bar & grills.

The Nacional

Expert Reviews of The Nacional

Citysearch | Old Havana-style lounge gets a sexy makeover in the heart of new Hollywood.

Sleek and sophisticated, the bi-level structure's design was inspired by the romanticized lore of pre-Castro Cuba. The upscale decor and attention to detail are striking: Travertine marble, ornamental...
citysearch.com - expert review - 06/28/2005
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User Reviews of The Nacional

Yelp.com Review - by James L.

2 of 5 stars. I don't know... I used to hit this spot up about a year ago. Maybe I've become disgruntled or disenchanted with the scene a bit, but this place doesn't seem to have the legs of its Hollywood brethren.…
yelp.com - user review - 05/28/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Evelyn B.

5 of 5 stars. I came here on a Wednesday, when it was open as TOKIO. I believe TOKIO is located elsewhere, but during reconstruction they hold their parties at this venue. We got here at around 11-11:30, and it…
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by alexia p.

2 of 5 stars. The club itself is well laid out; the interior design team that worked on it should give themselves a pat on the back. The staff is tight and on it. I'm sure everything I'm about to say negative about…
yelp.com - user review - 05/07/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Miss J.

2 of 5 stars. Two words: COED RESTROOM! I went with a group of friends for a birthday party. So we were on the VIP list. (didn't have to pay) We waited a good 30 minutes in the cold, came inside to find it dead.…
yelp.com - user review - 05/04/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jim D.

3 of 5 stars. I hadn't been here in a while but its still a great party. The crowd has changed a bit (haven't they all) but the drinks are strong and the girls are hot!!
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by carl t.

4 of 5 stars. BUSINESS: Nightclub FARE: Hollywood Front Line
yelp.com - user review - 04/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Eileen C.

4 of 5 stars. Hmm, not really understanding the negative vibe towards this place. Nacional was super chill. No line, no hassle, no cover. The music was the dependable top 40 hip hop/pop beats, everything predictable…
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Core L.

1 of 5 stars. when i went there years ago it was fun. i went there about a year ago and will never go back. it's trashy and expensive. we waited in line forever and were there before cover charge time and they…
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Rina C.

2 of 5 stars. The first time i went to this place i had a great time. Music was good, place wasn't too packed, and i met a lot of cool folks lounging around. The night started off slow, people didn't start…
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Stephen K.

3 of 5 stars. went there for Monday Night Social...good place to go and it just may be the only place to go in LA for good house music on a monday nite... pretty chill crowd and good vibe...the sun/mon crowds tend…
yelp.com - user review - 02/05/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Remy O.

3 of 5 stars. Drinks are ridiculously expensive here, and they won't give you tap water (well, you have smile real big), BUT, where else can you listen to awesome d&b for free in a nice environment? The upstairs…
yelp.com - user review - 12/24/2007
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Small, Cramped, Bad Sound System, Stingy Drink Policy, Not Recommend for group Parties

Imagine your company or school decided to throw an event at a club. All of your friends are going and there's a limit of 300 people that can be on the list and the cost is $45 a head for an open bar. The event...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by SAM Y.

5 of 5 stars. when i went they were playin 80s music. its pretty chill, theres a pic of me from there floating around ktown213 website somewhere. its kind of clubsy, loungey. cuban themed. easy parking, easy to get…
yelp.com - user review - 10/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gina T.

5 of 5 stars. Did a fashion show here last night for Lime. It was the opening show for LA fashion week! woohoo! we did great! The venue is very nice, theres two floors and the smoking room is quite beautiful.…
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by CJ J.

1 of 5 stars. I like the place in general but its too small to be turned into a club at night... Crowded.
yelp.com - user review - 10/09/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Zachary K.

4 of 5 stars. Yah this place is expensive, but this is LA. I iked the setup, and the brunette bartender whose name I cannot remember poured very very strong drinks. We tipped well, so she even gave a friend and I 2…
yelp.com - user review - 10/04/2007
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THE WORST CLUB IN HOLLYWOOD!

I signed up on this site just to express my feelings on how much I dislike this club. The staff is rude, crowd is beyond trash, and the music is mostly underground trash. I'd rather drink a 40 in back alley of...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/26/2007
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BEWARE!!

I went to this club/bar a few weeks ago and they over billed me!!!! The bartender charged me twice even though it was only once that I closed my tab. His drinks were NOT even really good or anything. He...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/22/2007
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club dingy

this club was probably the worst club i been to this summer 07. the crowd was fairly mixed which was good. the dj sucked tremendously, and he tend to have no theme to his music. the dj was very poor at...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by stephen p.

