If the Korova Milk Bar were Mexican, it would be this place. Everytime I go in I notice some new crazy element of the decor that I hadn't previously. I happened upon this place years ago at the insistance of a friend and I have been going back frequently ever since. I've had 3 favorite places to get good Mexican food in LA over the past 20 years and this is one of them.
Everytime I'm in I try something new. Generally, I'm a creature of habit and stick with a favorite dish, but because the staff kinda knows me now and we have a mutual comfort level thing going, it's understood that I will be trying their newest creations because I initially used to order the same thing EVERY time. It's also a given at this point, that I will probably love it...unless it's mole. I'm one of the one's that doesn't "get" mole. Chocolate and meat were never meant to meet. Most recently, though, I tried the Pineapple Salsa Chicken: Total Awesomeness!
Velvet is always subject to a slightly different vibe depending on the day of the week and time of day, but no matter when I've been in it's always been cool. At times the main bar is full of happy-looking patrons, at times the whole joint is abuzz, at times the place looks kinda dead but then you stumble onto a mob partying down on the back patio, dancing the night away to the Velvet's muy especial brand of eclectic musica. Recently, I've been stopping in for lunch. Way cool spot for lunch...and the parking in a relative breeze.
If the lots in the area are filled up already or cost too much, and the valet expense would be the straw that broke date night's back, and walking from east of Vine is too much for you, then you're probably a native of LA and you may want to cab it on any given day after 7pm. Cahuenga is quite popular with the kids.
Awesome food. Comfy kinda "hide out" vibe. Lots of Hollywood eye candy. Good music. Meximuertovelvis interior. Stiff drinks. Attentive and warm service. And good prices.
I'm from New York originally...I park and walk from east of Vine.
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