During my brief stay in Los Angeles, where I was assisting with the decoration of an Irish pub, a friendly local recommended that I visit the 'Frolic Room' after learning about my fascination with old pubs and memorabilia. Although the bar doesn't have an Irish connection, I was intrigued by its fascinating history as a speakeasy that dates back to the Prohibition era in the 1930s. So, on my last day, I decided to pay a visit. In contrast to the crowded and less glamorous scenes of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Frolic Room stands out as a hidden gem, reminiscent of the old Hollywood charm that once thrived in the area. The bar's neon sign glows against its black, corrugated exterior, beckoning visitors in. Inside, the pub boasts an expansive Al Hirschfeld mural, dating back to 1963, which stretches across the walls, featuring caricatures of iconic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Groucho Marx. The pubs rich history is intertwined with Hollywood legends, with notable figures like Howard Hughes, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra having frequented the establishment. Photos of movie stars deck the walls. The Frolic Room served as a post Oscars drinking hub during the Pantages Theater's run of Academy Award ceremonies from 1949 to 1960. It is also the bar which inspired Tom Waits to record 'Heartattack and Vine'. It can also be seen in movies such, 'LA Confidential' and 'The Black Dahlia'. The pub is famously linked as the last known sighting of the tragic Black Dahlia, Elizabeth Short. Among the nostalgic memorabilia, antique jukebox and walls of celebrity photographs, the highlight of the pubs interior is undoubtedly the massive mural that adorns its wall, depicting celebrities during the golden era of Hollywood enjoying themselves. Though not an original piece by Al Hirschfeld, the mural is a scaled reproduction of his source artwork. The Frolic Room stood out for its affordability in an expensive city where prices can be steep. Its location attracts diverse crowds, from regulars to passing tourists. The ambiance is completed by the unique red and blue disk shaped lamps hanging from the ceiling, casting a atmospheric glow over the space. The barman told me there is a secret door in the roof, which once provided covert access to the Pantages Theatre for actors to sneak in for a drink, during and after a performance! As for the big names that hung out in The Frolic Room, it shouldn’t be said in the past tense. Apparently well known actors and musicians regularly hang out there from time to time. So if you ever visit Los Angeles and want to visit an old pub with an interesting history, stop into the Frolic Room. You can’t miss it. Its bright neon sign is right next to the towering sign for the Pantages Theatre.