The Den of Hollywood
It’s Sunset Boulevard without the drama, hassles or high prices of the neighboring establishments. The Den, situated directly across the street from the Château Marmont–and ahem, that’s exactly what we’re talking about, much as we love that place–is packing them in with drink specials, a seasonal and quite reasonable menu and a fun late-night party atmosphere on the patio.
This is the kind of place that you’ve driven by many times and haven’t noticed. It’s been various establishments over the years, but this latest incarnation is the best yet– and perfect for these still-recessionary times, whether you slide into a booth, belly up to the bar or hang out on the patio. Traditional American cuisine by Daniel Murray features such dishes like smoke prime rib, shrimp sliders and hot dogs. To start, there’s a large list of appetizers to share, ranging from bacon-wrapped dates (yum!) to white bean hummus. There are full lunch and dinner menus and a trimmed-down selection for other times. The bar is under the supervision of mixologist James Rhea, and features specialty cocktails like The Gin Kiss, Sucker Punch, Fire in the Hole and Cucumbarita. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily with half-price drink specials. Saturday and Sunday brunch offers the opportunity to indulge in bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for $12.
Owner Michael Gans says he wants the atmosphere to feel like it’s your den– if you lived on the Sunset Strip and decorated it in the style of an Aspen mountain lodge complete with stone hearth fireplaces. As for parking, West Hollywood lots are known to change their often usurious rates even hourly, but the last time we checked the adjacent valet lot was charging well under $10.
The Den of Hollywood, 8226 W. Sunset Blvd. WeHo, (323) 656-0336, www.thedenofhollywood.com
