This past weekend my lady and I went on
an adventure downtown. She told me about Cole's closing and I was
like “Okay.” I had not even been there and vaguely knew it
existed. She really likes old places and history and wanted to get it
before it was gone. We drove there as she battled traffic and evil
GPS systems and the line went around the block. This was about an
hour after the place opened. We ended up heading to Grand
Performances and then headed on the Angel's Flight to discover that
Grand Central Market (which we have been to plenty of times) was right
there! We had eaten from this Mediterranean food truck before the
show because everything was closed. We grabbed some donuts from
Mister Donuts and then headed back to Cole's.
My god.
Okay, so for whatever reason our same
parking spot was available the next block over so we got in line. She
wondered about the online ordering and everything was like “Nope!”
We waited in line for about 45 minutes before the guy at the door let
us inside which was good because I am one of the few people in this
state that hates the smell of weed (people in line and this Jamaican
spot next to Cole's supplied it).
We get inside and have to wait some
more. Its pretty much as soon as a number of people leave they let
that many people inside. You have to order from the bar where the
bartenders are also service drinks. I saw some people leave the bar
and let my lady know to grab the seats. She finally got my attention
as I was about to order and I sat down. It was super loud in there
and the music sounded better outside. People are ordering drinks
right over your shoulder as you eat. Sure it was better at a table
but that wasn't happening. We got a pastrami and a pork French dip
because they were out of beef. She liked it. I thought it was fine.
They have crazy ass hot mustard for you to use that was like pure
horseradish. It also came with garlic fries which were too garlicky
for me.
Location: Its literally down the street
from Skid Row. As we waited in line I kept my eye on her car. There
are homeless people all over and random shouting. Cole's is right on
the street so there is cars and buses blasting you with fumes while
you wait. Walking back to the car there are hobos all over the place
and one carrying a scooter I'm sure he stole.
Price: I didn't pay so I don't know but
I'm sure that it cost too much based on what people online are
saying.
Service: Long. Not sure what this place
was like before the closure announcement but everything is a long
wait. Wait outside. Wait inside. Wait for food. Old waiter dude was nice and bartender lady as well. One male waiter was apparently a dick.