Greg Grunberg; Heroes & Star Wars with the man-in-charge J.C. Reifenberg |
Ya see, the Cantina was virtually
sold out for it's pop-up run, but it was just announced that it'll be staying around for the month of June. So you still have a chance to dress up in your favorite sci-fi clothes and go. The June ticket and reservation sales will be available starting May 4, 2017 at 10:00am PST via https://scumandvillainycantina.eventbrite.com. For the price of admission, guests receive two drinks of their choice from the Cantina’s specialty menu, a souvenir pint glass, an exclusive Scum & Villainy challenge coin. On May 4th only, admission will drop by $10.
Walking down an alley in Hollywood I did not suspect I would be transported to another time and place. A place where sci-fi techno...and I swear I think they played William Shatner's Rocketman, was played above my head. A place filled with cosplayers. Specifically, the 501st Legion, they dress as storm troopers and other Star Wars baddies and actually do a lot of good charity work, even though they're dressed like the bad guys.
I chatted with Ricky and Brandon from the 501st on their thoughts of the cantina. Ricky told me, "They really captured the essence of Star Wars here." Brandon added, " It's sad that it's only temporary."
He's right, who doesn't want a long-term place for cosplayers or nerdy fans to meet-up? As I walked though I saw nothing, but smiles on the patrons dressed from Star Wars, Star Trek and whatever they thought was fashionable.
Though, I wish they expanded the drink menu for some non-alcoholic treats they do have some fun ones. One does look like blue milk. The eats are more of a Mexican restaurant sort of place.
What can't be missed is the atmosphere. A light show, music glaring and a sci-fi bar that comes
It came out of proprietor J.C. Reifenberg's head and he was nice enough to chat with me a few moments. He had to keep welcoming guests as he told me, "...my childhood dream of creating a life-size play set for my friends and I to role play in, popped back into my head." J.C. was referring to a trip back to his childhood home with all his action figures still around. He went with his girlfriend, who happens to design bars and thus began this adventure.
As we ended our interview J.C. told me the story of some patrons, just some girls and guys on a more quiet night at the bar that exchanged digits, because they could just relate over sci-fi. Neither would be there if they weren't into Chewbacca.
Check it out for yourselves.
Scum & Villainy Cantina
6377 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90028.
Enter through the alley!