There's a time for crazy dance parties with DJs and lasers, a time for arena shows with the most famous bands in the world, and then there's a time and place for those quiet singer songwriters who you know are really putting their hearts and souls out there in their understated performances. Room 5 is the place for the third time - the tiny space over a restaurant is dim, low, and provides very little seating space, particularly if you're not eating there. But it's worth squishing yourself against the back wall and buying a pricey cocktail to see some of the most talented artists in the area give their all! I love that this place exists to support the artists who don't necessarily make sense in the grungy Hollywood venues or divey clubs. Thank goodness for Room 5!
Review Source:I'm not the type to write reviews but after my experience this past Friday I feel offended enough to write one. I have come to room 5 a couple times before and always had a great experience there. The food is amazing and there is a comfortable relaxed feel to the room. I'm sad to say, the service is quite the opposite. There was this bartender with very short blonde hair and based on the smell of booze exuding from her mouth, I'd say she was quite drunk. She gave my friend the wrong drink twice and then, clearly annoyed, slammed the new drink on the bar. When I went to get the bill I saw that she had charged someone elses bill to my card. When I brought this to her attention, she tried arguing with me that it was indeed the right tab. After finally settling the bill situation, I quickly left. This place has such a cool vibe and really good food, but this rude drunk of a bartender is enough to keep me from ever going back.
Review Source:I've been meaning to go here for a while and I finally saw the Mots Nouveaux starring Emma Fitzpatrick. Only $10.
I love this place. It's a real listening room. Reminds me of what Largo used to be sans stars, food and half the size. It's really intimate. Maybe 50 people. Small stage. 4-5 players at most. But it's dark and intimate and they've got a decent sound system (though I think the board op had the band a little too hot considering they were going for a more acoustic vibe.)
This is the place to be if you want to be (awkwardly/uncomfortably) close to your favorite singer-songwriter. Room 5 is literally...a room. Above Amalfi. I've been here twice and decided against sitting in the first row of tables because it seemed unnatural that I could see the artist so clearly and vice versa. And with me at times being a bit too enthusiastic with my camera (sorry folks, yes i am one of THOSE people), I didn't want distract the performer with my incessant need to photodocument the night.
That being said, I do like this place!
Cover: Â reasonable...$10 both times I've come to see Javier Dunn and Greg Holden
Acoustics? Â Awesome.
Performers? Â Of the singer-songwriter type, as far as I can gauge. Very good.
Ambiance: Â Sexy good, dimly lit.
Chairs: Â Comfy. Good.
Food: Â Didn't try.
Drinks: Â Didn't try.
Parking: Â Street if you're lucky, valet for $5 if you're not.
This is a nice place to try if you're nearby!
(I rhyme, and I think that's fine.)
I've been here a few times, and enjoy the music. Â If you get there early enough, and plan to eat, grab the single booth in the back, which fits 6 comfortably. Â If you take the booth, you have to order food. Â The other red cushy chairs are also comfortable if you like to sit closer to the stage. Â The only reason it didnt get 5 stars was because the service was very slow. Â The food was great, because it came from Amalfi downstairs. Â The room only had one server and one bartender, which I think was the cause of the poor service. Â The atmosphere is great and if you're with great friends, the rest doesn't matter.
Review Source:this place has 2 floors, a restaurant on the bottom and a nice little lounge area on top. :)
the lounge part offers live music just to sit and enjoy (you need to check the website for music schedules) but yeah...you should come here to check out the cool local bands that are playing sometimes.
the bottom part is a full service restaurant with many good foods to choose from, they even have a wine bar with bartender there! so come and get ur wine on? ;p
i never ate at the restaurant, i mainly just came here to enjoy the live music they have here :)
I'm not sure what various forms of entertainment they may use, but I was here (randomly) on a Thursday night to see a comedy show...which actually was not half bad!
The room is small and the drinks are a little more on the expensive side, but the room definitely has a nice ambience.
Perfect for date night!
~ This review is for the comedy show~
Room 5 hosts what I would consider one of the absolute best comedy shows in Hollywood. The lineup is always phenomenal. The environment is classy, friendly, and affordable.
