Los Angeles

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.

CostPool 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)
Location5750 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
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HoursMonday-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)
Websitehttp://hollywoodbilliards.com/
Telephone(323) 465-0115
ReservationsOnly 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$$
Location5900 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
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HoursMon-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
Websitehttp://www.palmsthai.com/
Telephone(323) 462-5073
Takes ReservationsYes, but only before 7:00pm
ParkingValet in the parking lot behind the restaurant. $1.50 for lunch, $2.50 for dinner.
Type of CuisineThai
PaymentMajor credit cards accepted
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Ok. These prices are averages for one person eating a meal including one drink and a tip. If you play football for the Giants and eat three main courses in a sitting, you should probably expect to pay more.

$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.
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