our entire group had a blast filled with many laughs. Good looking people Great drinks and really tasty food. I’d say this was definitely a hit and I will be back again!
For more information you can contact the Melrose Umbrella Co at 323-951-0709
Open Sunday – Wednesday
4pm-11pm
Thursday – Saturday
4pm-2am
Follow them @MelroseUmbrellaCo
I’ll be posting my review on their signature cocktail drinks on TequilaTuesdays next week so stay tuned!
“Keep It Social”
