The Chalet

better late than never… not in this case!
wow…there isn’t any time to grieve. Well, went it was open, I liked my visit. Hot bartenders serving stiff drinks. We went there cause my bud wanted to «teach» me about alcohol, but i think he just wanted to chat up the bartender.
English pub… really…can wait to see those chicks!
I miss you Chalet and all that you could have been.

The hipsters first came for Silver lake, and I didn’t speak up because I didn’t live in Silver Lake.
And then they showed up in the Los Feliz area, and I didn’t speak up because I couldn’t give a rats ass about Los Feliz.
And then the hipsters moved into Atwater Village, and I didn’t speak up because. well, I only cared about 55 Degree wine and Big Foot was already hipster enough.
And then. they started moving into Eagle Rock. and by that time there wasn’t any where else to go east. Cause really, Pasadena? Not gonna let you hipsters move in, folks. And really, you don’t want to move to arcadia. That’s all family places and a nice area to raise kids (Voted by the nation)
I find it odd that the flow of hipsterness flows to the east. Or so it seems. You have the Silverlake hipster fade traveling towards Atwater village and now it’s seeping into Eagle Rock.
The Chalet is the prime example of this. It’s not quite to the ketchy level of Big Foot Lodge just two towns over, but it’s still pretty interesting in its own rite. I’d say that this is a Big Foot Lodge lite. So if the amount of hipsters over at BF is bothering you, there might be fewer here on a given night. at least for now.
Frankly, it’s a nice place to relax with a pint and there’s always something decent playing. In an area that is pretty chill as it is, this fits in perfectly.
Def. should be added to your list of hip places to get a drink. It’s a great place to strike up a conversation with other interesting cats there.

Please NO! Say it isn’t so!
I just heard a terrible rumor that this place is going to close down and turn into a British Pub??? What the hell is that all about! This place is perfect just the way it is! I know this because I was just there again last night and had a total blast basking in the swoony, cool vibe and enjoyed myself tremendously! That also could have had something with the very full glass of Johnny Walker Black and the company, but still, this place is awesome and one of Eagle Rock’s true gems.
I am all for change, but man, sometimes, just leave things as they are!

Forgive me for going against the grain, but I’m just not a dive bar type of gal!
I don’t like The Woods.
I don’t like Liquid Kitty.
I even think Alibi Room is a bit quasi-​divey.
Give me a slick, fashion forward, interior design focused ultra lounge that plays Café del Mar or Hotel Costes and I will be one happy clam. Or a cool Speakeasy lounge in NYC and that too would make me one happy clam.
But I kind of liked this place! This place has an interesting interior, it reminds me of a ski lodge with rocks on the walls and fireplace. We found a L shaped couch grouping in the corner and I actually liked how cozy it was! The pours here are absolutely generous and the service is extremely friendly. I probably will be back since I’m dying to try Casa Bianca a couple doors down!

99% of the time, you usually go get tacos after a night of drinking. However, for us, it was the other way around. We went drinking after a night of eating tacos. Hey, we’re Unilocalers, that’s how we roll.
This place sits amongst the small little mom and pop shops that line Colorado Blvd in the hipster neighborhood that is Eagle Rock. Just on the next block over from Casa Da Bianca Pizza Pie and up the street from the Oinkster. Mmmmm… Oinkster…
This place is apparently owned by the same guy that owns the Griffin, but I’ve never been to the Griffin, so I wouldn’t know. The protruding stone walls were a nice touch to the sleek bar and furniture. We managed to snag a couple of tables in the corner near the bar. The music I could say was a bit loud, and the drinks had a decent pour. Couldn’t tell you how much it was because it was bought for me.
I would definitely love to come back here and hang out under better circumstances, because honestly, I was just too full from the tacos and was about ready to go to bed.

