California has had a rich history when it comes to nightlife and nightclubs. The cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco have had exciting nightlife scenes for over 70 years. Many old nightclubs, restaurants and bars in California have maintained their original feel by keeping the same décor. Most oldies-themed nightclubs also feature either live or recorded classics from decades ago.
Bimbo’s 365 Club is located in northern San Francisco, just a few blocks from the coast, in the Russian Hill neighborhood. The club was opened in 1931 by Italian immigrant Agostino Giutol, and has been family-owned and operated ever since. It features an American-style restaurant, an intimate bar lounge, and a music venue that showcases a range of local and nationally popular bands, as well as oldies tribute performers. The interior has maintained its old and classy décor, with crystal chandeliers and Art Deco touches throughout.
The Dresden Room is located off the famous Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. It has been a Hollywood landmark for over 60 years, and has also maintained the Hollywood glamour décor from its early years. The Dresden features a restaurant that serves American and Continental dishes, and a lounge that offers live jazz music every Tuesday through Sunday. The band is reminiscent of popular musicians from the 1950s and '60s and includes an upright bass, flute and piano.
Trader Vic’s is also located in Los Angeles, but in the downtown area. Opened in 1934, the outlandish restaurant and nightclub is decked out in South Pacific-inspired items, including antique tribal masks, Tiki carvings, woven grass wall coverings, and fish traps. Though the establishment has had some minor updates, the décor is practically the same since the club opened more than 70 years ago. The music includes old, rough recordings of famous island and folk musicians from decades ago.
Crocodiles Night Club is located in Modesto, California, which is roughly 40 miles east of Oakland. The establishment was opened in 1978 by Jack Phillips, who describes it as offering the biggest variety of dance music from the last 60 years. Though Crocodiles mainly focuses on oldies from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, Crocodiles offers a different theme almost every day of the week. For example, every Sunday, the club hosts The Golden Oldies Dance Party, which features recorded dance music from the '40s to the '70s. Every Friday and Saturday is The Weekend Dance Party, with a variety of dance music ranging from disco to country.
