About Grandmaster Recorders
Grandmaster Recorders is a unique multi-level music venue and eatery in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Housed in a two-story brick building originally built in the 1920s as the Bijou silent‐movie theater, it was converted into a legendary recording studio in 1971 (www.abramsonarchitects.com ) (blog.resy.com ). The studio saw icons like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Kanye West create music within its walls (www.abramsonarchitects.com ) (blog.resy.com ). Today it is a 15,000-square-foot “restaurant, rooftop, and bar” complex (www.latimes.com ) (la.eater.com ) named in honor of its recording legacy. A full-service Italian‐Australian restaurant (about 130–150 seats), a 71 Studio Bar (a disco/lounge room named after the year 1971), and a 4,000-sqft open-air rooftop deck combine to form the venue’s three main spaces (www.peerspace.com ) (la.eater.com ). This mix of dining and nightlife in a historic music building makes Grandmaster Recorders notable – it preserves Hollywood’s musical heritage while offering modern design touches (vintage studio gear displays, rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and a giant disco ball) that celebrate the studio’s past (blog.resy.com ) (blog.resy.com ). The venue’s location on North Cahuenga (between Sunset and Selma) puts it in the heart of Hollywood’s emerging “Vinyl District,” a once‐run-down area now revitalized with trendy restaurants and bars (la.eater.com ) (www.abramsonarchitects.com ).
Events and Programming
Grandmaster Recorders operates primarily as a restaurant and bar, but it also hosts a lively schedule of performances and themed nights. Music is a constant – the walls were made for it – and DJs regularly spin rock, disco, funk and house sets in the 71 Studio Bar and on the rooftop. Example events include weekly salsa dance nights, chess DJ nights, Sunday “bottomless pizza & sangria” brunch parties and speed-dating mixers. For instance, the venue runs a “Salsa Night” every Thursday in summer (with salsa music and dance instruction) (www.eventbrite.com ) (www.eventbrite.com ). Weekend afternoons often feature live DJs or dance socials on the rooftop. In the evenings you’ll find themed parties (such as Halloween funk/disco events (ra.co )) and resident or guest DJs playing vinyl and house sets. Unlike a traditional concert hall, Grandmaster Recorders mostly hosts disco, lounge and dance events rather than touring rock acts. Typical covers for these nights are modest (around $15–20) (ra.co ). On non‐event days and off-peak times the 71 Studio Bar has relaxed live music or DJs, turning songwriters and rock legends’ former mixing rooms into a modern cocktail lounge. In short, visitors can expect a blend of restaurant service by night and danceable music events that echo the studio’s rock-and-roll roots (la.eater.com ) (ra.co ).
Tickets and Booking
For dining, Grandmaster Recorders recommends reservations for the restaurant, especially on weekends and busy nights (la.eater.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). If you only want drinks or standing-room for a show, walk-ins may be accommodated at the 71 Studio Bar or rooftop. (The restaurant runs daily dinner service from about 5:30 PM on weekdays and early evenings, with the rooftop special-event hours on weekend afternoons (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ).) There is no traditional box office; most music events require advance ticket purchase through the venue’s event promoters or listings. Cover charges are typically collected at the door (often $15–20 for dance/club nights (ra.co )) and may sell out on popular dates, so buying tickets early online is wise. The website and social media announce scheduled events, and some nights sell table reservations for bottle service. Note that most entertainment events are 21+ only (www.eventbrite.com ), so plan accordingly. In summary, reserve a table via the restaurant’s system or by calling ahead, and get tickets online or at the box office for special music nights. If a concert or DJ night is popular, tickets will go on sale weeks before and often sell out, so check early and plan ahead.
Seating and Layout
The venue’s three distinct spaces cater to different experiences. The main-floor restaurant offers traditional seating for about 130–150 guests (www.bpmcorp.com.au ). Guests can sit at booths, communal tables, or the indoor bar. This room was once a guitar-pedal warehouse (blog.resy.com ) and features industrial décor (exposed brick, red steel beams) and softly lit dining tables. It’s ideal for a sit-down meal; diners often hear a rotating rock soundtrack in the background (blog.resy.com ). The second level is the 71 Studio Bar – a lounge/dance room with velvet banquettes, plush leather couches and a large disco ball (blog.resy.com ). Here the former recording control room has been turned into a bar and mini-stage, so in front of the bar is a small dance floor. The acoustics and sound system are top-notch (owner Grant Smillie, a DJ, personally curated each room’s audio (la.eater.com )). For shows, this area is general admission standing with some high-top seating by the bar. Finally, the rooftop deck seats about 300 standing and tables (www.bpmcorp.com.au ). It has an open-air bar (adorned with green tile and plants (blog.resy.com )) and long banquette seating along the perimeter. The rooftop offers sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills and Sign (blog.resy.com ). Best places depend on mood: book a table near the front windows of the restaurant for a quieter meal, sit under the disco ball on the 71 Bar level to dance, or grab any rooftop seat for starry-sky cocktails and sunset vistas (blog.resy.com ) (blog.resy.com ). Acoustically, the bar and roof get lively and loud when DJs are playing, so diners seeking conversation might prefer the ground-floor seating area. Avoid the immediate vicinity of the stage speakers if you’re sensitive to bass. No steep bleachers or fixed seats here – it’s a flat, open layout geared toward mingling and dancing.
