Walk down Harlem Place Alley in DTLA and you might think you’ve taken a wrong turn into a service entrance. It’s gritty. It's narrow. But then you see the velvet rope and the heavy doors, and suddenly you're descending into a subterranean world that feels like a fever dream co-authored by Nikola Tesla and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Edison bar downtown Los Angeles isn't just another cocktail lounge; it is a literal power plant converted into a cathedral of Industrial Gothic design. Honestly, in a city that tears down its history every twenty minutes to build "luxury" condos, the fact that this place exists—and still feels cool—is kind of a miracle.
The Higgins Building basement used to house the city’s first private power plant. We're talking 1910 tech. After decades of sitting as a flooded, forgotten ruin, Andrew Meieran spent years (and a massive amount of money) breathing life back into the iron and brick. It opened in 2007, right when Downtown was starting its "renaissance," and while many of its contemporaries have folded or rebranded, The Edison remains. It’s heavy. It’s dark. It smells like expensive bourbon and old secrets.
The Industrial Ghost in the Machine
Most people go there for the drinks, but you're really going for the architecture. You’ve got these massive generators—the original ones from the early 20th century—sitting right in the middle of the lounge areas. They aren't replicas. They are hulking masses of iron and copper that once lit up the skyline.
Design-wise, it’s a masterclass in what we now call "Steampunk," though Meieran might prefer "Industrial Cathedral." You descend a grand staircase into a space that feels cavernous yet intimate. There are multiple "nooks"—The Tesla Lounge, The Embroidery Room, The Music Hall—each with its own distinct vibe. It’s the kind of place where you expect a silent film to be playing on the walls. Mostly because there usually is a silent film playing on the walls.
A dress code that actually means something
Look, DTLA can be casual to a fault. You can walk into most high-end spots in a hoodie and sneakers these days. But The Edison bar downtown Los Angeles traditionally maintained a "Dress Code for the Discerning." They want you to try. No flip-flops. No athletic gear. While they’ve loosened up slightly over the years to accommodate the shifting culture of the 2020s, the "Old World" vibe still thrives when the crowd leans into it. If you show up looking like you just came from the gym, you're going to feel like a glitch in the Matrix.
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What to drink when you're underground
The menu leans heavily into the classics, which makes sense. You don't come to a 1910 power plant to drink a neon-blue vodka soda. You come for the The Edison, their signature take on a bourbon cocktail, or perhaps a stiff Old Fashioned.
The mixology here isn't just about the alcohol; it's about the era. They have a legit Absinthe service. If you’ve never seen the ritual of the sugar cube and the cold water drip, it’s worth the price of admission just for the theater of it.
- The Mistress: A spicy, floral concoction that usually wins over people who "don't like gin."
- The 1910: Smoked and sturdy. It tastes like history.
- The Green Fairy: Authentic absinthe served with the traditional fountain.
The prices are "Los Angeles prices." Expect to pay $18 to $22 for a cocktail. Is it expensive? Yeah. But you're paying for the fact that you're sitting in a multi-million dollar restoration of a historical landmark, not a strip mall bar.
The "Green Fairy" and the live performance factor
Entertainment here is... weird. In a good way. On any given night, you might see a lady walking around with a tray of absinthe (the Green Fairy herself), an aerialist hanging from the ceiling, or a live jazz band that sounds like they were transported via a wormhole from 1925.
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It gets loud. It gets crowded. On Friday and Saturday nights, the dance floor in the back area turns into a sea of people trying to do the Charleston (or at least a modern, sweaty version of it). If you want a quiet conversation, go on a Wednesday. If you want to feel the energy of a city that's finally woken up after dark, the weekend is your bet.
Why some locals have a love-hate relationship with it
Let’s be real. There’s a segment of Angelenos who think The Edison is "too touristy" or "too much of a scene." And sure, it’s featured in every "Top 10 Things to do in LA" list. That draws a crowd. Sometimes the line at the door is annoying. Sometimes the service can be slow when the room is at capacity.
But here’s the thing: those critics are usually the same people who complain that LA has no soul. The Edison is all soul. It’s a preserved piece of the city’s industrial backbone. Even the "touristiness" of it is a testament to how unique it is. You can find a speakeasy in any city. You can only find a 1910 power plant bar in DTLA.
The logistics of a night out
Parking in Downtown is a nightmare. Always has been, always will be. There are lots nearby on 2nd and 4th streets, but they'll charge you $15-$30 depending on the night. Just Uber. Or take the Metro to Pershing Square and walk a few blocks. It saves you the headache of navigating one-way streets while looking for a spot that isn't a "tow-away zone" after 10 PM.
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The real history you won't find on the menu
The Higgins Building, which sits atop the bar, was the brainchild of Thomas Higgins, an Irish immigrant who made a fortune in mining. When it was built in 1910, it was the height of luxury. The basement power plant wasn't just for show; it provided electricity to the building and surrounding area.
When the building fell into disrepair during the mid-century decline of DTLA, the basement flooded. When Andrew Meieran first explored the space, he reportedly had to use a raft. They had to pump out millions of gallons of water and sludge before they could even see the floor. That level of dedication to a "bar project" is insane. It’s why the metalwork looks the way it does—it’s not "distressed" by a designer; it’s actually aged by time and water.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to The Edison bar downtown Los Angeles, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to actually enjoy the experience:
- Check the Calendar: They often host private events or "themed nights." Check their official site or social media before you head out to make sure they aren't closed for a corporate party.
- Arrive Early or Late: The "sweet spot" is right at opening (usually 5 PM or 7 PM depending on the day) or after 11 PM. The 9 PM to 11 PM window is when the line is longest.
- Dress the Part: You don't need a tuxedo, but throw on a blazer or a nice dress. You’ll get better service, and honestly, you’ll feel like you belong in the space more.
- Explore Every Room: Don't just sit at the first bar you see. Walk all the way to the back. Look at the boiler rooms. Check out the vintage artifacts tucked into the corners.
- Order Food Early: Their kitchen is surprisingly good—think "elevated pub fare"—but they often stop serving food well before the bar closes. The sliders and the truffle fries are the standard go-tos for a reason.
- Watch the Stairs: This sounds stupid until you've had two Old Fashioneds and you're trying to climb out of a dimly lit 1910 basement in heels. Grip the handrail.
The Edison isn't just a place to get a drink. It's a reminder that Los Angeles has layers. Beneath the concrete and the traffic and the new construction, there’s a heavy, metallic history waiting to be stepped into. Whether you're a local who hasn't been in years or a visitor looking for the "real" DTLA, it remains one of the few spots that actually lives up to the hype.