RASPOUTINE Los Angeles

Russian-Themed Nightclub Raspoutine Opens in West Hollywood | Eater LA

"Opened on October 26 in the former Villa Lounge after a fairly quick turnaround, Raspoutine is a Russian-themed nightclub whose blood-red carpet, walls and ceilings create a striking contrast with the adjacent blue Pacific Design Center. First established in Paris in 1965, the club — which also has locations in Rome, Marrakesh and Monaco — has attracted A-listers for decades, from Rita Hayworth to more recently Jessica Biel. Unlike the European outposts, the Los Angeles arm serves no food and is a pure drinking destination offering cocktails, vodka and French champagne on the corner of Huntley and Melrose. The 1,600-square-foot split-level room oozes with banquettes, accented tables, plushy walls and large matroshka dolls, so committed to the Russian theme that a character from a Tolstoy novel might enter at any moment. Owners Alexander Ghislain and Logan Maggio took over the longstanding club in 2014 and started LA’s launch in July this year after the former Villa Lounge closed in early 2018." - Mona Holmes