by J H. on Lavo is the quintessential "hot new spot where everyone has to go," but really... it isn't anything special. If you want Italian food, you can get just as good and better Italian food at other places around the city. If you want ambiance, there are better spots around the city as well. This place gets its hype because it's affiliated with Tao and all of the Las Vegas predecessors. It's a good restaurant in the grand scheme of things, but it's not worth all the hype and all the price. I waited 50min to get seated and had to deal with maitre'd Christian at the door, who had zero people skills and really couldn't care less because I wasn't an A-List guest that they were expecting. He was rude and a bit obnoxious. I do have to admit that the cocktail waitresses and the other hostesses were very nice, but management is key at a new establishment. If you're putting this guy upfront to greet your guests, maybe management as a whole doesn't really get it. All in all, the food was good, the ambiance was good. However, I wouldn't recommend it. You can do better at A LOT of other NYC places
by Lucien Kida on This place is GORGEOUS. If you are all about atmosphere like I am, this is the place to go! Be warned: DRESS CODE! Make sure you look up the dress code before you go. My girlfriends and I went for the 35 cent martinee happy hour on Wednesday and she almost didn't get in because she had on jeans - even though they were really nice. A guy behind us didn't get in at all because he was wearing jeans. I remember looking at the dress code and it mentioned something about males having to wear leather shoes, so I'd definitely go look it up and pay attention to it. They don't mind turning people away, because they have others dressed right to let in. The famous 35 cent martinee Wednesdays are a little decieving... You go in and you get one voucher for one martinee - and they are pretty disgusting if you ask me. You don't get your choice of martinee's it's just one straight Vodka and Vermouth martinee with 2 olives. You can ask for a side of olives if you always need extras like me, but I'm just not into the straight heavy drinks like that. I don't care if they are 35 cents. The food happy hours is great though - $5 for a delicious grilled cheese and sweet potato fries! It was very beautiful and there were definitely some pick-ups happening all around us - so if you're into atmosphere and you don't mind dealing with dresscodes and exclusiveness - then definitely check this place out... If you're living in LA this is a must-go - atleast once!
by Vincent Buono on The Great American Music Hall hasn't let me down once when it comes to enjoyable and intimate shows. The feel is elegant and welcoming. I will never forget how thoughtful the workers are. I was unfortunately stranded in front of their venue once and they invited me to a complimentary Juice Squeeze (the staff enjoys them with Smirnoff ;p) as I desperately searched for a ride. They didn't leave until an hour after closing time (when they were anxiously about to leave), waiting with me for my friend to pick me up. GAMH is a dark and handsome dream that resides beside a strip club. Mm.
