Nightlife

Nightlife

Do-Over

On May 20, 2007

 

The anti-Hollywood backyard boogie

  • Address: 1611 N. El Centro Ave. [ map ]

    Cross Street: Selma Ave.

    Neighborhood: Hollywood

    Phone: (323) 467-6600

    Hours: Varies; some days it opens at 3pm, other days 8pm

  • Cost: Free

    Tips: Even though Crane’s Hollywood Tavern serves only beer and wine, substitute Soju (a Korean wine) for vodka, rum or gin and you can still imbibe your fave cocktail.

After spending the weekend fighting the crowd to get into Les Deux or battling wanna-be starlets for the bartender’s attention at Parc, Do-Over is the Sunday sure-thing that guarantees a weekend happy ending.

Three years ago, promoters and DJs Jamie Strong, Chris Haycock and MC Aloe Blacc filled the void in Sunday fun with Do-Over, a Hollywood BBQ that's the antithesis of a typical night out in that neighborhood. To please the crowd of discerning musical palettes, mystery A-list DJs spin every Sunday until the final "Boo-Over" Halloween party. The legendary Stretch Armstrong was the first special guest on opening day, when host Strong shot-gunned Pabst Blue Ribbon on the dance floor. He's usually surrounded by a crowd that's as diverse as a Benetton ad: B-boys, bohemian beauties, the dreadlocked and the faux-hawked congregate outside for some serious dancing to reggae, salsa and classic hip-hop. (We often hear festive yelling: "Ohhhh s---! That’s my song!" is not uncommon.) Bamboo trees frame the small outdoor patio where buckets of beer and carafes of sangria top every table. Inside, those inebriated by 3pm sit in cozy booths and munch on burgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken sandwiches to sober up. Get there early so you can avoid the line that always stretches to the end of the block. —Stephanie Ocampo
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