Located on a relatively quiet side street off Hollywood Boulevard is one of Hollywood’s oldest gathering spot. Established in 1927 and named after the famous hit song ‘My Blue Heaven’, and actually owned by the famous hit songwriter himself Gene Austin. Through Prohibition AS Morressy’s Hair Salon before becoming the Legendary Boardner’s in 1942 when Steve Boardner lost his lease in the Cross Roads of the World, he relocated Boardner’s bar to 1652 N. Cherokee where it still stands today. This long time Institution has endured much from Man to Acts of God, and still continues to thrive as one of the most welcoming and comfortable watering hole’s in Hollywood.
Through card gambling, prohibition, the depression, the rock n’roll explosion of the 1980’s and the Hollywood Redevelopment, generations have made their mark on Boardner’s. Hollywood’s constant change and rapid growth seems to evolve around Boardner’s as it is discreetly located and its low-key unassuming appearance. Yet you step inside of Boardner’s and a jukebox plays popular hits just loud enough to bring in a good time mood amongst good conversation. In addition to the main bar area, Boardner’s offers a secluded outdoor patio complete with a full bar and stage for live performances… or one might just enjoy a sunny afternoon in Hollywood with a cold beverage and one of the best burgers in town! Boardner’s recent expansion incorporates a huge dance floor, fully equipped dj booth and state of the art PA System, VIP lounge with an awesome view of the entire venue and three full bars which all makes for a full house of fun! Frequented by neighborhood residents, Hollywood movie stars, and an occasional tourist, Boardner’s stands as a pillar to the community.
Boardner’s ambiance and historical characteristics make for an ideal film location and has been a popular venue for many television and film scenes such as Hollywood Homicide, LA Confidential, Beverly Hills 90210, NCIS-LA, Gangster Squad, Swingers, Gone Girl, Don’t Trust the B in Apt 23, Arrested Development, Ed Wood, Wag The Dog, Leaving Las Vegas, Murder in the Mirror, Up Close & Confidential, The Client List, Southland, Don’t Trust the B in Apt 23, True Blood, Crocodile Dundee in LA, Two Cops, Alias, Numbers, NCIS: Los Angeles, Angel, How to Get Away with Murder and Cold Case to name a few. Film Stars Robert Mitchum, Ryan Gosling, Tommy Dorsey, Andy Griffith, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields, Lucille Ball and the entire Cast, Gorilla Jones, Charles Bukowski, Ed Wood, Donald Sutherland, Keifer Sutherland, Edward Herman, Vince Vaughn, Quentin Tarantino, Scott Wolfe, Tim Burton, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Ben Affleck, Courtney Love, Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany, Peter Weller, Michael Cera, Piper Perabo, Rose McGowan, Fran Drescher, Tony Todd, Jason Patric, Peter Green, Johnette, Tommy Lee, Axl Rose, Slash, and John Lennon are just a few who have made Boardner’s a home for a good stiff drink.
Boardner’s resides in a historical landmark building, the Cherokee Building, designed by Norman Alpaugh, also the architect for the Sheraton Townhouse and Santa Monica’s Elmiro Theater. The Cherokee Building was Hollywood’s first drive-in business having a large motor entrance at the rear of the building where motorists could park, then walk through a Spanish courtyard complete with its original Moroccan tile fountain as the center piece of Boardner’s patio. Moorish flourishes, carvings, scrolling ironwork, gothic hand paintings, by Grey, and arched entryways, are perfectly incorporated aesthetics of this Hollywood landmark and add to the beauty of “The Boulevard”. Boardner’s discreet location and comfortable ambiance makes for the perfect place for any size party, film premiere, wedding receptions and wrap parties as well as simply the most relaxing and welcoming establishment for a cocktail and a good home cooked meal any day or evening of the week.
