The Edison

Very grateful to the Edison staff for helping me make my husband’s surprise 30^th birthday party so much fun! We reserved a table for 10 on a Thursday (there’s a minimum of $ 25 per person on Wed and Thurs; $ 50 min on Fri and Sat), and Elfie put us right in front of the stage! We were entertained by The Blind Blakes who were so much fun!
Drinks are semi-​expensive for my taste (pretty standard for LA though), cocktails and wells mixed drinks are about the same, so you may as well get a cocktail which is about $ 14-​$ 17. I had the Mistress, which was a crowd favorite.
Overall, it was a great experience and the ambience was really unique and altogether made for a really fun night. I’ve heard Fridays and Saturdays get pretty wild, which would be a fun, different type of experience! If you’re looking for a fun, energized night with a small group of friends, The Edison is a great pick!

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Classy place, I like it. I heard it use to be a bank back then. The place is huge you pay $ 10 entrance fee for guys and girls and you walk down so many stairs. I am glad I did not fall down the stairs in my heels.
The place is classy from the music to the burlesque dancers to the old black and white films projector. The mood was just mellow and mixed ages.
They mixed up the songs near the last 2 hours because my friends and I requested «this is how we do it» 90s and the dj mixed with a classy tune, then from there on the dj played pharrel-​beautiful and drake– one dance on his own which I was surprised!

The Edison would get a higher grade from me if it didn’t charge a cover charge. I’m sorry but this is the 21^st century and your drink prices alone should be enough for a cover.
The entrance is a bit hidden. Parking is a big problem so I usually take an über with the wife and her friends. The area isn’t the best area so I would not recommend parking your car around the area. Again this is solely my opinion.
When you walk in the place is very elegant. This great Gatsby in the 21^st century. They have you check in when you walk in. There is a stair way, well 2 stairways that go down stairs but they’re not normal stairways. The place is dark but decked out in a way that makes it look classy.
There are dancers that come out and entertain like you were in the roaring 20’s before the Great Depression kicked in. It’s entertaining. I’m not a club guy so this isn’t my scene but the wife seems to like it. Go figure.

Awesome place to spend a night with your friends. ALthough I moved away from LA a few years ago I still remember Edison and would like to come back one day. Of course the review is wayyy over due.
I especially love the atmosphere and ambience inside. Great industrial theme and a gem of a place to spend the night w/​drinks. I’m not a drinker but the virgin drinks are great!

Pretty great bar in dtla. I thought it would be easy to find street parking but there is a lot of construction in the area so settle for $ 10 parking at nearby lots.
On a friday night around 10 pm the line out front was very short and I got in quickly.
$ 10 entry fee, no ins and outs.
Now to the good part, down a large spiral staircase you enter a large dark warehouse, dimly lit by edison lightbulbs. In the middle of the space, aerialist fall from the ceiling for a stunning performance. Spectators dressed to the nines, with cocktails in hand view in awe.
If you’re looking for a great night out, head to The Edison.

This is absolutely my favorite bar in Los Angeles. I don’t come here all that often but the vibe of this place really was the reason I wanted to move to downtown LA.
This is an old bank vault that was made into this bar. The place has 3 different bar areas and live music a few times a week. They also have a really cool burlesque show. A lot of people come dressed in 1920s/​30s clothing to be part of the vibe of the bar.
This place can get pretty crowded but it’s worth waiting in line.

1920s prohibition classy lounge with flapper dancers. How can you say no?
I used to frequent this place a few years back. I still enjoy this place today. The vibe is laid back and if you’re feeling yourself and the music, you can get your groove on over by the stage and dj.
There is a strict dress code and entry fee. They WILL turn you away if you don’t follow the dress code. Don’t chance it if you’re looking to experience this place. Some bouncers are more strict than others.
You walk in and you pay the entrance fee. Then you are directed to the spiral staircase that leads you down to as much of a good time you make your night. I’ve been lucky enough to have never experienced bad service or a bad time.
The dancers can be a hit or miss. Last night (Saturday) they seemed like they were new to the stage and weren’t sure what to do throughout the show. I have seen some really great «burlesque”/flapper shows here. So, last night’s show wasn’t as great as I’ve experienced. In addition to the dancing, there’s also large projector screens in the main stage area that’s constantly playing classic 1920s movie clips. If you want to get a good view of the show, hangout near the stage because once the music starts playing, everyone will flock to that area. You can explore the place after the show.
The drinks are good here. I always enjoy their mixed drinks. Not very strong drinks here so don’t expect to get a good buzz going right away.
My friend and I got here close to 10pm and there was no line. Either get here extra early before the rush, or get here late to skip the lines. The entry fee was $ 10 per person. If you don’t want to stand around all night, reserve a table.
This place is always a good time for me, but I’m also always with great company.