i made the trek out here with Letitia W. to meet some fellow Unilocalers. (yes, i’ve only met a handful… of which would even talk to me! ;p)
the staff here is awesome. what more can i say. the bouncer had a quick wit, the bartenders were super friendly. we arrived around 10pm ish on a thursday, and there was no more food. boo. not even fries… minue one star. but we were informed on the corner, close by was Casablanca, italian food.
we opted to stay and have more alcohol. :) we got long islands, and a half bottle of zin. it was strong, it had a kick. it was what i needed… especially the shit week i was having. top it all off with brilliant conversation with Ben G., it’s was alll love.
we finished the evening with some drunken eating at BCD tofu house. and man… the week wasn’t looking so bad all of a sudden. :)
side note: dress is casual to sexy jeans and top. super laid back scene, that will have you humming… «i’mmmm a lumberjack and that’s okaayyy…»

From what I can remember…
the jukebox was tight, like the night, I had to wipe, activator from the mike,.in 1985!
The place was full of people, but all were looking for a good time. Sue didn’t have to pull chrome on House of Pain. Drinks were stiff and the bartenderess was as pleasant as me mates were charming. We had a great time… but half a flask at the moobies and three and one-​half 7 & 7s later things began to blur.
…till next we meet.

Coin drops through the slot. I have one arm stretched and leaning against the jukebox. Looking down, I press 23 and 11 to play my selection.
The beat drops.
«Did you see the lights,
as they fell all around you?»
My head, while moving along to a Steve Miller beat, slowly raises up and drifts over to my pal at the bar. We rendezvous towards each other, looking for a place to commune conversationally. It’s only a weeknight, but tonight there is a lot — and I can’t stress that enough — of people here doing whatever their thing is. The night was apparently packing a lot of heat, as The Chalet was drawing all the cats that night. While making the visual rounds for a seat-​able area, I notice a rather modest selection of tap beer. It wouldn’t be something I’d inspect further until later in the evening.
«Did you hear the music
serenade from the stars?»
Our eyes fail to mark a spot, so we settle for an area off to the side. I’m kind of drawn to the fireplace that’s totally giving off this homely, log cabin vibe to the bar. And at this moment, I eye a group of people that look like they’re just about to leave their table. It’s right next to the fireplace, too. When I realize they’re just doing the «get up and let the person in the middle of the group out to use the bathroom» routine, I do a sort of routine of my own, resembling some kind of twirl, as if to imply that I wasn’t even trying to fetch their spot.
«Did you feel the wind
as it blew all around you?»
We didn’t have to stand in our self-​designated area for too long. Not more than five minutes pass and there’s a space in front of the fireplace that’s luring my friend in. No twirl-​about this time, our feet are relieved of their duties for the night. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s just about time for another round, one in which is my turn to pick up. $ 5 beers… Hoegaarden on tap… and a smile on my face, as I walk back with two glasses. This place is small, I think to myself while walking back. Another reason why I like this place. Small, but well designed. Not divey at all, but you might be calling it that, anyway.
My friend and I manage to talk about the Valentine’s that just passed, our mutual friends, music, and engage in not-​so-​serious politics and philosophical discussions. The time flies quickly, because we’re constantly surrounded by the same amount of chatter since we first walked in. People don’t want to leave this place. And for good reason. Once you’re inside, and once you’ve found a place to hang your hat, you’re pretty much at a place as comfortable as mom and dad’s. Well, when they’re not home, anyway.
«Did you feel the love
that was in the air?»
I wasn’t here to pick up on girls; I wasn’t here to drown sorrows; I wasn’t even here to check out their eclectic jukebox, which I’ve heard great things about and wasn’t disappointed with; and I certainly wasn’t here to toss around drinks like a barfly. It was just me, my friend, and what turned out to be a great night at The Chalet. I laugh at the thought that people think they need more than that.
Fortunately, The Chalet is the only thing really going on in this stretch of Eagle Rock Blvd. Parking outside was bountiful. We walked back to our car with smiles on our faces, leaving behind all worries of having to brace ourselves for that dreaded parking ticket that might be waiting for us, or for a valet attendant to take 15 minutes to get our car.
We drove off, but speaking for myself, this won’t be my last time. And I can’t wait for the next.
«We’re lost in space
and the time is our own.»

