Halloween in June
Hollywood Blvd. is the perfect spot for Beetle House, a pop-up bar/restaurant inspired by the films of Tim Burton. It’s so popular, in fact, that restaurant reservations are all booked until it (hopefully) gets extended in September, so I sadly can’t review the food, which includes dishes based on Sweeney Todd and Edward Scissorhands.
The bar, however, is open for walk-ins and serves specialty drinks inspired by the likes of Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland and Beetlejuice, in addition to having a full bar. The lights are kept low, with fake cobwebs and purple LED strands providing an eerie glow. Fan art based on Tim Burton’s filmography adorns the walls, some stand-outs (for me) include black-and-white portraits of Catwoman and the Penguin, a minimalist painting (and shoes) of Pee-Wee Herman, and 3D reliefs of evil Beetlejuice and a Sandworm. The music is generally alternative/emo/goth rock, which brought me back to the ‘90s, which I loved. However, in my opinion, the best part was having actors dressed up like characters from the films wandering through the bar and restaurant, interacting with the patrons. I got to take pictures with Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka the first time I went, and Beetlejuice the second. The actors are very well-done in terms of costume and staying in character. I loved it!
I think there is a lot more the place can do to add to the theme, but that might depend on if they get extended or find a permanent home in the location. The restrooms, for example, don’t have artwork/décor. I think they have a goldmine of opportunities with the sculptures in Beetlejuice; they could use them as fun chairs! There was also a lack of some of Burton’s more current (and arguably less beloved) films like Alice in Wonderland, Dark Shadows and Miss Peregrine. I would’ve also liked more Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish and Mars Attacks. There was nothing (that I saw) from Ed Wood or Planet of the Apes (the later probably intentionally). And, to be fair, I suppose it depends on what fans create/donate to the venue. However, seeing all the fan art made me appreciate their creativity and want to come up with something of my own to contribute! I also am inspired to go again on a weekend evening – this time dressed up as a Burton character!
I really hope they get extended or a permanent residence so I can see how the place evolves. I also want to try and squeeze in a dinner there sometime if I can. All in all, the bar is straight out of ‘90s Hot Topic, and it makes me yearn for Halloween.