Getting There and Parking
Grandmaster Recorders is located at 1518 North Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood (at the corner of Cahuenga and Sunset, across from the Amoeba Music site) (la.eater.com ). It’s a few blocks north of the Hollywood Walk of Fame area, west of Hollywood & Highland. If driving, many visitors come via the 101 Freeway: exit Highland and drive north up Cahuenga, or exit Vine and drive west on Sunset. Note that Hollywood traffic is often heavy, especially on weekend evenings. Parking is limited. The venue has no free lot of its own, so you must rely on street parking or nearby garages. Metered street spots along Cahuenga and the side streets can be found but fill up fast. Paid lots within a block include a Unified Parking lot at 1716 N Cahuenga (about $15 for 2 hours) (en.parkopedia.com ) and a Hollywood Parking lot at 1637 N Cahuenga ($20 for 2 hours) (www.parkopedia.com ). There are also larger public garages on nearby Vine Street (e.g. 70-space lots near Capitol Records). Plan to pay $15–25 for evening parking or reserve a spot via parking apps. Valet services are not typically offered by the restaurant itself (though some nearby hotels do provide valet parking). Public transit is another option: the Metro Red Line’s Hollywood/Highland station (at Hollywood & Highland) is roughly a 15-minute walk away, and several bus lines run along Sunset and Hollywood boulevards. Taxis and rideshares can drop off right on Cahuenga; a convenient entrance is at the corner of Cahuenga and Ivar Avenue. Regardless of mode, allow extra time for Hollywood’s busy nightlife traffic. For late-nights, rideshares/Ubers are plentiful; just watch for pickup lanes (the Ivar side entrance is a common drop-off point to avoid congested Sunset Blvd).
Inside the Venue
On entering Grandmaster Recorders, expect a mix of restaurant warmth and rock‐glam atmosphere. Outside you’ll see a classic marquee sign, and inside the lobby is lined with memorabilia – vintage guitars, record albums and studio equipment on display (blog.resy.com ). The main restaurant sits beyond this, serving coastal Italian-Australian fare. Popular menu items include seafood crudos, house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and even playful dishes like a caviar-filled cannoli (blog.resy.com ). The cocktail program is creative – for example a lavender-infused gin martini dubbed the “GMR G&T,” and playful riffs on classics like a Chardonnay mule (wine served in a Mason jar) and “Queen’s Old Fashioned” (blog.resy.com ) (la.eater.com ). Bartenders offer craft cocktails (one specialty is a Negroni on tap, praised by reviewers (www.lemon8-app.com )) plus beer and a 2,000+ bottle wine list. In the 71 Studio Bar and rooftop you order at the bar or a corner host stand. Expect attentive service (the tables in the dining room are full-service) and a lively crowd. Security staff will check IDs at the door after dark and may enforce a dress standard; while not overly formal, smart casual attire is best. Coat check is typically available for chillier evenings. Smoking is not allowed inside; the rooftop opens to allow smoking in the outdoor area only. Restrooms (including an ADA-accessible stall) are located on the main floor and possibly by the 71 lounge. Free Wi-Fi is probably available, and cell coverage is good throughout. All in all, you’ll find a modern bar/restaurant atmosphere with subtle nods to its musical legacy – for example, cocktails served in tiny “album” vinyl sleeves, or tiramisu presented as a chocolate LP record (blog.resy.com ) (blog.resy.com ). Photography is common (the walls are Instagram-worthy), so most guests happily snap pics, but using professional camera tripods may be discouraged.