I’ve only been here on the weekends but…
This place is like a disease. Take note of the following symptoms.
You will see:
Frat boys, Sorority Gals, College hipsters (a step below real hipsters), douche bags, bad 80s fashion, men in sweaters, chin art & neck beards & the beards in between. There are tiny chairs and a fireplace blazing in the summer time.
The douchebag factor is high.
You will feel:
your wallet emptying while your liver remains surprisingly healthy, your mouth and tongue dry from lack of fluids, dwarfed when you are sitting down and like you are going to fall on top of someone when you are standing up.
You will say:
«Excuse me. Pardon me. Sorry. Excuse me.»
«WHAT!!!»
“a BEER! I’d LIKE A BEER!”
«OW! my FOOT!»
You will smell:
The mixture of cheap cologne and rohypnol.
This spot is just a college bar that is just cool enough to not have jocks in white baseball caps blasting Dave Matthews but not cool enough to keep away their cooler friends away.
SIGMA NU MUTHER EFFERS!!! PUT ON BOB MARLEY’S LEGEND ALBUM! I LOVE THAT SHI!

I liked my bartender.
He could obviously tell I was a rookie (which is true, I’ve been over the age of 21 for a little over a year, but I still don’t know my way around a drink menu) and was very hospitable, engaging, and all-​around nice. Nothing snooty here. He poured my diet coke and barcardi heavy for a great bargain — $ 7.
That’s what I love about my hood, my Eagle Rock. Although gentrification had brought in some hipsters, that process has slowed down. I still feel right at home because this place isn’t pretentious. Hence I never go to the west side…*shudder*
I’ll definitely be coming back. The ambiance is killer! It’s small, intimate, with a cozy fireplace and cushy couches. Great for a night of clandestine love affairs on a budget… something I frequently engage in. ;P

As a former Oxy student I’m quite familiar with the Chalet. In fact, it was the first bar I went to as a 21 year old. I arrived slightly before midnight as a 20 year old but the bouncer just ushered me in. I was slightly disappointed I wasn’t carded on my birthday. Sad.
The interior is very Chalet-​esque. A little too dark in my opinion, but the wood and rock make it unique. The drinks come strong, but are tasty enough. The bartenders were always friendly and efficient and overall I have to say I never had a bad time here. Overall it’s a fun place to relax on a weeknight. The booths are cozy but not overly romantic. It’s chill coming here on a date or with the guys and you can never really feel out of place here.
While I’ve been to better places, there are so many happy, warm, fuzzy memories here. Not at all a bad place to have your «first» drink.

I dare go against the grain. The score is more of an average based on the times I have visited the establishment rather than scoring it based on a first impression.
The overall vibe in the lodge inspired dive is lively and comfortable. The music levels are loud, but not totally blaring over your conversation. You may be able to even find seating even on a busy night, but it’s not too bad to stand around while you immerse yourself in the mixed company. The bartenders are prompt and quite friendly and the drinks aren’t too shabby either. Undoubtedly, the Chalet is a popular hangout among locals and outsiders alike. Yes, I totally agree with the majority of the patrons who have visited or frequent this bar. However, I cannot help but Unilocal my qualms about my last experience.
First of all, don’t wear a hat to the Chalet, even if it’s a colorful, gay TokiDoki hat like mine. Security told me that the letters «L» & «A» with a heart and little cartoon characters apparently may cause a scuffle. Seriously? That seems a bit immature for me to have someone argue what team or city is better. If visitors make a big deal about where you are from, then that doesn’t reflect too well of the people who are there in the first place. If you’re going to start a fight it should be a better reason than that or at least it’s because hit on the wrong boy there. Without incident, I removed the hat AFTER they had let me in with it on my head.
Someone actually told me to «back up off» him because I was standing too close. Does he realize it’s a small bar and personal space is scarce? Homophobe? Probably, but that’s irrelevant. I’ll be sure to float above the tight crowd without physically contacting anyone next time I need to maneuver my way back to my seat. So much for my impression of the great people contributing to a great vibe. (FYI: No, that guy wasn’t a factor in the score above. I’m better than that. I just wanted to splash more examples of my provoked negativity.)
To top off my night, the same people from security asked our entire group to leave because our friend was kicked out. Someone had accompanied him to make sure he was okay. First of all, I had maybe half a drink at best, removed my stupid hat, and was sitting down having a great conversation sober. I had NO reason to be kicked out. I understand that bouncer protocol is really undefined, but it seems really unprofessional to kick out perfectly good PAYING customers. Also, without incident, we left to avoid trespassing if we had provoked the security.
Again, the positive unfortunately did not outweigh the negative factors. Aside from the cool look, the bartenders were really the best features about this place. I can care less if everyone else in Eagle Rock loves this place. I’ll think twice about going to this local spot again. I won’t deny that I will go if a good friend wants to shoot the breeze, but I’ll suggest another place to hang out before committing.

