chalet

Deja vu sets in for me here since this used to be the location of the old Tophat - a serious dive bar where I was able to get away with a little underage drinking way back in the day.

The exterior hasn't changed much - dark and nondescript - but the interior has been beautifully reinterpreted. It's a well sized (not too big, not too small) space with a long bar and couple of tables on one side, and comfy dark leather booths and banquettes along the other. The walls are stacked masonry (reminiscent of the redo at The Lodge), decked with some vintage flea shop-esque paintings of woodland scenery. Arts and crafts style light fixtures dotting the surround dimly light everything to that perfect, 'don't we all look lovely', hue. In short, it's modern cabin cozy.

Another plus is the alt-eclectic jukebox. Def worth the price of admission. While the bartender was easy on the eyes, and the drinks are easy on the wallet, they weren't so easy on the palette. She could use a few more lessons in mixology, so one star off to that.

All in all, great bar - and in such a random locale, Eagle Rock - I'll be back.

Somehow, The Chalet has yet to be overrun by west side wankers or insufferable east side hipsters, so hurry up and get there before they do!

1630 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 258-8800

Photo courtesy of Kevin K.