Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime 3 Drinks Included

If you’re a fan of spooky stories, Hollywood history, and a good drink, the Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime tour offers an intriguing way to spend an evening in LA. This experience promises to combine legendary Hollywood bars with tales of mob hits, celebrity scandals, and unsolved mysteries — all served up with a healthy splash of cocktails. We’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out and what pitfalls to watch for, helping you decide if it’s right for you.

What we love about this tour is how it balances storytelling with relaxed social vibes. The guide’s enthusiasm shines through, making the one-of-a-kind locations even more engaging. Plus, the fact that three classic LA bars are included means you get a taste of Hollywood’s iconic drinking spots with a dark twist. On the flip side, the tour lasts about two and a half hours, which might be a bit tight if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore each location more deeply.

If you’re into true crime, Hollywood lore, or just looking for a night out that’s different from the usual, this tour probably suits you. However, keep in mind that it’s a group experience capped at 12 people, so it’s intimate but might not be ideal if you prefer total privacy. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those craving a mix of history, spirits, and stories.

Key Points

• Immersive Experience: The tour blends storytelling with visits to iconic Hollywood bars, making history come alive.
• Expert Guides: Attentive, knowledgeable guides like Trevor and Wes receive rave reviews for their charisma and storytelling.
• Three Included Drinks: You’ll enjoy cocktails or wine at each stop, with options available for non-drinkers.
• Short but Sweet: At around 2.5 hours, it’s a compact experience, perfect for an evening outing — but may feel rushed for some.
• Historical and Spooky: The stories focus on Hollywood’s darkest moments, perfect for true crime fans.
• Great Value: At $105 per person, with three drinks and multiple stops, the tour offers solid value for a themed night in LA.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Stop 1: Boardner’s

Your adventure kicks off at Boardner’s, a dive bar with a storied past. Known as an old mob hangout and the location where the Black Dahlia was last seen, this spot sets a tone of intrigue and danger. You’ll sip a cocktail in a place that’s seen Hollywood’s dark side firsthand. Expect about 30 minutes here, making it a quick but meaningful start.

Guests consistently mention the atmosphere here as authentic, with one reviewer noting it as a former mob hangout that served as the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s most notorious stories. The photo accompaniment and guide insights make it easy to picture the past as you enjoy your first drink.

Stop 2: Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Next, the tour takes you to a rooftop bar at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. This is a fabulous location to take in views of Hollywood while savoring a cocktail. You’ll spend around 45 minutes here, enough time to relax and absorb the ambiance.

Reviewers love the combination of stunning views and the stories of Hollywood scandals and mysteries that fit well with the setting. Plus, the rooftop vibe offers a sharp contrast to the gritty history of the first stop, blending glamour with the darker tales of fame and crime.

Stop 3: The Hollywood Roosevelt

The final stop is at Marilyn Monroe’s favorite bar inside The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A fitting end to a tour centered on Hollywood legends, this bar is steeped in history and glamour. You’ll enjoy another 45-minute session, with the chance to soak in the glamor while sipping a cocktail and hearing about Hollywood’s most notorious characters.

Guests have raved about the guide’s ability to share fun facts and intriguing stories, making each stop feel like a step back into Hollywood’s golden era, but with a spooky twist.

The Included Drinks and Atmosphere

One of the tour’s highlights is the three drinks included in the ticket price. Whether you prefer cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic options, there’s flexibility—though most reviews note the quality of drinks is quite good. The ambiance at each bar is carefully chosen to enhance the storytelling, from historic mob hangouts to iconic Hollywood venues.

The tour’s social atmosphere is friendly and lively, with guides like Trevor and Wes known for their warmth and storytelling skills. Guests often comment on how they took the time to engage with everyone, making the experience even more memorable.

Balancing Price and Value

At $105 per person, this tour offers decent value considering the three drinks, multiple notable locations, and the engaging storytelling. The reviews repeatedly praise the guides’ depth of knowledge and charisma, which significantly enhances the experience.

However, keep in mind that the experience lasts about two and a half hours, making it more intense than a casual pub crawl. If you’re not into quick-paced storytelling or prefer to linger at each location, you might find it a bit rushed.

What Guests Say: Highlights from Reviews

Guests regularly praise the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer calling Trevor “incredible” and “the best tour” they’ve ever taken. Another mentions how Trevor’s charisma and enthusiasm made even walking between stops interesting. The storytelling is often highlighted as the main draw, with many saying they learned new facts about Hollywood’s darker past.

The cocktail quality also receives positive mentions, with many appreciating the tasting experience. The combination of drinks and stories makes for a lively, fun evening.

Some reviews mention the walks to the next location as part of the fun, with the guides keeping everyone engaged throughout. Several guests note that the stops are steeped in Hollywood ambiance and lore, creating an immersive experience.

Practical Details

The tour begins at Boardner’s, located at 1652 N Cherokee Ave, and ends within a few blocks on Hollywood Blvd. The start time is 6:00 pm, making it perfect for an early evening outing. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 12, ensuring an intimate experience.

Confirmations come immediately upon booking, and the tour is accessible near public transportation. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, offering some peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for true crime enthusiasts, Hollywood history buffs, and those who enjoy cocktails in a lively, storytelling environment. It’s also a good pick if you want an evening that combines sightseeing, history, and drinks without the commitment of a full-day tour.

While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, older teens or adults interested in Hollywood’s darker stories will likely find it captivating. Given the group size and guide interaction, it’s more geared toward social travelers who enjoy engaging narratives.

The Sum Up

The Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime tour offers a compelling way to explore Hollywood’s shadowy past while enjoying some of its most iconic bars. With knowledgeable guides, lively storytelling, and quality drinks, you’re likely to find it a memorable evening out in LA. Whether you’re a true crime junkie or simply looking for a unique way to experience Hollywood, this tour manages to entertain and educate in equal measure.

It’s perfect for those who want a focused, story-driven experience without spending an entire day sightseeing. The intimate group size, combined with the historic and glamorous settings, makes it feel personal and special. Just keep in mind that the pace is brisk, so if you prefer a more relaxed visit, plan accordingly.

For anyone interested in a fun, slightly spooky night with great stories and good drinks, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a chance to step into Hollywood’s darker tales while enjoying the city’s legendary bars—an experience that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is primarily geared toward adults. The focus on crime stories and alcohol might not be appropriate for younger travelers.

How many drinks are included?
You get three alcoholic beverages included in the tour price, which can be cocktails or wine at each of the three stops.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a good short evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Boardner’s on Cherokee Ave and ends about three blocks away on Hollywood Blvd, close to the original meeting point.

Is the tour group small?
Yes, the maximum group size is 12, ensuring a more personal experience with your guide.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Less than 24 hours, and the ticket is non-refundable.

Is this experience good value for the price?
Considering the three drinks, the iconic locations, and the entertaining guides, many find it a worthwhile spend for a themed night out. The reviews emphasize the guides’ knowledge and storytelling as major highlights.

Embark on this dark-and-stistening Hollywood adventure if you want an evening full of stories, spirits, and a little bit of Hollywood’s shadowy past. It’s a unique way to see the city and learn some chilling tales along the way.