Rainbow Bar & Grill — Restaurant in West Hollywood

Another iconic piece of history on the Sunset Strip. Literally where iconic musicians such as Johnny Cash, Alice Cooper, and even Elvis himself have dined at the Rainbow. If only the walls could talk I would imagine they would have some pretty awesome stories! We had the privilege of dining here a few Friday’s ago.

We were greeted by this fabulous woman who knew every great detail about the Rainbow (she is dubbed the official greeter). It was great, as soon as we walked up she said have you been? If not welcome, if yes, welcome. She had lots of great tidbits to share with the band and the families. We were in awe once we entered, the Rainbow is dark and filled with memorabilia of all the rock legends that have visited and dined over the years. It just felt magical when we entered.

There is a great bar inside attached to the restaurant and plenty of comfy seating inside for dining. The Rainbow also has a pretty awesome outdoor bar and tons of outdoor seating. There is also a secret space upstairs (at least secret to us, there was an event and we could not go up there during our visit). The entire staff was great, very friendly and helpful. We had a larger group and only one chef at the time but they accommodated everyone and always had a big smile. I was pretty stoked about the merch, I mean you go to such an iconic place and you want to have great merch to promote them. They have a large menu, a little something for everyone and extensive options at the bars. The band got pizza’s and some fried fare and seemed to really enjoy everything. My dad got a club sandwich and my hubby got a huge plate of fries and thought they were tasty. Pricing is comparable to any other restaurant (especially for the area, very reasonable and plenty of food).

I hear they have live music plus they seem to tag team shows with the Whiskey down the way. Whether you are in the area or looking for a really cool place to go, you have to head to the Rainbow! You will not be...

Last night, my husband and I, joined by two of his rock 'n' roll-loving friends, decided to hit up the infamous Rainbow Bar & Grill before catching a show for Rose Tattoo. Little did I know I was stepping into a legendary hub of rock history, where the food is served with a side of celebrity sighting and a sprinkle of confusion!

We kicked things off with a Caesar salad that was just... well, let’s say it was more “Caesar salad” than “Wow, I’m alive!” It was like a salad that had dreams of grandeur but forgot its ambition at home. Then came the lasagna, which could’ve used a little more pizzazz. Think of it as that quiet kid in class who turns out to be a genius but never raises their hand.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Rainbow Pizza! It was decent, definitely not the most mind-blowing pizza I’ve ever had, but hey, it’s not easy being a pizza in a restaurant known for hosting rock legends. I mean, how can you compete with all that musical talent?

As I munched away, I couldn’t help but notice fans swooping in like bees to honey, thanking the rock stars at the next table. Meanwhile, I was blissfully unaware of who they were, feeling a bit like the kid who shows up to a costume party in regular clothes. “Thanks for what?” I thought, while trying to decipher the rock ‘n’ roll lingo flying over my head.

In the end, we left with full bellies and a newfound appreciation for the legends that walk among us—though I’m still not sure who they were! So, if you’re looking for a pre-show meal that’s just as colorful as the name suggests, Rainbow Bar & Grill is your spot. Just remember to brush up on your rock star trivia before you go, unless you want to blend in like I did!

Overall, a fun experience with a side of confusion and a dash of lasagna! Would I go back? Absolutely! Next time, I’ll just order a side of rock history...

The Rainbow Rocks, literally and truly. If you are an old school type like me, you will no doubt agree... The Rainbow Bar and Grill (and their other icon The Whisky a Go Go) is one of the handful of places that are still holding on to and carrying forward the long tradition of rock and roll culture on the Sunset Strip. Speaking as someone who was here in the 1980s, I can tell you that hardly anything has changed about the vibe or the buildings themselves - and man that is wonderful! When you step into the Rainbow (which I do as often as possible) you are stepping back to a warm and cozy place frozen in time. You feel the presence of all the legends who have shared this space, which also includes such Old Hollywood icons as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, back when it was called the Villa Nova. In 1972 it became The Rainbow and the rest is rock and roll history. And we can all thank the late great owner, Mario Maglieri, for making it all happen. I could go on forever about how my wife and I love to enjoy an afternoon whisky sour, either inside or outside, or the fact we can even bring our kids here for pizza and pasta. The food is f-ing awesome. I have to end this review on a sad note, and pay respects to one of the greatest legends of all time, Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen got their start right here on the Strip and now we must add King Edward to that growing list of people we have lost. Thanks to the Rainbow and all its denizens who still come here, rock and roll will NEVER die. Rock in...