The Dresden has been around since 1954 and, yes, it’s the restaurant featured in the movie “Swingers”.

Marty and Elayne, the famous lounge act who have been crooning, scatting and tickling the Casio ivories since 1982, are what keep people coming back to this infamous Los Feliz hotspot.

They are the dictionary definition of kitsch. I’m not entirely sure how old they are but judging by Marty’s dead cat hairpiece, they’re clearly not from this generation.

To be honest, I’ve only had drinks in the lounge section. I had no idea an actual restaurant existed on the other side. One that seems not to have changed since the place opened. I’m sure this was quite the swanky eatery back in it’s day.

If the white leather booths and bold red walls can attest to.

Many of the booths located down the center of the joint are encompassed with these odd wooden beams, like being in a psychedelic cage. It’s like the 70’s threw up all over the 50’s and no one bothered cleaning up the mess.

All this is part of the Dresden’s charm. I was truly enchanted. A word indicative of the era.

The food is the kind of thing your grandparents would have eaten for their 1st anniversary dinner. Definitely a time warp of Veal Parmesan and Shrimp Scampi. It’s hard to say the word “Scampi” and not think its the name of some cartoon Disney animal.

Everything comes with a side of noodles and the basket of sub-par garlic bread, which is not really worth the carbs, but you’re hungry and the food isn’t going to come out very fast.

The servers are mostly older gentlemen and when they serve you that Vodka Collins, you’ll think you’ve been transported straight to a scene from the Shining. This restaurant could have definitely been located in the Outlook Hotel.

I loved the fact that there was Chicken Cordon Bleu on the menu so I had to order it. I had no clue this dish existed outside of the frozen foods aisle. BTW, this is a great dish to order, it’s mighty tasty.

The prime rib was very thick and seemingly very tasty. I didn’t have any but my friend finished most of his gargantuan portion, so I’m assuming it wasn’t too revolting.

In conclusion, the food here is fine, a few dishes even good. But come here for kitsch first and kitchen second and you’ll be in good shape.

1760 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-4294
thedresden.com