H Wood Nightclub...Like something out of a dirty Manhattan alley. Hidden from the streets of Hollywood Blvd., this nightclub radiates "come hither" -- from the lack of Hollywood newcomers, the loungy KCRDub-ish music on the first floor that keeps the rif-raft on the second floor and the late night treats makes this Hollywood hotspot my new favorite place in the City.
The short-lived Stork Lounge known for its iron-clad velvet rope and burly bouncers has been replaced with H Wood; a bar that’s, ironically, less Hollywood and more relaxed, despite the name. H Wood's two-story layout offers the best of both worlds: A quaint lounge for casual conversation downstairs and one of the most energized dance floors in town upstairs. The original industrial, art-loft design (made from antique salvaged bricks and windows from Andy Warhol’s factory in New York) is decked out with comfy, vintage brown leather couches and wood tables that cost most than a year's mortgage.
The ambience is meant to take clubbers to another era: Servers are dressed in Depression-era uniforms complete with suspenders and newsboy caps. The lounge is available for full and partial buyouts with a maximum capacity of
700. The decor is relaxed and eclectic: vintage chandeliers illuminate the indoor space and bounce light off the distressed leather couches and overstuffed chairs, old-fashioned portraits adorn the cement and brick walls, antique bookshelves decorate the open air patio and showcase used books and collectibles.
H Wood, the creation of Loyal Pennings, John Terzian and Brian Toll. These guys have put together what seems to be THE perfect balance of food, drinks and nightlife entertainment in one venue. With two floors of indoor and outdoor space, it’s best to start off with one of their signature characteristics, the food.
With the menu designed by Chef John Gladish, featuring fine cuts of meat (try the Kobe Flat Iron Steak), poultry and even vegetarian dishes, off the bat it may seem as though this place may be a bit out of your price range in the times that we’re in, but that’s where you’re wrong. The dishes are conceptually very casual and affordable, with a fresh selection of fine meat, poultry and vegetarian dishes meant for sharing. Menu standouts include the tender Kobe flat iron steak, served cut to portion sizes on skewers so as to make for easy snacking. The H Wood burger is a decadent combination of ground sirloin, baby arugula, Swiss cheese and the classic condiments served on a freshly baked brioche bun. The prosciutto and Asiago cheese Panini is a favorite, garnished with a fried egg and mixed greens.
