Since opening its door in November 2004 with a secret show by The Killers, this sleek, modern boite has become a playground for young Hollywood pros and the celebrities they worship.
When the venue was first established in 1922, legend says that the Montmartre Café was where the term "see and be seen" was coined. That motto still holds true for today's Montmartre Lounge, home to Leonardo DiCaprio's Aviator premiere party, Alicia Keys' Grammy after-party and more.
Though the multi-roomed playpen is located on the opposite corner of the Hollywood & Highland complex, the Montmartre Lounge is hard to find. The front entrance is completely blacked out and the sign is an "ML" painted on the small, white awning. (Enter around the corner on Highland Avenue and climb the spectacular staircase to get inside.) Even on the colorful, candlelit balcony, which serves as an outdoor lounge and the path inside, the hustle and bustle of Hollywood Boulevard already feels miles away.
Two lounges are decorated with brown velour couches, a VIP section is outfitted with white vinyl seats, and on the large dance floor we once spied Efren Ramirez, who played Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite, showing off his theatrical dance moves to 50 Cent. That's hot. —Alexandra Le Tellier
The Scene
Under a discreet white awning bearing only a simple insignia, stiletto-strutting starlets ascend a fairy-tale staircase. This nightclub was actually the first ever in Hollywood, opening its doors in the '20s to such legends as Howard Hughes and Clark Gable. A complete renovation uncovered an immaculate two-story space of multiple dance floors, three bars, a cushy lounge area and an outdoor smoking patio. Elite revelers seek refuge in the club's VIP room, which is outfitted with its own dance floor, ultra-white lounge area and balcony overlooking the action downstairs.
When To Go
Try to get in line by 10pm to avoid the lines but not be the first one on the dance floor.
Look Good
Don't get too dressed up; guys should wear a cool pair of jeans, not pleated pants.
Parking
Park across the street at Hollywood & Highland--it's cheaper and faster than the club's modest valet service.
Know Before You Go
If you don't make it in, consider nearby Level 3, which has an easier door policy.
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