If you are looking for a great comedy show, but don't want to spend $45 at a famous club listening to 25 comedians do 4 minute sets about how they just broke up with their girlfriends, than check out Room 5.
Enjoy!
($10 door charge is fair, don't fight it)
Went to Room 5 with 3 friends after we saw the website stated that Sunday the 27th was open-mic night and admission is free. BUT the lady at the top of the stairs requested 6 bucks! She gave attitude when I mentioned the website clearly states FREE. I even double checked after we left and YES, website reads free open-mic night on Sunday the 27th. Who pays to watch open-mic night? Weird and dishonest
Review Source:Like:
- Red, sofa-like chairs
- Sophisticated (yet unpretentious) atmosphere
Dislike:
None
Note:
Came here for a live performance by Justis Kao (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DA5bE6loXbhY&s=277dc0d73a554a9b4c8aa1107509834d78c3c1d1a5bb0a5a4a3ce9329586ea11" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/w…</a>). Acoustics in here sounded surprisingly well, considering the small space. Street parking is free after 8 pm on weekends.
This is a cute little spot. It's very small, and the night I was there it was very quiet. It's sophisticated, not really a place to get trashed and rowdy. The food looked good but I'd already eaten.
No beer on tap, just bottled. Standard selection, nothing really special (Stella, Amstel, Heineken, Blue Moon, etc.).
Music Room = 4.5 Stars
Cocktails = Â Â Â 2.5 Stars
'scuse me, $17 for ONE Martini?'
"One Martini and a Soda."
'I didn't order a soda.'
'Sorry, let me give you $3 back.'
$14 for a Martini... And when I asked for twist, I wondered why the H the bartendress put in a lime. I also asked for it very dry. Said that twice, in fact. It was...passable. And Grey Goose should never just be passable.
Love the music room. Cozy, good sound, great talents. Odd thing I overheard though was the talent puzzling how the door was charging $8 a head, when she had advertised to her peeps it would be $5.
So, other than the money thing, and the slightly ponderous interpretation of a dry martini, I liked Room 5 a lot.
Came here with my favorite BAD GIRL to see a friend I originally met in the Bay Area to perform while on my way to Carlsbad for the weekend. Â It's a small area with low cocktail tables, hotel lobby-like chairs and one booth in the back. Â There were about 8-10 bar stools at the bar and an Absolut and Tonic ran as expected at $8 a pop.
I was so pleased to get a front row seat after the last act was finished. The rotation of seating is pretty good. Â From my only visit to this place, I assume it's common. People don't want to see ALL the performers, just a particular one.
This is one of my favorite places to see live music in Los Angeles. Â It's one of the best places to see ridiculously talented singer-songwriters in a very intimate venue. Â It seats probably about 30 people comfortably. Â There is very little room for standing, so you'll want to come early to get a table, especially if you intend to make an evening of it. Â
Overall, the acoustics are great and sound quality doesn't tend to be an issue except for the slight buzz that's been around for years (literally). Â Bring a sweater if you tend to get cold because the A/C does is usually turned up high early on. Â If the room gets crowded, it warms up quickly, though.
Drink service is hit or miss. Â Usually, it's quicker to get up and order at the bar than wait for someone to come around. Â However, this can be a challenge if it's crowded because the tables and chairs are pretty closely spaced.
Ultimately, Room 5 is one of the best places around to sit, relax, have a few drinks, and enjoy an evening of incredible music.
Post Hollywood Bowl show, found myself in the area so I popped on in for a drink and some dancing... there was DJ set called the "Getdownary" goin on. Â Had a really fun time for about an hour or so...
My overall impression, is that this would be a great place to meet up for a birthday party/get-together.. very intimate cozy room, big enough for about 20 people. Â The music was fun and energetic, but I guess it depends on the night. Â In our case we lucked out with DJs 3m and Tenderoni who played 80s and old school funk. Â
Warning: drinks are VERY steep, this is the reason I give 4 instead of 5 stars. Â Ordered a vodka gimlet, and was charged $12, and the drink wasn't particularly strong either. Â Cool place, great vibe, could definitely see myself going back... Â I just wouldn't order another mixed drink ;)
Room 5 Lounge is indeed a pleasant surprise. It is really small, cozy, and a nice place to have a drink and listen to some music.
