Beetle House LA’s Third Reincarnation Is the Best Yet

They say the third time’s a charm and I believe it’s true when it comes to Beetle House LA. The Halloween-inspired establishment has moved a total of three times since first opening in Hollywood in 2017. Its newest home is definitely bigger and better, and I have details and photos to share.

When Zach Neil took to social media during the summer to announce Beetle House LA was getting an upgrade, I was ecstatic. He teased that he finally had the means to design the space on a grander scale so it could be the ultimate goth club/entertainment venue/bar/restaurant he always dreamed of. Well ladies, gentlemen and all those in between, I’m here to report that he made his vision come to life. I visited the previous two locations and absolutely adored them because there wasn’t anything quite like them in Los Angeles. I thought the second spot was impressive and had no idea Neil had more in store.

The new locale opened its doors during late September. It’s right off of Hollywood Boulevard with its trademark Beetle House NY.LA neon sign glowing from the outside. At the entrance is an enclosed outdoor foyer where patrons can enjoy a cocktail while they wait to enter the main dining hall. A hostess dressed as if she popped out of a dark Alice in Wonderland storybook greeted guests. There was also a neat photo op in this area inspired by the Dante’s Inferno Room from the film Beetlejuice.

Once my name was called to announce my party could go forth, I braced myself to take in the scenery. The space is expansive, open and consists of two levels. There are two bars on opposite sides of the grand hall and a stage and dance floor smack in the middle. Seating and tables are arranged around the stage, and on a balcony overlooking it is a setup for the DJ with Oogie Boogie shackled to a steel gate behind it.

On the upper level is a gothic-inspired lounge area. While I was exploring, I even found a hidden staircase, which descended to another floor. I’m not sure what this room is being used for, but dark art lined the walls and there was a Nightmare Before Christmas prop on display. There were several different passages to walk through, and treasures concealed all-around, including more dark art pieces and décor.

The evening’s entertainment consisted of music numbers performed by Lydia Deetz and Beetlejuice who, I’m happy to say, is played by a woman. I love how Beetle House embraces gender fluidity and goes against gender norms when it comes to their characters. Sweeney Todd, the evil Red Queen from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and even Chucky from Child’s Play also graced us with their presence.

Now, the restaurant’s menu consists of a $55 three-course dinner titled “The Poltergeist Feast,” which includes an appetizer, main entrée, and dessert. Each section has different dishes to select from, depending on your preference. I started with the vegan Undead Arancini, followed by the salmon course Fish Boy, and finished with Oogie Boogie’s Cookies ‘N Cream to satisfy my sweet tooth. I should also mention that I ordered the Bio-Exorcism as a pre-dinner cocktail.

I relished my food and beverage, and I must say that the restaurant’s meal sizes were improved. Before, I felt like they were really big, and I would end up having a lot left over. This time, the dishes seemed better proportioned. My husband enjoyed what he ordered too, but he did mention to me that his Beetle House Steak was on the drier, overcooked side, so just be aware of that if you’re a red meat eater who’s particular about how your steak is prepared. If you have dietary restrictions, there are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

I can’t express how good and familiar it felt to be back at Beetle House while simultaneously experiencing an entirely new version of it. No matter where it has moved, I’ve always felt at home when I walk through its doors. I love that there’s a spot I can go where it’s Halloween year-round and that it’s a place other than my own lair. I’m already plotting my return and really want to check out the night club scene, which happens Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations aren’t required but recommended if you want to secure a table. In regard to parking, there are two public structures nearby that are decently priced and well-lit. I wanted to mention that because I know Los Angeles parking can be complicated.

If you’ve already checked out my previous two blog posts on the older locations of Beetle House or have visited those locales for yourself, tell me what you think of the changes!

Where to Stalk Beetle House LA

Official website

Facebook

Instagram