Nearby Amenities
Grandmaster Recorders sits amid a dense entertainment district. Across Sunset Boulevard is the (now closed) Amoeba Music store, and within a few blocks on Sunset are several acclaimed restaurants and bars. Notably, Horses – a high-profile new American bistro – is just two blocks east, and Mes Amis (a French brasserie) opened nearby in the same dining revitalization wave (la.eater.com ). For pre-show dining, options include upscale spots like Bastide/Kinara (on Sunset) or the famous Musso & Frank Grill (at Hollywood & McCadden, ~0.6mi away). In the direction of Hollywood Blvd, the area has casual eateries (e.g. Fatburger, Hollywood & Highland food court) and landmark diners (John’s Grill). Several bars and lounges are very close: the W Hollywood Hotel has a rooftop bar facing Sunset, and the rooftop of the Standard Hotel (on Sunset near La Brea) is also a few blocks away. Coffee and quick bites (Starbucks, bagel shops) line Hollywood Blvd 5 blocks east. For accommodations, nearby hotels include the W Hollywood , the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (home of the Oscars), and the modern Mama Shelter – all within a 10-minute walk. There are also several motels and Airbnbs on Selma and Cahuenga for budget stays. After your evening at Grandmaster Recorders, late-night taxis or rideshares are common; note that the last Metro Red Line train north from Hollywood/Highland runs until about 1 AM. Walking paths to attractions are plentiful – the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Pantages Theatre are just one or two blocks east, so one can arrive early and hit those sites before heading to dinner at Grandmaster.
What Makes This Venue Special
Grandmaster Recorders stands out because it fuses Hollywood history with modern nightlife. Few places let diners and party-goers sit in the very rooms where rock albums were born (www.abramsonarchitects.com ) (blog.resy.com ). Architecturally, the venue retains much of its original 1920s style (brick walls, high ceilings) while incorporating bold art and lighting that honor its music roots. Inside you’ll find tributes everywhere: gold records from albums recorded here, vintage recording gear, and cocktails named after classic songs. Owner Grant Smillie is himself a veteran house DJ, and he has ensured that every corner (the dining room, 71 Bar and rooftop) has a high-end sound system and playlist (la.eater.com ). As a result, Grandmaster Recorders feels like a museum of rock ’n’ roll that you can dine and dance in, rather than a generic club. It has been praised by press as Hollywood’s “most glam new restaurant and nightspot” and one of the city’s largest openings in 2021 (www.latimes.com ) (la.eater.com ). Its cultural impact extends to the community of artists and music lovers – the venue often collaborates with local DJs, dancers and even live bands who appreciate the building’s legacy. Plus, by revitalizing an old landmark, Grandmaster Recorders contributes to Hollywood’s economy and arts scene (it draws visitors off the main tourist drag onto the Sunset/Cahuenga corridor). In short, the combination of storytelling, ambience, and architecture – from the silent-era marquee to the new rooftop view of the Hollywood sign – makes Grandmaster Recorders a truly special destination for both locals and tourists alike (blog.resy.com ) (blog.resy.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is modern and should be wheelchair accessible. There is likely an elevator to reach the rooftop, and at least one ADA-compliant restroom (ask staff if needed). Service animals are typically allowed. Age Policy: The main dining area is family-friendly at dinner hours, but the 71 Bar level and rooftop shift to 21+ in the evenings. Always bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport) since the bar and special events have a strict 21+ requirement (www.eventbrite.com ). Entry: Expect a brief security check (bag/seating verifies IDs) at night. Dress Code: Smart-casual attire is recommended – no athletic gear or flip-flops if you want to dine in the restaurant (caps and sport jerseys are usually discouraged). Photography: No professional video crew or large tripods without permission; casual photos for social media are fine. Connectivity: There should be free Wi-Fi; cell reception is good. Acoustics: It gets lively; if you prefer quiet dining, ask for a table away from speakers or come early (before DJs start). Insect/Weather: The rooftop is shaded but open-air; on cooler evenings bring a light jacket. Food: Their Italian–Australian menu changes seasonally; popular dishes (crudo, pasta, pizza, caviar-topped snacks) often sell out, so order promptly. Reservations: Book the restaurant well ahead (especially Friday/Sat nights) and request any seating preference. Coats: In winter months they may offer a small coat check fee at the entrance. Parking/Transit: As noted, plan extra time to find parking or take public transit. Arrive Early: If you have a show, come 15–30 minutes early to grab seats, since venues like this often don’t allow late entry once a set starts. Tip: If attending an event, consider arriving for dinner first – you can dine indoors and then head up to the bar after your meal. Lastly, it’s helpful to tag along any online announcements or call the venue for last-minute changes; the staff are used to helping guests navigate this multi-space venue and can guide you to the right floor for your reservation or event.
What is the seating capacity of Grandmaster Recorders?
All told, the venue can hold several hundred guests. The dining room seats roughly 130–150 people (www.bpmcorp.com.au ). The 71 Studio Bar and rooftop deck each handle standing-room crowds; a Peerspace listing cites up to 750 guests (all spaces combined) (www.peerspace.com ). However, capacity varies by event layout. For a seated dinner it’s about 150, while a large party or dance event can use the entire 15,000 sq ft facility for up to ~750 people.
How do I get tickets or make reservations at Grandmaster Recorders?
