Elevate Lounge

So we finish dinner at DISGUSTING and UNAPPEALING Takami and try to get in to elevate and they tell us to wait as the manager may come by every so often and u have to attack him to get a ticket and so I saw he went up to a group and was like ok u guys are good now you can all go in and I stopped him and asked him if we could get in if we dined? He was so rude and he was like let me see ur receipt and he looks at the price as if he's basing whether we can get in or not based on how much you spend. So we finally get in Elevate and it was pretty empty at first but then more people but it never gets full at all. Many couches were still open on a Friday night and the place was surprising empty overall there was so much room to walk and everything, it seems like they need a ton of more business. They played like 2 good songs and the rest were all old school songs for 10 hours and I was getting so annoyed because I kept thinking the next song would be something normal since it was like 10 beyond boring songs in a row but it never did, it was frustrating! and not to be politically correct or anything but it seemed like it was ethnic night. Basically your dancing around with ur restaurant neighbors. Theres like young people and then theres like 35 year old men trying to pick up all the young girls ew. Overall please don't go there, trust me you will thank me and if you still do I think your crazy and you will regret it later hahahahaaaaaa!

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: Nobodys there, not good looking people, not fun, songs you can't dance to

Posted 03/31/08

I went to Elevate with a friend of mine last Saturday and we absolutely loved it!!! A friend of mine had told me about this place so we decided to give it a try (I personally am tired of Hollywood) and so we headed to downtown. Yes it was crowded at the door when we got there around 10pm and yes we did have to wait in line a little (about 15 minutes) but let me tell you it was well worth it. The crowd was a good mix and the music was great. The line for the ladies room was a bit too long but that was ok cause the boys restroom is next to it and that?s were I met a cute guy...It did get a little chilly but my solution was to dance (if you don't like to dance then bring a jacket)...Anyway I loved it and will be going back soon...

Pros: Music, Atmosphere, and View

Cons: Line in front and line for restroom

Posted 03/28/08

so if you are a girl, do not let the bouncers get ur number!!! if you dont want to talk to them afterwards, they will be jerks and not let you in. In fact, they all let eachother know who the person is, and make a huge deal out of ur presence there. aside from that, the owners let there employees tell them what to do, as far as who gets in. no matter if its 6 hot girls, if u reject a bouncer, ur out!!
the view is great, but it is very cold inside. the drinks are a bit overpriced and they only have 1 bathroom with like 50 people waiting to use it. on a scale from 1-10 i would give it a 4 max.
crowd is okay, alot of armenians and asians, but generally mixed.

Pros: the view

Cons: bouncers, and professional service

Posted 03/25/08

The bouncers were rude, the music was so so, the drinks were horrible and the crowd was lame. If you want to talk about the view, Standard's view is way better than that of Elevate's. If you want to get in faster, make sure you are chubby, because the guys at the door were attached to those fat girls.

Pros: a lot of chubby girls maybe?

Cons: crowd, parking, service

Posted 03/22/08

If you want to be treated like you are worthless go to elevate lounge. It is over priced, the bouncers think they are God (what bouncer doesn't). It's easier to get into heaven than elevate. They have 3 lines and about 3 check points to get in! It's madness they are worse than any of the upscale clubs in Hollywood. The view is great however, there are plenty of other places in downtown that have as good a view. Good Luck!

Pros: view

Cons: wait in line, staff attitudes, prices, bouncers/gods

Posted 03/17/08

I've been two or three times, each time, I breezed through the line with no problems. Perhaps it's been because I'm a girl and I rolled with just one or two other people. I've also never heard of a cover for the venue so either I've been lucky or someone's getting ripped off. I've seen grown men begging to get in. So tragic. The venue is regular, a nice reprieve when you don't feel like doing the chaotic Hollywood club thing, so I'm surprised that so many reviewers have had negative experiences.

The music is forgettable, the DJ often repeats the same songs as though there's just a CD and they put it on repeat. It's absurd that they make you pay for tables/bottle service when this is a lounge and not a club. The views are beautiful. The people are average looking. The drinks are decent. Go once, but I wouldn't be surprised if you never go again.

Pros: Relaxed atmosphere, okay music, nice alternative to club scene.

Cons: It's a lounge so you shouldn't have to pay for table service! Defeats the purpose.

Posted 03/05/08

We visited for the first time this week and had a great time. The place is like nothing else in LA (it's very NY style). The closest thing is the Standard rooftop, but it's just a rooftop. This place is indoor and outdoor and it flows really nicely. We made reservations in advance and had no issues getting in. It was crowded, but not packed like sardines (I am not a fan of being bumped into and stepped on every 10 seconds), so it was really comfortable. The crowd was a good mix of professionals and people like us that out to have a good time. We had a blast!

