The story of 4500 Los Feliz Blvd.

The building at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (corner of Hillhurst and Los Feliz) is currently home to the Derby nightclub and Louise's Trattoria.  It has a long and glorious history which continues to this day.  Here's the story:

1928:  Building constructed

1929-1940:  Willard's Chicken Inn Restaurant

Willard's was a country colonial chicken inn serving "Far Famed Chicken Steak Dinners."   The dome shaped design of the roof actually had a unique purpose. Water was pumped up to the top of the dome and then ran down the sides into a moat to make the restaurant one of the first "air conditioned" buildings. Willard's, which kept live poultry in cages on the premises, had the slogan: "chickens whose feet never touch the ground." (from www.the-derby.com)

1940 - 1960:   The Brown Derby Restaurant and Car Cafe

Film pioneer and Los Feliz resident Cecil B. DeMille purchased the building at an auction and hired architects to redesign it as the fourth Brown Derby Restaurant.  (For information about the other Brown Derby locations click here).

The Los Feliz location of the Brown Derby was unique in having a high class upscale restaurant combined with a drive-in "Car Cafe" all in one location.  The Derby nightclub currently occupies the portion of the building which was the original restaurant and Louise's patio sits where would drive up to the Car Cafe.  Next time you sit outside on Louise's patio, look up at the roofline  -  you will see the awning or "car canopy" from the Car Cafe.  The building also included a Brown Derby liquor store which sold private lable Brown Derby wines and other specialty items.  The liquor store appears to have been located in the space now used as a "ready-room" for bands that play at the Derby nightclub.

1960 -  1992:  Michael's of Los Feliz

During the 70's and 80's, the building was occupied by a steakhouse restaurant called Michael's of Los Feliz.  Many famous musician's played at Michael's.  Even the great duo Marty and Elayne played there on a regular basis before moving over to another Los Feliz icon - the Dresden Room.   There was at least one big difference between Michaels and the Derby as we know it today.  When it was Michael's, the 30 foot high domed roof was covered with a 9 foot drop ceiling.

1992 - Present:  The Derby! 

The Derby Nightclub is designed and decorated in homage to early Hollywood.  Upon opening, it quickly became a success.  Many nights, the lines of clubgoers waiting to get in extend down the block, the entertainment playing to standing room only crowds.  In fact, at one point Playboy Magazine proclaimed the Derby to be the "hippest nightclub in America."  

The Derby was the first contemporary club in Los Angeles to book live swing bands on a regular basis.  In fact, many nationally recognized bands like Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy got their start playing weekly gigs as  Derby's house bands.  The club is considered by many to be a major "flash point" for Swing Revival, an international movement that launched a new generation of musicians and dancers celebrating this classic american art form - - a movement that continues to this day!

Even people who have not yet visited the Derby know it as the "club from Swingers."  Featured prominently in the hit film Swingers, starring Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn and Heather Graham, the Derby was again firmly established as the hippest place on the eastside.  

2005: The Road Ahead

Like a classic movie star, the Derby has a timeless elegance.  With 80 years of celebrity,  few other venues in Los Angeles can offer such a dramatic background for a party, a show or just a night out with friends.  Immerse yourself in the mystique of Derby's legendary environment.  Enjoy a full dinner, appetizers or drinks in a private booth.  Marvel at the acoustics of the diamond constructed dome which makes the club one of the best listening experiences anywhere. 

Come to the Derby as it heads into another evolution of its amazing character. Visit the Derby at their new website:  http://www.clubderby.com/.   Check out the glamorous front room for the best in Jazz, Indie Rock, R&B,  Electronic, Swing  and an "all out" Hollywood-style club experience.  Or, for an Ultra Lounge environment, visit the BackBar for weekday happy hour, private parties and VIP events.  With 2 dance floors, 4 projection screens, 2 sound systems, table & booth seating and parking for 200 the world famous Derby has got it all.  

The Other Brown Derby Locations

During the Golden Age of Hollywood there were Brown Derby restaurants at multiple famous locations.  For example, there was  the "eat in the hat" location on Wilshire Blvd. and the "I Love Lucy" location near Hollywood & Vine.  But now these others are all gone.  Our Los Feliz Derby is the only one left. 

Curious what happened to the other Brown Derby Restaurants?  Click Here.

What do the Derby and Bob's Big Boy have in common?  Click Here. 

Want to know why our Los Feliz Derby is special and worthy of City Landmark protection?  Click Here.