Wait… I think I just woke up from a well poured evening in the abandoned fetal byproduct of a bob ross masterpiece and an accidental frank lloyd wright wet dream.
I’m okay with this. No, really. I am.
Los Angeles is kind of intimidating.

oh, The Chalet?
I think I’ve seen that place
On Unilocal
This was me when my sister and I were cruising from Los Feliz through Silver Lake and Eagle Rock looking for somewhere to get a REAL drink on 1÷1÷09. That’s right… not NYE but NYD, the day for real drinkers not the party amateurs of the 31^st.
Turns out that its Unilocal-​presence was enough to embed it in my mind, even though I’m not from around these parts. Good job too because it fulfilled two big requirements that night:
1. It was open
2. It was full of people getting drunk on hard liquor
Getting that on NYD would be enough to get a 3 star, we were so desperate, but it bumps up to 4 and maybe more for having great décor, a real fire on the go and some very comfortable seating. It fell short of 5 by being a bit TOO Los Angeles and for the staff coming up short for mixed drinks ideas.
Still, it’s somewhere I’d come back to at the drop of an olive. The world needs more wood-​panelled window-​less drinking establishments with oil paintings of mountains. Evidently they are liked by the right kind of people as many of the NYD drinkers were well on their way to getting their car keys confiscated.
Suggestion: get a stuffed moose head on the wall.

I’m not a fan of traveling more than 10 miles for drinking purposes BUT now I will eat (or drink) my words on this one…
The Chalet is 1 of 2 reasons to drive to Eagle Rock on any given night (if you don’t live too close)…and the other reason is Casa Bianca. Since I myself don’t live close at all, the 2 go hand in hand, and make the «driving too far to get drunk» not bad at all, because you’re really getting 2 for the price of one.
The Chalet is one cool bar. Many people know it, and around there, it’s probably Eagle Rock’s hippest joint… maybe. The place looks like a dive from the exterior, but inside, it’s evokes a comfy ski-​lodge, woodsy kind of atmosphere. There are plenty of tables for seating, and those bar stools are nice and comfy and sit real high. It’s quite a classy feeling place for what you’re seeing from the street.
Here’s the drill for a non-​Eagle Rock transplant (otherwise known as my own):
1) Leave your place, oh… around 6pm on a Saturday
2) Barring traffic, arrive to Eagle Rock at about 7:15pm or so and park in the neighborhood bordering Colorado Blvd.
3) Walk up to Casa Bianca at about 7:20pm or so, wave at all the other people (who aren’t quick to your game) standing around outside waiting for a table
4) Put your name down for a table. Expect a 1 – 2 hour wait. Set your cell phone alarm for about 8:30pm or so (on vibrate — there’s reason for this). But no worries, there’s more…
5) Walk about 2 blocks up the street to the Chalet
6) Order yourself up some cocktails and put $ in that jukebox. Drink, laugh, joke, have a good time, etc.
7) Feel your cell phone vibrate which is your cue to walk/​stumble back to Casa Bianca for your table at about 8:50pm.
8) Gorge on food mentioned in my other Casa Bianca review until about 11pm.
9) 11:15pm Stumble back to the Chalet for more drinks if you’re feeling up to it.
9.5) 12am Resist the urge to make lumberjack impressions after that 2^nd cocktail (insert: alcohol of choice)…for some reason the ski lodge motif brings that out
10) 1:13am pass out in your car for a good hour before driving home. Not only food will be settling, but alcohol too.
Steps 1 – 10 = only with a good friend who won’t mind you snoring all the way home in the car.

