Firefly is not a flashy bar with strobe lights, loud music and a big sign posted out front. It’s is an upscale restaurant/ounge in the heart of Studio City.
Firefly is located on Ventura Boulevard just west of Colfax Avenue. In fact, due to its rather simple appearance it is almost impossible to locate as the building is covered in what appears to be green ivy leaves and lacks a visible sign and address. A sure way to spot this late-night lounge is to pay attention to the always busy curbside. Although it is small, Firefly typically has a large crowd. And if you intend on visiting Firefly on one of its busier nights, Thursday through Saturday, then you will most likely find yourself a part of the long line on the sidewalk.
Perhaps it is the ambience of Firefly that attracts a more classy and sophisticated crowd. This journey into a beautiful nightlife begins at the entrance, a small front door located to the side of the valet typically guarded by to two doormen. Although they appear intimidating, the doormen are nice and will most likely spark up a conversation as they check your identification upon entrance. After chatting it up with the doormen, diners should be sure to watch their steps when entering the lounge.
The lighting, menu, bars, unisex restroom, open patio with a fireplace and covered patio for dining has made Firefly the valley’s hot spot for older adults of different ethnicities as well as some familiar Hollywood faces. Being that the lounge is so conveniently located in Studio City one should not be surprised to see actors, writers, directors and or producers having dinner or a few drinks. Some familiar faces that have been spotted at Firefly include the cast of the CW’s sitcom The Game. Tia Mowry, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Brittany Daniel and Hosea Chanchez, as well as actors Duane Martin have been seen at Firefly enjoying a few cocktails.
The food is good but a bit pricey. The apple celery salad is a dish that is a mixture of sweet and spicy. Priced at $11, it consists of sliced apples, celery, Gouda cheese, almonds and it is topped with a vinaigrette dressing. Save room for dessert because treats such as Meyer Lemon Creme Brulee, and baked Alaska, ice cream placed in a pie dish lined with slices of sponge cake for $8 are made to perfection, not being too sweet or too tart. For people who choose to fore-go full dinners, the Mussels and Calamari appetizers are smaller dishes worth tasting.
Firefly offers different dining areas depending on what customers might have a feel for. One of the best places for a table is the bar. It has an intimate setting with dim lights and areas for privacy.’ Although the dress code is casual it is not very often you will see someone in anything less than semi-casual, so dinner parties should be sure to dress sexy and sleek.
The layout of Firefly consists of a bar and a library in the front room, a dining area with an additional bar as well as tables and private booths and a patio with a fireplace. There are not a lot of seats on the weekends so those who don’t mind eating when the sun is still up should try to get there early or make reservations ahead of time.
Getting a table near the fireplace or near the covered patio is usually more accessible, but one thing that guests may want to be aware of is that the dining section is outside and smoking is allowed. Although corner booths are available, it is still a part of the patio, and smoking is allowed there too.
The patio has dimly lit lights, candles, soft music and a fireplace out back make this the perfect place to sip on a glass of wine.
Firefly is a great hotspot to hang out. Guests can cozy up by the fireplace and smoke a cigarette while enjoying a glass of the house wine by the McMannus Family, couples can have a romantic date with beautiful scenery and friends can get together for great food.
11720 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1833′ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday
6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sunday
6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.