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The Dresden
Master Critic Review
The Dresden
7.9
Iconic Los Feliz supper club since 1954 serving classic prime rib and steaks in oversized white leather booths. Live jazz nightly and famous Blood & Sand cocktails transport you to Old Hollywood glamour, though food quality plays second fiddle to vintage atmosphere and entertainment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Prime Rib, Hand-Carved Ribeye, Tomahawk Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: LA's oldest family-owned restaurant serving prime rib with nightly live jazz
Who should go: Old Hollywood romantics, live music lovers, Swingers movie fans
When to visit: Wednesday-Saturday evenings for live jazz and full atmosphere
What to order: Bone-in prime rib, Blood & Sand cocktail, wedge salad
Insider tip: Featured in Swingers; Marty & Elayne performed here for 40 years
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant off Normandie, street parking available. Lot fills up by 8pm on jazz nights.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think date night attire. Jeans ok if paired with nice top, but most guests dress up for the vintage vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud when live music plays - can still converse but expect to lean in. Quieter before 9pm.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, especially with live music. Book ahead strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 3-4 options including salads and sides. This is a classic steakhouse, not vegetarian-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited - can accommodate with advance notice but options are basic (side vegetables, salad without cheese).
Gluten-free options: Some options available - steaks and prime rib are naturally GF, ask about preparation. No dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress with a unique, romantic setting. The live jazz and vintage vibes create natural conversation starters. However, it can get loud during performances, so consider arriving before 9pm if you want easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or if you arrive early (before 7pm), but risky on weekends when live music plays. Bar seating is usually available for walk-ins. For the full booth experience, reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - it's a late-night supper club atmosphere with live music until 1am. Better for teenagers (16+) who can appreciate the retro vibe and stay up late.
How much should I budget per person? Expect $60-80 per person with appetizer, entree, and 1-2 cocktails. Prime rib is $38-48 depending on size. Budget more if ordering multiple Blood & Sand cocktails ($16 each).
What time does the live music start? Live jazz typically starts around 9pm Wednesday through Saturday. Check their schedule as performers and times can vary. Arrive by 8pm to get settled before the music begins.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for vintage atmosphere, live entertainment, and Old Hollywood nostalgia. Choose The Dresden when the experience and ambiance matter more than cutting-edge cuisine. Perfect for celebrating milestones or impressing out-of-town guests with authentic LA history.
Skip if: You're a serious foodie focused on culinary excellence over atmosphere, need extensive vegetarian options, want a quiet intimate dinner, or are on a tight budget. Also skip if you're not into retro vibes - the 1950s decor is polarizing.