Known for its high-class atmosphere and swanky-cool attitude, The Edison only serves drinks of the same fortune. Champagne, wine, gin, whiskey, martinis, scotch-if it was popular in the 20s, it's popular here. Prices vary by glass or bottle and year of the liquor. Be wary, though, as drinks do tend to fall on the expensive side. Go with what you know or try something new-either way, you'll fit right in.
UNIQUE DRINK
Libations are aplenty at The Edison, where they put new twists on old drinks. Renowned for their extensive Champagne catalog (because there is always reason to celebrate at The Edison), the mixologists find ways to slip this liquor into your glass. For the inspired, check out The Hemingway: a concoction of classic absinthe and Champagne; Hemingway used to call it "Death in the Afternoon." For the seductive, try the Vesper Martini: a martini made for Ian Fleming, who used it in his first James Bond novel. And finally for the mischievous, order El Diablo: a devilish drink of tequila, ginger beer, and a hint of cassis.
FOOD
While The Edison is not known for its food, it still serves some scintillating snacks such as the French fries served Edison-style (hot and sour shoestring fries with ketchup or roasted garlic mayo) or Tesla-style (sweet potato fries with ketchup and citrus mayo). Other appetizers include hearty salads, calamari, and cheese platters.
SEATING
This bar is huge! Separated into distinct areas such as The Tesla Lounge, The Generator Lounge, and The Well, patrons can grab a booth or some comfortable lounge chairs that perfectly match the décor and ambiance. If you are hosting a party, The Edison offers The Lab and The Game Room, private rooms that can seat 50-100 and 20 people, respectively.
AMBIENCE/CLIENTELE
The Edison strives to bring back the old-school, upscale class of the 1920s to Downtown Los Angeles. Built right inside L.A.'s first power plant, The Edison fuses art, innovation, and science to provide an almost surreal experience, enhanced by black-and-white silent films projected onto the walls. Sit in The Generator Lounge and gaze at the power generators still intact after all these years. High ceilings and a downward staircase give the place a great underground feel. The older crowd (25+) marks The Edison as the new sophisticated and cultivated hotspot to hit on the weekends. Also, look out for "The Green Fairy" who serves her special green fairy potion.
Extras/Notes
Weekdays at The Edison are essential to really get the experience. Every Wednesday night, The Edison presents Lucent Dossier, a vaudeville cabaret show that presents the sensuous and elegant entertainment of Paris and Berlin right to Los Angeles ($15 presale; $20 door). Thursdays, The Edison hosts 1910 martinis for 1910 prices, where patrons can order martinis for only 35 cents! The Edison reinvents the Depression Bar on Fridays by serving complimentary grilled cheese and tomato soup along with Depression Era cocktails at Depression Era prices. Travel back in time with style and class at The Edison Wednesday through Saturday. Just remember, you can't get into the bar without the proper dress code (guys: collared shirt and dress shoes; girls: dresses and heels).
