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A Peek Inside

A Peek Inside Elevate Lounge

By Eric Richardson
Published: Friday, August 10, 2007, at 08:08AM
Elevate Dave Bullock []
Bottle Service Area Dave Bullock []

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — When you're searching for nightlife, 811 Wilshire is probably not the first spot you'd look. The mid-rise building at the intersection of Flower and Wilshire has a print shop on the corner and your standard office lobby on Wilshire. Step out of the elevator on the 21st floor, though, and the world feels quite a bit different. That's where and are about to make their mark on Downtown.

Takami opens next weekend, but today it's Elevate that makes its official public debut. Dave and I stopped by yesterday to get some photos and see what the new spot will offer those of us who make Downtown home.

Emil Eyvazoff first started scouting Downtown locations four and a half years ago, viewing dozens of spots before settling on the space he's now in. He's hit on an unlikely gem at 811 Wilshire. The restaurant and lounge sit in a 14,000 square foot space that includes 7,000 square feet of patio.

At Elevate, patio and indoor space really merge together as 150 feet of glass door opens up and slides away. The lounge features two bars and a sound system that's tuned to keep the music loud on the dance floor while allowing a more mellow conversation to those on the patio.

Emil emphasized that he sees Downtowners as his regulars. He lives Downtown himself, having bought a condo at nearby Library Court. He's hoping to spend a few more hours there after a successful opening, only half-joking that the condo has been little more than a place to go take a shower before getting back to work on the restaurant and lounge.

Though the views may try to seduce your eye as you walk in, be sure to note the amazing finishes found throughout. This is a space that holds up just as well in the daytime as it does at night. And, yes, the views are quite nice as well.

For those of us who are constantly having to explain to guests what's so cool about Downtown, I have a feeling Elevate may well end up becoming a regular stop on the tour.

Starting tonight, Elevate opens nightly at 9:00pm. Entry is off of Lebanon street, the alley between Figueroa and Flower.

Photos by Dave Bullock. You can see a few more Elevate shots .

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Conversation

Guest 1

Javan on August 10, 2007, at 11:18AM – #1

I was there last night as well, and completely agree it is an amazing spot. Its great looking down for the 21st floor and seeing all the landmarks in downtown. I could see as the light for the Eastern columbia came on, and I could actually see all the way down to century city looking the other way. Another jewel added to the neighborhood.


Guest 2

Urban Bruin on August 10, 2007, at 12:16PM – #2

I'm glad there is nothing to do Downtown.


Guest 3

downtownchick.com on August 10, 2007, at 04:01PM – #3

Oh wow, huge crush on Elevate... Tonight huh? Cool...


Guest 4

dan in LA on August 13, 2007, at 01:29PM – #4

i was bummed to see Windows go away, but this helps quite a bit. i was there for a Patt Morrison broadcast, and i must agree the space is very, very nice.


Guest 5

Leica on August 15, 2007, at 11:00AM – #5

I cant wait check out this new hang out spot!!!


Guest 6

Jennifer on August 18, 2007, at 01:42AM – #6

Can't disagree more. Elevate sucks. I was upstairs and the club was completely empty. However, my friends at the very front of the line wern't allowed in. Bouncers lied to them and said club was full and tried to get them to get bottle service or bribe them to get in. CLUB WAS LITERALLY empty and they tried to lie to everyone in line. My friends waited an hour being first in line before we decided to leave. Not one person in the club that night that I talked to enjoyed the experience. Extremely dissapointing experience. A club is going to lie about being busy when they're empty?


Guest 7

Jason on August 18, 2007, at 01:50PM – #7

I went twice this week and had a small wait, but it was worth it! We stayed until 2:30am on Thursday night (Friday morning sucked). They really did a great job on the space. I saw some photos, but did not know what to expect when I first walked in. Went back again last night and chilled outside on the patio. My new hang out. I love how they stay open after 2am!!!


