Redwood Bar & Grill

I used to like the Redwood bar, especially for the fish and chips. Until this past saturday, the fish and chips stayed good but the atmosphere and the music was shocking!! I dont know who in their right mind put the entertainment together but the MC a mister "Old White Man" was offensive to say the least. Along with the other "entertainers" as well the only word you heard out of their mouths was either X-rated, or blasphemous or both. From sexually perverted ABCs to describing sexuall fantasies on stage, it was just waaay out of hand. The fact that there were children present did not seem to phase neither the performers or the staff either. What a shame!I will not recommend this place again nor stop by for any reason at all.

I ate at Redwood Bar & Grill while visiting in town this past Saturday night. I'm formerly an LA resident and moved away several years ago. I had heard downtown was built up but had no idea what to expect. Several friends took me out and we started our night at Redwood. I was super impressed. We wound up staying the whole night despite our big plans, the place just drew us in. Dinner was perfect, that burger was incredible - my friends talked it up and they were right on. Gotta say, I've done all the fancy LA joints and it didn't turn me off one bit in that way, it gave the sweet comfy cool vibe of being a local bar. It was packed but the service was excellent which is seriously a rare find in this town. We loved our server and our eventual bartender was wonderful and much too charming. Sigh. Thank you, Redwood, you have renewed my faith in LA bars!!!

I was lured downtown to visit the Edison but was turned away when the bouncer said my $300 tennis shoes didnt fit the dress code. Hmm.. not having any moccasins on hand I strolled down the street to my car and saw a load of action up ahead. The Redwood didnt look like much from the outside but once I stepped inside I was glad that the Edison had rejected me. The place was lively and hopping and packed with a young and attractive crowd of predominantly females. A dream come true!

I was a bit famished from a long day and ordered myself a burger. A decadent journey into culinary snackery that really satisfied. The perfect blend of meat and bun and a nice cold brew to wash it down. I ordered the sweet potato fries and loved every minute.

Then the music started up.. a local artist named the Gray Kid got everyone moving and the bar suddenly transformed into one of the best intimate venues I had ever been too. The nautical decor and wood panelling made it feel like you were at someones very cool uncles house party. So all in all.. check out the Redwood. Its a great place to catch a show and a bite and maybe reel in one of the many fish in the sea.

I gave this place a few goes. At first I was charmed by it's quirky props and "new downtown LA" location. Slowly but surely, like a series of progressively worse dates, the charm soured into a sincere distaste.
I've lived in London and Australia, places where the word "Pub" is more than a cute marketing hook and the term "Gastro Pub" a brave statement, best backed up with very good food. So General Manager Jennifer Frizzell's brags about her "Gastro Pub" should be ignored wholesale.
It's better to describe this place as a Pirate Fantasy Camp - complete with worn-out furnishings, food not even fit to throw overboard and staff that would slit your throat for the two gold coins in your pocket, the second you turn your back. You'll be begging to walk the plank.

Seriously one of the worst dining experiences ever. If stale buns, burned patties (ordered medium) and cold fries = a gastro pub, im never going to one of them again. The only thing colder than the fries was the service when these problems were pointed out to the staff. And this is not a cheap place, a Grey Goose martini costs $12.50 and an Absolute vodka is $8.50. And just as a final (somewhat technical) point, over 6 people they include the tip (ill let you guess why), and while on the menu it says 18% they really charge you 20%. If you question that, they'll point you to a sign at the bar. I think you know what im talking about here.