Beetle House – Los Angeles Tim Burton Bar!
Hollywood Blvd. is the perfect spot for Beetle House, a pop-up bar/restaurant inspired by the films of Tim Burton. It’s so popular, in fact, that restaurant reservations are all booked until it (hopefully) gets extended in September, so I sadly can’t review the food, which includes dishes based on Sweeney Todd and Edward Scissorhands.
Propose a Toast with the Most
The bar, however, is open for walk-ins and serves specialty drinks inspired by the likes of Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland and Beetlejuice, in addition to having a full selection of typical libations. The lights are kept low, with fake cobwebs and purple LED strands providing an eerie glow. Fan art based on Tim Burton’s filmography adorns the walls, some stand-outs (for me) include black-and-white portraits of Catwoman and the Penguin, a minimalist painting (and shoes) of Pee-Wee Herman, and 3D reliefs of evil Beetlejuice and a Sandworm. The music is generally alternative/emo/goth rock, which brought me back to the ‘90s, which I loved. However, in my opinion, the best part was having actors dressed up like characters from the films wandering through the bar and restaurant, interacting with the patrons. I got to take pictures with Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka the first time I went, and Beetlejuice the second. The actors are very well-done in terms of costume and staying in character. I loved it!
I think there is a lot more the place can do to add to the theme, but that might depend on if they get extended or find a permanent home in the location. The restrooms, for example, are left without a fitting theme. I think they have a goldmine of opportunities with the sculptures in Beetlejuice; they could use them as fun chairs! There was also a lack of some of Burton’s more current (and arguably less beloved) films like Alice in Wonderland, Dark Shadows and Miss Peregrine. I would’ve also liked more Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish and Mars Attacks. There was nothing (that I saw) from Ed Wood or Planet of the Apes (the later probably intentionally). To be fair, I suppose it depends on what fans create/donate to the venue. However, seeing all the fan art made me appreciate their creativity and want to come up with something of my own to contribute! I also am inspired to go again on a weekend evening – this time dressed up as a Burton character!
Here’s hoping they get extended or, better yet, a permanent residence so I can see how the place evolves. Squeezing in for a meal would be great. All in all, the bar is straight out of ‘90s Hot Topic, and it makes me yearn for Halloween.
Beetle House Los Angeles is located at 6356 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Special request reservations and last minute openings can be inquired about via their website at http://www.beetlehousenyc.com/la-reservations/ or by emailing reservations@beetlehousela.com