Guest 7

Greg on August 18, 2007, at 04:53PM – #8

Not sure what Jennifer is talking about, but my buddy is one of the owners there and I have been to every private party and night where they have been open to the public. They have NEVER been empty that I have seen. It sucks that some people can't get into a place and fabricate stories to make the place look bad. It is definitely a great place to go.


Guest 8

Mike on August 25, 2007, at 10:05AM – #9

Not sure what Greg is talking about, however I agree with Jennifer. The bouncers go on power trips and lie to get people to buy bottle service to get in. When we finally got in, the lounge was moderately full, not the 350 people the bouncer said. I would never go back there again.


Guest 9

Sargaint A on August 28, 2007, at 09:37AM – #10

this place has no idea how to be run, the staff is terrible and the place is gost town. They make people wait in line and lie about the place being packed. I hated the dick at the door and i will never go there again. i DONT RECCOMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE, sushi sucks and is a rip off, why would i go to downtown for that type of service when i can get better treatment in west hollywood. This place needs a lot to work on to actually get more than 5 people to return. HATED IT and i give it a F


Guest 10

John on August 28, 2007, at 06:06PM – #11

this place is garbage. HORRIBLE management! if they spent all this money on the place, they might as well hire people that know what they are doing.


Guest 11

Jason on September 11, 2007, at 07:26PM – #12

My friends and I live downtown and hangout there all the time. If you are looking for an overcrowded room, this is not the place to visit. I have spoken with the bouncers and they say that the place has a lower capacity because it is in a high rise. All those looking for an overcrowded sweatbox need to stay in Hollywood!!


Guest 12

Riley on September 16, 2007, at 10:26AM – #13

This place was off the hook last night! The DJ (resident DJ DIK) was killing a smooth mix of hip hop and house beats, not to mention the dance floor was packed with ladies dressed to kill! Since the space is so large off the dance floor has a much better feel than a lot of the clubs around LA and the way the sound system is set up you can actually talk to people off the floor. My crew will be there in full force next Saturday night!


Guest 13

Gabriela on September 18, 2007, at 01:02AM – #14

Have to agree with the comment John made...don't want to be harsh with words, but management and the people who run the place need replacement.


Guest 14

RC on September 18, 2007, at 07:26AM – #15

I called the place on a very hot day and asked if we could wear shorts to have some dinner at around 6:00 PM. The person answering the phone did not know the answer and came back and said no, shorts were not allowed. We ended up having some wine by our rooftop pool and walked to Colori Kitchen where we were welcomed with open arms. I hope this place makes it but this is California and on Thursday nights downtown, most restaurants would accomodate us. I don't think they care about attracting local downtown folks.


Guest 15

Alen on September 20, 2007, at 02:45PM – #16

I dont know what you people are talkin about, I was at Elevate on Sat and i had a blast, The women were gorgeous, Overall good looking, friendly people. For all you complainers, Elevate is a high end, classy lounge, and the bouncer should pick and choose who they want getting in, If it was my club and your an average goe, i wouldnt let you in either. The sushi was great, best tasting sushi i think, the service was a little slow, but im sure it'll get better, I give both the sushi rest. and the lounge two thumbs up.


Guest 16

Corey on October 05, 2007, at 06:29PM – #17

Alen,

You have mistaken elitism for class. Spelling and grammar might improve your odds of being mistaken for an interesting human being.


Guest 17

Skylar on October 13, 2007, at 03:45PM – #18

I was very disappointed with this lounge,especially the men who work the door. We were told nobody else would be allowed to enter because it was filled to maximum occupancy. We were told arrangements could be made,by arrangements I mean drop some money. The website says no cover charge and that's what we expected. We ended up paying 20 bucks a head, 150 dollars and the door man pocketed the cash. Upon entering, we noticed it was no where near as packed as were told. I guess that's L.A. for you. I would not recommend this place.


