by Carly M. on Generally speaking I am not a fan of Hollywood, long lines, rude bouncers, trashy underage girls with no brain, or overpriced drinks. So it is probably surprising that I even came to Drai's. It is, after all, a new club on Hollywood Blvd. and all indicators suggest it would feature all of the above items on my most-hated list. Well surprise, surprise, I stand corrected. DISCLAIMER: I came for "happy hour", which by LA Club standards means 7:00 to 10:30. Being a guest of the hotel I didn't have any trouble with velvet ropes or bouncers. Some friends who weren't staying at the hotel met me downstairs, and all of us were immediately shown to the elevator. Upon reaching the 12th floor, we found comfy seats by the outdoor firepit and took in the views of downtown LA. It was a beautiful night and I was impressed. The Happy Hour specials run from 7:00 to 10:00 (or maybe start at 6:00?) and include half-off well drinks and apps. We opted for a bottle of wine and none of us were hungry, so we didn't exactly reap the benefit of the specials, but it was nice to know they were there. The wine list was average, not horrible but certainly not impressive. Its jsut as well because the glasses were plastic (I guess they have to be, as we were technically poolside). Because it was early, there wasn't the typical Hollywood 21-year-old club rat types running around, and instead the crowd was more after-work professional and/or business traveler...my peeps! The scene was relaxed: fire roaring, sun setting, music mellow. Mmmm I could have stayed there all night (well, until the aforementioned teeny boppers with Popov and grenadine start running around in their Forever 21 outfits). Anyway, service was attentive and polite, but not pushy. Originally we'd been told that at 10:00 we'd be asked to leave as the line for Drai's would then be forming, but we were there close to 11:00 and no one ushered us away. Perhaps because we had an open bottle of wine? Who knows. Would come again. For Happy Hour, that is.
by Geri Cacatian on The food here is excellent! My roommate and I went and had the small meal which includes eight plates, but I was plenty full by the end of it. Our waitress was great, very friendly and very helpful. She talked me into trying the scallops and even though I am not really a fish person, they were delicious! Some stuff was better than others, next time I'll skip the heirloom tomato salad which was fine but it's $8 for a teeny tiny portion of greens and tomatoes. The standouts for me were definitely the scallops, venison and truffle macaroni. Even though the food was great, it is a expensive for what you get. I was annoyed when we were charged $8 for our Fiji waters and had to pay $14 for valet parking, which is a little expensive even by LA standards. Also, I think their white wine selection is lacking. This place is good but there is room for improvement, by showing a little more customer appreciation.
