VIBE

Trolley car-turned-lounge that was a prized hangout for Hollywood aristocracy in the '40s and '50s. The brooding film noir-esque interiors are famous for their iconic deep red Chinoiserie booths, while eye-catching black-and-whites of famous former patrons hark back to Formosa Café’s own gritty past as a clandestine locale for many an illicit Hollywood affair. The sexy vintage vibes still linger, though the crowd lacks the cachet of its heyday. Head to the rooftop open Thursday-Saturday, where it can get busy.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Trendy casual–jeans and a cool but basic top will do.

GO HERE WITH

A date – to drink in the romance of past Hollywood glory; friends – to ogle the candids of former famous patrons.

CROWD

Hardcore regulars, in-the-know LA locals, and a smattering of film industry insiders–although it’s a classic, it's sidestepped the status of a hipster hangout or tourist trap.

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a Hollywood classic that refreshingly hasn’t become yet another overcrowded stop on the party circuit.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The mediocre Chinese bites (come for the drinks; skip the food).

GOOD TO KNOW

Former regulars include Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, and Humphrey Bogart, while more recent star sightings range from Bono to Keifer Sutherland. Parking can be challenging.

OTHER LOCATIONS

None

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