The Dresden

The Dresden is a retro cocktail lounge at 1760 N Vermont Ave in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, famous for the long-running Marty and Elayne lounge show and for appearing in the 1996 film Swingers. The interior keeps a mid-century supper-club look, with dark wood, vintage booths and a stage in the lounge room, and it sits next to a restaurant of the same name. The crowd is a blend of neighborhood regulars, couples, vintage-style enthusiasts and visitors who come specifically for the lounge act, ranging in age from 20s to 70s. There is no strict dress code, though many patrons dress up for the occasion, and the mood is warm, playful and sociable rather than clublike. Music is the main attraction: the lounge duo performs standards, jazz, pop and novelty favorites, and audience members often sing along or request songs. The drinks programme leans toward vintage cocktails such as martinis, Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, plus a selection of beer and wine, with prices in the moderate range for Los Angeles. Hours are listed as daily from 5:00 PM until 2:00 AM, with the main lounge shows concentrated on certain evenings, so confirming the schedule on the website is advisable. There is typically no cover charge, although tipping the performers and ordering drinks is the expected etiquette. Reservations are generally available for dining in the restaurant; the lounge itself operates on a mostly first-come basis, and weekend evenings can have a wait for seating near the stage. Bottle service is not part of the model. The Dresden is in the Los Feliz neighborhood near Griffith Park, the Vermont Avenue shops and several other neighborhood bars, making it a good stop before or after dinner. Visitors who want a classic Los Angeles lounge experience with live entertainment often include it in a Los Feliz evening.