50 plus years celebrating New Year's @ the Dresden.

Classic photo from last year's celebration..

New Year's Eve...  No cover charge just great food, drinks and entertainment (Marty and Elayne will be perfroming) @ the Dresden.

Roxy's last night

Well, yes, upon Roxy's last night we ended up w/ a great crowd of patrons, plus, a huge fan base of her followers joined us.  He's a really fun photo of some of the Roxy fans who showed up to see her last night a huge success here @ the Dresden. 

-john the maitre'd

Drink Culture

Another photo of a drink made by Mark at the end of the bar here @ the Dresden.  We're "so money"...

1760 N. Vermont

Dresden front.

 

photo by: Blaise Nutter

Get the full story @ Dresden, a great film location

photo by: Blaise Nutter



A popular filming location and celebrity hangout, the Dresden features strong cocktails and live entertainment in a classic old Hollywood environment.

Great night... Great promo...

Wow.  Great response to our celebration on the anniversary of the end of Prohibition here @ the Dresden.

Drink Menu

We will be unfolding the new drink menu here @ the Dresden after the first of the year.  Here's a recent post of one of the upcoming drinks... 'El General' - Ilegal reposado mezcal, Campari, Dry Curaçao, & orange bitters. Soon to be featured on the Dresden's new cocktail menu.

some of the ususal suspects...

From Wednesday night in the lounge @ the Dresden.

Terri and Gabriel behind the bar tonight

Terri and Gabriel behind the bar, Marty & Elayne perform at 9pm-1:15am.

Film location

A couple of months ago I was flipping through one of my favorite stalking tomes, Hollywood Escapes: The Moviegoer’s Guide to Exploring Southern California’s Great Outdoors, when I came across a blurb written about the legendary Dresden Restaurant in Hollywood. And while I had actually eaten at the Dresden once before upon first moving to Southern California almost a decade ago, at the time I had no idea it was a filming location! So, I immediately called up the Grim Cheaper and begged him to take me there that very night. But being that we were just a few weeks away from our upcoming nuptials at the time, he quickly put a nix on my plans with the caution that “we shouldn’t be spending money right now”. I acquiesced, but have been itching to stalk the place ever since. Thankfully, the two of us finally made it out there for dinner two weeks ago, with the GC pretty much kicking and screaming the entire way. But as it turned out he absolutely LOVED the place – and the $32 dinner bill that came at the end of the night. Yes, you read that right – our dinner, including one cocktail a piece, was only $32! We ended up eating in the Dresden’s bar area and ordering up a smorgasbord of happy hour items, including French onion soup and quesadillas, and, let me tell you, the food was not only INCREDIBLE, but the serving sizes were absolutely HUGE. The staff there was also amazingly nice and answered all of my silly little questions about the extensive filming that has taken place there over the years. All in all, it was quite the successful stalk and I honestly cannot say enough good things about the place!

read more: http://www.iamnotastalker.com/2010/10/07/the-dresden-restaurant/

Open Mic Night w/ Marty & Elayne

 Elayne w/ Jon on bass, Matt Forbes on mic, and Marty (behind Matt) on Drums @ the Dresden.
martyandelayne.net

at the end of the bar...

@ the Dresden

Cocktail Culture...

the man behind the bar...

Shooting some photos of the classic cocktails here @ the Dresden, Renny just couldn't help himself.

Reny @ the Dresden.

Last year's Thanksgiving Menu

I expect this years menu will be similar.  I will post our Thanksgiving limited menu once it has been set. 

 

Drink Culture

Another test shot w/ Mark.

Drink Culture

Here is one of the first test shots Mark and I took to promote the upcoming new drink list.  This shot gives no real indication of the drinks on the list, however, it does, in my opinion, illustrate the "drink culture" that the new list promotes.  I look forward to assisting Mark in making this insightful shift @ the Dresden happen.

- John the maitre'd

Mark and Reny behind the bar

Mark and Renny behind the bar.  Bringing a new vibe to old school @ the Dresden!

So, with Johnny retiring and the march of time, on your next visit you will most likely see some new faces here @ the Dresden.  Although Mark and Reny have been with us for a while,  (Mark, of course, grew up in the business), we expect to greet our patrons with some new energy and some adjustments to what we do.  I will keep you posted.

Reny behind the bar

Reny behind the bar - looking a bit old school @ the Dresden.

Jane of Dick and Jane...

Jane of Dick and Jane Family Orchestra sang w/ Marty and Elayne Tonight.  Always lovely entertainment @ the Dresden.

Good to see you Johnny...

I ended up down Encinitas way, talked Johnny into coming out to meet me and some lovely folks so we could celebrate his birthday.  Johnny insists he's loving retired life down in San Diego, however, all his fans and friends at the Dresden miss him in Los Angeles.

- John the Maitre'd

Telephones at your booth

Newsflash, 1966 -  telephones at your booth!  Let's face it, today it's easy.  Everyone has a cell phone in their pocket, however, back in the day Carl and Sara were ahead of the curve and you could make calls from the Dresden dining room.  This archival clipping reminds us how much things have changed...  Yet our dining room and lounge retain an enduring quality from bygone Hollywood.

- John the Maitre 'd

We've got big cubes...

meet the new cube @ the Dresden

Open for business...

It was a fantastic re-opening last night.  L.A. Underground Superstars provided a wonderful lineup of bands...   Gabriel hosted the full house from behind the bar.  Dick and Jane brought cake and prizes.  Vel made everyone feel welcome.  I showed up to enjoy the Monday night Dresden vibe.  It's official, the doors have re-opened.  Tonight, is the return of Marty and Elayne with open mic night @ the Dresden.

- John the Maitre' d

Another reminder folks.

Closed Sept 7th through the 13th @ the Dresden.