The first time I was there was kind of confusing. It is on the second floor of a restaurant called Amalfi. It is really small inside, maybe fitting several dozen people. The ambiance is similar to a coffee shop and a small jazz room. It might be a little cramped. But if you find a seat, that should be no problem. So show up early.
There is apparently a 2 drink minimum, but they didn't really enforce it. I got a drink and some food and that was about it. They have a full menu filled with salad, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and a lot of appetizers. In addition to wine and liquor, the beer is only $5 regardless of time.
Parking-wise, it is easy to find street parking as La Brea is pretty dead most of the day and it is free after 7pm. Do not park here before 7pm because it is an ANTI-GRIDLOCK zone, and they will tow your car. If you do have trouble finding a place to park, the valet is around $5.
It is a nice place if you find yourself in Mid-City and wanting to listen to some upcoming artists. It is well worth it.
I went here to see my friend's band perform (EBM, they're amazing) and I completely fell in love with the vibe of the place. Â It's a bit out of the way for me so I likely won't hurry back unless they've booked another band I'd like to see, but it was really great. Â Comfortable, chill, great seating, great location.
Short and sweet review for a cozy, classy place!
Room 5 is a really cool little music lounge, mostly an acoustic, singer/songwriter vibe. In terms of mood and environment, I think it's most comparable to The Hotel Cafe. That said, while I would go chill at the Hotel Cafe regardless of who was performing, my attendance at Room 5 is really more based on the music.
That isn't really to knock the place, merely a statement that it's a very music-based room and you shouldn't expect to catch up with friends over drinks. Other than that, great spot, definitely recommended.
I came here to see my incredibly talented pal Dawn Thomas at Room 5 and I was immediately struck by the huge crowd spilling on to the stairs, everyone trying to get a glimpse at the performers on stage. ROOM 5 is actually above a more expensive, more formal looking bar restaurant and it has its own bar & food, the pizza smelled amazing.
We managed to snag a couple of open seats and I was really impressed with the acoustics and the sound quality in the room. Very intimate, but elbow room if the crowd isn't too crazy. If someone you enjoy is playing there, its definitely a perfect place to enjoy the sounds.
Went here last night to see a friend of mine sing. Nice little room created an intimate setting. It was an acoustic show which was fine. Have no idea what it would be like for a full band, probably pretty loud.
The reason I write this review was because of the Nano Burger. One of the best hamburgers I've ever had. Highly recommended. Drinks were overpriced but that's Hollywood.
Disclaimer: This review is only for the door staff as I wasn't even able to make it past them to see what the place is like
So the place is a little bit hard to find. It's located above the Amalfi restaurant and there's no direct entrance from the street. There's a gate downstairs that LOOKS like it could be the entrance but it's got a chain locking it up and a sign that says "Band members must use main entrance". I tried to ask 2 guys I saw standing on the inside of the gate if they could direct me to the correct entrance and all I got was silence and shifty eyes avoiding making contact with mine. Great! Thanks, you're so helpful! Luckily a woman on the street noticed my plight and showed me the way. What you have to do is just enter the little door for Amalfi and then you see stairs right in front of you that lead to Room 5.
So I walk up to the guy collecting money ($10 btw) for cover. I've got my cash already in hand and a friendly smile on my face. As I approach this dude I say "Hi!" Dude responds by glaring at me for about 2 seconds before asking "who are you here to see?" in the most uninterested monotone voice I think he could possibly muster. I got the distinct impression that if I answered him incorrectly he would roll his eyes at me and deny me entrance. Of course, the name of my friend's band completely eluded me at this precise moment so I told the guy my friend's name and that he plays drums but that I really didn't know the band's name and as expected the guy gave me nothing but attitude, ROLLED HIS EYES at me and gave me one of those "how the F--- would I know who your friend is" kind of grimaces. He finally admitted that he thought he probably knew which band it was but that they already went on and had finished their set. And then he just stared at me.....So not really wanting to pay this guy with the crappy attitude $10 to NOT see my friend's band and not to mention everything about the guy's demeanor screeeeeamed "why don't you just go away " I said "alright then! I guess I won't even bother" and turned around and left. I did not however turn around quickly enough to miss seeing the guy shrug his shoulders and say "alright" sarcastically. Wow, really? Wtf was up with this guy's serious lack of social skills? I was SO insulted and upset by what an absolute A-hole this guy was that I just drove my ass home instead of heading over to the party at Bigfoot Lounge.