For dining, reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the venue’s booking system (the restaurant starts service around 5:30 PM on most nights (www.tripadvisor.com.ar )). The bar and rooftop typically accept walk-ins. For special events (DJ nights, dance parties, etc.), tickets are usually sold online via the event organizers. There is no public box office, so check the official site or listings and purchase in advance. Note that many events require a cover charge (often ~$20 (ra.co )) and space is limited, so buy early.
Is Grandmaster Recorders accessible by public transit?
Yes. The venue is within walking distance of Metro service. The nearest subway station is Hollywood/Highland on the Red Line (about a 10–15 minute walk east). Several Metro Local buses (e.g. the 2/302 and 222 along Sunset or the 212 along Hollywood Blvd) stop within a block of the venue. For bus or rail directions, use “1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood” as the destination. If using ride-share, drop-off is easy on Cahuenga; the entrance is at the corner of Cahuenga and Ivar Ave.
Are there parking options near Grandmaster Recorders?
Parking in Hollywood can be challenging. There is no free lot for the venue. Nearby paid lots include a 20-space Unified Parking lot at 1716 N Cahuenga ($15 for 2 hours) (en.parkopedia.com ) and a 36-space Hollywood Parking lot at 1637 N Cahuenga ($20 for 2 hours) (www.parkopedia.com ). Several larger public garages along Vine Street offer about 70–100 spaces, typically $15–25 for a few hours. Street parking meters are available on surrounding blocks but often fill up. We recommend arriving early to find a spot or using a parking app (ParkWhiz/SpotHero). Valet service is not offered by the restaurant itself, though some nearby hotels have valet parking for their guests.
What should I wear to Grandmaster Recorders?
The dress code is upscale-casual. Think “Hollywood trendy” – smart jeans or trousers with a nice top or button-down shirt. The restaurant can be a bit dressier (jackets are optional but smart), while the rooftop bar and dance floors are more lounge-like. It’s best to avoid sportswear or running shoes and to opt for neat, comfortable shoes (you may be on your feet dancing). Costumes or extremely casual clothes (sweats, baseball caps on head) are discouraged. During special events like Halloween, themed costumes may be invited, but for general nights the emphasis is on style and comfort.
Is Grandmaster Recorders family-friendly?
The main restaurant portion is open to all ages during dining hours and can be enjoyed by families. However, after dinner hours (roughly after 7 PM) the 71 Studio Bar and rooftop shift to an adult crowd. The rooftop daytime hours on weekends (noon–4 PM) are usually open to anyone, but most evening events are strictly 21+ (www.eventbrite.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). If you’re bringing children, it’s best to come early for dinner in the restaurant. Note that loud music and dancing start later in the night so infants or very young children might find it loud.
Can I take photos or video inside Grandmaster Recorders?
Yes, casual photography on phones is generally allowed and many guests do take photos of the cool décor and views. The venue is visually iconic, so don’t hesitate to snap pictures of ceilings, disco ball or Hollywood vista. Professional camera setups (large tripods, filming crews, etc.) usually require prior permission. Flash photography is discouraged during dimly lit events. If you’re unsure, ask a staff member at entry. Of course, always respect performers’ privacy during shows – small point-and-shoot cameras or smartphones are fine for personal memories.
What signature menu items should I try at Grandmaster Recorders?
The menu is influenced by Italian and Australian coastal cuisine. Stand‐outs include the seafood crudo or insalata di pesce (often served with creative sauces and garnishes) and the wood-fired pizzas (like a mushroom pizza or a special with mortadella). The house-cured meats and cheeses, such as prosciutto di Parma with local accompaniments, get high marks. Fans also love the unique appetizers – for example, a “caviar cannoli” (cannoli shell filled with salmon roe) or a lobster stew with grits (blog.resy.com ). For dessert, the chocolate vinyl-record tiramisu (mint or coffee flavored) is a fun nod to the studio. On the drinks side, try one of the themed cocktails – for example, the floral “GMR G&T” (lavender-infused gin) or the rich Bourbon milk punch – and don’t miss the Negroni on tap if it’s available (www.lemon8-app.com ). A carefully curated wine list also complements the menu; the sommeliers are known to be helpful if you ask for pairing suggestions.
Are there any famous events or legends associated with the building?
Absolutely. In the 1970s, Stevie Wonder rehearsed parts of his classic album “Songs in the Key of Life” in these halls (blog.resy.com ). Throughout the 1980s and ’90s the studio produced huge records – for example the Red Hot Chili Peppers made their earliest demos and The Black Crowes recorded Shake Your Money Maker here (ra.co ). Even Kanye West came in 2005 to record tracks for Late Registration (en.everybodywiki.com ). Rock historians note that Motörhead once accidentally shot a hole in the wall during a recording session. These colorful stories give the venue a legendary status. The new owners have leaned into that legacy – you’ll see plaques and album-cover art celebrating those moments and making Grandmaster Recorders a living part of L.A. music lore (blog.resy.com ).
