Prepare for a lively evening! A unique watering hole with a funhouse vibe is revitalizing the nightlife scene in the city center. Don't forget your iconic red Solo cups!
Uncle Ollie's Penthouse: A New Vibrant Addition to Downtown Los Angeles' Nightlife Scene
Uncle Ollie's Penthouse, a new maximalist bar in downtown Los Angeles, is set to rejuvenate the city's nightlife scene. Situated between Little Tokyo and Skid Row, the bar promises a unique and immersive experience with its colourful decor and lively atmosphere.
The bar offers a blend of potent cocktails served in red Solo cups and a dynamic soundtrack, creating an environment that encourages social interaction and fun. This could potentially draw more visitors to the downtown area, revitalizing the nightlife scene.
Uncle Ollie's Penthouse hosts a variety of events, such as the Jameson Club House Party, which features activities like tattoo giveaways and pinball competitions, followed by an open bar. These events could help establish the bar as a central hub for nightlife activities in downtown L.A.
The bar's unique offerings could also lead to competition and innovation among other establishments, driving improvements in the overall quality and variety of nightlife options in the city.
Uncle Ollie's Penthouse contributes to a diverse cultural scene by hosting events like indie sleaze dance parties, offering a platform for different genres of music and artistic expression. This could help foster a more vibrant and inclusive nightlife culture in downtown L.A.
Brian Traynam, the bar's owner, conceived the narrative of the bar as belonging to an uncle named Ollie who gave him permission to throw parties there. Traynam's vision for unpretentious and budget-friendly hospitality was solidified with the "occupation" of Bar 107.
The bar is open Wednesday to Sunday nights and offers a lively, colourful atmosphere with potent cocktails and a killer soundtrack. Drinks, including the Shaft, Grandpa's Ol' Cough Medicine, and You're My Boy Blue, all run from $9 to $13. The bar is now a destination due to changes in nightlife habits, as people no longer walk to the Arts District or Little Tokyo.
Inside, the bar features a main bar with kitschy collectibles, vintage nude paintings, and neon, as well as a retro arcade, a dance room, and a Hello Kitty-themed bathroom. The bar's interactive shot, the Influencer, offers a swig of Herradura tequila and a selfie with the bartender.
The bar's entertainment includes the popular "Gong Show Karaoke" which attracts a wacky group of singers and "D-list celebrities" to judge them. Irreverent new burlesque nights feature renowned dancers from venues like Jumbo's Clown Room and El Cid.
Local musician Taleen Kali celebrated her birthday at Uncle Ollie's and said it felt like a total vibe and a connection to her hometown as an L.A. native. Performer and promoter Vanessa Burgundy's monthly residency, called That Time of the Month, has been a success at Uncle Ollie's.
Despite some challenges, such as the closure of Traynam's previous dive, Bar 107 in 2015, and the impact of curfews downtown due to ICE raids and protests, Uncle Ollie's Penthouse presents an opportunity for downtown Los Angeles to revitalize its nightlife, offering a unique blend of entertainment and social interaction that could set a new standard for bars in the area.
[1] Revitalizing Downtown Nightlife: By offering a unique maximalist setting, Uncle Ollie's Penthouse could attract a diverse crowd looking for an exciting nightlife experience. Its blend of potent cocktails served in red Solo cups and a dynamic soundtrack creates an environment that encourages social interaction and fun, potentially drawing more visitors to the downtown area.
[3] Dynamic Events and Activities: The bar hosts various events, such as the Jameson Club House Party, which features activities like tattoo giveaways and pinball competitions, followed by an open bar. These events could help establish Uncle Ollie's as a central hub for nightlife activities in downtown L.A.
[5] Cultural and Social Impact: By hosting events like indie sleaze dance parties, Uncle Ollie's Penthouse contributes to a diverse cultural scene, offering a platform for different genres of music and artistic expression. This could help foster a more vibrant and inclusive nightlife culture in downtown L.A.
[1] Downtown Los Angeles' Entertainmentscape: As a new addition to the city, Uncle Ollie's Penthouse brings a fresh perspective to the entertainment scene, with its vibrant atmosphere and immersive experiences in music, arts, and social interaction.
[2] Situated in the Heart of Los Angeles: By choosing downtown LA as its location, Uncle Ollie's Penthouse sits among iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood and Skid Row, embodying the city's diverse mix of entertainment, lifestyle, and business opportunities.
[3] Sports and Nightlife Collide: Beyond the typical nightlife offerings, the bar also caters to sports enthusiasts by streaming live sports events, creating a lively atmosphere that merges entertainment and sports culture.
[4] Hollywood's New discovery: With its unique entertainment lineup and inclusion of indie sleaze dance parties, Uncle Ollie's Penthouse could quickly emerge as an exciting new addition to the Hollywood entertainment district, drawing a broader audience and redefining the LA nightlife experience.