Hopefully none of my friends ever play at this joint in the future because there's no way in hell I will ever go back. Hello, Room 5! Get a new door guy who isn't such a jerk!
I like the room, it's small and intimate and there's a nice bar out. There are large windows overlooking La Brea, which gives it a nice city vibe. The only qualm is the A/C which is practically on at full blast, I swear I lost an earring or two coming to these shows up here.
Anyway, they serve food as well, have a great singersongwriter circle where lots of good people come in to play.
Favorite place to see music....the way that it should be seen.
Monday night is the only night I go and that is to see the songwriters showcase. Every time I've gone I've seen a goose bump performances......mostly from unsigned, but should be signed artists. Rob Giles, Jay Nash, Meiko, Ernie Halter, Adrienne all amazing amazing artist that I stumbled across there.
The room probably only holds 40 people max so you will feel like you are part of it all.
Oh yeah the food is great too. I dream about the pumpkin ravioli.
I'd be there every Monday night if it weren't for the commute.
Room 5 is such a pleasant surprise! Â I loved the chill and relaxed vibe.
The crowd are there truly to enjoy the music of these fresh upcoming artists.
I honestly did not expect much going in and I left very pleased to have heard great music.
It is hard to find but knowing it's tucked somewhere adds to the charm ;-)
I absolutely love Room 5 as a great little venue to take in some wonderful singer/songwriter types in a relaxed setting. I've found some of my favorite L.A. area singers at Room 5 and end up going there pretty often because everyone is generally really good!
Like everyone is saying, it's upstairs from Amalfi, but street parking is really easy to find. If you're going to support an artist, definitely let the guy at the front know who you're going to see because I think it helps give them cred with the venue. Since it's so small and cozy, it's really easy to get great service, some pretty good food, and you can interact with the artists after the show (which is wonderful when you have hotties like Alissa Moreno performing). If you're press, they also let you come in without cover if they know you're legit. It looks a little unimpressive when you walk in, but once the singers start performing, you couldn't be happier about coming there.
It's so laid back, great, and a lot of fun. This is one of my true hidden gems and favorite places to go in L.A. for a fail-safe, great night of tunes.
-Small = cozy or claustrophobic, depending on your preference.
-It's a little hard to find.
-Walk into a restaurant and go up the stairs.
-Valet parking  available. (you can park on the street but please don't if you're a little girl and you're by yourself! Stranger danger!)
-You can sit or stand. Go early and sit at bar or around tables if you're short.
One Tuesday cold night, I was laying bed...watching She's the Man...so cute by the way...ready to fall into a deep sleep until I need to return to work the next day. Â I get a call from a lovely deep voice...it's Beefy!
He was going to support a friend who is playing there, I decided I would rather have rest...sooooo tired. Â He called later and updated me, "Looks like I will be sitting in." Â Huh? Â I couldn't miss my boy playing the drums. Â So I responded with, "I'll be right there."
I took Alex C. with me and we parked at the wrong address, hopped back in my car found the place and ended parking at the original spot and walking a couple blocks. Â We had a nice cold walk up the street.
Approaching the location, my friend exclaimed, "It smells like a church in here!!" Â It echoed into the second floor which was open where a chick was singing soft acoustic tunes...opps!
We walked upstairs and sat at the bar. Â This place is small, intimate, and cozy. Â The stage is small and wide enough for a full band. Â There are several round tables with lots of seating. Â The bartender kept telling us how amazing the food is. Â Not hungry, I ordered the creme brulee...it came out flaming... Â Trying to look hot and seductive, I blew it out slowly with a twinkle in my eye. Â I did put the whole thing down...and three days later I feel disgusting!!
Bushwalla got up on stage and wowed the crowd! Â My favorite lyric, "You gonna be gansta, gansta, with a basket on your bike." Â I think that is what it was. Â He was just plain GOOD, GREAT! Â FANTASTIC!!
