I sauntered into The Derby Nightclub on the corner of Los Feliz and Hillhurst and almost immediately my body began to let me know that it was lacking the essential vitamins and nutrients found only in martinis. I had to act fast! Also it occurred to me that I don’t saunter nearly as often as I used to. It wasn’t hard to surmise that the Derby’s quintessential ‘bar’ vibe was to blame for my sudden cravings. I mean this is what a night spot is supposed to look like. From the centrally located figure eight shaped bar in the main hall, which boasts two comely towers ‘o booze, to the cool and cozy private booths and couches that line the walls, everything about the joint is a relentless reminder of why we put on our shiny shoes at night.
The building itself has been here forever, built in the late twenties it was originally a chicken eatery. Cecil B. DeMille snatched it up in the forties with the intention of turning it into another of his Brown Derby restaurants, which is what it was known as until 1960 when it became Michael’s. In ’92 The Derby Nightclub opened its doors and party goers across the southland saw that it was good.
In the mid to late 90’s you couldn’t mention The Derby without referencing the film ‘Swingers’. For me and my friends, being in our twenties and residing in southern California during the whole swing resurgence, The Derby emerged as the pinnacle of nightlife vogue. {Around this time it was actually voted ‘The coolest club in the world’ by hipsters in the know} The connection to ‘Swingers’ was so ingrained, one thoroughly expected to walk into the place and spy Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau chatting up some beautiful babies in the corner booth. Ten years removed from that epoch and swing music is no longer the main dish but one of many courses that comprise the clubs entertainment offerings.
I arrive early on battle of the bands night. The Flypaper Cartel are preparing for their set as a young Bob Dylan whines over the house speakers. I’m not really hungry but out of curiosity I peruse a menu from neighboring Louise’s restaurant which provides Italian fare to the Derby’s patrons until 10 p.m. As far as alcohol is concerned, my lovely cocktail waitress Jillian suggests to me that due to its eclectic crowd and the diverse nature of its featured bands, The Derby doesn’t really have a signature drink. But I’m sure that the big neon martini glass hanging high on the wall presiding over the festivities has swayed a reveler or two when faced with having to choose a libation. I give in and order a vodka martini straight up. I poo-poo the premium and opt for Stoli, so the ten dollar price tag does seem a tad high {can’t you purchase an entire bottle of Stoli for a saw-buck? Well I suppose you pay for the atmosphere too, right?} I notice a whole other area of the club that is closed off and empty. I’m told that this back bar is opened when the crowd is heavy, like on the weekends. It’s also used as a VIP lounge or for private parties. I peek in, very cool.

Coolness can’t be manufactured. The pretty people are fickle, a club might be the most awesome, hippest place on the face of the earth, but nothing gold can stay. Eventually the crowd’s gonna move on to the next great thing. Every once in a while a place transcends that formula and becomes a staple. The Derby is such an establishment. It hit some rough waters a few years back and was on the verge of closing its doors for good. But an outpouring of support from the community ultimately earned The Derby landmark status. In a city of a thousand bars The Derby still holds an honorable position right near the top of the ‘cool’ list, and from the looks of it, it ain’t going anywhere.
The Derby Nightclub is located at 4500 Los Feliz blvd. Los Angeles 323-663-8979