Libertine

This place is saturated with the classic downtempo, dim lit, lots of deep warm colors of old 'reimagined' Hollywood. The music is rythmic/tribal/house and always in the background. The bartenders are alert, helpful and make a hell of a drink.

Extended happy hour is always a welcomed bonus. Not that the drinks are pricey to begin with. This is not a $15 a drink joint.

Come well dressed or just casual, does not matter here. Sit at the bar and keep to yourself or lounge on the sofas.

If air and smoke are your thing then head out back to a brick clad alley/former-garage grotto of sorts. Drinks at the bar out there on weekends too. Perfect.

The crowd is nice and in the 20s to 30s set. Be prepared for some lookers mixed with us normal folk.

Pros: Atmosphere, bartenders, location.

Cons: Parking if you don't like valet or live within walking.

Posted 07/30/09

Dare I contribute to the growing popularity of my favourite new spot? I discovered Libertine after strolling along the Sunset Strip with my girl friends, disheartened by the squaking blondes and guys who think they're Hugh Heffner who've filled our former spots...I walked into Libertine greeted by a friendly doorman to find a sophisticated, red light-lit lounge playing newer electronica and funk. The bartenders are all genuinely friendly and actually like to make you a great drink- John is by far the most skilled, in my opinion. The patrons are much more Jessica Alba than Paris Hilton- but make no mistake, Libertine does get packed. Libertine makes a point to emphasize a strict no guest list policy- and as of right now, no cover charge. My only criticism is that I was unable to have my birthday party there because I was never called or e-mailed back in time to reserve a section of the club, or sign up for bottle service- I did have to go in person, and was never called back even after I spoke to a manager in person. I would absolutely recommend it for a private party though, if you are able to get ahold of someone to book it.

Pros: Perfect balance of party and chill, great drinks and bartenders

Cons: No easy parking, hard to book a private party

Posted 01/10/09

Went here with a big group and had a great time. The drinks are reasonable, and the outside patio is adorable. The music is good for a lounge but wished they played some music you can dance to...the bartenders and waitresses are the nicest in town...and the food is so delicious!!! Definitely a place to chill, not a pretentious hollywood club!

Pros: staff , price , atmosphere

Cons: music choice!

Posted 11/15/08

Great service. Great people. Everytime i go in there i am treated very nice by the friendly bartenders. The drinks are great and the food is amazing. :)

Posted 07/31/08

I love this bar. By far the chillest/friendliest bar on Sunset. There is 0 attitude - everyone is so friendly here. And my favorite part is that it's not a huge production to get in! No lines! Definitely check out this "hidden gem" soon before everyone else finds out about it. It's a bit hard to find, there is no signage on the building/door, but it's right next door to Pinche's Tacos. The hot bartender also makes some pretty stiff drinks for cheap!

Pros: Laidback, great music, friendly staff

Cons: Parking - I ended up valeting at Myagi's across the street.

Posted 05/23/08

All I can say is DAMN!! This place is slammin.....

Never been till 2months ago and feel I need to spread the love. Been goin to the Thursday Nights called "SundownMotel" The energy there is incredible. The music is perfect to fit the night. Djs are super sick, accompained by a live percussionist on congas and shakers...oh ya and a stripper pole...what what? Also $5 shots of Patron and $5 Pints all night long!!! No cover, no list. Totally a hidden gem...literally. Do yourself a favor and come see what all the fuss is about....

Pros: Incredible Music, Stripper Pole, Grotto Patio, No Cover, Cheap Drinks, Great Bartenders

Cons: Hard to find

Posted 05/05/08

Had my birthday party here a couple weeks ago. Service was fantastic, people were friendly, all my friends (even groups of dudes that showed up alone) walked right in, great young crowd, and a good DJ. I plan making this a regular spot.

Pros: No typical door b.s., great scene, great crowd, great location.

Cons: none

Posted 03/11/08

This review might be a little futile now because apparently word has gotten out about my favorite new place in hollywood, but I still feel its my duty to give it a rave review.

I went here for my birthday on Feb 1st and had an amazing time. We got the whole back room to ourselves without having to pay for bottle service and there was a special on the Vodka. Be forewarned that the place is hard to find. I dont know why they dont put a sign on the palce but basically it shares a lot with Pinches Tacos (a great late night snack location by the way). Parking is expensive, but its on Sunset so its to be expected.

There are lots of comfortable couches and a nice warm fireplace. The drinks are cheap and strong and the food is great. The best sweet potatoes fries ever. I still wake up in a cold sweat dreaming of their crispy goodness. The DJ is great-- plays a good set of music and there was a cute live drummer playing along. ANd of course, you cannot complain about the stripper pole.

Outside there is a nice grotto and beautiful iron scroll stairwell that I think will be really great during the summer. The place was just comfortable, fun, and un-typical hollywood. Go now before the rest of LA finds out about it and destroys it (though it might be too late).

Oh and I forgot to mention one great detail- no cover! Management is great-- Raj came by and checked on us throughout the night to make sure we were having a good time. He was attentitve but not overbearing. A nice combo.

Pros: good for a private party, causal date, or a fun night out

Cons: No sign! Hard to find!

Posted 02/11/08