After the show, my lovely drummer approached me and I couldn't stop smiling. Â He was like, "Cheeks, you are smitten." Â Oh crap! Â He found me out! Â I needed to play it cool. Â I was like, "Cool, talk to ya later."
So I left with my lovely friend Alex C. and talk about the show all the way home. Â I would definitely make a night out of it...just me, the bar, Room 5, and good music. Â Perfect Tuesday!
Hey Yelpstas,
Room 5 enjoyed my company last night for the first time. Singer/songwriting up & comers Jamie Cullum and Gabe Dixon joined together for a secret show. If you're a lover of really good piano players with butt-tons (technical term) of talent then check these guys out.
R5 is a small joint, but because the list was limited it wasn't too crowded. We grabbed a drink downstairs and headed up for the show. They serve food upstairs which is a plus, and I just ate at the bar.
I had the Sausage and Ragini pizza. It was seven phases of sweetness. Good pizza AND it came out fast. I'm anxious to try the others. And based on the rest of the room, several others thought pizza was a good idea too.
I heard they have a songwriter/singer jam-session in-the-round thing on Monday nights. I'll have to get back.
After the main show, local artist Gabriel Mann (sp?) and his band jumped on stage. He's also a good piano player and his bass player (Carson something) knows what he's doing on the 4 strings. Plus he nailed harmonies all night long. I'm sure they're on the myspace or whatever.
So, yeah, if you like good acoustic music and pizza check out Room 5.
Peace rockers.
Ben Blair, Done That.
Cool venue that books great music but with caveats:
It's above Amalfi on La Brea Blvd. Easy to drive by it (I certainly did the first time).
VERY small. Can get crowded to the point of claustrophobic. Try to get a table if you can.
COVER to get in plus 2 drink minimum.
One tiny bar + impossible to move = sometimes difficult to enjoy the awesome music because I'm trying to focus on breathing and seeing over some tall guy's head.
I don't have any friends, so I won't prevaricate and claim that I came to see them.
But I did come here to see a few bands play with whom I did not have relations, and they were excellent.
The space upstairs is nice, but kinda small and crowded. Â $8 cover to get in. Gin & tonic cost $7. Â Was relatively easy to find street parking, but my ass did arrive at 10pm.
I was just here last night, but never heard of it beforehand. Â My friend was doing stand-up and of course I came to support him. Â
Room 5 is upstairs a quaint little restaurant - but you wouldn't know it by passing by. Â The workers were really nice and friendly, but there was a $10 cover and the drinks were pretty pricey - $9 for a mandarin/soda. Â I guess I'm used to the westside cocktail prices ($6-7). Â The place was jam-packed and was standing room only. Â They need to get more seats in there!!! Â
The comic host, who looked like a brunette version of Conan O'Brien, wasn't very funny, although he did laugh at his own jokes. Â The comedians that were on last night were HILARIOUS, except for 1-2 people that made you wonder how they even got a gig there. Â
Oh yeah - park on the street - the valet was charging like $5.50 and there was tons of street parking. Â What's that about?
My friend + band rocked this place last night. Â It's a small joint, smaller than Tangier's music room, and way more comfortable. Â They actually had tables with seats for people to sit, what a concept.
Double gin rocks are 14 bucks, cover was 8, although you can just as easily walk in through the band entrance and nobody would notice. Â The strictly enforced 2 drink minimum was hardly that, but then again, I don't think any place enforces such a rule. Â I wish there was a bar that really did enforce a drink minimum, a 5 drink minimum, that would be fun. Â Amalfi valets, but there was plenty of street parking it being a Tuesday (acoustic) night. Â
Kudos to the cute bartender for the friendly pour.
The pizzas coming from Amalfi downstairs looked and smelled good, but again, no appetite = no food for me.
The sound guy was great, everyone came in clear.
I like superfluous paragraph breaks.
ROOM 5 Lounge is a cool little bar tucked upstairs above Amalfi on La Brea Blvd.
They offer an eclectic mix of upcoming artists, new music and comedy. Â I've seen a few of my friend's do stand-up here and it's quite intimate and loungy.
They offer a full bar and dinner menu (the calamari is a must!) and is open every night at 8pm.
GREAT place for private parties...we had a going away party here and it was just perfect...small enough so we didn't break our bank and large enough to accommodate our group!!