THE PARKER ROOM
A HOLLYWOOD CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR WITH HISTORY

Hollywood is filled with lore and great stories of days gone by. Back in the day, stars shined brighter than ever—onscreen and in beloved venues where icons made history. Now, The Parker Room, a new bar and lounge on Vine Street, is channeling the spirit of famed jazz pioneer Charlie Parker and other luminaries.

Located next door to Peruvian fave Los Balcones, the intimate space that is The Parker Room is the original location of one of the country’s hottest jazz clubs, Billy Berg’s where jazz icon Charlie Parker played his first ever West Coast show.

Billy Berg's was said to be one of the first jazz club in the country to allow African American and white musicians to play together on the same stage. The legendary Billie Holiday once threw an extravagant New Year's Eve party at the club in 1949. Decorated with mementoes and album covers from Charlie Parker’s career, as well as other jazz pioneers, including Ray Charles and Miles Davis, The Parker Room aptly pays homage to a bygone era.

Step inside The Parker Room and escape busy Vine Street and bask in an intimate bar where getting away and enjoying good music and cocktails is what it’s all about. A full bar menu features specialty craft cocktails named after Parker and albums of that era, including Night in Tunisia and The Yard Bird. Delectable menu items from the kitchen include The Billy Berg’r and pan-seared brussel sprouts, making The Parker Room a perfect place to relax, enjoy happy hour, have a light dinner, or drink with friends until closing time.

I highly recommend the Dizzy G. Old-fashioned made with Old Overholt, organic agave, angostura/orange bitters and garnished with an orange peel. The cocktail is solid and very pleasing—talk about a great starter or just make it an Old Fashioned kind of night.

Likewise, the Night in Tunisia with Bayou Spiced Rum, homemade chica morada, organic agave, pineapple and lime is very refreshing. A little sweet, the drink is well balanced enough that it’s not too sugary but rather a nice libation.

Since the bar does share kitchen space with Los Balcones, a delightful pisco cocktail found its way to the menu as the 1360 Pisco with Huamani Pisco, egg whites, lime and simple bitters is a winner for anyone who appreciates a fine pisco sour.

The Parker Room features live jazz music every Tuesday from 8:30pm to 11:30pm and offers Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. Operated by hospitality veterans Sam Martinez, David Allen, and Jorge Rodriguez (owner of Los Balcones), The Parker Room features good bites (tacos and wings), as well as cool cocktails that get the job done if you’re looking to relax and indulge in a good time.

The Parker Room is located at 1358 Vine Street in Hollywood. Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm to 12am; Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 2am.

Story and Photography by Jose Martinez

Some Photography Courtesy: The Parker Room