By Katie Taggart
Murdery Mystery Dinner Los Angeles at Next Door Lounge
Looking for an entertaining dinner and a show? The Next Door Lounge has their Murdery Mystery Dinner Los Angeles Hollywoodland Murder show every Saturday, performed by the Dainty Dames theater group. The building itself is discrete and the only sign is a key out front. As you walk in, you are greeted by the hostess who asks if you would like the chicken, beef or pasta for dinner (go with the chicken). You are then led to your table that you share with about 10 others. Private tables are available and feel free to dress up like the early 1900’s like a bunch of patrons did. Costumes makes everything more fun!
As you wait for the show to begin, the Next Door Lounge actors go around in character and humorously interact with the audience and explain how the evening is going to “play” out. The setting is rustic yet comfy and really sets the proper tone for the imminent mystery.
While the actors talked, I ordered Next Door Lounge’s Debutante Cocktail which has Jovelle Vodka, strawberries, lime juice and rosemary simple syrup—a sweet and tangy drink to start off the evening. The cocktail menu is immense and yes pounding liquor will definitely enhance your Sherlock Holmes skills as well as the jovial nature of the experience.
The show begins, and they pass out the first course, which is a nice, light Caesar Salad with croutons.
While you eat, the Murdery Mystery Dinner Los Angeles bonanza commences as you are introduced to the “screening” of a brand new film: “The Hollywoodland Murder,” a movie about the Black Dahlia. But things go awry when a mysterious villain appears, causing panic among the actors. Then, it is up to the audience to figure out who the murderer is, why they did it, and how. The night involves solving riddles, searching the bar for clues, interrogating the suspects and working as a team to unearth secrets.
After the first act of sleuthing, dinner is served. I went with the Fried Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes. The chicken was crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. The carrots, zucchini and asparagus, were seasoned and the mashed potatoes were a solid creamy compliment to the chicken.
After dinner, the second act began. With a bunch of clues gathered, each group had to decide who the murderer is as well as their motive. Prizes are awarded to the victors. Depending on the night, there are three possibilities as to who it could be and why, so you can goto the Murdery Mystery Dinner more than once. After they reveal the truth, they reveal the dessert: Chocolate Cake or Cheesecake. I chose the cheesecake, which was light, smooth and refreshing.
Overall, the dinner was a lot of fun. Try to be serious and get into it to enjoy it to the fullest. The acting was immersive and kept the audience engaged in the mystery throughout the night. Everyone moved throughout the building, looking for clues and racing to be the first to crack the case. Both the show and food at Next Door Lounge were good on their own, but together, they create a very unique and worthwhile experience. The Murdery Mystery Dinner Los Angeles show is every Saturday from 6-7:30 until October. Admission is $45 per seat, and drinks are not included.