So first on my list when coming to visit LA for the first time five years ago was The Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip. If you’ve seen the video for Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain you’ve seen the Rainbow Room. This place is my teenage dream come true. Let me count the reasons why.
1. The people here really and truly think that it’s still 1988, like, they reeeeally do. I can only assume that they’re all still wearing the same clothes they did back in 88 because I can’t imagine any store selling them today. Leather pants, head bandanas, and guys with artificially curled hair, oh man it’s great.
2. The food is awesome. The pizza always comes out super hot, so watch your tongue on that one. I had the cheese ravioli last week and it was the best cheese ravioli I’ve ever had, by far. The Girl got the spaghetti in marinara, and I’m 95% sure there was clam sauce in there, ie not veggie friendly. The wait for the food seemed like forever, but it did look crazy busy and I’m pretty sure the busboy going around clearing random tables while people were still eating only made the situation more confusing.
3. Famous people. Ok, formerly famous. If you’re under 30 you probably won’t be too starstruck here, but if you’re early to mid 30’s you can have a field day. The first time I came here I saw Billy Sheehan, former bassist to Mr. Big sitting in a booth with girls on either side of him. He noticed me noticing him, and then started singing out loud, for all to hear: “I’m the one who wants to be with youuuu.” I don’t think he was singing it to me (I hope) but that was a little sad so I had to leave. Apparently Billy is allllllways there and was there again the next time we went. Also there the second time we went: Ron Jeremy. Yes, as long as he doesn’t touch my food that’s a cool celeb encounter. Third time I went there, last week, Lita Ford. That’s just great.
So I recommend it for all of the above reasons. Don’t go there in a hurry to eat, because you’ll be waiting forever. Don’t order the spaghetti and marinara if you’re a vegetarian because there’s probably clam sauce in it. And don’t go there to watch the stars if you’re under 30. Do go there when you have people visiting from out of town and convince them that your life is just like one long night at the Rainbow Room.. that’s what LA is really like isn’t it?
Billy Sheehan, Ron Jeremy, and Lita Ford