Having a great time with friends here! The décor us very unique. It’s like an old times factory. They have stage where very sweet girls perform for the audience :) recommend this place!
The Edison!

Huge bar and lounge, kind of a restaurant too, plenty of seatings, weird industrial revolution period factory decorations, NOT cute at all. $ 10 cover charge was fine but NO waitresses waking around taking drink orders? Had to go to the bar to get drinks each time, what did we pay cover charge for then? $ 15 a drink is kinda pricey for a self serving bar, at least they were big and strong.
I just wanted to have a few more drinks after dinner in Korean town on a Friday night. BAD choice obviously, should’ve gone to Mrs. Fish or Perch. Only good thing was they had valet service.

There isn’t much to say about the Edison that hasn’t already been said, but I think this is a really neat little bar. I went this last Friday with 3 other friends and it was a fun night.
There is usually a cover charge; when we went, it was $ 10/​pp. Additionally, as it has been mentioned before, there is a dress code so dress to impress. I love that they enforce this rule because it makes going out a lot more fun and gives the illusion of a swanky night out on the town.
The ambiance is to die for. A mixture of art deco and steam punk, The Edison is dimly lit with ample areas to sit. Though we never did actually search for a resting grounds, there are sofas, high tops, places to sit at the several bars, and much much more. Upstairs, when you first enter, is a smoking room, so if you choose to have a cigarette, you can go inside. It’s decorated just as the rest of the bar has been, so you don’t lose anything while you’re in there. Definitely one of my favorite places in LA, just based on aesthetic.
The drinks are well-​crafted; though not my favorites (i prefer simpler cocktails), I can appreciate these for all they are. Exotic bitters, syrups, mixers and juices, paired with a wide variety of spirits, there is something for everyone. They do have beer on tap, as well as wine by the glass and bottle. What stands out the most though, at The Edison, is their absinthe: diluted with ice water that gently drips over a sugar cube that’s been lit on fire. They have a few options to choose from; obviously, the absinthe, even when watered down, is still strong.
Service was fine. Nothing really to note. The bartenders were fast, even though they were totally swamped with thirsty guests. Bouncers weren’t rude either. The DJ our night was playing some interesting choices, but people were dancing and singing, and for the most part, other people enjoying The Edison were really polite and completely not-​creepy.
They do serve food here, but we didn’t order any: I’m dying to try it out my next time around, though! Perch, which is just located nearby, used to be my favorite go to for a more ~fancy~ evening out on the town without breaking the bank, but I think The Edison triumphs it: especially when considering that prices are about the same, but the ambiance of the bar and upbeat energy really knock Perch off that spot :)
P. S. There is a bit of street parking, but your best bet is a parking lot pretty much right across the alley, $ 12/​car.

This place usually has a cover and has a line. Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way I can start waxing poetic about how magnificent this place is inside.
This place is like an interior designer/architect’s wet dream, or so I’ve heard from two of my best friends in LA who happen to be architects, I mean whatever they’re into is their business. Anyway. High ceiling, dark stone tiled walls, gold ceiling fixtures and Victorian era furniture gives this a very posh while at the same time eclectic feel. I personally very much enjoyed it. They also have theme nights and go-​go dancers so if you’re into either or both things, the more reason for you to go.
Gentlemen be aware that there is a dress shoe and collar requirement. I went in once without a collar because I was wearing a scarf and while I didn’t get summarily kicked out I did feel very underdressed.
Also this place can get packed in like a can of sardines. It does have multiple bars though so getting a drink isn’t terribly difficult. Oh and they serve food for your midnight cravings.