Guest 18

Scott on October 23, 2007, at 01:41PM – #19

Beautiful space...amazing views....Takami is a restaurant in progress, not great yet but getting better....Elevate Lounge should be changed to Elevate Night Club and the "resident" DJ (DJ DIK? haha) needs to be replaced. $20 cover for a "lounge" and the "security guards" need to realize they're in downtown LA and not Skybar.


Guest 19

LM on November 13, 2007, at 10:31AM – #20

Moving to downtown in about a week and very excited about my loft! I'm going to Elevate tonight to see Moby and get a little more acqainted with the wonders of living downtown... Can't wait!


Guest 20

David Kennedy on November 13, 2007, at 11:02AM – #21

Congratulations on your new home. It would be interesting to know as a new resident what you anticipate the wonders of downtown are. I've lived here ten years, so my list of wonders is long. But, it is always interesting to learn what excites others. Please do tell.


Guest 21

Dave on November 29, 2007, at 07:22PM – #22

Pull it together guys, Elevate is an exclusive lounge/club. The clientele are expected to look their absolute best. The space is gorgeous and I suspect from having been there and had a blast, that management expects the same from the visitors they do let in. Keep it on the up and up and I am sure you will be just fine. Contrary to popular belief it was packed last Saturday night with lots of beautiful model chicks.


Guest 21

Ginny on November 29, 2007, at 09:02PM – #23

Beautiful model chicks?

$20 cover?

Geesh.

I wanted to go, but no more. My insecurities and desire to spend my money on booze rather than the cover will keep me away.


Guest 22

crystal on February 15, 2008, at 01:42PM – #24

It's a Friday night and I wanna get assured access to Elevate without paying bottle service, so I booked reservations at Takami Sushi...but after reading these reviews, I'm worried I won't get in... What should I do?


Guest 22

emmy on February 21, 2008, at 08:46AM – #25

The louge, i agree ws very nice but the rent-a-cops in front were indeed asses! I was there Friday and it was cool but i rether burn money in hollywood and get treated with respect


Guest 22

Greg on April 21, 2008, at 04:38PM – #26

Why is everyone rushing to negativity. The place is well done, its on top of building, the service is above adequate and it's about having fun with friends. All of a sudden Downtown inhabitants are the new Hollywood pretentious and hyper critical? Go spend money, enjoy and partake in a good experience at night...


Guest 22

Norbie 7 on April 21, 2008, at 05:04PM – #27

Pray: let us birdies of a flock keep up with our nose exercises. Flaring one's nostrils IS important after all is said and done.


Guest 23

shai on August 14, 2008, at 03:33PM – #28

hey all im Promote event @ ELEVATE This WEDNESDAY So If u want 2 be on the guest list or get a bottle service plz contact me @

Cell- E-mail


Guest 24

Kezi on September 09, 2008, at 04:19PM – #29

"Well this place is by far the worst place I have been to. We were supposed to be there for a birthday and had contacted the manager in advance and he said everything was fine be there before 10pm to get in.

We get there and he is a complete asshole saying sorry too bad you can't get in you are too many people...we were 8 people and he ONLY allows us access to the restaraunt...REALLY we didnt want to be at the resto...we were there for the lounge and he FORBADE us from entering the lounge and embarassed us with everyone there especially security.

He said too bad your group is too big and I can't accomodate you...he was rude and obnoxious and it was horrendous. We were going to get a table and he wouldn't sell it to us..."sorry im booked" mind you the other manager told us if we got a table we would be able to get in. GET UR Stories Straight !!

There is a $20 cover per person which we didn't mind paying but the service was so bad, we were told to "Wait downstairs for an hour and I promise you still won't get in"- GREG

So we just left and went elsewhere with our guests. I Would not recommend this place to anyone....I SHOULDNT be forced to eat if Im not hungry...why am I gettin ultimatums to get into a lounge...really we can all live without going to Elevante or Takami sushi for dinner...there are so many other places with amazing service..."



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