L.A.'s best Halloween parties: West Hollywood edition
Picks by David-Yi
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What happens when a quixotic promoter and self-proclaimed party girl from New York gets her own celebrity playhouse? West Hollywood is about to find out.
Hollywood nightlife fixture/longtime promoter Allison Melnick's new basement lounge attached to Bryan Ogden's Apple restaurant debuted (in sneak preview mode, there are design changes still forthcoming) in August, and officially opened after Labor Day.
The dark lounge with low ceilings and red hues seemingly everywhere is small (150 capacity), and feels clubby: even though the size is certainly a drawback. A DJ booth is built into a corner (the bar was designed in part by the same team behind Hollywood's Sugar) and an apple-shaped disco ball separates the lounge area from the bathrooms.
Although co-owner Melnick hopes to "bring a little New York" to the lounge with a separate entrance, the most analogous local lounge to Apple might be the STK-adjacent hotspot Coco de Ville. Like Coco, Apple will only be open three days a week: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Saturdays should be a safe bet for crossing Apple's velvet rope. Promoter Kevin Todd may help build the scene at Apple this fall. Expect to hear old-school hip-hop and house inside the lounge, with Melnick's actor pals like Jon Abrahams spinning frequently.
Melnick and other silent partners hope the entire complex at 665 N. Robertson (formerly Pearl and Moomba) will be a nightlife mecca come fall.
The building has been split into separate destinations: Bryan Ogden’s Apple restaurant, and a forthcoming Pussycat Dolls lounge and Melnick’s Apple lounge. UPDATE: The Pussycat Dolls lounge will now be at the Viper Room every weekend starting November 28th.
Just look for the copper tile out on Robertson, or the fashionistas in BMWs attempting to park in the large adjacent parking lot (we recommend a meter on Melrose after 6 p.m. and simply walking up).
"This is my ‘seedy lounge,’" Melnick said pre-opening in August with a laugh. “Hopefully a lot of seedy things will happen here.”
This place was horrible. We went with a group of people to this place on Saturday night. We were supposed to be on a "list." Well, when my husband and I were waiting in line, and the guy at the door (some dude with a hat) asked my husband if...
Supposedly the owners are going for the NYC club feel. Well they've nailed it because this place flat out blows. We even gave it a second chance, but the experience was the same each time. Arrogant door staff, including some blond security d*&#&#bag following you around pushing bottle service. The...
The place is being managed by bunch of confused and self arrogant people which I really don’t think will last one night of opening. There are many unhappy people that have helped them to get this place together which still is half ass done and with pussy cat dolls coming...
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This place has two dance floor sections. The main dance floor section which is the biggest - is my least favorite. Just one big square - then there is a...
I liked the place better when it was Moomba. Since name change to Pearl, I've only been for private parties. Originality must have smacked this place on...
The restaurant area has similar decor to Asia De Cuba on Sunset: all white with sheer curtains. Expect to enjoy a calm dinner. The food's excellent and...
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