The Dresden

Tucked along Vermont Avenue in the heart of Los Feliz, The Dresden is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a time capsule. This iconic establishment has been a neighborhood fixture for decades, drawing crowds who appreciate its unapologetically retro vibe and no-nonsense approach to cocktails. The space is divided between a proper dining room and a legendary lounge, though regulars know exactly which side to head for.

Skip the dining room and make a beeline for the bar. This is where The Dresden truly shines—a dimly lit haven where bartenders pour drinks with a heavy hand and the atmosphere encourages you to let loose a little. The Blood & Sand, a rum-forward cocktail, has become something of a house signature, and the rest of the menu reads like a greatest hits of old-school mixology. These are not delicate craft cocktails; they’re sturdy, well-made drinks meant to be enjoyed without pretense.

The Dresden earned its place in LA lore partly through the legendary performances of Marty & Elayne, who held court here for nearly four decades of weekly cabaret shows. Though Marty passed in 2022, the spirit of those nights lives on in the lounge’s DNA. Live music still fills the room, and there’s an energy here that invites a certain looseness—a willingness to embrace the weird and wonderful.

For birthday celebrations, date nights that veer toward the unconventional, or simply a Tuesday evening when you want to feel transported somewhere more interesting, The Dresden delivers. It’s not trying to be trendy or modern, and that’s precisely what makes it special. Come for a drink, stay for the atmosphere, and leave feeling like you discovered something that’s been hiding in plain sight.