Oldest Dive in LA - Frolic Room, Los Angeles, CA

There isn't a lot of "original" in Hollywood. Sure they celebrate the throwback, with films like L.A. Confidential and others, which actually show a directors version of what actually happened there years before, but real, authentic Hollywood? Nah. It really doesn't exist anymore.
Well, that's what we thought anyway rolling into town. Turns out though, that on Hollywood Boulivard there's more "real" about five blocks East of Highland that all of the stuff they try to force down your throat at the Kodak Theatre.
I'm talking about the Frolic Room, a throwback to at least 1930 when the connected Theater, the Panteges, was built. The bar, officially made a bar in 1934 (as far as we know) started life as a hospitality lounge for the theater next door, and therefore seen its share of Hollywood stars, sleeze, crime and tragedy. Enough to make it a Hollywood Landmark like its next-door neighbor..but because it's a bar and not a location for casting-couch calls that hasn't happened yet.
Its also the last bar on all of Hollywood Boulevard; the rest have been turned into dance clubs and Gaps.
So if you're in the area and you want a beer, a shot and some authentic Hollywood throwback, go by the Frolic Room.
If you dig this video check out our book, Bucket List Bars: Historic Saloons, Pubs and Dives of America at amzn.to/2xpT1ay

[@stuka1977]

I loved that jukebox...always Lagunitas IPA...

[@marstondavis]

Used to go there in the mid '70's. Great place to get blasted back then. About 10 years ago I was in L.A. and thought I'd stop in. Hadn't changed a bit. Just like stepping back in time. I hope it NEVER changes. I give it two thumbs up! Go there when you're in Hollywood.

[@aaronc2880]

Was at this bar 3 weeks ago,great bar

[@downtonviewer]

Mid 80's..my boyfriend and I had a bit too much to drink there one night (we were regulars). I had to "help" him to the parking lot around the corner for "fresh air" and a purge..lol. A couple weeks later, I was at one end of the bar and he was at the other, and we were making out with other people instead of each other, trying to make each other jealous. Gita was so confused 'cause she knew we were a couple. Good Heavens...I'm glad I lived through the 80's! The Frolic was, and still is it seems, a very cool place.

[@Bucketlistbars]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

[@yandosan]

I remember that night. You were hammered.

[@mistervacation23]

I think the cameraman had an epileptic fit.

[@brianmark3088]

Love you videos and recommendations, but there is one problem. I was at the Frolic Room at about 10PM at night. Most of these bars are kept so dark you can't see the paraphernalia all around you on the walls. It's best to come at 1 PM when they open when they still haven't turned the lights all the way down.

[@Bucketlistbars]

Brian Mark that’s a great point Brian, and one we hadn’t thought of. When we visit these places it’s usually quiet and early so there’s no crowd and it’s not too dark. Hadn’t thought about how different it would be to go at night. Thanks so much for the kind words and we’re thrilled you’re enjoying the vids!

[@acac7186]

Am here r now having and old fashioned 🥃

[@santana898989]

Is Gita Bull still around? I haven't gone out drinking in years. She was cool. So is the Frolic Room.

[@springer90]

311 brought me here.

[@TheSeanm102]

elizabeth short was murdered in 1947 not 1946

[@heatherjane910]

Does anyone know if Cosmos or The Burgundy Room is still open?

[@afewgoodmen228]

$7 a beer on the strip

[@niccolom4556]

Its so ghetto now though with alcoholics and druggies everywhere lol.