Came here during happy hour (wed-​fri 5−7pm) on a Wednesday around 6pm. It was not too busy and ended up being a really nice time to go – there were plenty of sitting areas to choose from and it was rather quiet. Perfect for date night! The lounge is dark with sultry décor; the feel is calm, cool, and relaxed. The happy hour consists of several regular dishes that are discounted and 40% off drinks $ 14 or less (they have some high priced liquor that this does not apply to). It was nice being able to choose any cocktail (regularly $ 14) and not be restricted to a certain list of drinks. The food was delicious and a great value. We had the truffle mac & cheese (rich and creamy, beautiful crust), veggie sandwich and fries (cooked like a grilled cheese, yum), and the steak (nice flavor, but not the nicest cut of meat. it was a little chewy). Their cocktails were tasty and strong. One I liked in particular was the Mai Tai, which they make to include almond liquor. Our waitress said that’s how they were originally made and it was fantastic!
The service was a little slow, but it was okay since that’s kind of the feel… it’s a lounge after all. Parking is all on the street and metered, but free after 8pm. It would be easiest to park on Main St and walk around the corner (down the alley) to The Edison. We enjoyed ourselves and would go back for sure!

The Edison is one of my top 3 favorite bars in LA.
The Edison was originally DTLA’s first power plant, and Andrew Meieran (the designer), did a wonderful job in preserving the overall structure of the facility, giving The Edison an antique atmosphere. I love the vibes of this bar because it’s just the perfect balance between class and chill.
There are two bars – one in the area when you first walk down the stairs and the other at the dance floor near the bathrooms. The bar on the dance floor has a much longer wait, so I prefer the bar near the stairs. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the drinks here! My favorite is «The Mistress” – it’s strong but it’s also very tasty mmm. I’ve tried other drinks and they were all really delicious. Drinks are around $ 15.
There is an absinthe fairy that walks around with a cart of little bottles of drinks (around $ 8) – what an adorable idea!
The only big con I have about this place is the $ 10 cover charger (both guys and girls) – it’s pretty pricey but for the most part I think it’s worth it.

ENTRANCE
Entrance to this Industrial-​chic lounge-​bar is off the alley beside the listed address. I kept walking back and forth looking for «The Edison» and couldn’t find it.
I finally took a chance and went investigating in the alley. Don’t worry, it wasn’t too far in. And the «bouncer» is very visible once you’ve decided to go in.
FOOD
Shanghai Wings were addicting. Not too spicy either.
Electric Squid was satisfying
Edison Fries hits the spot.
DRINKS
I don’t really drink so The Mistress was great. It’s like drinking juice. They probably barely put alcohol in it too because I specifically told the server «I don’t really drink, which of these cocktails is the sweetest».
They had a «nickel drink» early bird special. Which was either not fit to drink, or was extremely strong. In which case, most of you would really like this.
There are various little rooms at The Edison which you will find whilst navigating around decommissioned electric generators the designers chose to keep for display. Good call.
AMBIENCE AND SPACE
The high ceiling in the opulent great room prevents the space from being claustrophobic since the décor is dark.
Black and White silent movies are on a continuous loop. Adding to the turn-​of-​the-​century, industrial-​chic charm.

This is one of the most well-​known hot spots in LA, and after visiting here on Saturday night, I can see why. True to it’s name, the Edison embodies turn-​of-​the-​century steampunk mixed with art deco style, complete with innovative use of light bulbs in the basement of one of LA’s original power plants. I even noticed a few tiny Tesla balls, perhaps an ironic homage to Edison’s rival.
On Saturday evening, my boyfriend and I arrived here just before 7:00. There was a small well-​dressed crowd outside, and we decided to give it a shot. We weren’t sure if we’d get in because we knew there was a dress code. Since we’d been running around in the sun all day, exploring The Broad, Grand Central Market, and various restaurants and bars, we weren’t exactly dressed to the nines. I was wearing a dress and boots, and my boyfriend was wearing a long-​sleeved collar shirt, jeans and dark tennis shoes. The man at the door let us in, but told my boyfriend to wear dressier shoes next time. Duly noted.
The entrance to the Edison is located in a small alley, and upon entering, you walk into a large lobby with a balcony and smoking room (just for looks, no smoking allowed). After paying the $ 10 cover, you go down a large staircase into the capacious basement where the main bar is located.
Since we arrived here when they were opening, the bar was fairly empty, there were only ten people in line to get in and there was no line to use the bathroom (bring a few dollars cash to tip the bathroom attendants). We could easily walk up to the bar and grab a drink, and the two bartenders we chatted with were super friendly.
We didn’t have reservations, and though there were ample couches and tables located throughout the bar, they were all booked for the evening. Reservations are free on a Saturday night, but there’s a $ 50 food and beverage minimum per person; this is easily doable if you buy three drinks, so I highly recommend planning ahead and getting a reservation.
I truly love a well-​themed bar, and the entertainment here does not disappoint! They host live jazz bands and burlesque shows, as well as huge projections of silent films on the walls. The crowd here get’s dressy, so if you’re feeling dapper, ladies bring your flapper dresses, and gentlemen bring your top hats.
They offer a full food menu, but since we’d already indulged on dinner at Bar AMA (walking distance to The Edison — check it out!), we were only in the mood for drinks. Mixed drinks on their signature menu are $ 14 each, which is reasonably priced for Downtown. I tried both the Mistress and The Black Magic, and they were well-​mixed, strong and not too sweet.
If you’re tired of the LA club scene and are looking for an upscale evening with a more mature crowd, check out The Edison.