Pros: Nice mix of indoor and outdoor

Cons: can get cold outside

Posted 02/16/08

In downtown L.A. 21 floors up, with panorama-heavy wraparound balconies, this lounge is offering competition for the nearby Standard.

I went on a Friday night, the place had a cool dance floor, great views and chic atmosphere, but it took awhile to fill up with people. There's glass along the initial part of the balconies and at first I thought it continued all the way up, but was delighted to see that it didn't and instead was an open-air lounge. The martinis were lethal but not the best tasting, they had a flirtini on the menu at least, but not a key lime one, ah well no place is perfect. There was a line to get in later on, but when we got there at 9:30 there wasn't a problem at least not as a girl though and we were able to snag a comfy couch without bottle service.

Pros: Great views

Cons: Menu

Posted 01/31/08

Im sure anyone who has been to the "L.A scene" knows how fickle all these places are, in one moment out the next. Ive been there about 4 times in the last 8 weeks and Im telling you its generally dissapointing. Girls are average, drinks are expensive ( of course they are) and to be honest , its dead in there. I don't ever remember standard ( back in the day) being like that. Also, the food and drinks were ok. Good if you go with 15 people, because then youll alaready have your own crowd. But for meeting people there or hooking up.....pretty lame if you ask me. Need to get some better looking people in there.....this is L.A. after all........

Pros: Nice scene

Cons: Drinks, girls, and crowd

Posted 01/27/08

A great place to go dancing or just to have a drink and enjoy the view. On a Thursday night you might find a mix of suits and a younger, not pretentious crowd dancing. Saturday nights it gets fairly crowded so if you are having a birthday you would definitely want to make table reservations.

Posted 01/14/08

More Los Angeles fluff! You're better off with a six pack and a bag of flaming hot cheetoes - topped off with a bag of fun size Snickers!

Posted 12/21/07

I hear that they don't even look at a guest list request if you're Asian... A friend of mine tried to put herself and some friends on the guest list for Elevate and never received a response. She tried calling instead to find out what was going on and was told that the person who handles the guest list often skips over a name if it's Asian because of how many Asian people go to Elevate. Anyhow, my friends tried to go to the lounge one night and were turned away at the door because there were "too many Asian people inside already".

Posted 12/15/07

People! This place is located in Downtown LA in the middle of the Financial District on like the 14th floor of a sky rise building......YES it is pretentious, expensive, and "LA trendy"....because it is in LA!!! I personally love going to this place every once in a while, I think it is comfortable and classy. But if you're not into those "pretentious LA" places, then I would recommend that you not go here or any other place like it, such as The Standard. Maybe you should try some no name bar in the Valley.
But if you are into glitz and glamour, this place is AMAZING!

Pros: The view, available seating, being indoor AND outdoor, spacious, bouncers don't let it get "can't move" crowded

Cons: I guess strict at the door.....but sometimes that's a good thing. Food and drinks high prices.

Posted 11/21/07

Let's break it down.... Valet Parking $7. No refunds if you can't get in. 3 lines, one for the restaurant , one for bottle service and one for everyone else. Bad news: if you are in the line with "everyone" else, 99.9%, you will not get in, period. It was 915pm and the bouncer said they were not letting people in if they did not have dinner reservations or bottle service. So, be prepared to either fork out some cash for dinner or bottle service or else don't even bother showing up. It will be a waste of your time. I am now in my 30's and have a little dough... so, I made reservations for the sushi restaurant. Afterward, I was able to get into the elevate lounge. The place was very fun, diverse crowd, fantastic views... the only place I know that has dancing/lounge feel downtown. There are too many "lounge" bars but no dancing... this is a great place to throw a birthday party or entertain out of town guest.

Pros: Atmosphere, crowd, views, great customer service, great music, full dance floor

Cons: Expensive, need to have some cash, long bathroom lines. there is a list

Posted 11/18/07

Went to Takami last night and had an amazing time. We started with the Happy Hour and slowly progressed to having dinner in the same place (had reservations at Morton's). There was an amazing energy in the restaurant. We finished up dinner and were leaving (at about 10pm) and we saw Elevate was open. Walked into Elevate and it was crowded too! Stayed and had a drink there as well. They turned just another evening into a great experience!

Posted 11/15/07

Place is a total waste of time and money. Horrible attitude started from the point of making reservation. They are supposed to call you back, never do, you call them again multiple times getting the same response... and they don't confirm your party reservation till last minute.

Door experience was even worse: bouncers keep holding everybody there for HOURS (we arrived early AND had a reservation) trying to be bribed, 'very intelligent' blond hostess just fooling around in front of the crowd practicing her acting skills. Finally after 2 hours of humiliation we get in ? and the place is almost empty! Whole experience was way not worth it for such a mediocre place.