4 of 5 stars. I haven't been to Nacional since 2005 I think...but this time was special - Stanton Warriors and Krafty Kuts were in town for a Monday Social club night...wow! The line was a little long but it shifted…
yelp.com - user review - 07/07/2007
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GOOD PLACE FOR AFRICANS!!!!

I CALL THE PLACE AND THE LADY IS VERY VERY NICE. HER NAME IS MECCA. SHOUT OUT TO MECCA. GO ON GIRL!!! SHE WAS VERY NICE TO ME SHE EVEN SAY I CAN HAVE FREE LIVE CHICKEN. I COME TO AMERICA TO HAVE FUN AND MECCA...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/03/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Karyn R.

1 of 5 stars. Nacional has to be one of the worst clubs I've ever been to. Typical Hollywood lounge, two levels with a smoking area, and a massive amount of wanna-be celebrities -- lame. How many actress/models can…
yelp.com - user review - 06/27/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by c g.

3 of 5 stars. I went to Nacional one Wed. night after everyone was turned away from an event at Social. The cover was free b4 midnight. The crowd was not too LA that night and the music playing was mostly hip/hop.…
yelp.com - user review - 06/22/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Brian F.

2 of 5 stars. Man, why do i write reviews for clubs anyways. Clubbin can be fun as long as you're wasted and are with a few of the friends. Nacional has an upstairs and downtairs, small dance floor, and when i went…
yelp.com - user review - 06/06/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Rosalynn H.

1 of 5 stars. This place blows. If I could have given it a negative rating I definitely would have. Long story short - my credit card and driver's license was given to some random stranger by the bartender. When…
yelp.com - user review - 05/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Matt P.

4 of 5 stars. I definitely don't "go clubbing" in LA, on any kind of regular basis. I normally take the position that me and my collared shirt can do much better for ourselves than dry-humping a complete stranger…
yelp.com - user review - 03/14/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Caroline Y.

4 of 5 stars. I'm a bit shocked that this place has only 3 stars...I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this club. Well at least, from what I can remember....my friend's friend is a promoter for this place so we, all 35…
yelp.com - user review - 02/07/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Alysia M.

5 of 5 stars. I went to this place a couple of saturday's ago for my friend's birthday. We were on the guestlist which ended at 11pm... we got there at 11 because my friends are never on time and always lag. I'm…
yelp.com - user review - 01/23/2007
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Another Credit card / ID nightmare...

They lost my credit card and driver's license as well. On top of that they made it seem like I was drunk and lost my own stuff when I never even closed the tab. Apparently they checked and said I already...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/14/2007
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Crazy, b*&ch of a bartender there who extorts higher tip from customers by refusing to give back credit card

Wow, it's amazing that I have pretty much the same experience as the previous reviewer, except this happened at the upstairs bar. We were there for my friend's birthday party and my fiance had been buying...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by diana H.

2 of 5 stars. This place is way overpriced for the experience. $15 cover, drinks are $10 / $6 Beer & this was on a MONDAY night, music system is great though no one wants to hear trance. But maybe they do…
yelp.com - user review - 01/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Charlene L.

1 of 5 stars. We were there for my friend's birthday party this past Friday night and my fiance had been buying rounds all night long. Around midnight, he bought 3 alcoholic drinks and 2 bottles of water from a…
yelp.com - user review - 01/08/2007
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Don't ever go here unless you want to get harrassed by the manager!

First off, I went here beacause it was my friend's 25th birthday and everything was just fine in the beginning. Until i had to buy some drinks, i bought 4 drinks at the downstairs bar and already had a tab...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/03/2006
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FRIDAY NIGHTS

A huge group of my friends went here last Friday and it was AMAZING! The smell of the wood burning fireplaces is such a great replacement for the usual stinky Hollywood dance floor at a place this PACKED! The...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/30/2006
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Fun depends on what night you go

First time I went to Nacional was on a Saturday night about 4 months ago hosted by groove society. It was soooooo crowded it made it hard to dance. Not only was it hard to dance but hard to move. There was a...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/17/2006
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the bartender had to ask!

it was baddd...i asked for a french martini, and the bartender asked me what's in it. so i went ahead and changed it to a mojito...and she's like we're all out. and then i asked for an apple martini and it was...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2006
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Still kickin' after all these years....