My friend took me here last night for a ‘welcome to the hood’ drink. He described it as part pirate ship, part ski lodge. Well, he def. got the ski lodge part right. In fact, with the old school paintings on the wall, I kinda felt like I was walking into one of those Chevy Chase vacation movies. Weird, but if you knew me, I totally dug it.
There was a good amount of ppl inside, considering it was in the middle of the wk. There were some dimly lit tables which I thought made the place look really cozy. But the fireplace was my favorite. We settled in on the couch and I made sure to grab a couple of pillows to lean on. It was the perfect place to kick back w/​a couple of drinks and catch up. Totally felt as tho I was back at my boyfriend’s cabin in the woods. This bar also has Hangar One (my fave) so that’s another plus. Can’t wait to go back, esp. when Casa Bianca waits are too long.

Just a very chill local bar for meeting up with a couple friends and chatting. Very low key. Small and cozy at times. Street parking sucks.
Came here for a friend’s birthday get-​together. I actually thought it was rather crowded. It was hard to find a booth or table. We moved around from the bar to the fireplaces to a cozy little corner suitable for around 10 people. But that wasn’t until it got a bit later.
The birthday girl ordered a mimosa and, as usual, she was given a glass of orange juice and a tiny bottle packaged with the standard sparkling wine. She brought it over to our group’s table and one of the staff thought she brought in her own bottle of champagne. What a clueless moron. Most off-​putting moment of the night.

Tonight we decided to avoid the Hollywood scene and try out this place in Eagle Rock. Least to say, I was very pleased with our decision and plan to come back again.
The crowd rolled in around 11, hip without the «hipster» and cool without the «too cool» vibe. There was a jukebox playing a lot of indie rock, though at times I wished I could hear a more gangster/​hip-​hop tune (cause you know, I’m so gangster). Instead, we settled for some Jackson 5 soul.
Drinks are moderately priced ($ 7 jack and cokes), and the bartenders were very generous with the liquor. Our shots were freaking huge. The only annoying thing is that there are no waiters. Although we were lucky enough to catch a table, we still had to fight the crowd at the bar to get our drinks. Not that I minded too much, cause the bartenders were cuties. I’m all for the cuties. :)

*****06/​19/​2007 update*****
Ok, I got to be just like Buttercheeks and do an update. This was sooo much fun with everyone there. It was packed more than usual with the bartenders birthday. Watching Buttercheeks work the room like we’re at a political charity function, I swore she got these people to write checks or something. ha ha. It was a small group of us but well worth the night out with Tommy’s after and more entertainment. Aaron, Ben, Selby and Sarah left early so Buttercheeks, The Dread Pirate, Kevin, Greg, and I’m missing someone else. We witness «Sidewalk Golf» where you tee up on the sidewalk and wack a few golf balls over the next building. That’s some funny sheite, could be a drinking game if you count Mulligans and broken golf clubs. That’s just some of the clean stuff I can share on here.
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Great atmosphere, great drinks. Went here last night to meet a group of Unilocalers. They pour you drinks. (I’m not talking about measurements) They pour you drinks. Nice bartender too. (hot blonde) Also, very dark in here so great for a date.

Any bar that has matches as their business card rocks! Especially The Chalet for having a red shorted girl skiing, her ski pole skewering an olive, all inside a martini glass.
Bartender I’ll have another!

When in Madison Wisconsin I noticed that everyplace on state street was named after whatever it was… The Pub, The bar, The Hangout, etc…
So when someone tells me to go the Chalet, I think of a Swiss A-​Frame house on a hill with snow. Which is what I was expecting heading over to Eagle Rock.
I was a little sad to find out that the chalet is a small dimly lit swank joint that has nothing to do with swiss miss, yodeling, sheep, or political and military neutrality.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE: walking into the front door down a small hallway and through a curtain into the main room, causing an awkward moment while you get your bearings.
Hipster music, trip hop and some cheese adorn the juke box, and the walls are either stone masonry, or wood and a nice little fireplace add to the cozy nature of it all. Drinks are 6 bucks and have a healthy bit of liquor in them… Crowd is east side hipster and 30 – 40 somethings… This place was no room to move packed as of about 11:00 o’clock so come early.