Terri w/ drinks @ the Dresden

In the interested of keeping our patrons posted... The Dresden will be closed September 7th through September 13th for our annual vacation.  We will return on Monday the 14th with drinks, dining, and music by the L.A. Underground Superstars.  So, we are open tonight, Saturday, and Sunday, then, as mentioned we return for public consumption on the 14th.

- john the maitre 'd

Johnny, a favorite @ the Dresden.

My buddy Johnny (the bartender here at the Dresden - for the past thirty years!... Yes, that Johnny.)  Well, we had a retirement party for him tonight at the Dresden.  Jim, the owner gave him a beautiful painting that he bought from our resident painter, Jamie.  A multitude of people who love Johnny showed up for Dresden fun with him...  Prior to showing up at the Dresden, Johnny shared dinner with a group of Johnny lovers...  Then, Johnny, made his way to the Dresden to an over-populated night at the D (his retirement party).  I've been at the Dresden now for just over four years.  Johnny is/was a sought after bartender.  His charm, charisma, harshness/tenderness, was constantly enjoyed by patrons @ the Dresden.  Yes, well, he would never plug in a cell phone charger, yet, he would always make anyone feel at home sitting on one of our bar stools.  I have been blessed to know Johnny on a personal level.  He really is an amazing guy, we are all sad to see him go, yet, his next adventure is great for him.  Johnny is moving to San Diego, CA.  Look out ladies!

- John the Maitre' d

Making the magic happen.

Martinis, Old fashions... Old School drinks @ the Dresden, Hollywood California.  Since 1954.

Tonight is Friday night.  Terri and Mark are behind the bar.  Marty and Elayne are behind their respective instruments.  Michael, Gustavo, and Siliva will be serving in the dining room...

Also, next Tuesday we will be hosting a good bye party for our long loved buddy and primo bartender John Canepa.  I will post the relevant information as that day draws near.

As always, thanks for your patronage here @ the Dresden.

- John the Maitre 'd

Hot Prime Rib Sandwich 1956...

Menu choice 1956 @ the Dresden

Carl and Sara

Carl and Sara Ferraro @ the Dresden.

A glowing review.

A glowing review from a returning patron @ the Dresden.

The Dresden Archive

(A clipping from the Dresden Scrapbook) 

For those who don't know Johnny Mercer was the founder of Capital Records. 

Tonight is open mic with Marty and Elayne.

Marty and Elayne, Tues - Sat @ the Dresden

Checking in @ the Dresden

@ the Dresden in Hollywood.

The Dresden players

Some of the staff here @ the Dresden. 

This is one of my favorite candid shots of my work mates. 

- john the maître d'

 

Salmon w/ baked potato @ the Dresden.

@ the Dresden, 1760 N. Vermont, Hollywood, CA

Dining Room Hours: 5:30pm - 11:00pm.
It is recommended that you call for reservations.   (323) 665-4294

Mondy night music schedule @ the Dresden.

 

LA Underground Superstars

 

The Residency Playoffs Continue at the Dresden Monday, July 27 at 9:00 PM with James Houlahan, FourEyedFour and Fourwaycross. The Leaders for The Residencies are currently: Angela Parrish, Double Naught Spy Car, Angela Muhwezi, Dick and Jane Family Orchestra and Molly Kruse--In no particular order. 

The Readys tonight 9pm in the lounge @ the Dresden.

The Readys perform Sunday nights in the lounge 9pm @ the Dresden.

The classic buddy shot @ the Dresden.

The classic buddy shot with Freddie and Marc @ the Dresden.

Terri behind the bar (photo via Brendan Holmes) @ the Dresden

Terri Makes a drink ..

1760 N. Vermont.

Curbside.

Portion of The Lovely Glass Partition @ the Dresden.

The portion between lounge and restaurant @ the Dresden is a beautiful series of glass panels.
photo via: http://aestheticallyincorrectphotography.blogspot.com/

Dresden tabletop.

http://aestheticallyincorrectphotography.blogspot.com/

34 years @ the Dresden.

Marty and Elayne 34th Anniversary @ the Dresden.

Singing with Marty and Elayne @ the Dresden.

Patrick sent a cell phone shot of me singing the old Motown hit Money with Marty and Elayne (Mr. Gordon Bash on bass) last Friday night.  Always a fun time at the Dresden.  Always a fun time singing with Marty and Elayne.  Oh, by the way, their 34th anniversary playing @ the Dresden will be celebrated on March 31st 2015.  They are charming beyond believe and are truly Hollywood!  If you can, please come on down and enjoy them next Tues. night @ the Dresden.   http://www.thedresden.com/

Marty and Elayne Keepin' the Hollywood Crowd Happy...

The young Hollywood crowd in the bar last night was amazing!  Every time Elayne finished with some of her keyboard mastery, or Vince played a lively bass solo, or, of course, Marty performed a song (in particular New York New York) the intimate crowd responded wildly.  Also, several guest singers stepped up to the the mic and sang with flare and gained approval of the Marty and Elayne fans...  Gordon Bash was back with his horn, and also played some bass ending the night with the Ray Charles classic "Let the Good Times Roll."  Terri and Gabriel poured amazing drinks while Rachel w/ Edith tended the crowd.  It wasn't the most packed Thursday night I've ever seen, but, it was brilliantly intimate.  In my tenure at the Dresden, I would say I have observed that's a forte of Marty and Elayne's - making it special for the individual/individuals who join us for drinks and fun.  Tomorrow night is Friday, and, everyone is welcome.  Yes, Marty and Elayne will be performing.

Table setup @ the Dresden.

photo by John Reneaud (also see http://johnreneaud.blogspot.com/2015/01/aesthetically-incorrect-photography.html