A Night At LA's Pantages Theater
In a town where movies and television hold court, the theater sometimes gets short shrift. But don't let that happen because it is in the City of Angels where a considerable amount of magic takes places on the boards in the different houses around town. With that in mind, why not make an evening out of the occasion by going to dinner and having a drink before the curtain goes up and taking in a hot spot or two afterwards as well? The following is an agenda that should make you want to make a night at the Pantages Theatre a monthly event and a highlight of your week every time you indulge.
Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
www.hollywoodpantages.com
For decades, the Pantages has been the theatre of choice for patrons who enjoy musicals of all sorts - from classics like "Cats" and "Man of La Mancha" to relative newcomers like "Kinky Boots" and "Newsies." In addition, this popular house once reserved for vaudeville offers the occasional concert, like the music of Shakira and Jason Mraz. Generally, this stunning Art Deco venue that was designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca lures the local population as well as many of its visitors to the heart of Hollywood for a night that includes a few hours of sitting in the dark as patrons experience another world on the stage in front of them. The performances are designed to make you think, to make you laugh and to make you feel creative.
The Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-7788
www.mussoandfrank.com
The traditional early evening meal at Musso & Frank has been a ritual since this place opened more than a century ago and often by famous writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald who love the atmosphere. Snappy service means theater goers who sit in leather booths are always fed and finished before heading off to see a show while regulars who want to stay and savor the saucy attitude sit on stools at the mahogany counter to take in the action. Whether it's a good chop you're after or the fresh catch of the day cooked in lots of lemon and butter, your meal will likely having you making a mental note to return as soon as possible to try yet another of this eatery's fine fare.
H2 Kitchen & Bar
Loews Hollywood Hotel
1755 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 856-1200
www.loewshotels.com
In February of 2014, a new place to grab a drink or a snack before or after the theater opened at the Loews Hollywood Hotel just a bit west of the Pantages Theatre. Called the H2 Kitchen & Bar, this plush venue is the perfect place to ask for a made-to-order mojito (the bar's already know for its blackberry basil version) or one or two small plates of fine fare like the house apple pie taco, an unusual yet addictive offering created by super creative executive chef Mark Ching.
Bar Marmont
8171 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 650-0575
www.barmarmont.com
There's nothing quite like taking part in last call at Bar Marmont, a drinking palace that attracts lots of attention no matter who is indulging in the high-end libations served here. Typically included in the mix are A-list celebrities who are met at the door by photographers that many refer to as paparazzi in this part of the country. That said, no matter who's on hand, you can bet these patrons are indulging in some top-flight bubbly or a nice glass of red wine before signing off for the evening.
Canter's Deli
419 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 651-2030
www.cantersdeli.com
Your evening is almost over but a little snack would do the final trick before heading home. No matter what time it is, Canter's is open and ready to serve around the clock in the Fairfax district just as this hangout has been since 1931. In fact, many interesting characters, including a lot of hungry rock stars, are typically on hand at this legendary haunt in the wee morning hours after all of the bars close. The menu is long but the bagels and lox can't be beat so choose that perfect combo if you can't decide so you can be nicely satiated and then some.
Related: Best LA Theater Productions of 2013
