WEST HOLLYWOOD WELCOMES ELEVEN

*A Note for visitors directed here through Eater L.A.

The text that Eater L.A. highlighted on their site does accurately sum up my musings on Eleven. I do hope that readers will read the full post here, including the fact that I chalked up my impressions to the overwhelming demands and pressures of a venue's opening night (even for a "soft" opening). It would be unfair to make such a summary judgment and I do not wish to be viewed as having done so. I (I'll only speak for myself) did indeed feel an "aloof and unwelcoming" vibe from the staff that evening (not just from the obligatory door man) and we did not feel compelled to hang out or even order a drink. I think that Eleven is unique and their identity should solidify soon. I look forward to returning later when they've had a chance to
forge their routine. I also hope that staff jitters will dwindle and their patrons will be treated to a unique and exciting West Hollywood nightclub experience. Here is the original post:



From Eater L.A.


BREAKING: Eleven Opens TONIGHT!

Break out your best H.R. Pufnstuf and Sleastak impressions: Sid Kroft's ELEVEN opens TONIGHT. A tipster writes in:

"I've heard from a very reliable source there's a soft opening tonight starting at 5:00 pm with cocktails and limited bar menu. Also a performance at 11:00pm

We hear it's open on Saturday night, too. A two-night soft opening two days before you open? That's so ballsey we can barely contain ourselves. And what of that "performance?" It is Grammy weekend so it can be just about anyone.
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Well, we didn't see a single Sleastak searching out precious human life forms or Witchiepoo searching behind the bar for a magical talking flute, but there was a decent turn out for Eleven's inaugural night on Friday. We headed there for a drink after dinner and found ourselves stuck on the sidewalk as part of the inevitable "for show" line while others cut in or flirted past. The door muscle finally chose to let our group in, except for a buddy and myself, effectively breaking up our small party. We were left standing on the less desirable side of the door, forcing our friends to garner help from the inside.

There appears to be numerous elements to Eleven designed to entice including inventive water and fire features and hydraulic tables that lower at eleven to transform the space into a nightclub. A lofty stage can accommodate a DJ or live music set against a backdrop of Santa Monica Blvd. It sounds ambitious, teetering to the point of Las Vegas. All of these elements however, are subtle and meld into the warm space instead of forcing high-tech gimmicks in its patron's faces. Natural materials abound and there are no hard-edged industrial materials. A friend described the interior as less "Disneyesque" as other establishments in the area like the Abbey.

Eleven's interior is cozy and warm but the flow of the space is slightly clunky. The downstairs bar dominates, creating a ring of people pushed to the perimeter. The upstairs level is surprisingly large and appears to be the place to score a table and settle in. Tables, surprisingly, were not in short supply as the crowd waned after the performance. I don't think the kitchen was open for this evening so I didn't get a preview of what is to be offered.


A troop that can best be described as a goth, burlesque circus group paraded through while paying homage to a acrobat performing on a ring above the crowd. What detracted from the fun was the frenetic and ineffective crowd control techniques that bordered on shoving. They would do well to devise some sort of non-human barriers that do not command your attention and instead let the performance be the focus of the crowd.

The stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard Eleven calls home is prime Boy's Town real estate but who exactly it aims to cater to seems mysterious. Its style sits 180 degrees away from that of neighboring siblings. Its operation and atmosphere seem more appropriate for a venue on the Strip. The vibe emanating from the crew on this particular night felt uncomfortably aloof and unwelcoming which doesn't blend in to the neighborhood. Boy's Town establishments (the ones who endure) typically range from "casual" to "frat boy" with an emphasis on the "boy". Potent drinks and cruisability (I think I made that up) take precedence over pretentiousness and high style. All of this makes me wonder if Eleven is going to nestle comfortably into the neighborhood or if it will design its own unique landscape.

I personally see it as being a welcome option to the West Hollywood dining and nightlife choices and eagerly await an opportunity to experience a dinner there. I'll chalk up my first impression to the pressures of a new venue welcoming crowds in on opening night. I do hope the owners examine its modus operandi and adopt a manner that doesn't put off the denizens of the neighborhood. It won't take long to see who is drawn to its doors and feeds its coffers.