When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Capri Club
Why Capri Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Capri Club, located in the heart of Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, offers an inviting blend of historic charm and modern Italian aperitivo culture, making it an exceptional place for meeting up with friends. The venue occupies the space of the former Capri, a beloved red-sauce Italian restaurant established in 1963, and has been revitalized by a trio of seasoned industry professionals with a thoughtful nod to its 1960s roots. The interior boasts red leather booths, wood-paneled walls, classic memorabilia, and a stylish circular bar that fosters a warm yet vibrant atmosphere. Its airy design is enhanced by large folding windows that open to a shaded patio and sidewalk seating, providing a breezy, open feel that complements lively social gatherings. Capri Club specializes in Italian bar bites like tuna-stuffed peppers, cured meats, meatballs, and fried pasta, perfect for sharing and pairing with an eclectic cocktail menu. Beverage offerings focus on independent, small-batch Italian and American amari, house-crafted cocktails including various Negroni versions, spritzes, frozen cocktails, and no-alcohol options, catering to diverse tastes. The club’s dedication to the Italian aperitivo tradition encourages patrons to savor drinks and light bites in a relaxed, stylish setting, ideal for small groups, dates, or casual solo visits, embodying the essence of la dolce vita.
Here's what people think of Capri Club
As of recent, Capri Club holds a 4.6-star rating based on 149 reviews.
Patrons consistently praise Capri Club for its unique retro ambiance that combines casual comfort with stylish Italian flair, making it one of the most enjoyable social venues in Los Angeles. Positive reviews highlight the atmosphere, describing it as authentically reminiscent of an old-school Italian trattoria with a contemporary twist thanks to its open-air elements and tasteful restorations. The cocktail program, especially the blood orange frozen Negroni and varied amari selections, receives frequent commendations for creativity and quality. Food offerings, notably the Italian bar bites such as tuna-stuffed peppers and fried pasta balls, complement the drinks well and are regarded as satisfying, reasonably priced companions for social drinking. Additionally, the service is noted to be friendly and efficient, enhancing the overall experience. Some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in food preparation; for example, some dishes like the bruschetta have been described as less impressive or limp. Furthermore, the no-reservation policy and always-busy nature may lead to wait times, which some guests find inconvenient. Despite these minor drawbacks, the general consensus remains highly favorable. Capri Club successfully balances a nostalgic yet fresh ambiance with quality food and drinks, making it a standout spot for socializing and casual dining in Eagle Rock.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A Q
EDIT: I feel it’s necessary to disclose I feel the need to update my review every few months because I come here so often. This place is always busy, even on weeknights. It gets PACKED on weekends. That’s a testament to the beverages and service. Drinks menu rotates so there’s always something new and interesting to try. You can also always get a classic cocktail or frozen special, aside from their new craft offerings. A good selection of beer and wine are also served here. There is a regular food menu with larger portions from opening until about 9 or 10 pm when they switch to their late-night menu which consists of small plates to pick at. Theres plenty of heat lamps outside for when it’s cold so you can still sit comfortably during the winter. My favorite things to order for food are the Little Gem Caesar (Under a blanket of parm- best I’ve found in LA so far!), meatballs, tuna stuffed pepper, and tiramisu. Fernet lovers and Argentinians rejoice! They’ve got like ten different kinds here.
B R
I like the location of this bar. They keep the exterior and inside of the bar clean. I like the friendly bar servers. I love the mural and the portrait drawings that you see around the walls. I enjoyed some delicious drink while we visited here before dinner reservation elsewhere. Definitely want to come back for the vegan lasagna.
Ricardo Khalil
Classy bar with classic cocktails well made. Vermouth was spectacular and it seems to be a nice last stop for some cyclists. Great vibe (was packed on a Tuesday evening). Food looked good but didn't try it
Sara McFadzean
Capri club is a great place for cocktails but not so much for food. They serve tapas style dishes that all sound great but some of the dishes lacked a lot of flavor. The tuna crudo was really good, the meatballs were okay. But the pasta balls and the polenta were extremely bland. They do make excellent cocktails though and the atmosphere is great. The place was packed both inside and outside. Will return for drinks but likely skip the food.
