| Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.
Elvis Presley |
Eight ball in the corner pocket for Thai Elvis
Hollywood Billiards
Pool might be the most suggestive sport. What other sport asks you to spread your legs and bend over a table -- focusing intently on a ball at the end of a long, thin stick? For couples, it's always a great way to get things rolling...so to speak. And then there's that whole, slightly seedy reputation that never hurts in the mood department.
Hollywood Billiards has taken the old shady pool hall concept, cleaned it up (without taking away the shadowy ambiance) and given it a few extra perks including 30 varieties of beer on tap, 28 tables, and a full grill, so conceivably you never have to leave. For fans of other sports, there are multiple big screen televisions on which they broadcast all the big games for the sport of the season--both in the main room and outside on the patio.
It's the kind of place a grizzled pool hustler might call a "real classy joint." If you want to go really classy, splurge for a private VIP room, where you and your pool pal can have a table and lounge all to your sweet selves--away from the maddening crowd.
Tip: For all you super savers, every night between 5 pm and 8 pm pool tables are $4 an hour. These times also correspond to happy hour with $3 well drinks and $2 menu specials.
| Cost | Pool table rates: $12.00 an hour Sun-Thurs evenings and $15.00 an hour Friday and Saturday (budgeteers--tables are only $4.00 an hour from 5:00pm - 8:00pm) |
| Location | 5750 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028 view map |
| Hours | Monday-Friday: 5:00pm - 2:00am
Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:00am (open at 9:00am in college football season) Sunday: 12:00pm - 2:00am (open at 9:30am in football season) |
| Website | http://hollywoodbilliards.com/ |
| Telephone | (323) 465-0115 |
| Reservations | Only for special events. |
| Parking | $5 to park in the parking lot. |
Thai Elvis at The Palms
Elvis is at the Palms baby, and we don't mean Vegas. He's right in the heart of Hollywood, cooing his heart out complete with big collar, platforms and pompadour.
The Palms started as just one of the herd of homespun restaurants in Thai Town. But they quickly rose above the pack by preparing excellent food and brandishing a surprising weapon: Thai Elvis. This unusual formula proved successful enough that they were able to expand into their current, much larger location--alleviating long waits and featuring a special stage for their golden boy.
The menu is extensive, with all the regular favorites as well as more exotic dishes like frog with chili and holy basil. Holy basil is right Batman! Whether you choose to be adventurous and order the boar or play it safe with the time-tested Pad Thai, you will not find your meal a disappointing second to the show.
The only drawback to the size of the restaurant is if you sit toward the back, the King is pretty far away. So, ask to be near the stage, and make sure they don't put you behind one of the structural pillars that dot the space--no one wants to see a legend from an obstructed view.
| Price range | $$ |
| Location | 5900 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028 view map |
| Hours | Mon-Thurs: 11:00am - 12:00 am
Fri-Sat: 11:00 am - 2:00 am Sun: 11:00 am - 12:00 am Thai Elvis performs Wednesday to Sunday, three shows a night between 7:30 - 10:00 |
| Website | http://www.palmsthai.com/ |
| Telephone | (323) 462-5073 |
| Takes Reservations | Yes, but only before 7:00pm |
| Parking | Valet in the parking lot behind the restaurant. $1.50 for lunch, $2.50 for dinner. |
| Type of Cuisine | Thai |
| Payment | Major credit cards accepted |
$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.