Dang, I was surprised at how many bad reviews I've read. I won't deny that some of the things mention are true but despite some wear and tears, it't ain't that bad. My experiences are limited to Monday Night...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/20/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by eugenia c.

4 of 5 stars. There was a sexy crowd at the Monday Social. This place is small though, so I wouldn't even try going on a Friday or Saturday night. Word on the street is that Tuesdays are off the hook, as the owner…
yelp.com - user review - 07/18/2006
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AVOID

I totally agree with the last reviewer. The first and last time I'll go, the music sucked sooo bad I didn't even get in the whole club mood and I for one love to dance and have a good time. The DJ mixed in...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/25/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Alli J.

1 of 5 stars. Not a huge fan of this place. Last time I went there it had tons of cheesy people running around. One in particular has stained my memory- a group of annoying plastered-drunk girls who were apparently…
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Wendy H.

4 of 5 stars. Tommy Lee's Bar didn't fail me. But then of course, this was where my producer friend PJ had his anniversary party. Note, as we all know, selecting party buddies is quite important for a fabulous…
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2006
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Surprisingly bad

I'd heard great things so recently went on a Friday night. Really young, under dressed crowd. DJ was truly awful. Had a 60 minute rock block, and even through in Cindy Laper at the end. What? Dance club? Cool...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/12/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by jen m.

2 of 5 stars. i have only been to this bar once and it's got a decent vibe but it's soooo overpriced. $10 for a drink. please. the music is so so but if you are gonna go to hollywood at least go to a place with…
yelp.com - user review - 01/17/2006
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Taken Advantage Of

Be careful! I got ripped off by the bartenders. I was charged $52.00 for 2 drinks and a shot. When I went back to ask for a credit, they told me they already swiped the card and can't void it. They said they...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/15/2005
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You call this a club?

I had to double check to make sure this was indeed the "club" I went to recently. It is a very small place & the decor is simply ONE or TWO big size Cuban pictures. That does not qualify as decor!! Very small...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/31/2005
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RUDE bouncer

we waited for 1.5hrs to get in even we were on the list. It was pouring outside but the bouncer didn't seem to care if anyone else in line got wet. They seems to have the "hollywood" attitude. ... unless you...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/16/2005
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Yelp.com Review - by Jessica S.

4 of 5 stars. Nacional is a fun bar/club in the middle of Hollywood. It is not huge which is nice so that you don't have to deal with throngs of trendy people fighting to get in...there is a line if you get there…
yelp.com - user review - 10/03/2005
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Interesting...

With the decor somewhere between a postmodern train station and a Soviet bunker, there is still something oddly captivating about this club. The modular seating cubes and low level of illumination complement...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/23/2005
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This is another place you should drive past!!!

Horrible customer relations, bad employee attitudes, they seemed to take advantage of the customer at every opportunity! Grade: F- This place needs new employment and or a new attitude! I will never go backand...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/29/2005
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Don't waste your time!

Bouncer was rude. Me and four other girls went to Nacional and were the second group in line and waited 1 hour to get in. If you had some kind of gift in your hand for the birthday boy you didn't have to wait...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/25/2005
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LOVED IT

i love the place, it was amazing. the music was off the hook, the DJ flowed great, its a little hard to get in, but once you are its really worth it. im cuban, born and raised in Miami Florida, and i have to...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/22/2005
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13 Dollars for a Drink!?!?

I went to Nacional on a Wed, night. There was no line really, maybe because I got there at 11-ish. Me and my girlfriend got in free but my guyfriend had to pay 10 bucks... so guys if your not on the guest list...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/24/2005
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Tuesdays Rock!!!

Went with my girlfriend on a Tuesday, so bypassed everyone else in line (stayed in the line less than 1 min.). This is definitely the best night to go - the best crowd any other day of the week. Bumped into...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/28/2005
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Terrible Sat. Night Parties

The doorman on saturday nights is very rude. My friends and I were on a guestlist for saturday, dressed accordingly, and while myself and the 3 other friends I was with got in, the other groups of friends on...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/08/2004
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Love Wednesday nights here

A great place to chill on Wednesday night to listen to the guys from Transistor Lounge or one of their visiting DJ's.
citysearch.com - user review - 03/08/2004
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cozy spot

nacional is a cozy bar/lounge with a small dance area. the people are more of the 'young' and 'hip' variety (not quite trendy) for lack of better words. i didn't find this place pretentious at all. loved the...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/16/2003
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Cute place

I thought this place was fantastic. The doorman was really sweet, the space is gorgeous, lots of room to sit and chill. This place is not for people looking to dance, although there is a small dancefloor, but...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/25/2003
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Nacional is great!!

