Formosa Cafe

With its bustling lounge scene and industry clientèle, it’s no wonder Formosa Café remains a Hollywood classic. The bright red building on the eastern end of West Hollywood has seen its share of glamour--Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor are among the celebs who have sipped a cocktail in the Formosa’s dimly lit quarters. The place still packs it in with entertainment industry scenesters and the occasional celebrity, who come for the Mai Tais and the Asian-inspired bar food on the menu. By comparison, the behemoth West Hollywood Gateway next door only serves to enhance Formosa’s charm. When you tire of shopping at the big box retailers and want an escape from chains like neighboring Pomodoro, Daphne’s Greek, and Zeke’s Smokehouse, Formosa is there, as it has been since 1939. Plus, after-dinner options abound: join the singles scene at Jones across the street, or take the family for a dessert treat at IcePan.