Beetle House LA’s Third Reincarnation Is the Best Yet

Vamp Jenn at the new Beetle House LA
Vamp Jenn at the new Beetle House LA

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.

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REVIVE Circus & Dining Experience at Vibiana

REVIVE at Vibiana in Los Angeles
REVIVE at Vibiana

I recently stepped back into the Roaring Twenties during my time at REVIVE—an immersive experience that delivered astounding circus performances while guests wined and dined. The show had its final run this past weekend and, although I’m sorry to say it has ended for now, I wanted to share details and photos I took throughout the evening. It was a night filled with delightful libations, delectable food and dazzling entertainment. 

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Creepy Concoctions From the Beetle House Cookbook

Zach Neil's The Nightmare Before Dinner Beetle House Cookbook

I’ll be the first to admit that cooking is not my forte and I don’t do it often, but while brainstorming blog post ideas, I remembered I have a copy of The Nightmare Before Dinner: Recipes to Die For. It’s the official cookbook of Zach Neil’s Tim Burton and Halloween-inspired Beetle House! The book features dishes and cocktails straight from the restaurant’s menu so that anyone can introduce a bit of spooky spirit into their kitchen. I figured if I’m going to whip up something, it might as well be food that feeds my dark soul. It was also a great way for me to recreate the macabre atmosphere at home since the establishment is closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For the main entree, I tried my hand at the Alice in Wonderland themed Cheshire Mac and Cheese. And, because there’s nothing like a good apéritif to accompany a meal, I crafted The Beetle’s Juice cocktail.

Now, I must mention that since I’m not a food blogger, this post isn’t presented in the traditional format of a culinary blog post. I am going to include some details of the process, but this is more of a casual retelling of my macabre cooking experience. Enjoy! Continue reading “Creepy Concoctions From the Beetle House Cookbook”

Best Macabre Dining Experiences in Los Angeles

Photo by Aphiwat Chuangchoem

Options for wining and dining in Los Angeles are abundant, but what if you like your main entrée served with a side of horror and a dash of devilish spice? From frightful feasts and witchy lounges to haunted bars, there are plenty of spots that will satisfy cravings for ghoulish delights. To aid you on your quest, I’ve rounded up a list of some of the best macabre dining experiences in Los Angeles. Bon(e) Appetit!

Note (update as of 6/2021): due to COVID-19, not all the places on this list are open for business. Some may provide outdoor dining or take-out/ delivery options. The following is still a great reference to look back to when these dining spots reopen again!  

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Beetle House LA Revamps Its Look & Location

Beetle House LA
Beetle House LA

Any soul with a penchant for the strange and unusual has heard of Beetle House. Founder Zach Neil opened the first location in New York and brought it to the City of Angels in 2017. The restaurant and bar pay homage to the macabre and keep the spooky spirit alive year-round. All, from the ambience and décor to the menu and cocktails, is inspired by figures such as Tim Burton, Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker and Alfred Hitchcock. Horror, the goth aesthetic and the bizarre are exuded at each corner. Here, every day is Halloween.

Update as of 4/2021: after being closed for a year due to COVID-19, the restaurant is now open for indoor dining and is accepting reservations! 

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A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar

Imbibing in the Grey Witch potion
Imbibing in the Grey Witch potion

Located in Buena Park, California, is a cozy little sanctuary called The Cauldron Spirits & Brews. The witch-themed restaurant and bar welcomes guests to cross its threshold for  an enchanting evening of good food and divine drinks. If you’ve yet to visit, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at this delightful spot. Continue reading “A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar”

A Bar for Dark Souls: Beetle House LA

beetlejuice

Those living in the New York City area may already know about the hideout dedicated to all things spooky and Tim Burton – Beetle House. Creator Zach Neil decided to give the City of Angels a taste of this wonderfully macabre establishment (much to my delight) by opening what was supposed to be only a pop-up location on Hollywood Boulevard back in May of 2017. More than a year later, the joint is still open and going strong. I’ve had the opportunity to return to this niche a few times and want to share my experience for anyone curious to know more about it. Continue reading “A Bar for Dark Souls: Beetle House LA”