Hey Folks! Let me just tell you that Nacional is at it's best only on TUESDAY nights. All the famous and cool people of LA come out then and the only way your getting in is if you either know Travis at the...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/26/2003
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fun night out

I had a great time at Nacional! Though the drinks were pricey, it wasn't extreme. Crazy mix of people.... dress was pretty much anything goes, from t-shirts and jeans to skimpy hoochie dresses. If you like the...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/02/2003
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Cozy Lounge

This venue is very cozy, and the interior is beautiful. A great place to have a mellow night, and still be able to dance a little.... Anyhow, the ratio on Wednesday nights are great, 4 guys to a girl, and they...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/20/2003
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Nice Atmosphere

Great crowd!! The lemon drops and mojitos are great. The bartenders and bouncers are great, never had a problem getting in. Great, funky music. I totally recommend this place.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/14/2003
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Great bar!

It's a pretty cool place to hang out and have some drinks. Don't expect to come and dance the night away. We went on a friday night and it was pretty crowded..beautiful people too. Celebrities Leo DiCaprio and...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/11/2003
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Not worth it

We got to the bar around 9:30. Some guy tells us they are open at 10pm. So we go down to cinespace few blocks down to have a few drinks. That place is nice and trendy. Anyways, we go back to Nacional around...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/12/2003
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BORING

This place has had it's five minutes, people. If your social life centers around Brent Boldhouse, you've already moved on to Ivar. If your social life centers around star-gazing, you are probably still trying...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/06/2003
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Cool Sidewalk

I showed up on a Sat. night with 3 guys and two good looking women, before 10pm, and the bouncer immediately told us there's no way we were getting in. Apparently whatever palm grease we had wasn't good enough...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/26/2002
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$10 for a gin/tonic?

The atmosphere inside was very cool, very sexy. The music was being spun by the drummer of Faith No More. He was playing a blend of weird stuff, mostly rock, that just didn't match the mood inside. But the...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/21/2002
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Don't waste your time

There are 100 clubs in LA better than this one and you don't have to grease the door guy so your pockets are empty
citysearch.com - user review - 11/18/2002
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beautiful place, but not worth the BS

Great design, but NOT worth it! I understand the professional attitude at some Hollywood clubs, but at Nacional... some of the staff think they are superstars for tending bar??? Watch out for Misty in...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/07/2002
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hot spot

i have been to this place a few times, and i have had a great time each time. tuesday is a great night. the door staff and bartenders are really friendly and they like girls.....works for me! check it out,...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/02/2002
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This place needs to loosen up

I read such rave reviews and recommendations from Citysearch...however it was a big disappointment because the bouncers there have big attitude problem and very rude. Who needs that...there are plenty of other...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2002
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A little bit of Cuba is always fun

There's only one way to describe Nacional - beautiful, modern and amazing.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/11/2002
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Just Lounge

I went on a Saturday night. There was no line and we walked right in. This place has the best decor than any Hollywood club/bar I've been to. There are couches all over the empty first floor and a cool...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/21/2002
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Too trendy

Two of us girls tried getting in after 1am, but the doorman wouldn't let us in. Apparently there was a private party being held earlier in the evening. And he said it was still going on, which it wasn't....
citysearch.com - user review - 09/09/2002
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Great ... once inside

I agree with earlier comments -- it does seem like if you are not on a list, you are not getting in. And for that reason, it does make it so unappealing. The time I went I was with a group who was on the list....
citysearch.com - user review - 09/03/2002
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Horrible Experience

Nacional is horrible. I went there Saturday (8/17) with four girlfriends and we were turned away at the door at 10pm when they opened. The place was empty and there was no line. However we were told we had to...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/18/2002
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Hottest scene in town

What great atmosphere. Great place to people watch. Diverse ages, with fashion statements made by all. Loved the outside 'walled' patio upstairs. You look up to the clear starry sky, yet there is an illusion...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/27/2002
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Get rid of the help

Once you finally get in after putting up with the doormans attitude and him making you stand outside for 30minutes when there is only 20ppl inside - the place is great. Decor and crowd and great. Just drop the...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/16/2002
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Perfect For Hollywood

Went for a private party, with an open bar so my review is a little biased. Anyone excpecting the old Fuel or even the older Bob's Frolic II will be in for quite a shock. With a first round knockout these guys...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/28/2002
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