Dez A.
Yelp
Welp, I had a similar experience to Raina C.
Was looking forward to going to such a cool looking rooftop spot in such a booming location while visiting L.A.! Conveniently right across from our hotel (Hollywood Roosevelt). After looking at photos of this place, I thought it might be better to make a reservation. I'd assumed it would be packed on a Friday night. Anywho, when I made the reservation, there was a question asking if we're going there for an occasion. Yes. My birthday. So, we arrive. All was well. We're led to the elevator & once at the rooftop, we're greeted. I mentioned that we had a reservation. The gentleman asked if we'd like a "table or a couch." Whoa. Couch, please and thank you! My daughter and I ordered drinks. We'd eaten at In n' Out before coming to the rooftop so we weren't hungry. We don't have In n' Out in NY and I couldn't wait to try their "double double animal style." Did not dissapoint! Back to the rooftop, I had a Mai Tai. It was strong but didn't taste very good. After reading reviews here on Yelp, I was aware of the 19% gratuity (thank you, Yelpers!) My daughter wasn't impressed with the service (or lack thereof). Okay, so back to my birthday...
Fortunately, we had a full day of a laundry list of nothing but unbelievably wonderful things! Best birthday ever! Thank you, Hollywood!! So, the slight from this place didn't put a damper on anything. I'd forgotten all about this place celebrating birthdays until I saw a waiter with two massive slices of cake walk over to a table behind us and Happy Birthday was sung. It was then that I remembered that I mentioned that it was my birthday when I made the reservation. It was also then that I recalled Raina C's review. I'm Black. The table presented with the two slices of b'day cake, caucasian.
After finishing our drinks and since no one came back to check on us (why would they when the restaurant includes their tip in your bill?), we walked over to the bar to pay the bill. I'd mentioned to the lady working the bar that I'd expected there to be more of a crowd. She explained that October weather (a very comfy 70s that evening) is cold and folks don't go out as much. Or maybe too many folks are disappointed by a past experience here? Not vibing with the 19% gratuity? Heard the drinks and food aren't all that great? I dunno. Word of mouth and reviews travel fast. I took some photos and we left.
I'm giving two stars for the ambiance, wax figures and decor. Go elsewhere if you're melanated and want to celebrate your birthday and/or if you want delicious drinks, or service worthy of the 19% tip that you're gonna pay regardless, lol. Will I return? Yeah, nooooooooooooo, it's a one and done for me.