This quirky lounge offers a whimsical vibe with its umbrella decor and high ceilings, making it a fun spot for cocktails and casual bites with friends.
"Half the people inside this long-standing cocktail bar on Melrose probably aren’t aware there’s a back patio. The semi-enclosed area has a brick fireplace, leather couches, chandeliers, and a full-grown tree in the back—a perfect respite for when things get too crowded up front by the bar. Which, if you haven’t been back to Melrose Umbrella in a while, still happens frequently. " - brant cox
"Ubuntu is a sit-down spot with an entirely vegan menu encompassing everything from West African peanut stew to jollof arancini. The bad news is all of the food at this West Hollywood restaurant is so flavorless, that we suggest you skip eating here altogether. The upside, and the only real reason you should come here, is the gorgeous patio. Sitting in this plant-covered alleyway just off Melrose feels like stumbling upon a well-kept secret, held only by people who live within a two-mile radius. Drop by with a few friends, get a round of passion fruit martinis, and then go grab dinner somewhere else." - Nikko Duren
"Melrose Umbrella Co. is a solid cocktail bar that serves their normally expensive (but good) drinks at much more reasonable prices during Happy Hour. They have things like a house Old Fashioned, a brandy sour, and various mules for under $10. The Deal: $8-$10 cocktails, food specials. When: Weekdays 4-7pm." - brett keating
"Last week, an accidental service charge at Melrose Umbrella Co. reignited anger surrounding restaurant service fees on social media. A diner posted, then deleted, their receipt on Reddit that showed a 40 percent service charge, which the restaurant says was a clerical error. But the backlash is well underway. Melrose Umbrella Co. and Umbrella Hospitality Group owners Austin Melrose and Zachary Patterson told Eater this was a massive mistake. The point-of-sale system produced the error and the server failed to catch it before presenting the bill to the guest. To make amends, Melrose and Patterson also refunded the entire meal and invited them back in for dinner. And while the original post was deleted on Reddit, an endless stream of fiery comments remains. Unaware of the POS error, Redditors lashed out at Melrose Umbrella Co. Some suggested reporting this to the California attorney general, called this type of service model deceitful, and even called into question the standard cake-cutting fee or corkage fee. The incident raises questions about how this can happen, but the timing is unfortunate for the nearly 10-year-old restaurant." - Mona Holmes
"One of the best places in town for cocktails, Melrose Umbrella Co. has done a great job making innovative (and excellent) drinks to-go. Their cocktails lean heavily towards tiki territory, making them ideal for drinking beachside (or at least next to your friend’s apartment pool). Our favorite is the Ring Of Fire, a mezcal-based drink with Aperol, fresh lime, pineapple, ginger, and habañero. Their mai tai is also great, and guaranteed to put you to sleep." - brett keating
