Drink Out. The Edison's Midnight Mission Toy Drive [Thirsty Thursdays!].

As we come upon this holiday season, it's definitely a great time to get together with friends for a good drink. But we also can't forget those who are in need, especially in this season.

Enjoy that drink without guilt by participating in the Edison's Midnight Mission Toy Drive. Ongoing until December 28 (and with no apparent limits, so go crazy!), bring in a new, unwrapped toy and receive a complimentary Edison cocktail. And considering their fancier drinks do go for about $13 or more, I'd say it's a pretty fair tradeoff money-wise. Plus, you'll be getting a fantastic hand-crafted drink -- one of the best found in L.A. for sure. I'd opt for the Absinthe '75 (a great speakeasy twist on the French '75) or the Brass Flower.

And speaking of the Edison, the underground lounge will also be celebrating Repeal Day -- this Sunday, Dec. 5th -- in full-on style, naturally. Think lots of absinthe and gin. Look out for other Repeal Day celebrations going on all over the city; definitely not a day to miss out for a great, cheap/free cocktail!

The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd St. in downtown.

And please remember to drink safely, as always.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Citysearch

Advance Notice. The Edison's Radio Room.

The speakeasy-themed Edison is one of my favorite bars in downtown, if not in all of L.A. even. I love the relentless commitment to its theme (even down to the dress code), and they've always got something special going on, from the absinthe fairies to the burlesque performances to those infamous soup kitchen happy hours.

And of course, let's not forget the drinks! The Edison's got a great cocktail menu; and even if it can set you back quite a bit money-wise, the attention to detail put into the drinks is definitely worth it. They care about their cocktails here, and that's even more evident on Radio Room nights. Radio Room is the Edison's monthly cocktail event, when acclaimed mixologists (fun word for those fancy trained bartenders who create new cocktails) from all over the world are invited to come and offer their array of unique concoctions, alongside appetizers and live music. It's one of those fun, in-the-know kind of events, guaranteed to offer some of the best in drinking.

The next Radio Room is happening Tuesday, July 13 at 8pm, and you can get your tickets now. There is a $10 admission charge for the event, on top of drinks (usually around $12-$14 each), but we're talking about exclusive here!

But of course, if you're not down for dropping serious money on serious drinks, you can celebrate the grand return of the 35-cent martini happy hour, happening Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-7pm. You get one (usually quite strong) special Edison martini for 35 cents, and 40% off all other cocktails. See you all there!

The Edison is located at 108 W 2nd St. in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Eater LA