Decade-inspired experiences have always been all the rave, and these particular spots and events are our favorites in L.A. From the glamour of the 1920s at an elegant lounge to the bold 80s stylings at a retro game store experience, here’s a rundown of retro Los Angeles experiences that will let you experience life as it will never be again.
Stranger Things Experience (1980s)
While realistically, we’ll never go to Hawkins, Indiana, the brand new Stranger Things Experience gives us an inside look into the fictional town circa 1985. Starting November 25, interactive audiovisual sets, retro games, supernatural mysteries and pulse-racing encounters will bring the cult TV sensation to life before your very eyes. Guided by El and the gang, you’ll become a part of the team in your own right — fighting to rid Hawkins of Vecna and a rampant Demogorgon. The experience has been developed with actual show creators, so you know you’re in for a treat. And speaking of those, you might just get a Scoop Ahoy sundae or two in exchange for your service! Get tickets to Stranger Things: The Experience before this portal to the past closes forever!
Stranger Things: The Experience — 1345 N Montebello Blvd., Los Angeles
Cicada Club (1920s)
Originally built in 1928, the elegant Cicada Restaurant and Lounge sits at the heart of the historic Oviatt Building. For years, it’s brought 1920s inspiration to LA, with its art deco waterfall chandeliers and impressive gold-leaf ceilings that remind us of the golden age of nightclubs. On October 15, the iconic lounge will premier “Stardust: A Classic Burlesque Revue”, featuring a hot dance band, live singers, comedians, burlesque dancers and so much more. “Old Hollywood meets Vintage Vegas,” transporting us into a decade-long past. And if you’re still looking for Halloween plans, the Cicada Club is throwing a Halloween party highlighting the talented Dean Mora and his orchestra, where vintage costumes are highly encouraged!
Cicada Club — 617 South Olive Street, Los Angeles
A Submarine-themed Tiki Bar: The Acey-Deucey Club (1940s)
This November, The Acey-Deucey Club plunges you into a fully immersive submarine-themed tiki lounge reminiscent of 1940s glamor. As you settle into the retro-inspired speakeasy, you’ll get to sip on 3 premium craft cocktails (4 for VIPs) inspired from the tiki craze of the decade. The tunes of a 40s-inspired live jazz band play as you discover decadent flavors (rum, lime, coconut, curaçao…) and interact with the crew to uncover the submarine’s groovy secrets. Tranquil underwater scenery, Old Hollywood-inspired activities, nautical cocktails… The Acey-Deucey Club transports you straight to the 1940s this fall. Indulge in the golden age of Hollywood at the Acey Deucey Club: a submarine-themed tiki bar, now open in Los Angeles for a limited time!
The Acey-Deucey Club — 613 Imperial Street, Los Angeles
Dine at the Formosa (1960s)
Continuing on the glory days of Hollywood is the Formosa Cafe! The establishment first opened in 1939, but gathered immense popularity in the ‘60s when stars like Frank Sinatra, James Dean, and the iconic Marilyn Monroe would stop by for dinner and drinks. While you won’t get John Wayne’s legendary scrambled eggs (supposedly concocted in the restaurant kitchen after he passed out in a booth the night before), you can indulge in Formosa Cafe’s Chinese-inspired culinary delicacies on any given weekday. Plus, boxes of autographed celebrity memorabilia have made their way back to the cafe in recent years — transporting you back in time once more.
The Formosa Cafe — 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood