Bordello

Parking: Street, Nearby
Live Music, Dancing, DJ, Live Performances Cozy, Bar Scene, Romantic Moderately noisy 21+

It’s no longer necessary to travel all the way to Nevada to have a drink at a brothel. Bordello, located at the historic site of L.A.’s oldest bar and cathouse, doesn’t actually peddle flesh, but the ambiance drips with pure 19th century sleaze. Red lights, ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors and fancy Victorian furniture upholstered in crimson define the plush décor. The primarily female servers and bartenders sport burlesque attire as they try to keep up with the nightly crowds. Silver bowls of fresh apples placed throughout the space let you know that you’re just one bite away from sin. An ornate stage decked out with red curtains features local up-and-coming bands most nights. Mostly, it's the area indie rock C-list, but every now and again a worthy set will pop up, like Final Fantasy or their folky Nilsson Tribute.

Cover charges and drink prices are reasonable. Bordello offers a simple bar menu of mainstays like spicy buffalo wings, chicken quesadillas, a hummus sampler platter and mini burgers or garden burgers allow patrons to soak up booze with old-fashioned trans fats. And it's a quick hop down Alameda to that clandestine warehouse on 6th St. with the skate ramp.

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