If you want to go out and have fun, spend your big bucks somewhere else and you will have much better time!

Pros: None

Cons: Terrible staff attitude and service, overpriced

Posted 11/06/07

ok, I really can't stand places that are pretentious. If it is, at least treat people who have table reservations with respect. We came here and had made arrangements for bottle service in advance, but we still had to wait 15-20 minutes because they couldn't find the reservation. After we finally made it up to the club, the music was sub-par, and the crowd was made up of mostly those 'trying' to be upscale. at least the decor and architecture was nice.

Posted 10/25/07

Well after having a small wait outside (but thankfully the door staff was entertaining) we made our way upstairs to a really unique venue. I have always gone out in Hollywood, but recently started trying new places around the city. I loved the music and vibe here. I was there Friday night and really had a great time. My friends and I couldn't get over the view!! It's worth a little wait, they bought us a round of shots and gave us great service. I'll get bottle service next time so I can have a larger group join me, but for now it was a really fun place!

Pros: Friendly staff, great views, easy parking

Cons: none to speak of

Posted 10/20/07

If you like to waste money and get taken advantage of for being semi-drunk, this is the place for you. It was my friend's birthday party so we reserved a bottle service table for $300. We went through three security check points to get to our table. Then, it took another 30 minutes or so for us to grab a waitress. From the limited choices, we ordered a bottle of Grey Goose, a standard size that was not enough to go around for 6 girls or at least it seemed that way when the bottle had to be taken back and forth by the waitress everytime she pours us a drink. How do you keep track of the bottle that's not allowed to be kept at the table and must be stowed away at the bar or so they say. The highlight of the night was when we were given a surprise gift, AN EXTRA $200 TABLE FEE! SO, OUR BILL WAS $641.25 TOTAL (table fee $200+grey goose $300+20% gratuity+tax) for the inconvenience, 4 seat table for a group of 6, a bottle that we couldn't keep track of, and a decent view. Well, we're not that stupid or at least not drunk enough. We called the manager and let him know that we were never notified of a separate table fee and paid $200 less. I'd rather take a flight to San Francisco and dine at a nice restaurant AND order a bottle of wine for that price.

Pros: The view

Cons: Everything else

Posted 10/17/07

The place has good views and decor in a decent downtown location. That's where the positives end. The staff is rude and treat their customers like cr*p. They can do that since they're the new place in town but that'll last a good month before their lack of customer service and incompetant staff turns people off.

Pros: Good views and decor

Cons: Bouncers, long lines, incompetent staff

Posted 10/17/07

Went there for the first time last night on a Wednesday with a group of friends and had no issues getting in. It was a relaxing crowd with some people dancing and others just lounging. If you like the more of the mellow feel, I suggest you check it out (I can only speak for a Wednesday night).

Posted 10/17/07

I have been going to Elevate also every weekend since opening. I have become friendly with some of the staff and they let me in now without any delays. I read some of the reviews and find them funny. The place gets packed every weekend (keep in mind it is a small place that is not hard to fill up). I don't know how people say it is empty!!!!! I asked the bouncers why they hold people outside (if they are trying to make the place look busy) and he said that is not a game they play. He said that since they have a smaller capacity, they guarrantee entry to only the people with bottle service. The difference between the capacity and bottle service people is the amount of people they can let in early in the night. Most other people that don't have issues at the door arrive later in the night. Once they get in, the place gets packed at about 11:30ish. I usually stay until about 2:00am, but they stay open til 3:00 (or 2:30 according to the DJ). I highly recommend it, but with small groups (afterall, how many hot night clubs could you walk right into with a large group without knowing the doorman!!!).

Pros: Good Music, Good Crowd

Cons: Tough to get up to the doorman

Posted 10/15/07

I live across the street and this is the best addition downtown has seen! I visited when they first opened and then took a few weeks off, but went back last Friday night. The place was crowded and had a good, diverse crowd (not too many dudes like some other places). Definitely not a Hollywood crowd, but it's not Hollywood! We had a great time.. I have gone to many places around the country, but there are not many lounges like this one that I have ever seen in NY, SF, Miami, etc. I recommend cheching it out!!!

Posted 10/15/07

Getting in was horrible...the crowd was small and ill put together inside even though they had a long line outside. The only good thing would be the views.....but try other places downtown with views. Heard the food was good...but you can also get good food so many other places. Do not suggest at all. Not worth the hassle.