Jeff Cruz
Cool new cocktail bar. Inside has retro style. Only a few tables and booths. They fill up fast. It can get really loud inside too. There's also some tables on the sidewalk. They had nice holiday decorations when I went. Cocktails are tasty. They also have some small plates and pasta on the menu but I didn't get to try those. Service was good. Order at the bar. There's street parking but you might have to walk a block or two.
How to reach Capri Club
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Website: None
Why Capri Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Capri Club with your friends?
Capri Club, with a stellar rating of 4.6 from nearly 150 reviews, stands out as an exceptional destination for gathering with friends. This aperitivo bar, nestled in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, offers an effortlessly cool atmosphere that evokes the charm of la dolce vita—the sweet life. It’s not just a place to drink but a vibrant social hub where friends can linger through sun-dappled afternoons or lively evenings, enjoying handcrafted cocktails like blood orange frozen negronis, Aperol spritzes, and creative Italian herbal liqueurs. Its retro Italian style, combining deep red booths, wood paneling, and nostalgic memorabilia from the original Capri red-sauce restaurant, creates a cozy yet energetic environment perfect for intimate chats or boisterous group celebrations.
What makes Capri Club especially appealing for meetups is its indoor-outdoor design, featuring large folding windows opening onto a bustling sidewalk patio. This blend fills the space with fresh air and the buzz of the street, providing a dynamic backdrop that complements moments of relaxation or festivity. The small menu of Italian bar bites, such as tuna-stuffed peppers and fried pasta balls, encourages sharing and sampling, making it easy for groups to indulge in tasting adventures together. Capri Club’s combination of stylish ambiance, approachable food and drinks, and lively yet comfortable energy makes it ideal for reconnecting, celebrating, or simply enjoying time with your favorite people.
What activities are available at Capri Club for a group meetup?
Capri Club offers a uniquely social aperitivo experience that revolves around drinking, dining, and people-watching. The core activity is the communal savoring of aperitivo-style cocktails—traditional Italian pre-dinner drinks designed to stimulate your appetite. The bar excels in delivering popular classics like the frozen negroni slushie alongside inventive herbal liqueur shots priced accessibly, making it easy to try a variety of flavors in one sitting. This cocktail culture creates a relaxed setting where groups tend to linger, talk, and toast together, whether they arrive early for a casual afternoon or later for a night out.
Beyond drinks, the food menu features Italian bar snacks ideal for sharing, including savory tuna-stuffed peppers and crispy fried balls of pasta that complement the libations. For groups seeking more substantial fare, options like rigatoni with chunky sausage ragu or tender meatballs offer hearty flavors that perfectly soak up cocktails while satisfying hunger. The emphasis is on casual, communal dining—perfect for conversations that stretch over multiple courses and drinks without the pressure of a formal sit-down dinner.
The open-window, patio-style layout invites people-watching and mingling, making waiting times for a table part of the fun experience rather than a chore. Music flowing from inside, the sidewalk chatter, and the collective buzz heighten the block-party-like energy, lending itself well to socializing and spontaneous interactions. Thus, Capri Club acts as both a dynamic gathering spot and a cozy retreat, where the shared pleasure of food and drink cements friendships and creates vivid memories.
Why is Capri Club ideal for groups or families looking to host meetups?
Capri Club’s atmosphere and layout cater well to group meetups, especially among friends, although families seeking a lively yet comfortable environment will also find its ambiance welcoming. The deep red booths provide intimate seating best suited for groups of up to four, ensuring those wanting a quieter, cozy nook can enjoy their time together. For larger groups, the generous bar with curved seating facilitates interaction while allowing everyone to be part of the collective buzz.
Walk-in policy emphasizes spontaneity and casual arrivals, making it easy for groups to drop in and settle in without the hassle of formal reservations. The vibrant social scene promotes mingling, conversation, and shared experiences that enhance any group gathering. Since Capri Club maintains a relaxed dress code and a fun-loving spirit, it removes the pressure of formal occasions and encourages guests to be themselves.
