For years, I’d throw a birthday party for myself each November, each time picking a new bar. I wasn’t exclusive in these affairs, usually inviting 100+ people and expecting half of the invitees to flake (as is common in Los Angeles). But still, I always wanted to find a place that could house a huge party if everyone did decide to come. The goal was to have each year feel like the end of Big Fish, where all of the characters from the fantastical story actually show up to pay respects. The extended cast of weirdos from my life, all meeting in one big circus, filling in the blanks of years of stories told— with me as the conduit. My 21st was at The Monty, my 23rd at The Prince, but it wasn’t until I turned 26 that I tried Edendale.
Edendale is an unassuming piece of Rowena that looks like a private residence from the street. The patio goes right up to the sidewalk, but the front face, covered in foliage, creates an air of privacy at the entrance. Behind a large cover of bushes and ferns, the property extends far into the back.
Inside, an oversized lobby leads to two rooms— a dining room, and a huge, long bar that spans the entire depth of the restaurant. Beyond that is the real gem of Edendale, a covered outdoor patio that is quite large (and smoker friendly).
This all encompassing layout is what gives Edendale it’s charm, along with the beautiful assortment of off-beat wallpapers and plentiful dark wood furniture. You can start your party small, having dinner in the dining room with a few choice pals, then gradually spill into the bar as more people arrive. When all the freaks from your life emerge in the night, you can take over the entire back patio! It’s not uncommon to see two big parties overlap at Edendale— a treasured event, as LA can really feel like a small town when two birthdays collide.
Edendale was originally the fire station for Silverlake and Echo Park back in 1924, but it wasn’t a restaurant until 2002. I’ve been to many a party here, including a wedding, a birthday brunch, and a movie premiere where they projected a film on a sizable wall mounted screen on the back patio. The bar is most known for its huge selection of alcohol, with nearly any flavor of spirit available behind the bar, but without the high price that most LA bars are able to gouge from their patrons. Because of this, it’s pretty easy to get absolutely tossed at Edendale.
They’ve got an in house menu of cocktails that changes occasionally, but I recommend you try the Mezcal Provencal. Orange Wine, Mescal, cherries… it’s sweet, not too sugary, and WAY too easy to drink. They also make a mean Old Fashioned. The bar menu is great, too— I suggest the burger and fries, fish and chips, or mac and cheese. If you sit down for dinner, more options open up, including steak, pasta, mussels, the works. It’s not the best food in LA, but it’s far better than most bars, and the classics really hit. Plus, the kitchen closes late, which comes in handy if you’ve had one too many and need to sober up with some garlic fries. A bonus for those with dietary restrictions: Edendale has a very vegetarian friendly menu.
On my 26th birthday, all hell broke loose as everyone I know and love really did show up, just like in the movie. A bundle of gifts began to pile up and I hid them in a potter in the backyard, nearly spilling my 5th, 6th, or 7th Mezcal all over myself. Soon after, as more cavalry arrived, I walked past the bar in a drunken stupor and could name each and every person I passed. In that moment, Edendale had given me the true feeling of community in Los Angeles— something that’s hard to find even for a born and raised Angeleno.
Edendale 2838 Rowena Ave Los Angeles, CA 90039 M-F 5PM - 12AM Sat 11AM - 3PM, 5PM - 2AM Sun 11AM - 3PM, 5PM - 12AM
$$
Parking: Street (digital meter + neighborhood)
My order: Burger & Fries, Old Fashioned
Pro tip: Edendale has one of the best happy hours in town. On Mondays from 5p-10p: $5 for bar snack options, $7 for well drinks.
Pairs well with: Blairs (.1 miles), Magpies (.5 miles)