Pros: views..valet people were nice

Cons: everything else....lines, service, bouncers

Posted 10/10/07

Unless you plan on buying an overpriced bottle, don't bother coming here. Even with a bottle, this place should be your last choice. Where do I start with this place. First, the staff is completely incompetent and RUDE! I called ahead of time and the lady on the phone said that the only way to get on the gueslist was to reserve a table for bottle servie. Otherwise, get there early because the line gets long. So, I got there early and waited in line for 40 minutes. Everyone kept trying to get the attention of the bouncers because the line (which was around the corner) was not moving at all- but they were completely ignoring everyone. Finally, I got the attention of one of the bouncers and he very arrogantly said, "I don't know why everyone is waiting in line. Unless you made a reservation, you are not getting in". After I told him what the lady/ hostess told me on the phone, he simply said, "well, you were misinformed" and walked away! Another friend went to the front of the line and asked another bouncer what was going on. He then said that although the place is reservation only, they do let people in until they reach capacity so we should just wait in line. Grrrr! After all the rudeness and misleading information, we decided to leave. What a waste of time. I should have left after 10 mins, but I wanted to try a new place. What a mistake! There are other , better places with great views in dowtown. Stick to those.

Pros: Nothing

Cons: Bouncers- RUDE!

Posted 10/08/07

What a shame, a gorgeous lounge with amazing views of the city and it was more than half empty on a Saturday night. It's not that there weren't people waiting outside to get in, no there were more than enough people outside to fill up the club, but the lame bouncers kept saying that the club was at capacity and they could only let people in if other people left. What a pathetic trick, because when you finally do get in after waiting over an hour and a half you are unpleasantly surprised by an empty club with expensive drinks and an empty dance floor. So pathetic, the bouncers were even turning away large groups of beautiful women. What the hell are they thinking? I guess they are trying to create a buzz by keeping a long line in front, but don't believe the hype. lame bouncers, lame LA scene, lame all around. Save your time, you would probably have more fun doing your laundry on a Saturday night.

Pros: beautiful views of the city, nice atmosphere

Cons: bouncers, empty on Saturday night, turning away beautiful women

Posted 10/06/07

If you've been to one LA club, you've been to them all. This place is no different. It is nice inside, with a great view of the city. But other than that it is no different than any other place you have to wait in line to buy expensive drinks. It's just a club folks.

This is an edit to my original post above. Apparently Citysearch ratings are inflated. If you average the 7 ratings for this place, it should be 2.5. Instead Citysearch is showing a 3.5. I would imagine that is also the case for all other ratings. ANOTHER UPDATE!!!!! If you now average the 21 reviews of this place, it should be rated a 2.8, yet Citysearch is showing a 4. Such BS! So I changed my rating from a 3 to a 1.

Pros: Good crowd

Cons: Typical trendy LA scene

Posted 10/06/07

This lounge is the worst place ever! The bouncers are mean, managers are clueless and the service is horrible. Even if you pay for the bottle service, the waitress brings the bottle and takes it back. Our waitress showed up every hour. Who knows what they do with the bottle? The long line outside is misleading because once you get in, you realize that the place is half empty. The management team there is so incompetent that there is no point of planning ahead of time. They just forget everything that they promise. Also, the restaurant food is overpriced and not really tasty. So the bottom line is, the only thing positive about this place is the view. Other than that, it's a waste of your time and money. Stay away from this place!

Pros: The View, Interiors

Cons: Service, Service, Service

Posted 10/06/07

I've been to most lounges in LA and have to say this place is the absolute worst. It is obviously newly opened by very unexperienced people. The doormen were excessively rude...strict is one thing but rude is another. Getting bottle service makes you feel like a small child because the waitress brings and takes away the bottle each time. So in between catching up with her you might as well walk to the bar for each drink. When you sit in the VIP they literally have a guy come over and explain the "rules," such as no dancing on tables....please stay in this area etc. It makes you feel as if you've come to a nightlife bootcamp. There are so many checkpoints moving downstairs to the restaurant to the lounge..even the bathroom...you may want to tape your ID to your forehead. It was truly disenchanting.

Posted 10/05/07

I was there a couple of weekends ago for a friends birthday bash. The venue is beautiful inside with some awesome views. There is a huge dance floor, but your ticket in the door is a VIP table. There is always a long line outside and the doormen are really strict about the list. We had 3 check points to go through. But once inside the crowd was really diverse, but it seemed like most people were there with big groups of friends, not a mingling type of place. Its definately worth checking out the views.

Pros: Great city views

Cons: Need to be on the door list

Posted 09/25/07

We went last night with some work people and had a great time! The views are fantastic, a little weird to look down on The Standard's pool, but great! The atmosphere was fun. The seating configurations made it easy to have conversations with multiple people. Great place for a large group. The rose shots are a must have! Rose infused vodka with a rose petal in it, VERY TASTY! We also had sashimi that was fantastic. The Toro and Albacore were amazing. I would recommend this plae if you are looking for a fun place with a great view.

Pros: Atmosphere, View, Food

Cons: Parking, Service was slow

Posted 09/13/07