The Dresden Room, like a Certs mint, is really two, two, two joints in one. In 1996, Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau demonstrated on the big screen what many of Los Angeles’ eastside hipsters had known for years, that The Dresden Room swings. But oddly, what far too few of “those in the know” have come to appreciate is that the venerable Los Feliz institution also waltzes.

Anyone who has witnessed the magical, musical stylings of the dynamic jazz duo Marty and Elayne during their 23-year lounge gig, or caught a momentary glimpse of their performance in the movie Swingers may understand why by 9PM on most nights the dark cavernous bar at The Dresden is filled with scene making revelers looking for a stiff shot of retro cool.

But what some overlook is the restaurant’s less obvious charm, as it sways in the early evening to a lovely, lonely beat of its own, long before the seasoned entertainers take to their perspective microphones.

Those who enter The Dresden Room in the late afternoon can quietly sip cocktails in the calm, coolness of the lounge while a capable staff, gliding with well rehearsed precision, prepares for the perfect storm brought on 6 nights a week by Hurricane Marty and Elayne. Far from the crescendo of chaos 3 drinkers deep create in the later swinging hours, during The Dresden’s golden time, empty stools outnumber patrons at the bar, and a soft murmur of cocktail conversation and the evening news broadcasting on two small televisions hanging above the bar set the slow and easy tempo. There is also no better opportunity throughout the day to fully soak in the mellow, mood altering, albeit kitschy, decor.

With the darker bar and lounge on one side, and the dining area, awash in white leather, bright lights and Asian themed screens on the other, the great Dresden divide is further emphasized by the restaurant’s layout. A wall decorated with art deco inspired glass and what seems to be about 40 years often separates the guests in the two rooms. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, my guess is many of the restaurant’s older early bird diners of continental fare have no idea of the SRO Gen-XYZ happening that takes place in the lounge long after they’ve finished their Pepper Steak and Peach Melba.

Sadly, Carl Ferraro who owned The Dresden Room since 1954 pasted away on January 20, 2005. But luckily his legacy, and The Dresden’s delightful duality, will continue to provide the perfect setting for patrons no matter what side of the wall or time of day you prefer.

C.M.