Hendrix Electric Lounge

Not everyone’s scene, and not my personal favorite (lousy acoustics + loud music + drunk people = often impossible to have a conversation) but a fun crowd makes it a great place to catch a show or just party.

Not sure it would be fair to knock a star off for the hang over I had thanks to the Lounge. Actually, that may be worth adding an extra star if that were possible. Because ouch my head hurts, and it was mainly because I was having a good enough time at the lounge that I was there until closing. Drinking. Even dancing a little bit to bartender Charlie’s wacky mix of electronic and hip hop.
The Hendrix Electric Lounge shares an entrance with the Columbia City Theater (not to be confused with the Columbia City Cinema, which is North a block or so on Rainier). Both the Theater and the Lounge are accessible through a door located between Tutta Bella and the Ale House.
I have spent a few drunken nights at the Lounge. It’s fricken wonderful to be able to walk home rather than drive thanks to the ton of convenient parking around Columbia City. The lounge is comfy, complete with really awesome bartenders (Johanna and Charlie are the two I usually catch), a really friendly bouncer who’s favorite drink is Baileys and Jagermeister but who’s name is totally escaping me at the moment (probably due to the hangover. I think I killed some braincells and his name was amongst the casualties) and access to the Theater if you want to wander around and catch some convenient entertainment without having to finish your drink and pay your tab.
The Lounge has its own brand of vodka on hand, Hendrix Vodka. Pretty smooth stuff, but pricey. I’ve caught some live music in the lounge, it was loud but tolerable. They also tend to have their tremendous flat screen on, but if you’re looking for a good spot to watch a game I recommend the Alehouse next door.
This is an awesome spot to go hang out with friends and have some drinks. Or make new friends, as I tend to do. Bartender Johanna has only met me once, a month or so ago, and she still remembered my name. Love that.