Decked with ornate Bavarian décor, Medusa Lounge opened its dungeon-like, brass-knobbed doors in early January 2008. Formally known as the German restaurant and pub, Lowenbrau Keller, the venue continues to preserve the elaborate Old World décor just as original owner, Hollywood set-designer George Eder, intended.

Gloriously Gothic with dark velvet drapes, stone-vaulted ceilings, expressive gargoyles, intricate chandeliers and stained-glass windows – the space transports patrons away from Old Filipinotown and into a surreal medieval world.  And instead of the Bubonic plague and feudal serfdom, there are DJs, fusion food, and fancy martinis.

In keeping with the German theme, the collection of foreign beers is dispensed from a row of faux vintage barrels and is best served with their traditional bratwurst entrée. That’s the extent of the German influence, the rest of the menu is full of American fusion gourmet.  Think everything from sweet potato fries to gnocchi.  Try the garlic shrimp in wine sauce appetizer for starters – subtle and light and great to start the meal.  Pair the lamb chop on the creamy celery mash potatoes with a Pomegranate martini and maybe your meal will be as satisfying as ours.  There is an all-day Happy Hour on Tuesdays and every non-Tuesday boasts a Happy Hour from 5pm to 8pm. This means half-off the Lounge Menu and $4 well drinks.

Stay tuned. The parking lot will soon is made into an extension of Medusa Lounge to make room for a nightclub section.  – Josephine Vu