Downtown on the Upswing

Enjoy this swanky notch in the neo-historic nightlife of Downtown for yourself. The Edison is becoming a cornerstone in the fledgling but growing Downtown nightlife scene.

Black, Bronze and Classy All Over

The Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles gained a new jewel to its ever burgeoning nightlife scene. The Higgins Building opened the doors of its lavish high-ceilinged basement as The Edison Downtown, a genius amalgamation of industrial past, artistic present and an inspiring future.

The entrance seems modest, off of a small alley with an open air smoking patio and a bouncer to greet you. Then down the grand staircase you go to enter the black and bronze hued lounge below, reminiscent of an era gone by. The large rectangular bar dominates the main room, though patrons cannot help but be lured to the swanky sofas and intimate nooks of the expansive space.

Some historic relics remain intact, like in the aptly named Generator Lounge where generators from L.A.'s first private power plant amuse happy cocktail canoodlers. The grand historic air about the lounge is softened by a subtle gothic overtone. Faux candelabras and lanterns dimly drench the facade with a warmer feel than it might otherwise exude and a projection displays a reel of historic, mashed up footage above a juke box full of everything but top 40.

Written By Trisha Hanudel

Tips

A full dining menu of classic American dishes and appetizers with live jazz on Wednesday nights. The weekend rotates funky DJs and dancers with live bands and ample space for special events. Cocktail hour from 5 to 8p.m. is truly a joyous, dimly lit escape from the fluorescent doldrums of the office.