4 stars for the burlesque show
3 stars for the drinks
4 stars for the venue
So… Why the 2 stars? The employees were straight up rude. Well, one in particular. We came here a little before 9 to meet up a friend. My friend didn’t tell us that there was a dress code and cover. So we walked into a ambush. It’s downtown LA so we expected cover, but the dress code was a little too much. Themed as the 20s or great gatsby… We didn’t really know so I’ll admit we were normally dressed for girls night out, but under dress for this place. That was our bad.
Cover, $ 10 on a Saturday night, no biggie. As we walked in one of the girls taking cover immediately stared us down and stereotyped us. And to top it off, underdressed. She immediately said with the most bitchest voice, «if you guys aren’t gonna pay step to the side for other guest» we all look back and no one was there. I don’t know what her f-​Ing problem was but I was taking money out of my purse when this snobbish ass bia was so rude. Sorry that you have to be a cover girl and didn’t make the cut to be a burlesque girl. Because those burlesque girls were so nice! They did the show with a smile and even came down to take pictures with people and greeted people. Maybe if this snobbish cover girl get her head out of her ass and put on a smile and be nicer to paying customers she’ll land a better gig. She acted like her shit didn’t stink. Your job is taking cover!
Other than the bad first impression, drinks were okay. They put and old fashioned in a martini glass… That was weird. Drinks were pricey. Venue is cool. Some people were way too pretentious. We saw a guy with an oversized white fedora and a blue pin strip suit… Acting like he rule the place… Ridiculous. Girls in full sequence gown, not dress, a gown… It was bit too much. As I said the best thing was the burlesque show.
I’m sure this place doesn’t care for my business as I don’t care for theirs thanks to the rude cover girl first impression that ruined our girls night out and girls wanna fun. Girls turned out to be so catty. I think I’ll stick to non pretentious dive bars thanks.

Absolutely one of the best spots, if not THE coolest, in Los Angeles.
I recently got to experience this 1920s-​style underground bar lounge on an uncrowded Thursday night. There was a live jazz band, and a projection of an old film on the wall, and incandescent bulbs hanging from the ceiling as you descended three flights of metal stairs. We arrived after 8PM and there was no line or cover to get in, but on weekend nights I hear it’s much busier and there is a cover.
The bar menu has cocktails for around $ 15, including absinthe, for which this place is known. I was eagerly hoping to spot the green fairy, who walks around letting you sample absinthe, but she was nowhere to be found that night. Instead, we were treated to elaborately dressed burlesque dancers who appeared on the stage one at a time and danced along with the live music. It was my first ever introduction to burlesque and quite a treat!
I was even more excited when my friend and I wandered behind a curtain to a backroom and noticed rows of metal contraptions sitting in a seemingly secret area where no one else was. We checked with the staff and they said we were allowed back there. We couldn’t figure out what the metal contraptions were and were told they were generators. Apparently the Edison originally was the first private power plant in LA and was abandoned until several years ago when it was totally rebuilt into the club it is today! This backroom, when not busy, is the perfect place to step away for a few minutes to get away from the loud main room with the live music. I tried to broadcast a periscope from the generator room, since I do livestream video around LA showing people the coolest hotspots, but alas we were so deep in the basement, there wasn’t a shred of signal on my phone.
I will be back, hopefully when the green fairy is there!

