Idle Hour Bar in Los Angeles, CA

Located in Los Angeles, CA, Idle Hour is one of the last remaining examples of programmatic architecture in the city. The structure is shaped like a giant whiskey barrel and harks back to the automobile culture of 1920s Hollywood. It was designed to be eye-catching enough to draw patrons in during their ‘idle hour’. Now, it serves as a unique and nostalgic bar and event venue. The Space The interior of Idle Hour offers a one-of-a-kind setting for stylish events. The circular layout makes guests feel as though they are celebrating inside a wooden barrel. Spotlights showcase the rich wooden walls, bar areas, and furniture throughout the space. An open-air garden area also houses a further architectural oddity. Known as the Bulldog Cafe, this pipe-smoking bulldog structure offers another slice of whimsical nostalgia and adds to the aesthetic of this venue. The Experience Idle Hour seeks to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests to gather and relax. Multiple bar areas provide ample opportunity for attendees to sample the wide selection of libations on offer. An extensive draught beer menu is available, along with music-inspired cocktail creations. A sophisticated food menu provides an array of gluten-free and vegetarian offerings to choose from. The Story Established in 1841, Idle Hour achieved landmark status as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2010. It stands as a symbol of the spread of LA’s car culture which began in the roaring 20s. Businesses began designing their buildings to reflect their services to entice passing motorists, and so the era of programmatic architecture was born. As the last of its kind, this establishment serves as a nostalgic remnant of an important era in LA’s history.