Dresden Restaurant

Parking: Street, Street Parking Difficult, Valet
Old Hollywood, Live Music, People Watching, Area Classic, Open Mic, Singles Singles, Trendy, Bar Scene, Bustling Bustling

The place looks pretty much the same as it did in the ’60s and ’70s, and that’s the point. As a favorite with area hipsters who come for its unpretentious and easy going vibe, strong cocktails and, of course, the live music, the venerable Dresden Room is famous in recent years for making a cameo in Swingers. Throngs turn out in large part to hear the lounge singers Marty and Elayne, who are either tone deaf or brilliant, depending on your taste. Just don’t go expecting an intimate conversation; there doesn’t seem to be any level on the sound system other than “high,” and Marty and Elayne can belt it out. For the hungry, the Dresden also serves solid American cuisine in the form of sandwiches, pasta and juicy steaks. And even if you go for drinks only, the dining room--with its white leather booths, patterned carpets and deep orange walls that look straight out of the Godfather collection-is worth checking out. If you just want to drink nearby dining options include Figaro Cafe and Palermo.

TIPS: If you come on a particularly busy night and no tables are available, which often happens, don't be afraid to ask a waitress to set you up at a table that is already taken by two people. There is room for more and the party vibe and noise make it fine to hone in on someone else's space.

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