Wow. Downtown LA’s not so hidden gem.
After hearing so much about this place, I finally got to check it out on Friday night. I knew it would a special place but that still did not quite prepare me for this one of a kind place. Located in the middle of Harlem Alley, one who has never been here would never expect to find such a place like this. My friend and I arrived before nine and so the line to get in was not to long. There was hardly any wait and the bouncer quickly checked my ID. He said «cheers,» it was off to a whole new world known as The Edison.
It was with much anticipation and excitement as we descended down the stairs. The dim atmosphere, hanging lights all gave a very classy feel from the start. Once in the basement, the 1920s emphasis is all around. It’s a pretty big place with one main bar area and another bar off to the side. There’s a small stage for performances, a dj playing tunes to the side and various little lounges. One of the lounges is quite a sight because it has old generators from when this place used to be a power plant.
They’ve got quite a menu of various eats! There’s deviled eggs, wings, steak and short ribs! Yum! The drink menu is extensive and was very decently priced ($ 14 for their signature drinks, $ 8 for their non-​alcoholic). I got a Natasha from their Sobering Spirits menu and it was one of the best Virgin drinks I’ve ever had. It has raspberry, lemon and pineapple.
Further into the night, they have performances. First show of the night was an impressive acrobat show. Complete with dramatic gestures and music, a guy twirled and did an acrobat act. It was intriguing, entertaining and a good show.
There was always something interesting going on through the night. The atmosphere is just something different. They even have a waitress dressed as an absinthe fairy selling colorful potion drinks.
Crowd wise. It was a mix. There was folks in their twenties to older couples. In a way, it was good because you didn’t have a rowdy crowd but it wasn’t too uptight either.
The Edison is one historic place. It’s special and unique and it’s no wonder this place is a (not so hidden) gem.

This place is themed to perfection. The interior and it’s décor totally transports you to the 1920s. Plus I really like how you enter from the alley and walk down a flight of stairs to get downstairs to the lounge/​bar. So mysterious.
We had a reservation there for a party of 12, so we didn’t have to pay the $ 20 entrance fee, BUT each person in our party had to spend $ 50 on either food or drinks.
Anywho, the drinks were all very tasty and I really really enjoyed the pimms cup $ 14. It was super refreshing!
The music the DJ was playing was good but remember everything is themed here, so all he played were oldies, classics, and funk. You are not going to find any lil jon tracks or twerking here. I’d also like to point out that the crowd here is mostly early 30s and up.
ALSO THERE IS A DRESS CODE!!! MEN MUST WEAR A COLLAR SHIRT. I repeat, MEN MUST WEAR A COLLAR SHIRT.

Who doesn’t love the glam and glitz of an old school Hollywood-​style bar/​lounge serving up some seriously high-​quality booze– from absinthe & artisinal cocktails, to craft beers & sweet non-​alcoholic bevvies– and sporting a hefty menu packed with delicious bar food with an upscale twist? This particular spot was actually renovated from an old private power plant, and has an almost Steampunk-​esque vibe, with strong connotations of the Industrial Revolution, and features live music, burlesque shows, & comfy seating accommodations– if you can manage to snag some.
I came here for a pre-​Halloween bash, and the place was hopping from the beginning, with live music– complete with a devilish orchestra– costumed Angelinos, several big screens situated on different walls playing classic horror movies from the black-​and-​white days, like Frankenstein, and even stilt-​walkers playing pranks on unsuspecting drinkers at the bar, (all in good fun, of course). I can personally attest to the food being delicious, the drinks being classy & potent, and the prices being, more or less, fair ($ 14 per cocktail). I highly recommend the California Fresh Flatbread; it pairs perfectly with anything you might be drinking. Overall, this place has all the qualities of the perfect quintessential spot to enjoy nightlife in the big city.
The only downside is, as with any popular joint in LA, there’s the hassle of having to find and pay for parking, having to pay to get in, and then spending a small fortune on food and drinks once you’re inside. Soo, you may have to save some pennies if you want to spend a pleasurable night with your friends and not have to worry about breaking the bank in the process.

Le lieu est vraiment dingue, les cocktails super bons et l’ambiance assez surprenante pour LA.
A priori ca change à chaque fois et là c’était en mode cabaret jazz et burlesque.
Très sympa

The Edison, man fühlt sich wie in die 20er Jahre versetzt. Wenn ich das richtig verstanden habe, war das Edison früher eine Fabrikhalle, die zu einer Lounge umgebaut wurde. Daher ist es riesengross und verwinkelt.
Es ist sehr Detailgetreu eingerichtet und man findet überall Möbelstücke die aussehen wie aus der Zeit. Viele Mädels kleiden sich auch so, sind dann natürlich eher die Stammkunden.
Die Cocktails sind auch sehr gut und typische LA Preise um die 15 Dollar.
Was etwas schade war, unter der Woche ist es doch relativ leer, weil es so gross ist, hat natürlich den Vorteil dass man sich jeder Zeit etwas zurück ziehen kann. Am Wochenende sieht das sicherlich auch anders aus.