Families who appreciate Italian flavors and a variety of drinks without the stuffiness of traditional restaurants will find Capri Club an excellent compromise between a full meal and a casual hangout. The variety of light bites and classic comfort dishes suits a range of tastes and appetites in the group. However, the lively music and active bar environment tend to make Capri Club more suited for adults or older youth in a family group.
How does the ambiance at Capri Club support a great meetup environment?
The ambiance at Capri Club perfectly balances retro charm and modern flair to cultivate a welcoming and exciting meetup place. The bar's design pays homage to its past as a classic red-sauce Italian restaurant with nods including wood paneling and vintage decor, transporting guests to a nostalgic space with a sophisticated touch. This feel-good vibe is enhanced by the open-air folding windows that invite natural light and allow the lively street energy to flow inside, creating an indoor-outdoor experience rarely found in city bars.
The rich reds and earth tones of the seating and walls combined with ambient lighting create a warm, intimate environment ideal for meaningful conversations, while the soft indie funk music that fills the space adds just the right pulse to keep energy high without overwhelming the senses. This soundscape encourages guests to relax and engage while providing a soundtrack that complements both intimate chats and group laughter.
Moreover, the presence of friendly, attentive staff amplifies the ambiance by delivering service that feels personal and authentic. The design of Capri Club encourages guests to adopt a leisurely pace—sipping drinks and nibbling slowly as the hours pass. Overall, the ambiance is a harmonious blend of casual comfort and stylish sophistication, inviting guests to relax, converse freely, and savor every moment with their friends.
What makes Capri Club’s food and drinks stand out for social events?
Capri Club’s food and drink offerings are carefully curated to enhance the social aspect of gatherings. The bar specializes in aperitivo-style drinks, which are smaller, flavorful cocktails intended to precede a meal and foster conviviality. Their signature blood orange frozen negroni is considered a standout—adults-only, refreshing, and unique—making it a favorite for groups seeking something both sophisticated and fun. Alongside this are diverse, reasonably priced $6 shots of Italian herbal liqueurs encouraging variety and experimentation.
The food menu focuses on sharable Italian bar bites that complement the drink selection perfectly—like tuna-stuffed peppers and crispy fried pasta balls—enhancing the tasting experience for groups who prefer light and flavorful snacks over heavy meals. The heartier options such as rigatoni in sausage ragu and tender, spoon-cut meatballs offer comfort classics that satisfy hunger and pair beautifully with cocktails, encouraging guests to extend their stay from a simple drink to a full evening.
This thoughtful pairing of drinks and food transforms each meetup into a culinary adventure with a social twist, where friends bond through shared plates and the discovery of new tastes, building anticipation for the next round. The infectious joy of savoring authentic Italian flavors in a lively setting makes Capri Club a prime choice for groups wanting to celebrate life’s simple pleasures together.
How accessible is Capri Club for groups and what should visitors expect?
Capri Club operates primarily on a walk-in basis without reservations, so groups planning to visit should prepare for some wait times, particularly during peak evening hours when the bar is bustling with locals and visitors alike. For tighter groups, the deep red booths accommodate up to four people comfortably, while individual seats at the long curved bar offer an alternative for smaller or more flexible party sizes. Larger groups may need to split up or arrive early to secure contiguous seating.
The location in Eagle Rock makes Capri Club an easy-to-reach destination from various parts of Los Angeles, ideally suited for those seeking a vibrant neighborhood vibe away from the city’s more tourist-heavy spots. The noise level can rise due to the crowd and music, which adds to the lively atmosphere but may not suit guests who prefer quiet settings.
Service is attentive and friendly, contributing to a relaxed experience where guests feel welcomed and well cared for. Prices remain reasonable considering the quality and creativity of drinks and food, making Capri Club accessible for regular meetups without breaking the bank. Overall, visitors can expect a spirited, stylish, and social environment where good times flow as freely as the drinks.